Dog Talk with Nick Benger

#116: Jerri Scherff (SailorJerri) - Race, Online Hate & the Dog Industry

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss online hate, the business of dog training and how Jerri is disrupting it. Jerri Scherff is the founder of Tulsa Pack Athl...

#115: Jo Laurens - How to Raise Gundogs

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss gundog training, common mistakes and how the UK gundog system works. Jo Laurens is a gundog trainer, author, and host of ...

#114: Diane Gollowitzer - Are Muzzles Bad?

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss muzzles. Are they a cruel, sign of failure or a useful training tool? Diane Gollowitzer is the award-winning photographer...

#113: Ben Sweet - Truffle Hunting Secrets

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss truffle hunting and how to get started with training your dog. Ben Sweet is a certified dog trainer and scentwork special...

#112: Alex Lato - Play with Purpose Challenge

27 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Get on the wait-list here: https://playwithpurpose.scoreapp.com/ In this podcast we discuss how important play is and how you can utilize the upcomi...

#111: Melissa McCue-McGrath - Training Pet Dogs

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss training city dogs, the role of obedience in pet dog training and behavioural medication. Melissa McCue-McGrath is the au...

#110: Carrie-Anne Selwyn - Hoopers & Raising Dogs

17 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss the dog sport Hoopers, and why it's growing in popularity quickly. We also discuss Carrie's process of raising dogs both bi...

#109: Claire Brown - Competing at IGP Worlds & Lost Dog Tracking

26 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss Claire's experience competing at the FCI IGP World Championships and she shares her stories from operating a lost dog track...

#108: Kat Serafina - Training Shepherds & Scent Detection

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss training and raising Shepherd breeds, socialisation and scent detection plus a whole lot more. Kat has a masters degree i...

#107: Henriette Bohnstedt - 6-Time National IGP Champion

19 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss Henriette's approach to IGP, German Shepherds and the sport here in the U.K. Henriette Bohnstedt has won the IGP National...

#106: Ron Watson - Dog Training Done Differently

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss disc (frisbee) dog training, Ron's Play+ approach to dog training and the philosophy that inspired it. Ron Watson is a hi...

#105: Chad Mackin - The Death of Positive vs Balanced Training

24 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss the long standing Positive vs Balanced training feud within the community and how we move on from that. Plus, Chad shares s...

#104: Kamal Fernandez - BSL, Adolescent Dogs & Dog Sports

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discussed the recent XL Bully ban in the UK, the difficulties of owning and training adolescent dogs and Kamal's experience in dog ...

#103: Dominic Hodgson - Getting Real About Pet Business

18 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we get real about the challenges of running a pet business and what is really effective in terms of business models and marketing stra...

#102: Ashley Sculac - Canine Resistance Training

13 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss canine resistance training. What it is, why you should do it with your dog and how to get started! Ashley Sculac is the a...

#101: Howard SpartaBullies - UK's Most Respected XL Bully Breeder's Perspective on Ban

09 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss XL Bullies, the history, their temperament, the culture and their imminent ban in the UK and what's being done to try to st...

#100: Ivan Balabanov - Play Training, Ivan's Story & The Dog Daddy

20 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss why Ivan loves training with play, his story of coming to America and his time at the San Francisco SPCA. Plus, we discuss ...

#99: Michael Ellis - Becoming One of the Best Ever, Teaching & Protection Sports

24 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss how Michael became one of the best dog training instructors in the world, his approach to teaching and how he pioneered a m...

#98: Brian Calvert - Looking Back on 'The Pack'

16 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss Brian's famous companion Dixie the Praying Dog and our shared experience on Amazon prime Video's 'The Pack' Brian Calvert...

#97: Matthias Lenz - Guide Dog Training

09 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we talk about the process of training a guide dog. Matthias Lenz is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP) and Fa...

#96: Craig Koshyk - The Truth about Gundogs

04 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss the history of Gundogs including Weimaraners, Spaniels, Pointers and more. Craig Koshyk is a dog historian and author of ...

#95: Nake Florin - Mondioring

30 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss Mondioring. The decoys Nake admires, the UK Mondioring scene and more. We also spoke about Bullies and rescue dogs. Note: t...

#94: Joanna Ilska - KC Geneticist on Dog Health

22 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss the importance and attainability of genetic diversity in pedigree dogs, brachycephalic breeds and the role of the Kennel Cl...

#93: Jessica Hekman - A New Way to Breed Dogs

04 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss breeding collaboratives, outcrossing projects and functional breeding. Jessica Hekman is the founder of the Functional Do...

#92: Jens Frank - Detection Dog Selection & Training

30 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss selecting and training detection dogs. Jens Frank is most well known for his work at the Scandinavian Working Dog Institu...

#91: Holly Barker - Dog Nutrition Made Easy

19 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we speak about dog nutrition, fasting periods and approaching nutrition with training clients. Holly Barker is a canine nutritionist ...

#90: Jay Jack - Lessons from Dog Fighting

16 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we speak about what Jay learned from his time involved in dog fighting and how we can use that for the betterment of our dog training....

#89: Jenny Gould - Competitive Obedience & German Shepherds

11 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast Nick & Jenny get heated talking about German Shepherds! PLUS, we discuss competitive obedience. Jenny Gould is a competitive obedien...

#88: Flo Schneider - The Detection Dog Industry Revealed

07 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss the detection dog industry, buying, training and selling dogs plus how Flo got started. Flo Schneider is the host of the ...

#87: Kelly Dunbar - Why You NEED to Train Dog Sports

04 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss why you should get into dog sports and what a profound impact doing so has had on us as trainers. Kelly Dunbar is content...

#86: Alison Skipper - The Forgotten History of Pedigree Dogs

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss the history of pedigree dogs, phenotyping and the impact of closed breeding pools. Alison Skipper is a veterinarian and h...

#85: Simone Mueller - Predation Solved Positively

29 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss how to resolve predation issues using predation substitute training without the need for aversives. Simone Mueller is the ...

#84: Steve White - The Truth About Police Dog Training

21 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss police dog training; including tracking training and the use of e-collars in police dog training. Steve White is a retire...

#83: Kellie Snider - Constructional Aggression Treatment (CAT)

08 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss the constructional aggression treatment (CAT) approach to resolving dog aggression. Kellie is the author of Turning Fierc...

#82: Rowan Sanderson - Raw Feeding

17 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss raw feeding. Whether there is merit to having "calming" diets? Is Coconut Oil good for dogs? Why is raw better than cooked?...

#81: Louise Wilson - Conservation K9s

10 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss Louise's work training dogs for conservation projects such as finding hedgehogs, bats and newts. We also spoke about other ...

#80: Nicole Ellis - The Pack & Dogs in Media

29 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss our experiences working on Amazon Prime Video's The Pack and Nicole shares her knowledge on training dogs for television an...

#79: Michelle Stern - Parenting Dogs & Children

18 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss how to raise children and dogs and how to resolve problems when they do occur. Michelle Stern is a certified professional...

#78: Veronica Boutelle - Dog Business Success

05 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we spoke about how to run a successful dog business including some common mistakes people make and what you can do to avoid them. Ve...

#77 - Aggression Towards House Guests

08 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast I answered Cristin from California's question about how to help her dog that is fearful and acts aggressively towards people that come...

#76: Malena DeMartini - Separation Anxiety in Dogs

03 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we spoke about Malena's new book Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Next Generation Treatment Protocols and Practices. We found out what has ...

#75 - How to Stop Resource Guarding

27 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast I answered Kevin from Bournemouth's question on how to stop your dog from resource guarding. We discussed strategies to prevent, stop ...

#74 - Get in Shape-Tember 2 Conclusion

02 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I'm joined by Taz Nicholls, Carrie-Anne Selwyn and Steve Goodall for the conclusion of Get in Shape-Tember. A fitness challenge we did...

#73: Get in Shape-Tember 2

06 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I'm joined by Taz Nicholls, Carrie-Anne Selwyn and Steve Goodall to discuss and make our plans for the second year of Get in Shape-Tem...

#72: Natalie Light & Steve Goodall - Barks From The Bookshelf

02 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we spoke about our favourite dog training books, working with rescue dogs and calming signals. Natalie Light is a clinical animal beh...

#71: 7 Ways To Be a Better Pet Dog Trainer

06 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we spoke about how you can become a better, more successful pet dog trainer. Show Notes: www.nickbenger.com/7-ways-to-be-a-better-do...

#70: Mary Hunter - PORTL: The Game for Animal Trainers

28 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we spoke about PORTL. The Portable Operant Research and Teaching Lab. What is it? And how can you use it to become a better dog traine...

#69: Simon Gadbois - Dogs for Wildlife Conservation

21 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we spoke about Simon's work training dogs for wildlife conservation especially with reptiles. We also spoke about whether you have to ...

#68: Get in Shape-Tember Conclusion

14 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I'm joined by Taz Nicholls, John McGuigan and Steve Goodall to conclude the September fitness challenge we undertook. Thanks so much e...

#67: Clive Wynne - Do Dogs Love Us?

24 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast we spoke about dog's capacity for love. Do they love us? We also spoke about the ethics of importing foreign rescue dogs. Clive W...

#66: Laura Ryder - Going Fear Free

18 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Laura Ryder is the head dog trainer at Morley Vet centre in Perth, Australia. Along with Fiona Cowie she runs the Australia branch of the Institute of...

#65: Denise Fenzi - Lessons from Dog Sports

09 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Denise Fenzi is the founder of the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy. She's competed in a wide range of sports and is best known for her flashy and precise obe...

#64: Rachel Spencer - Getting Publicity For Your Pet Business

02 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel Spencer is a freelance journalist and blogger. Her work has been featured in Buzzfeed, The Independent and the Mail on Sunday. She's also the a...

#63: Carrie-Anne Selwyn - Canine Hoopers

25 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Carrie-Anne runs Dogs Furever Dog Training and is the Founder of Canine Hoopers World and the host of the Canine Hoopers World podcast. In this podca...

#62: Susan Friedman - Agency and Errorless Learning

19 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Susan Friedman is a psychology professor at Utah State University and has pioneered the application of applied behavior analysis to captive and compan...

#61: Get in Shape-Tember!

12 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I'm joined by Taz Nicholls, John McGuigan and Steve Goodall to discuss and make our plans for Get in Shape-Tember. A fitness challenge...

#60: Jo Laurens - Gundog Training

01 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we spoke about dog harnesses, getting involved in gundog training and how to educate people on dog training. Jo is an accredited asse...

#58: Being a Pet Dog Trainer

03 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast I spoke about the challenges of being a pet dog trainer and some of my own experiences. How to solve some common loose lead walking pr...

#57: Chirag Patel - The Bucket Game

14 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we spoke about how Chirag convinced Ian Dunbar and Jean Donaldson to mentor him and his famous Bucket Game for husbandry training. C...

#56: Chris Pachel - Coaching People

01 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we spoke about how to effectively coach people to train their dogs and overcome behaviour issues. Chris Pachel is a veterinary behavi...

#55: Jean Dodds - Canine Hypothyroidism, Vaccinations & Nutrition

26 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we spoke about canine hypothyroidism and Jean's recommendations for vaccination schedules and diet. Jean Dodds has been a veterinaria...

#54: Why Engagement is King

15 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode is an interview I did in December 2018 with The Barking Mad Show on what engagement training for your dog is and why it matters so muc...

#53: Adrienne Wisok - Search and Rescue

06 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we spoke about training dogs for search and rescue and the challenges involved. Adrienne also shared some of her own personal stories ...

#52: Lili Chin - Illustrating Dogs

25 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we spoke about how Lili moved from co-creating Mucha Lucha to becoming synonymous with dog illustration. How she came to create the ic...

#51: Malena DeMartini - Separation Anxiety

19 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we spoke about Malena's journey from corporate statistician to professional dog trainer, busted a few separation anxiety myths and spo...

#49: Brenda Aloff - Dog Body Language

08 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we spoke about how Brenda transitioned from training horses to training dogs, how to get good at reading dogs and whether different br...

#48: Nake Florin - What is Mondioring?

24 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we spoke about Nake's own personal journey from pet dog owner to working at Battersea & presenting bitework seminars. We also covered ...

#47: Pat Stuart - Bridging the Divide

16 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we spoke about the conflict between positive and balanced dog trainers, the NePoPo system of training and how we can have better conve...

#46: Michael Shikashio - Aggressive Dogs

09 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast  we spoke about the strategies Michael uses to resolve and manage aggressive behaviour. We also spoke about the process he uses to co...

#45: Craig Ogilvie - Play Skills

26 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we spoke about how to get your dog to love playing tug, the subtleties that go into mastering toy play and training working dogs. Cra...

#44: Laura Monaco Torelli - Husbandry Training

18 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we spoke about Laura's time in marine mammal conservation, her time at Shedd Aquarium and husbandry training for dogs. Laura Monaco ...

#43: Emma Milne - The Brachycephalic Crisis

07 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we spoke about flat faced dogs, the health of pedigree dogs and how to choose a healthy puppy. Emma Milne is a British vet that becam...

#42: Kay Laurence - Understanding Shaping

01 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we spoke about shaping, targeting, differential reinforcement and some common misconceptions. Kay Laurence has been involved in train...

#41: Steve Mann - Puppy Training

24 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Mann is the Founder and Chairman of The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers and has featured on The Underdog Show, Who Let the Dogs Out and recentl...

#40: Debbie Jacobs - Helping Fearful Dogs

17 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss foreign rescue dogs, when to use medication and how to help fearful dogs. Debbie Jacobs is the author of A Guide to Living...

#39: Sarah Dixon - Associations and Regulation

10 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss the role of different dog training associations and how to find the correct one for you. We also covered regulation - will ...

#38: Dominic Hodgson & Alex Wardle - Marketing Your Pet Business

01 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss how to market your pet business and why you should create content. We also cover the different ways you can do marketing on...

#37: Patricia McConnell - Emotions in Dogs

22 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss guilt, jealousy and whether dogs really protect people or if it's all just self-preservation. Patricia McConnell is a Cert...

#36: The Christmas Special

19 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A summary of the podcast going-on's in 2018 and a look at some things to come. Thanks so much for everyone that has listened this year and contributed...

#35: Jordan Shelley & Steve Goodall - Crossing Over, BSL & Puppy Tales

13 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss Steve's new book Puppy Tales, Jordan's very public change in training methods after BBC's The One Show and Breed Specific L...

#34: Bob Bailey - The History of Animal Training

06 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Bob Bailey is a key figure in the development of animal training as it is known today. He is well known for his work in training animals for the US mi...

#33: Ken McCort - Animal Assisted Interventions & Training Wolves

29 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Ken has been training animals since 1986. He specialises in animals with behavioural problems and has been developing and operating animal assistance ...

#32: Hannah Branigan - The Geeky Approach to Dog Sports

10 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss why Hannah started her own podcast, bridging the divide between dog training camps and her approach to dog sports as a beha...

#31: Jennifer Shryock - Navigating Children and Dogs

05 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss the best way to prepare your dog for a new baby and how to manage interactions between dogs and children. Jennifer is the ...

#30: Sarah Owings - Choice in Dog Training

25 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Owings is a speaker at ClickerExpo and a Karen Pryor Academy faculty member. She competes regularly in the sport of nose work at an elite level ...

#29: Svenja Timmins - Photographing Dogs and their Humans

18 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss how Svenja got interested in photographing dogs, Instagram dog culture and how you can take better photos of your own dogs....

#28: Ryan Cartlidge - Building the Animal Training Academy

11 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we discuss how Ryan founded the Animal Training Academy and built it into one of the most enthusiastic training communities around tod...

#27: David Ryan - Dominance in Dogs Explained

28 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

David Ryan is former chairman of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors and served as a police dog handler for twenty six years. David now appea...

#26: Sam Turner - Proprioception Training for Dogs

22 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast we talk about Sam's fascination with movement and how that turned into a career involving flying over the planet spreading the word...

#25: Robert Hewings - 25 Years as a Police Dog Handler in London

13 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Robert Hewings spent 30 years working for the Metropolitan police, is an ex-army paratrooper and now runs the UK College of Scent Dogs.  In today's ...

#24: Ken Ramirez - The Making of an Animal Training Legend

06 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Ken Ramirez is the Executive Vice President and Chief Training Officer at Karen Pryor Clicker Training. He also spent 26 years at Chicago's Shedd Aqua...

#23: Lewis "Taz" Nicholls - From Doggy Daycare to Facebook Dog Training Celebrity

30 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Taz Nicholls is a dog trainer based in Wellington, New Zealand. He is best known for his Facebook page Lewis Nicholls Dog Training on which he's amass...

#22: Nancy Tucker - Coaching Humans as a Dog Trainer

23 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Nancy is a certified trainer with the CCPDT, and a certified behavior consultant with the IAABC. She teaches seminars, webinars, and workshops on dog ...

#21: Jane Ardern - How to Overcome Predatory Chase

16 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Jane is an incredible Gundog trainer and working Cocker Spaniel breeder. She is a regular speaker and lecturer on topics such as predatory chase behav...

#20: Agnieszka Janarek - Nosework Training for Sports & Fun

09 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Agnieszka Janarek is the founder of the Polish Nosework Association and soon to be host of her own podcast. She runs online courses for students world...

#19: Ruby Welsford - Frisbee Training with the UK Disc Dog Association

02 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Ruby Welsford is a founder of the UK Disc Dog Association and runs workshops and demonstrations nationwide. Ruby’s dog Betsy Boo the Amazing Frisbee...

#18: Rachel Wilson - How to Start Bikejoring and Canicross

26 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel Wilson is a bikejoring and canicross competitor with her Staffordshire Bull Terrier Hulk. She is also a professional dog trainer and works for ...

#17: Dominic Hodgson - The No BS Approach to Running a Dog Business

18 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dominic Hodgson is the author of How To Be Your Dog's Superhero and Walk Yourself Wealthy. He is the host of two podcasts and is a pet business coach....

#16: Peter Giljam - Positive Reinforcement Training for Zoo Animals

12 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Peter Giljam is the animal training coordinator at Kolmarden Zoo in Sweden. He is a specialist in marine mammals and has previously won the People's C...

#15: Eric Brad and Jo-Rosie Haffenden - Debating Electric Collars and The Ethics of Aversives

06 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Eric Brad is a blogger on the topic of dog training and author of Dogs: As They Are, Dogs: Effective Learning and Relationships: Life With Dogs. Jo-Ro...