The Everyday Trainer Podcast

Ever wondered what it really takes to build a successful pet business in today's digital landscape? This candid conversation with Celine, the creative force behind WulfSnacks and multiple 100K+ social media accounts, and dog trainer Shane Murray pulls back the curtain on the messy, challenging, and ultimately rewarding journey of pet industry entrepreneurship.Celine shares her unexpected path from aspiring veterinarian to pet influencer and business owner, revealing the moment during COVID when she decided to leave her veterinary assistant position behind. What started as homemade treats for her dogs with food sensitivities transformed into WulfSnacks, a thriving business that appears much larger online than its family-run reality. From cutting meat herself and packaging orders to managing multiple social platforms, Celine's story demonstrates the unglamorous work behind her success.Both guests emphasize that overnight success is a myth. Before viral moments, they spent years creating content that barely anyone watched. They discuss the critical importance of authenticity in standing out in oversaturated markets, why outsourcing weaknesses is essential for growth, and how to build valuable relationships in the dog training community.The conversation takes fascinating turns through topics like manifestation, maintaining work-life balance with 20+ animals, and their contrasting approaches to entrepreneurship—Shane's calculated transition versus Meg's leap-of-faith methodology. Whether you're a pet professional looking to grow your business or simply curious about the reality behind pet influencer success, this episode offers honest insights about what it really takes to build something meaningful in today's digital world.Follow Celine @CelineTails on Instagram and TikTok, and check out her upcoming Farmer's Market Box launching August 1st at wulfsnacks.com.Visit us on the website here to see what we've got going on and how you can join our pack of good dogs and owners.

Do you often feel lost in translation with your dog? Discover five essential communication systems that can bridge the gap. Learn how marker words and leash pressure serve as powerful tools instead of mere control. Uncover the impact of your body language and identify rewards that truly motivate your furry friend. This insightful discussion emphasizes fairness in training, debunking myths about stubborn pets. Transform your relationship with your dog into a harmonious partnership by mastering the art of canine communication.

Dog trainers Meg and Thoma tackle common canine issues with practical solutions, emphasizing the importance of true relaxation over constant food rewards. They introduce a unique tethering technique, likened to forced meditation, that helps dogs find calm on their own terms. For those with rescue dogs, they advocate for a patient approach rather than forcing affection. The podcast also covers effective crate training, training strategies for young dogs, and insights on van life with multiple dogs, blending training tips with lifestyle adaptations.

There's something magical that happens when we allow ourselves and our dogs to escape the constraints of urban living. This episode takes you along on our adventure to Yosemite and the surrounding wilderness, where unexpected encounters became transformative experiences.Our journey began dramatically when we spotted a wildfire starting on BLM land. After reporting it, we continued deeper into the wilderness, where fate led us to a private lakeside property. Instead of being turned away, we were welcomed by Scott, a bearded mountain man with a generous spirit. His stories about how nature rehabilitated both his troubled nephew and once-aggressive Rhodesian Ridgeback resonated deeply with our own philosophy about the healing power of natural spaces.Contrasting our peaceful lakeside experience with the crowded paths of Yosemite Valley provided powerful insights into what dogs truly need. While Yosemite's beauty is undeniable, the restrictions for dogs (limited to paved paths and parking lots) transform what should be a relaxing experience into what we jokingly called "a mall outing with a view." For dogs with behavioral issues, especially reactivity, the constant vigilance required in crowded spaces creates a feedback loop of stress that reinforces problematic behaviors.This is why we advocate so strongly for seeking out less-traveled natural spaces like national forests and BLM lands. These areas provide something increasingly rare in our modern world – the freedom for dogs to move naturally without constant restraint. We've witnessed remarkable transformations in our board-and-train dogs when given regular access to these environments. Whether you live in a van like us or in a traditional home, finding ways to regularly connect with nature isn't just a luxury for your dog – it's essential for their behavioral health and your relationship with them. Have you noticed how different your dog becomes when allowed to simply be a dog in nature? Visit us on the website here to see what we've got going on and how you can join our pack of good dogs and owners.

What does 25 years of dog training experience teach you? Stephanie O'Brien, owner of Dog Genius Canine Education, takes us on a fascinating journey through her evolution as a trainer—from growing up raising guide dogs to becoming an expert in protection sports.Stephanie's story offers a rare glimpse into how dog training has transformed over decades. Before YouTube tutorials and Instagram influencers existed, trainers learned through direct mentorship, VHS tapes shipped from Europe, and traveling to competitions. Her vivid recollections of discovering Belgian Ring sport for the first time and the thrill of taking bites from champion protection dogs showcase a passion that's carried her through an extraordinary career.The conversation explores pivotal moments that shaped her approach: apprenticeships with contrasting mentors, importing her first "real" Malinois from Belgium, and eventually moving to California where she built a thriving business training dogs for celebrities and television appearances. Through these experiences, Stephanie developed a balanced training philosophy that prioritizes understanding each dog as an individual.What makes this episode particularly valuable is Stephanie's honesty about the challenges trainers face—from navigating polarized training philosophies to managing self-doubt even decades into a successful career. Her perspective reminds us that great training isn't about rigid methodologies but rather building relationships and adapting to the dog in front of you.Whether you're a seasoned professional or simply love dogs, this conversation offers wisdom that only comes from decades of hands-on experience with thousands of dogs across multiple training disciplines. Listen in as Stephanie shares why, even after all these years, every dog still teaches her something new.You can find Stephanie at her website here Visit our website theeverydaytrainer.comVisit us on the website here to see what we've got going on and how you can join our pack of good dogs and owners.

The journey from reactive, anxious dog to confident companion isn't always straightforward. In this follow-up session, we check in with a client who's been implementing changes to address her dog's separation anxiety, reactivity issues, and their overly-structured relationship.What happens when we stop micromanaging our dogs and instead give them opportunities to make good choices? The transformation can be remarkable. We explore how to balance freedom with boundaries by allowing dogs space to explore while maintaining clear expectations. This delicate balance creates confident dogs who understand their world rather than anxious ones constantly looking for direction.E-collar training serves as a perfect example of this approach. Rather than using it strictly as a correction tool, we discuss how it becomes part of a communication system that creates clarity and consistency. You'll learn how to match stimulation levels to your dog's state of mind, how to transition from leash guidance to e-collar communication, and when body language speaks louder than verbal commands. The goal isn't constant control but creating a dog who makes better choices without your intervention.We also tackle the challenges of multiple-dog households, addressing controlling behaviors at doorways, and managing reactivity from different angles. Sometimes the most valuable training moments aren't about teaching new commands but about teaching dogs how to navigate their world with confidence.Whether you're struggling with reactivity or just looking to give your dog more freedom while maintaining reliability, this conversation offers practical insights into creating the right balance for your unique dog. Ready to stop micromanaging and start enjoying a more natural relationship with your dog? This episode shows you how.Visit us at theeverydaytrainer.comVisit us on the website here to see what we've got going on and how you can join our pack of good dogs and owners.

Lex shares her transformation from dog owner to professional trainer, sparked by her journey with her reactive German Shepherd, Koda. What began as a challenging adoption—complete with a parvo diagnosis and costly medical bills—evolved into a career-defining experience that taught her invaluable lessons about balanced training approaches.• Adopting Koda as an eight-week-old puppy during COVID, only to face immediate health challenges including parvo and hip problems• How a traumatic dog park incident transformed Koda from confident to severely reactive almost overnight• The frustration of working with multiple trainers whose methods either didn't help or felt too extreme• Learning that tensing up, using "leave it" commands, and emotional corrections can actually worsen reactivity• Why the best training methods aren't universal—they must match what handlers are comfortable implementing• The importance of finding mentors and hands-on experience rather than relying solely on online certifications• How working with rescue dogs provided valuable learning opportunities without the pressure of client expectations• Finding balance between training and simply enjoying your dog through activities like structured play and enrichment• Learning to advocate for fearful dogs by managing their environment without pushing them beyond their thresholdRemember that reactivity is largely about management—your dog needs you to be their confident leader, showing them the boundaries while still giving them opportunities to enjoy life.Visit us at theeverydaytrainer.comVisit us on the website here to see what we've got going on and how you can join our pack of good dogs and owners.

Meg shares a harrowing tale of her puppy Muffin ingesting marijuana, prompting a vet visit that sparks discussions on dog safety. Collar dangers are highlighted, with stories of choking incidents that are easily preventable. The risks of dog socialization are examined, reminding owners that forced greetings can lead to attacks. Gastrointestinal obstructions and toxic substances pose serious threats, while the urgent risk of bloat in large breeds is stressed. Lively anecdotes about bee stings and socks add humor while emphasizing the need for vigilance in pet care.

Explore the fascinating world of dog drive states and how they influence training. Discover how pack drive can reshape behavior modification and the importance of walking drills in establishing a leader-follower dynamic. Learn about defense drive and its link to aggression, as well as prey drive's role in food and toy-focused training. It's revealed that most dogs prefer following a confident leader instead of being at the front. By understanding these drives, trainers can create effective strategies for behavior improvement.

Explore the joys of outdoor adventures with your dogs and the benefits of connecting them to nature. Hear personal stories about living on the road and the positive impact on canine well-being. Discover tips for managing off-leash experiences and the importance of daily routines. Learn how to navigate urban challenges while finding hidden outdoor gems. Plus, get essential gear recommendations for traveling with dogs, and embrace the joy of letting them explore freely in natural settings!