

Nate Schoemer Dog Training Podcast
Nate Schoemer
Join Nate Schoemer as he interviews top dog trainers—from behavior specialists and protection experts to authors, judges, and training school founders. Each episode offers expert advice on real training topics, followed by live Q&As where listeners can ask direct questions. You’ll also hear real virtual sessions solving common issues, plus unique follow-along obedience routines that simulate private lessons to help you train effectively. Whether you're a dog owner or aspiring trainer, this podcast gives you direct access to high-level training insights you can use right away.
Episodes
Mentioned books

20 snips
Mar 2, 2026 • 1h 58min
Ep. 51 - The Fastest Way to Make Your Dog Reliable (No More Guessing)
Andy Krueger, founder of Kruger Canine and high-level protection sport decoy, blends sport-level precision with practical pet training. He talks genetics and tailored socialization. He breaks socialization into interaction, familiarization, and neutralization. He explains leash pressure as a teaching bridge, careful tool layering, and training handlers to create clear, reliable dogs.

Mar 2, 2026 • 1h 23min
Ep. 50 - Hollywood Dog Trainer Reveals What Most Trainers Get Wrong
Joel Silverman, Hollywood animal trainer and author with decades training animals for film and families. He talks bonding before formal training. He explains step-by-step teaching versus shaping and why luring often wins for position work. He discusses variable reinforcement, reward values, markers, short high-quality sessions, and how environment and proofing shape reliable performance.

Feb 16, 2026 • 1h 35min
Ep. 49 - Why Most Dog Trainers Fail (And How Real Pros Are Built)
Former Navy search-and-rescue medic and Kennelwood Academy instructor Jeremy Ciepluch joins Nate Schoemer to break down what actually builds long-term success in the dog training industry.Jeremy shares how working alongside military working dog teams shaped his training philosophy, why many trainers struggle after certification, and what skills truly matter if you want a sustainable career working with dogs.If you’re serious about becoming a professional trainer — or improving your training skills — this episode delivers real-world insight from someone who trains dogs and trains trainers.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why exposure to multiple disciplines creates stronger trainersThe biggest mistakes new trainers make after graduatingWhat actually prepares someone for a long-term career in trainingWhy clarity and marker systems change everythingHow to avoid burnout in the professionThe traits that separate good trainers from elite ones🎓 Nate Schoemer’s Course: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🔗 Kennelwood Academy & Jeremy Ciepluch:Website: https://kennelwoodacademy.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennelwoodacademy/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kennelwood.academyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KennelwoodAcademyJeremy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decoy_jeremy/📲 Follow Nate Schoemer:Website: https://NateSchoemer.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/NateSchoemerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@NateSchoemerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemerX: https://x.com/NateSchoemerPodcast: https://pod.link/1804414647

Feb 2, 2026 • 56min
Ep. 48 - Most Trainers Get This Wrong — Here’s What Actually Works (with Brian Claeys)
What separates average dog training programs from systems that consistently produce reliable, real-world results?In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with Brian Claeys, founder of All Dogs Unleashed, to break down what professional trainers do differently when working with high volumes of real dogs and real owners.This is a behind-the-scenes conversation about structure, clarity, proofing, client education, follow-up systems, and the operational habits that separate high-performing programs from average training businesses.Whether you’re a professional trainer, aspiring trainer, or serious dog owner, this episode will change how you think about long-term results and real-world obedience.Why most dog training programs fail long-termHow high-volume board & train programs are structuredWhat real consistency looks like in daily training routinesHow clarity and proofing create reliable obedienceWhy customer education matters more than most trainers realizeThe importance of follow-up systemsHow trainers balance obedience and behavior modificationWhat separates elite programs from average operationsHigh-quality working dog gear, training equipment, and accessoriesUse Code: NATEShop: https://germanshepherdshop.com/Follow German Shepherd Shop:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSDstagramInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsdstagram/From Novice To Pro — Nate Schoemerhttps://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625Dog Training Decoded — Michael Ellishttps://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/dog-training-decoded-by-michael-ellis?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=51512501371169Course Breakdown Article:https://nateschoemer.com/dog-training-decoded-why-every-serious-trainer-should-learn-from-michael-ellis/Peoria, AZ — February 21–22, 2026Working Spot: SOLD OUTAudit Spot: $250Tickets: https://square.link/u/fUpcbPtGNorth Bend, OR — March 13–14, 2026Working Spot:https://9ce05e2d-70ad-4316-a25c-0e8363a9306a.paylinks.godaddy.com/nateschoemerworkingspotAudit Spot:https://9ce05e2d-70ad-4316-a25c-0e8363a9306a.paylinks.godaddy.com/3059b659-5945-4fc3-b4e7-db5San Marcos, TX — September 26–27, 2026Tickets Coming SoonWebsite: https://www.alldogsunleashed.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alldogsunleashedInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alldogsunleashed/Website: https://NateSchoemer.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/NateSchoemerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@NateSchoemerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemerX (Twitter): https://x.com/NateSchoemerWhat You’ll Learn In This Episode🎯 Sponsor — German Shepherd Shop🎓 Recommended Dog Training Courses📍 Upcoming Live Seminars👤 Guest — Brian Claeys🔗 Connect With Nate

Jan 19, 2026 • 2h 10min
Ep. 47 - The Trick Training Method That Makes Obedience Easy | Jamie The Dog Trainer Interview
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.

Jan 17, 2026 • 1h 28min
Ep. 46 - Owner Education Is Forever: How Play Fixes Aggression (with Austin Laramee)
Aggression cases don’t fail because of dogs, they fail because owners aren’t trained properly. In this episode, professional dog trainer Austin Laramee joins Nate Schoemer to break down how play-based training, leash communication, and owner education create behavior change that actually lasts.Austin shares his journey from adopting a shelter dog with no formal experience to working hundreds of real-world behavior cases. Together, they dive into what most owners get wrong, why many training programs fail once the dog goes home, and how play builds confidence, engagement, and impulse control.This conversation is practical, real-world focused, and packed with takeaways for dog owners and trainers who want better results without gimmicks.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why owner education matters more than training the dog alone• How play builds confidence, engagement, and control• The biggest mistakes people make with aggressive dogs• How leash pressure becomes a powerful communication tool• Why board-and-train programs often fail long-term• How to structure training for real-life environmentsResources Mentioned:From Novice To Pro — Nate Schoemerhttps://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625Dog Training Decoded — Michael Ellishttps://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/dog-training-decoded-by-michael-ellis?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=51512501371169Michael Ellis Course Breakdown Articlehttps://nateschoemer.com/dog-training-decoded-why-every-serious-trainer-should-learn-from-michael-ellis/Upcoming Live Seminars:Corpus Christi, TX — January 23–25, 2026Hosted by Harley & Sergio Dog Training (SK9)Tickets: https://harleyandsergio.academy/workshopPeoria, AZ — February 21–22, 2026Hosted by Kinected K-9 AZ Dog TrainingTickets: https://square.link/u/fUpcbPtGNorth Bend, OR — March 13–14, 2026Working Spot:https://9ce05e2d-70ad-4316-a25c-0e8363a9306a.paylinks.godaddy.com/nateschoemerworkingspotAudit Spot:https://9ce05e2d-70ad-4316-a25c-0e8363a9306a.paylinks.godaddy.com/3059b659-5945-4fc3-b4e7-db5San Marcos, TX — September 26–27, 2026Tickets coming soonFollow Nate Schoemer:Website: https://NateSchoemer.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/NateSchoemerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@NateSchoemerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemerX (Twitter): https://x.com/NateSchoemerGuest — Austin Laramee (Zero To Hero Dog Training):YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AustinLarameeDogTrainerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zerotoherodogtrainingakron/Website: https://zerotoherodogtraining.online/Email: Zerotoherodogtraining@gmail.comIf you’re dealing with aggression, reactivity, or obedience challenges, this episode delivers real frameworks you can start applying immediately — without shortcuts or hype.

Jan 17, 2026 • 1h 4min
Ep. 45 - Training to a Standard, Not Trophies | Hunting Dog & Obedience Truths
Nate Czarnota, founder of Iron Oak Dog Company and a leader in versatile gundog training, shares his approach. He explains training to a performance standard, not for trophies. Topics include practical off‑leash obedience, building impulse control under drive, reward-in-place methods, blending traditional and reward techniques, and when to add e-collars for safety.

Jan 10, 2026 • 1h 6min
Ep. 44 - The Truth About Pressure in Dog Training (No One Wants to Admit This)
Justin Rigney, veteran trainer and former law-enforcement K9 handler, shares a balanced view that treats calibrated pressure as communication. He discusses how well-applied pressure can free dogs trapped in chronic flight, why coddling can reinforce avoidance, and how genetics and early handling shape behavior. Practical tactics like place boards and progressive building blocks for restoring neutrality are highlighted.

Jan 8, 2026 • 1h 30min
Ep. 43 - The Brain Hack That Builds Confident, Resilient Dogs (Not Calm Ones)
Most dog training advice tells owners to keep their dog calm at all costs.Neuroscience suggests that approach often backfires.In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with neuroscientist and dog trainer Dr. Melanie Uhde to challenge some of the most common assumptions in modern dog training.Rather than chasing constant calm, this conversation explains why manageable stress, frustration, and challenge are essential for building confident, resilient, real-world dogs.Drawing from neuroscience, biology, genetics, learning theory, and real training experience, Dr. Uhde breaks down how dogs actually learn, adapt, and cope — and why avoiding stress entirely can create long-term behavioral problems.This is not theory for theory’s sake. Every concept discussed is tied back to practical training decisions dog owners and trainers make every day.🧠 Topics Covered in This Episode• Why “calm” is often the wrong goal in dog training• The difference between productive stress and harmful stress• How stress inoculation builds confidence and resilience• Why frustration and challenge accelerate learning• Common myths about cortisol and dopamine in dogs• Why emotional corrections damage learning• How genetics and environment interact in behavior• Why biologically appropriate outlets prevent problem behaviors• How to build real-world reliability without suppression🎓 Recommended Training ResourceFrom Novice To Pro: The Ultimate Guide To Dog TrainingBy Nate Schoemer👉 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🔗 Connect with Nate SchoemerYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nateschoemerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nateschoemerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemerX (Twitter): https://x.com/NateSchoemer🔬 Learn More from Dr. Melanie UhdeWebsite: https://www.caninedecoded.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.melanie.uhdeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/caninedecodedYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.melanieuhdeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caninedecoded

Dec 15, 2025 • 3h 22min
Ep. 42 - Should You Quit Your 9–5 to Become a Dog Trainer? (Natalie Dobkins’ Story)
Thinking about leaving your 9–5 to become a professional dog trainer?Natalie Dobkins did exactly that — and in this episode, she breaks down how and why she made the leap, plus what it really takes to build a sustainable dog training business.Natalie (Team K9 Training) joins host Nate Schoemer for an honest, no-fluff conversation about transitioning out of the corporate world and into full-time dog training. They dive deep into the business foundations most trainers overlook, including LLC setup, pricing, marketing, client management, and how to avoid burnout in an unregulated industry.This episode isn’t just about training dogs — it’s about building a career that lasts.Whether you’re an aspiring dog trainer, a working professional considering a career shift, or an established trainer looking to tighten up your business systems, this episode delivers real-world insight you can apply immediately.The Career LeapWhat finally pushed Natalie to leave her corporate job and pursue dog training full-time.Business Foundations for Dog TrainersWhy LLCs, finances, contracts, and structure matter before you ever take a leash.Marketing & Client AcquisitionHow to attract clients without feeling salesy — and when paid ads actually make sense.Owner Education & Client RetentionWhy training owners is just as important as training dogs.Avoiding BurnoutWhy “being the Walmart of dog training” destroys trainers — and how to set boundaries.Scaling With SystemsHow email automation, follow-ups, and streamlined programs free up your time.Get 20% OFF with code: YONEISALLAmazon (US):https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DS2N3T3X?maas=maas_adg_A9BF15CFF1EEF7A701CF2F51611A4226_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maasOfficial Store:https://oneisallinc.pxf.io/WyjNrMCourse:From Novice To Pro: The Ultimate Guide To Dog Traininghttps://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625Follow Nate:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nateschoemerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nateschoemerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemerX (Twitter): https://x.com/NateSchoemer🎧 Podcast Home:https://pod.link/1804414647Guest – Natalie Dobkins (Team K9 Training)Website: https://www.teamk9training.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamk9.training/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teamk9trainingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teamk9training/videos


