Ep. 47 - The Trick Training Method That Makes Obedience Easy | Jamie The Dog Trainer Interview

Jan 19, 2026

Jamie The Dog Trainer, an Australian trick- and movement-based trainer known for playful, reward-focused methods. He explains why starting with tricks, play, and strong markers builds engagement and makes obedience easier. They cover reward events, drive-building games, pacing praise, and practical foundations that often resolve behavior issues before formal training begins.

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ADVICE

Master Tactful Communication

Develop tactful communication: tell clients uncomfortable truths without offending so they will follow coaching.
Ask clients how they prefer feedback and tailor your delivery to increase buy-in.

ADVICE

Choose Trainers By Their Portfolio

When hiring a trainer, review their video portfolio to see the exact 'picture' they create with dogs.
Choose a trainer whose visible style matches the outcome you want for your dog.

ADVICE

Use Least-Aversive Tools First

Prefer minimal, least-aversive tools first (flat collar, long line, flirtpole, tug) and escalate only when necessary.
Ethically weigh safety, owner ability, and urgency before adding aversive tools like e-collars.

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Most dog owners try to teach obedience by jumping straight into commands, structure, and discipline. According to Jamie The Dog Trainer, that approach is backwards.

In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with Jamie to break down why obedience often feels difficult, and how trick training, play, motivation, and proper foundations can make training easier, faster, and far more effective.

They explore how engagement, reward systems, emotional conditioning, and drive-building techniques create dogs that actually want to work with you, instead of simply complying under pressure.

If you want reliable obedience, stronger engagement, and training that feels fun instead of frustrating, this conversation will change the way you approach dog training.

🎓 Learn Nate’s Full Training System:
From Novice To Pro: The Ultimate Guide To Dog Training
https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625

🎧 Listen to the Podcast:
https://pod.link/1804414647

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

Why most owners teach obedience in the wrong order
How trick training builds engagement and focus
How reward events make food and markers more powerful
The role of classical and operant conditioning in training
Why play matters more than discipline early on
How confidence and drive affect obedience reliability
Common misconceptions about tug, play, and resource guarding
How to build motivation in low-drive dogs
Why tricks create emotional readiness for obedience
The foundations needed before addressing behavior problems
The difference between obedience and true behavior change

WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR:

New dog owners
Experienced handlers
Professional trainers
Balanced trainers
Positive reinforcement trainers
Owners struggling with engagement or obedience
Handlers working with reactive or fearful dogs
Anyone wanting a science-based training approach

KEY TRAINING CONCEPTS DISCUSSED:

Reward Event Theory
Marker Training
Engagement Building
Play-Based Motivation
Emotional Conditioning
Reinforcement Schedules
Counterconditioning
Trainer Mindset
Training Philosophy
Choosing the Right Trainer

FOLLOW JAMIE THE DOG TRAINER:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiethedogtrainer/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamiedogtrainer
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamiethedogtrainer1735
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamiethedogtrainer

FOLLOW NATE SCHOEMER:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nateschoemer
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nateschoemer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemer/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/NateSchoemer
Podcast: https://pod.link/1804414647