

The Everyday Trainer Podcast
Meghan Dougherty
Join Meg, a Pet Dog Trainer in Orlando Florida, as she chats about all things dogs. From training tools and techniques to mindfulness and habit formation, Meg's got all the insight you need to help you form a better relationship with your dog.
Episodes
Mentioned books

19 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 47min
Your Dog Can Listen on Leash, Even When They'd Rather Not
A trainer shares her journey with a pulling Staffordshire Terrier, highlighting the need for proper leash manners. Techniques like the "pressure on, pressure off" method offer clear communication. The discussion dives into using various collars and understanding a dog's motivations. As they tackle leash anxiety, they emphasize the role of positive reinforcement and creating a supportive training community. From training drills to easing separation anxiety, listeners gain valuable insights for nurturing a well-behaved pup.

13 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 58min
E-Collar Training, Crate Strategies, and Managing a High-Energy Dog
Discover the challenges of training a reactive high-energy dog and the surprising issues dog parks can create. Learn about the e-collar conditioning process and how to create positive associations. Find out effective strategies for crate training and managing leash behavior. The podcast also explores alternatives for dogs with medical issues like luxating patella. Lastly, gain insights on how to limit rewards to meaningful behaviors for better training outcomes.

Mar 21, 2025 • 60min
Van Life with Puppies: The Journey Begins
Meg and Thoma share their experiences living in vans with dogs and introduce their newly adopted Malinois puppies, exploring the ethics and controversies of dog acquisition.• Navigating van life in southern California where regulations and neighbors create challenges for mobile dog trainers• How two 6-week-old Malinois puppies were rescued after being scheduled for euthanasia at a veterinary clinic• Introduction to protection dog sports and the importance of good genetics versus training• The controversy between supporting rescue dogs versus purpose-bred working lines• Integrating new puppies into existing dog packs and managing littermate interactions• Understanding the reality of backyard breeding while acknowledging every dog deserves a chance• The experience of raising potentially unpredictable genetics in a sport dog environment• Updates on adventure board and train programs planned for northern CaliforniaJoin us for our next episode where we'll discuss our recent PSA trial experiences with a full panel of sport dog trainers!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.

Feb 28, 2025 • 1h 7min
Better Food, Happier Dogs: A Conversation on Pet Nutrition with Megan from Pet Power Studio
Welcome back ya'll. In this episode, we dive into the transformative world of dog nutrition with Megan from Pet Power Studio. Discover how proper nourishment can revolutionize the life of your beloved pet from overcoming behavioral challenges to enhancing their overall quality of life. Together, we explore the pitfalls of traditional kibble diets and unveil the powerful, positive changes that raw and fresh feeding can trigger.Megan’s heartfelt narrative begins with her experience raising Diesel, a once-troubled dog who became a beacon of insight into the world of canine behavior and nutrition. She illustrates the framework of holistic pet care and how nutrition intertwines with behavioral training, enabling dogs to shine as their best selves. Listeners will gain knowledge about the alarming statistics on pet obesity and the health implications of processed dog foods. You’ll learn practical tips on how to transition dogs to a fresh diet while maintaining a focus on individual needs and preferences. With passion, Megan challenges the conventional wisdom around pet food, urging pet parents to be advocates for their dog’s nutrition and well-being.We also discuss the significant shifts in consumer awareness and attitudes towards pet diets, including the importance of sourcing high-quality ingredients. The episode invites owners to take an empowering step toward making informed dietary choices for their dogs and understanding their essential dietary needs.Visit our website here to stay up to date on training, virtual shadow programs, and travel dates.Visit Pet Power Studio here.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.

8 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 1h 54min
Virtual session and we’re talking separation anxiety, reactivity, and confidence building
Explore the challenges of managing separation anxiety and reactivity in dogs while setting realistic training expectations. The podcast emphasizes the power of play and structured routines to build confidence and strengthen the dog-owner bond. Listeners learn effective communication techniques and engaging activities like tracking and scent work. Insights into the use of bark collars shed light on training complexities, and personal stories highlight the joys and trials of pet ownership, making it relatable for dog lovers.

Feb 7, 2025 • 52min
It’s not your fault, but it is your responsibility
The episode emphasizes the idea that while dog owners may feel guilty about their pets' behavior, it is essential to recognize that genetics significantly influence these actions. We discuss the prevalent culture in dog training that blames owners and shift the focus to the responsibility they have in managing their dogs with an understanding of their innate behaviors.• The impact of living situations on dog training and behaviors • The narrative of blame within the dog training community • Importance of recognizing genetics in dog behavior • Responsibilities of dog owners: fulfilling breed-specific needs • Real-life examples illustrating the interplay of genetics and training • Encouragement for owners to advocate for their pets instead of feeling guiltyVisit 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.

Jan 31, 2025 • 1h 3min
5 Do’s, 5 Don’ts of Dog Training
This episode outlines the five essential do's and don'ts of dog training, focusing on clarity, communication, and consistency. By emphasizing crate training, marker words, early exposure, respecting other dogs' spaces, and maintaining consistency, listeners will gain valuable insights into effective dog training methods.• The importance of crate training • How marker words enhance communication • The need for early exposure training • Respecting other dogs' spaces during interactions • The significance of consistency in training Join us in our upcoming virtual lessons to continue your dog training journey!To donate to the Pasadena’s Humane Society, click here To visit our website to book a lesson, sign up for group class, or purchase our hands-free leashes, click hereVisit 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.

Jan 17, 2025 • 1h
13 Rules for Good Dog Owner Etiquette
This episode explores essential dog etiquette rules to help owners navigate public spaces responsibly. Meg emphasizes the importance of respecting boundaries for both dogs and their owners to foster a safe and positive experience in community interactions.• Importance of being considerate toward other dogs and their owners • Experiences highlighting the struggles of off-leash encounters • Teaching children to respect a dog’s personal space • The consequences of misunderstanding dog behavior in public • Core rules of dog etiquette to change public perceptions • Addressing entitlement and setting boundaries • Recognizing the unique needs of individual dogs in various social settings • Encouragement to promote shared understanding among dog owners Thank you for listening! If you'd like to support the podcast, please consider sharing this episode with fellow dog owners.To Donate to Pasadena Humane Society and help them care for the animals effected by the fires, visit their website here.To book an in person lesson with Meg (or virtual session) visit our website here.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.

Jan 3, 2025 • 1h 10min
Van Life Adventures: Balancing Dogs, Seasonal Shifts, and Sport Training
Welcome back ya'll. This week's episode explores the unique challenges of living in a van while managing the needs of multiple dogs during winter. We discuss the emotional toll of dog mom guilt, the importance of clear communication in training, and the balance between work and taking care of pets.• Managing life updates and routines while living in a van • Balancing dog care while grappling with dog mom guilt • Adjusting to winter and understanding its impacts on lifestyle • Navigating daily routines and training challenges in vans • Communicating effectively with dogs through marker words • Embracing the ebb and flow of seasonal changes in pets’ needs • Finding harmony between work commitments and dog activities Interested in learning more about dog training? Join our virtual shadow program starting soon!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.

Dec 27, 2024 • 1h 44min
Crafting Trust and Communication with Your Dog: A Dog Trainer Convo
The podcast dives into the intricacies of dog training, focusing on the balance between corrective tools and trust-building. Trainers share real experiences with challenging dogs, including those with bite histories. Personal anecdotes highlight the importance of relationship dynamics and emotional management between dogs and their owners. The conversation also addresses overcoming imposter syndrome in trainers and the need for ongoing education. Overall, it champions tailored strategies and community support in the journey of effective dog training.


