Welcome back to my TWC Podcast! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mia Skogster once again to dive deep into discussions about our personal dogs, training, and IGP rules. We focused particularly on the ever changing landscape of training and what we would like to see in the future of our beloved sport. I hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed having the conversation. This podcast is purely for the love of it—no paid advertisements, just fun and educational content. So, if you can subscribe and share with a friend, I am happy to keep providing more free information for all of you!

Welcome to the latest episode of my podcast! Today, I’m joined by Dr. Douglas Elliffe, a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, whose expertise lies in animal behavior, behavior analysis, and behavioral science. In this episode, we dive into some highly relevant and often controversial topics, starting with Dr. Elliffe’s well-known Kiwi Aversion Training (KAT) study, which used electric collars and included both one-month and one-year follow-ups. We also discuss his commentary on the influential China, L. Mills, and Cooper study, which compares the efficacy of dog training with and without electronic collars against positive reinforcement methods. Together, we explore the benefits and challenges of using Differential Reinforcement Protocols and tackle some of the critical issues facing the dog training industry today, including the rise of bans and position statements from various organizations. Dr. Elliffe also shares his thoughts on some fascinating topics that will pique the interest of dog trainers everywhere. So, sit back, enjoy the episode, and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe if you find this discussion valuable!

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Sergio Pellis, a distinguished researcher who has spent over four decades studying Play in rats within lab settings. Together, we share a deep fascination with Play, having each explored its nuances for more than 40 years—myself with dogs, particularly during training, and Dr. Pellis with his groundbreaking work on rats. Throughout this conversation, we delve into the many shared benefits of Play that transcend species, from cooperation to the establishment of rules, even how discomfort can shape the play experience. We explore some truly thought-provoking questions, like, "Why do we play at all?" After my recent study comparing electric collars and positive reinforcement set the internet on fire, I've taken the opportunity to shift focus back to what has always been my core passion: Play. This episode allows us to reconnect with the foundational aspects of behavior through the lens of Play and its profound role in shaping both dog and human development.