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7 dog training podcasts we’re obsessed with

Podcasts can help any pet parent with training their pooch

Debbie Clason
By
Dog digs into the sand on a beach
Maurylio Silva/Pexels

Awesome news for pet parents: here are 7 fantastic dog training podcasts so you can better know your doggo and keep him happy. There are times every pet parent feels as though they’re the only ones doing “life” with their dog. Whether it’s a behavioral problem, a health concern, or simply how to find the right doggie day care, wouldn’t it be great to have an expert on speed dial to answer your every burning question?

Well, short of spending your life searching online, might we suggest finding a good podcast to listen to? Podcasts are a great way to get free advice from experts in the field, especially as you’re performing mindless chores around the house or settling in for a long plane ride. And when it comes to dog training, podcasts feature a variety of experts who can help any pet parent. Which podcast should you listen to? These are a few of our favorites.

cute black lab puppy
Pavlina Trauskeova/Shutterstock

Animal Training Academy

Available on: Spotify, Apple, Stitcher
Professional animal trainer Ryan Cartlidge hosts this show featuring training techniques from experts such as behaviorist Dr. Susan Friedman, experienced guide dog mobility trainer Tony Harvey, and award-winning writer Laura VanArendonk Baugh. If training dogs is your passion or you just need advice on training yours, this podcast covers a variety of positive reinforcement training techniques that apply to animals in every situation.

Dog licks a chunk of ice off of a stick
Manfred Richter/Pixabay

What Would Jeff Do?

Available on: Apple, Google, Spotify
Jeff Gellman of Solid K9 Training hosts this popular podcast that helps you have fun while gaining a greater understanding of your dog. Gellman believes the most important part of being a dog trainer is helping pet owners stop their pet’s bad behavior to keep them in the house. Tune in to hear him field questions from his live Facebook and YouTube sessions on everything from dog training to business to life in general.

a pug sitting on the sidewalk by a white wall
Steshka Willems/Pexels

Dog Talk with Dr. Jen

Available on: Apple
Dr. Jennifer Summerfield is a veterinarian and dog trainer who specializes in treating behavioral problems such as aggression, separation anxiety, and compulsive behavior issues. Podcast topics include how to deal with housemate aggression, taking the stress out of vet visits, and how to choose the right dog for your family. Summerfield’s compassionate voice calmly explains the problem, then suggests practical solutions for solving it.

a large dog with floppy ears playing with a ragbone
Josh Sorenson/Pexels

Drinking from the Toilet

Available on: Apple, Google, Stitcher, Spotify
Hannah Branigan hosts this authentic, sometimes hilarious look at the reality of dog training, behavior, and learning. Branigan, who has a background in both sports and biology, applies her knowledge and experience in positive reinforcement training to the training and competing she does with her dogs. Podcast topics include an in-depth look at fear and whether it can be reinforced, how you might be reinforcing your dog’s herding behavior, and a deeper look at learning and memory as it relates to training your dog.

Jack Russell kissing beagle
Sopon charoensuk/Shutterstock

Positively Dog Training, the official Victoria Stilwell podcast

Available on: Apple, Spotify, Google
Dog lovers will recognize Victoria Stilwell from her hit television series It’s Me or the Dog. On her podcast, she teams up with CNN reporter Holly Firfer to discuss dog-related topics and also gives you a behind-the-scenes look at life on the set. Her Positively Dog Training network focuses on humane, force-free, positive training techniques. Podcast topics range from dog education and behavior to intelligence, social learning, and evolution.

A portrait of a brown/black dog with floppy ears
Wallace Silva/Pexels

Canine Conversations

Available on: Apple, Facebook
Master behaviorist and dog trainer Robert Cabral hosts this well-rounded podcast on all things canine. From training and sport competitions to health concerns and food choices, Cabral brings his years of experience with shelter dogs and competitive obedience and protection dogs to the airwaves. Topics range from daily enrichment, fearfulness, and dominance to how to prepare your home and family for a new puppy.

Two Labrador puppies play with each other until one gives up by two
manushot/Shutterstock

Your Family Dog Podcast

Available on: Apple, Google, Stitcher
Between them, co-hosts Julie Fudge Smith and Tina M. Spring have more than 60 years of dog training experience. Fudge Smith and Spring believe that “life is better with a dog” and cover a wide variety of topics to help families love living with their dogs. Subject matter includes what you need to know about dog bites, what to look for in a doggie daycare facility, and how to deal with parasite invasions of the flea and tick persuasion.

An old, tired golden retriever lying down
Bruno Cervera/Pexels

Why dog training is important

In addition to ensuring that your dog knows how to follow commands, which can keep your pup safe, training helps to build your dog’s confidence. Just like us, dogs sometimes suffer from anxiety and depression, but well-trained dogs are less likely to suffer from mental health conditions. Training your pooch also provides the mental stimulation all dogs crave while strengthening your bond with your fur baby. You can’t beat that.

Related

See? You’re not alone. Consider this: More households have at least one dog in them, making dogs the most popular pet in the world (cat owners, you run a close second!). So, it stands to reason that if you’re wondering about a dog-related topic, there’s probably another dog owner somewhere in the world who is wondering the same thing — and, fortunately, a dog training expert who is talking about that topic on a podcast near you. All you have to do is tune in.

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Debbie Clason
Debbie Clason
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Debbie Clason's work has appeared in Family Life Magazine, Sports Illustrated, The Lutheran Witness, Massage Magazine…
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