Leerburg Dog Training Podcast

In this practical Ask Cindy Q and A, Ed Frawley tackles a serious safety concern many cyclists face: aggressive dogs chasing them while riding through countryside or residential areas, with some dogs being extremely large and threatening. The cyclist is looking for effective strategies beyond simply stopping, which isn't always safe with aggressive dogs. Cindy shares a creative solution from a long-distance cyclist friend who carries an extra bike helmet on a tether, swinging or throwing it at chasing dogs to create unexpected opposition—most dogs don't expect any resistance and often back down or remember the encounter next time. She explains that sometimes physical contact is necessary to make an impression and deter future chasing behavior. Cindy also recommends Leerburg's telescoping hiking stick with a built-in stun gun feature, noting that it's portable and often just the sound alone is enough to scare dogs away without needing physical contact. | Links mentioned: Hike N Strike - https://leerburg.com/hike-n-strike.php

Most dog bites are preventable — but only if you know what to look for. The problem is, the warning signals dogs give off before a bite aren't always obvious, and for pet owners without a training background, they're easy to miss. In this clip from Dealing with Reactive, Aggressive, and Dominant Dogs, we break down what dog aggression actually means, why it looks different from dog to dog, and why labeling your dog's aggression matters less than learning to recognize the signals before a situation escalates.  | Links mentioned: Dealing with Reactive, Aggressive, and Dominant Dogs - https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/137

Muzzles get a bad reputation, but the truth is there are many situations where a muzzle is the kindest, safest tool you can reach for — and none of them make your dog a "bad dog." In this clip from Conditioning Your Dog to a Muzzle on Leerburg University, we cover the range of reasons a handler might choose to muzzle their dog — from managing aggression safely, to protecting dogs who can't stop eating things they shouldn't, to making vet visits and grooming appointments less stressful for everyone involved. A muzzle isn't a punishment. It's a management tool — and when introduced correctly, most dogs tolerate it without stress.| Links mentioned: Conditioning Your Dog to a Muzzle - https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/150

Dopamine is commonly called the feel-good hormone — but that's not accurate. It's better understood as an anticipatory hormone, and if you're doing detection work, that distinction matters. In this clip from Kevin Sheldahl's Foundations of Scent Work Training seminar, Kevin breaks down the role dopamine plays in your dog's search drive. A rise in anticipation equals a rise in dopamine, and that directly drives foraging behavior — the sniffing and searching you need your dog doing on a detection task. | Links mentioned: Foundations of Scent Work with Kevin Sheldahl - https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/243

Filmed at The Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers, this comprehensive course brings Michael's renowned 2-week protection class straight to you — 320 videos and over 18 hours of content covering everything from foundational theory to hands-on bite work. With Michael now retired from running his school, this is your chance to learn directly from one of the most respected names in the field. Whether you're a sport dog competitor, professional trainer, law enforcement K9 handler, or dedicated dog owner, you'll gain a deep understanding of protection theory, equipment, handler and decoy roles, puppy and adult dog bite development, drive building, aggression work, and how to design a complete training program for any dog. Part 1 of a 2-part series — enroll now at https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/229.