Does your dog actually "love" you, or are they just fulfilling a biological need? In this episode of The Doggie Stoic Podcast, Andrew sits down with veteran K9 officer and trainer Paul Connolly to discuss the uncomfortable realities of the dog training industry.

With over 26 years of experience in law enforcement and dog training, Paul shares unfiltered insights into the recent "civil war" within the industry, offering a seasoned perspective on the Dylan Jones vs. Robert Cabral controversy. We dive deep into why "love" is often a trap that prevents rehabilitation, the critical importance of "Conditioned Relaxation" for high-drive dogs, and why Paul completely overhauled his business model from Board & Trains to Day Training to survive burnout.

Has the dog training industry lost its way? Andrew sits down with Dylan Jones on The Doggie Stoic Podcast to address the explosive fallout from Robert Cabral’s recent "cancer in the industry" allegations.

This isn't just about an online argument—it’s a deep dive into the ethics, transparency, and future of behavior rehabilitation. In this conversation, Dylan breaks down why he believes the industry has replaced actual training skill with "social credit" and virtue signaling. From the "phantom" social media posts to the standard of evidence required to rehabilitate dangerous dogs, we explore the growing divide between balanced trainers and the "force-free" movement.

In this episode of Doggie Stoic, Andrew sits down with Jacqui Zakar, founder of Dog Sense Training in Perth, Australia — a respected voice in the dog training world known for her balanced, psychology-based approach and her push for open dialogue between force-free and balanced communities

They go deep into the science and philosophy of modern dog training — from psychology to play, punishment, and the real-world application of counter-conditioning. Jacqui’s background in psychology and experience across multiple industries gives her a uniquely logical, evidence-based perspective on how humans and dogs learn together.

This conversation challenges assumptions, bridges ideological divides, and gives trainers and owners alike a new way to think about freedom, structure, and emotional balance.

In the premiere episode of Doggie Stoic, Andrew Goldberg sits down with legendary dog trainer Jay Jack to explore the intersection between stoicism, emotional intelligence, and effective dog training. Together they unpack why clarity—not structure—is the key to a dog’s freedom, how emotions shape both canine and human behavior, and the revolutionary “layered stress model” that reframes reactivity and aggression at their root cause.

From stoic philosophy to real-world stories of transformation, this conversation bridges the art of living calmly with the science of training skillfully. A must-listen for any dog owner or trainer seeking depth, not just technique.

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Guest Bio: Hillary Ratcliff Hillary is a lifelong Wellesley resident, Montessori preschool teacher for 25 years, mother of 5 grown sons, and owner/trainer to her pack of Havanese dogs. Having studied with some of the most respected balanced trainers in the United States, Hillary brings her kind yet common-sense teaching style to pet dogs and their families. Her goal is to empower owners to live a better and more fulfilling life with their beloved dog through simple leadership exercise

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Chapters

• 00:00 Welcome to the Doggie Stoic: Raising Dogs in the City
• 00:16 Meet Brett Bailey of "Whose a Good Boy Industries"
• 01:05 From Chaos to Career: Brett’s Unexpected Start in Dog Training
• 05:30 The Unique Challenges of New York City Dog Ownership
• 12:15 Urban Survival: Training Strategies for High-Stimulus Environments
• 25:40 Beyond the Backyard: Why City Dogs Require a Different Approach
• 45:10 Building a Successful Training Business in the Big Apple
• 01:29 Final Words: Commitment and Connecting with Brett

Guest Bio: Brett Bailey Brett Bailey is the founder of "Whose a Good Boy Industries" and has been a dedicated dog trainer in New York City for over a decade. His journey began when he had to manage the "chaos" of his partner's dogs, leading him to develop a deep expertise in navigating the specific challenges of raising well-behaved pets in high-density urban environments. Known for his practical strategies and deep empathy for city dwellers, Brett empowers owners to help their dogs thrive amidst the noise and distractions of the concrete jungle.

Guest Bio:

Keely Keely is the founder of Ruff Rules, a premier dog training business based in Fort Lauderdale, South Florida. Over the past six years, she has successfully scaled her business to include a team of four trainers while maintaining an impeccable reputation with over 200 five-star reviews. Keely is recognized for her ability to deliver high-value results in a saturated market and her commitment to evolving her training philosophy to meet the needs of both dogs and their owners.

In this episode of Doggie Stoic, Andrew sits down with Shanell, founder of Damn Good Dog Training and a Training Without Conflict (TWC) certified trainer, to talk about what it really takes to become a damn good dog trainer. From play-based learning and emotional-state training to quitting her 9–5 job during COVID to build her own thriving business, Shanell shares the highs, lows, and lessons learned from the front lines of modern dog training.

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In this episode of the Doggy Stoic podcast, we sit down with Kimberli Weeks from Daredevil Dog Training. As a co-host of the Naturally Aggressive podcast and a veteran of the working and sport dog community, Kimberli brings a unique, balanced perspective to raising the ultimate pet dog.

In this episode, we discuss: The "Zero Expectation" Chihuahua: Meet Ferret, the Chihuahua who rules a household of German Shepherds.

The Problem with "Over-Involvement": Why many owners are actually blocking their puppy's emotional growth by doing too much.

Building a Communication System: The importance of installing marker systems and utilizing "gamified" negative reinforcement early on.

Balanced Boundaries: Why Kimberli isn't afraid to introduce light punishment for biting—and how she does it without squashing a dog's drive.

Whether you’re training a high-drive working dog or a family companion, Kimberli's "not messing it up" philosophy offers essential insights into building a confident, well-adjusted dog.

In this episode, we sit down to discuss the bridge between basic obedience and high-level K9 performance. We explore why many handlers struggle with consistency and how to unlock your dog's true potential through structured play and clear expectations. Whether you are training for sport, work, or the ultimate companion, these insights will change the way you look at your leash.

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Guest Bio: Panos Anagnostou

Panos Anagnostou is an experienced dog trainer based in Sydney, Australia, with over 14 years of experience running his own business, NP Dog Training. He is the author of "Nooch’s Pooches," a comprehensive training manual born from years of creating personalized homework for his clients. Panos is dedicated to providing clarity in an industry often filled with conflicting information, advocating for a balanced training philosophy that delivers tangible results for both dogs and their owners

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In this episode of the Doggie Stoic podcast, we sit down with Dr. Stewart Hilliard, a "glorified dog trainer" who has spent decades with a foot in both the worlds of professional dog training and behavioral science. With extensive experience training dogs for both the military and pet owners, Dr. Hilliard offers a profound look into the intersection of empirical observation and the practical sculpting of canine behavior.

In this episode of the Doggie Stoic podcast, we’re joined by Samantha of Pack Life LA, a trainer known for her deep empathy and "loosey-goosey" approach to complex behavioral issues. Samantha shares her journey from pre-med to becoming a head trainer under Cesar Millan, and eventually developing her own philosophy centered on "softening the mood" rather than winning power struggles.

We dive deep into the nuances of defense drive versus prey drive, the realities of behavioral euthanasia, and why your dog's nervous system is often a mirror of your own.

In this powerhouse episode of The Doggie Stoic Podcast, we are joined by a true legend in the game: Dave Kroyer. With nearly three decades of experience and a resume that spans world championships, military consulting, and producing thousands of high-level trainers, Dave brings a level of raw honesty rarely seen on social media.

We go beyond the "influencer" fluff to discuss why today’s dog owners are struggling more than ever. Dave breaks down the reality of high-drive breeds like Malinois, the "mismatch" between owners and their pets, and why a return to biological fulfillment and clear leadership is the only path to a balanced dog.

Whether you’re a professional looking to sharpen your mindset or a pet owner tired of social media "hacks," Dave’s insights offer a masterclass in what it actually means to be a "dog man".

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In this episode of the Doggie Stoic podcast, we sit down with Daniel Wells, a trainer whose journey from "pure positive" to balanced training offers a unique perspective on the modern dog training landscape. Daniel shares his evolution from a shelter volunteer to a professional trainer who prioritizes clear communication over rigid ideology.

We explore the "Crossover" experience, the ethical use of tools like the E-collar, and why the industry’s obsession with labels often hurts the dogs it aims to save. Daniel breaks down the nuance of "pressure," the importance of the "trained state," and how to build a relationship based on trust rather than just treats.

Whether you’re a professional looking to expand your toolkit or a pet owner trying to navigate the confusing world of training labels, Daniel’s balanced and empathetic approach provides a roadmap for deeper connection and better results.

Follow Daniel Wells:

Instagram: @danielwellsdogtraining

#DogTraining #DoggieStoic #BalancedTraining #ECollar #CrossoverTrainer #DogBehavior #AnimalWelfare #DogTrainingPodcast #PressureAndRelease #ReactiveDogs

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In this episode, we sit down with world-renowned dog trainer Tyler Muto to discuss the nuance, ethics, and practical realities of dog training today.

Tyler shares his journey from a young apprentice to a leader in the industry, breaking down why effective training is often less about the dog and more about the human on the other end of the leash. We explore the shifting landscape of training methodologies, the importance of "knowing your why," and how to build a relationship with your dog based on clarity and respect rather than just compliance.

Tune in for a 30 minute live session with Serial Entrepreneur, Investor & Branding Expert Gary Vee for a deep dive into how dog trainers can differentiate themselves in a saturated market to grow their business.

In this episode of the Doggie Stoic podcast, we sit down with Carlos Ramirez, a renowned trainer and vendor who bridges the world of high-level law enforcement contracts and everyday pet rehabilitation. Carlos shares his unique journey from growing up on a farm in Puerto Rico to becoming a standout graduate of the Tom Rose School, eventually developing a philosophy that prioritizes the "dogness" of the animal over human expectations.

We explore the nuances of bite work, why most decoys are "roller coasters" instead of "race cars," and the critical importance of selecting for nerves over drive. Carlos also offers a raw look at the dog training industry, explaining why social media "experts" often have more time for bickering than actual training.

Is your dog reactive to the mailman, other dogs, or strangers? In this compilation, top dog training experts go beyond "surface-level" fixes to look at the forensic causes of reactivity and aggression.

We dive deep into the Layered Stress Model, the importance of biological fulfillment, and why building a relationship based on predictability and control is the key to a balanced dog. Whether you are struggling with a fearful "shut-down" dog or a high-drive working breed, this video provides a roadmap for moving from constant management to real behavioral change.

Chapters:

08:00 Jay Jack

06:09 Dr. Stewart Hilliard

11:36 Danny Wells

16:33 Blake Rodriguez

26:44 Carlos Ramirez

33:26 Keely from Ruff Rules

40:59 Panos from Nooches Pooches

What did you think of this compilation? Would you like to see more of these? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments below.

In this episode of the Doggie Stoic podcast, we sit down with Elizabeth, the founder of Dog Speak in Tallahassee. A former pre-K teacher turned professional dog trainer, Elizabeth brings a unique educational perspective to the world of canine behavior, focusing on clarity, motivation, and the deep emotional connection built through play.

We explore why off-leash freedom is the "emotional fertilizer" for all formal training , the transition from home-based training to owning a 13-acre "country club" ranch , and why the most important word you'll ever teach your dog is "No". Whether you're raising a high-drive sport dog or a family pet, Elizabeth’s insights on "first time, every time" consistency will change how you view your daily interactions with your dog

🚨 ANTONIO DIAZ IS ON THE PODCAST TODAY! 🚨

In this exclusive episode of The Doggie Stoic Podcast, Antonio Diaz joins us for one of the most honest conversations we've had on the show. We dig into the topic most trainers dance around: punishment — what it actually means, when it's appropriate, and why both sides of the debate are often talking past each other.

Antonio shares his full origin story, from training his dog at age nine, to a motorcycle accident in 2012 that led him back to dogs, to the rescue named Logan who became his greatest teacher. He breaks down his "equalizer" philosophy — the idea that every dog and owner combination is a different song requiring different settings — and why he's moved away from labels like "balanced" or "force-free" entirely.

We also get into a real case study involving a fear-based reactive dog, why he sometimes chooses punishment first, and the concept that stopping an unwanted behavior can actually be the fastest path to reinforcement. Whether you agree with everything Antonio says or not, this is the kind of open, nuanced conversation the dog training community needs more of. 📩

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📩 Get the Doggie Stoic Newsletter: https://www.doggiestoic.com/

This week we sit down with one of the most respected names in the dog training world — Oscar Mora, out of California. Oscar is revered by old-school trainers and the new generation alike, and after this conversation, it's clear why.

We dig into the mentorship culture that shaped his philosophy, the IACP punishment debate that set social media on fire, and Oscar's bold take on overcorrection in the balanced training community. He also walks us through his puppy-raising fundamentals, his "freedom as fertilizer" philosophy, and shares some of his most unforgettable behavior cases — including a 145-pound Cane Corso that bit off a family member's ear.

If you train dogs or own one, this episode is required listening.

🎙️ Follow Oscar: Instagram: @oscarmorak9s Course: omk9.com

📌 Topics Covered:

- Why your first two mentors shape your entire dog training philosophy

- The punishment debate — and what balanced trainers are getting wrong

- Creative corrections that work when the e-collar doesn't

- How to raise a confident dog from day one (without drilling obedience)

- Freedom as fertilizer — why over-control is hurting your dog

- Prey drive vs. defense drive biting explained - What Oscar looks for when hiring trainers

0:00 – Introduction: Oscar's Reputation & Standing in the Industry

3:00 – The Mentors Who Shaped Oscar's Training Philosophy

13:30 – The Punishment Debate: Where Balanced Training Goes Wrong

22:00 – Case Studies: Creative Corrections That Actually Work

28:00 – Puppy Fundamentals: Raising a Good Dog From Day One

35:00 – Freedom as Fertilizer: Why Over-Control Hurts Your Dog

1:00:00 – Building a Team & Leaving a Legacy in Dog Training