In this episode of The Robotic Dog, Brittney dives deep into a concept few trainers talk about — mourning the loss of the “old dog”.
No, your pup didn’t cross the rainbow bridge… but the wild, frantic, clingy version of them? Yeah, that one’s gone. And that can feel weird.
Brittney compares emotional detachment from humans to the subtle grief that sometimes comes with dog training. As we correct problematic behaviors, we also say goodbye to the chaos we secretly kinda liked — the overexcited greetings, the intense ball obsession, the clingy quirks.
She shares stories of client dogs who evolved into calmer, more fulfilled animals — even if that meant giving up some of their “personality” quirks. Britt breaks down how modifying a dog’s core behavior changes their entire vibe — for the better.
Grieving the version of your dog you “got used to”
Why fixing root problems removes the “cute” chaos too
How anxious or confused dogs display learned behaviors we accidentally reinforce
The psychology behind creating a mentally strong dog
Teaching polite behavior without killing the joy
Understanding your dog is not your child… they're a predator in your house!
The rent analogy: your dog pays rent through good behavior
Training is more for the human than the dog — dogs follow formulas
“You can’t fix the root of the problem and expect to keep the symptoms. That dog is gone. And that’s a good thing.”
Brittney announces the launch of her online training program with multiple price points — from $5 quick wins to in-depth transformations. Stay tuned and get on the waitlist!
Richmond, VA & Online
info@dawgboss.com
www.dawgboss.com
Summary
In this conversation, Brittney Howard discusses effective ways to love and train dogs, emphasizing the importance of structure, clear communication, and understanding dog behavior. She highlights common misconceptions about food, affection, and freedom in dog training, and how these can lead to unintended negative behaviors. The discussion also touches on the significance of not overindulging dogs with gifts and treats, advocating for a more thoughtful approach to pet care.
Takeaways
You can love your dog, but it must be productive.
Food can be a double-edged sword in training.
Freedom without structure can lead to anxiety in dogs.
Clear communication is essential for effective training.
Petting your dog in the wrong context can reinforce anxiety.
Gift giving to dogs can create confusion about value.
Dogs thrive on structure and boundaries.
Affection should be given at the right times.
Overindulgence can lead to behavioral issues.
Understanding dog psychology is crucial for pet owners.
Chapters
00:00 Dating Disasters and Dog Behavior
03:07 Loving Your Dog: The Right and Wrong Ways
06:13 The Impact of Food on Dog Behavior
09:17 Freedom vs. Structure in Dog Training
12:09 Understanding Affection and Communication with Dogs
14:50 The Five Love Languages for Dogs
18:10 Navigating Dog Training and Human Emotions
21:00 The Importance of Clear Commands
24:08 Petting and Reinforcement: What to Avoid
31:14 The Role of Toys and Gifts in Dog Training
45:36 The Art of Ignoring Your Dog
49:35 Understanding Dog Behavior and Communication
52:40 The Dangers of Dog Toys
Want to work with us?
Shoot us a text at (804) 376-1856
Brittney Howard discusses the challenges faced by dog trainers and their clients, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and teaching methods. She highlights the need for trainers to understand their clients' learning styles and to teach in a sequential manner that is easy to grasp. Brittney shares personal experiences that shaped her teaching philosophy and stresses the significance of creating supportive environments for learning. She also addresses accountability in dog training and the future of training support for clients.
Takeaways
This episode delves into the experiences and insights of our guest fellow veteran and trainer, Daniel O’dell. It covers key topics such as the importance of free education, dog consent, finding the right trainers, and the fine line between respecting a dog's personality and ensuring necessary training. The discussion also highlights the challenges of consistency in training, the importance of seeking multiple perspectives from various trainers, and the pitfalls of poor training practices. Real-life examples illustrate the complexities and dedication required in the training process. 00:00 The Importance of Seeking Free Education for Dog Trainers 00:11 Understanding Dog Personalities and Training Needs 01:17 Training Journey and Challenges 03:05 Finding the Right Trainer and Training Style 04:48 Critiquing Training Methods and Industry Issues 06:26 The Reality of Dog Training and Handling 10:31 Exposing Bad Dog Trainers 11:23 Effective Correction Techniques and Training Standards
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In this episode of the Robotic Dog Podcast, hosted by dog trainer Brittney Howard, the focus is on the concept of control in human and dog relationships. Brittney emphasizes the importance of moving away from a controlling approach in training, relationships, and life itself. She shares insights from a TV show business conference where mentor Stephanie Odea introduced the idea of following the pull instead of the push in life, suggesting that one should go towards what naturally attracts them. Brittany applies this philosophy to dog training, arguing against the forceful correction of dogs and in favor of creating circumstances that encourage dogs to follow willingly. She discusses her preference for using retractable leashes and prong collars for training, aiming to create a positive and desirable attitude in dogs towards their owners. Brittany also touches upon her personal experiences and the overall ease of dog training when approached correctly, urging listeners to engage with the podcast and share their own dog training journeys.
00:00 Introduction to Control in Relationships
01:11 The Concept of Going with the Flow
01:15 Life Lessons from a Business Conference
02:18 Applying Life Lessons to Dog Training
02:22 The Struggles of Forcing Relationships
03:25 The Importance of Letting Dogs Be Dogs
04:42 The Power of Pull in Dog Training
05:06 Understanding Dogs as Predators
06:17 The Benefits of Retractable Leashes
07:48 The Importance of Rewards in Dog Training
09:01 The Role of Obedience in Dog Training
10:47 The Power of Brainwashing in Dog Training
13:18 The Simplicity of Entrepreneurship
14:44 Conclusion: The Essence of Dog Training
14:53 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
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Stephanie O'Dea Website:
Understanding Dog Behaviour and Training Techniques
This podcast discusses various aspects of dog behaviour, training techniques, and general understanding of dogs. It provides insights on methods for training dogs to play fetch, teaching dogs to be neutral, dealing with territorial behavior, and setting specific bathroom spots. The podcast also highlights the importance of understanding a dog's behaviour and communicating effectively with them for a better outcome. Further, it demystifies misconceptions about certain breeds and dog behaviours. Towards the end, the host expresses a desire to correct dog myths perpetuated in popular media, specifically those mentioned on the Joe Rogan experience.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:14 Exploring 'Answer the Public'
01:05 How to Train Your Dog to Play Fetch
04:24 The Importance of Teaching Neutrality
05:22 The Art of Training Your Dog to be Neutral
05:24 The Importance of Training Your Dog to Ignore Distractions
05:45 The Art of Training Your Dog to Walk on a Loose Leash
06:32 The Importance of Teaching Your Dog to Respect Boundaries
08:05 How to Train Your Dog to Play Dead
14:09 Understanding Dog Psychology
23:21 How to Train Your Dog to Pee in One Spot
25:27 Closing Remarks and Joe Rogan Experience Discussion
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Everyone asks me "How do you get such great focus from your dogs?" And the answer is simple. I am LIFE to my dog.
In this episode, Britney Howard, dog trainer at Dawg Boss k9 Training, delves into methods for creating focus in dogs. Emphasizing the importance of building relationships and connections with dogs, she shares her advice on training techniques such as behavioral modification, eye contact training, and engagement. She explains the concept of focus as a trained behavior developed through rewards, noting it is not a natural behavior for dogs. Britney also highlights the importance of defining a goal before training focus and illustrates how to create engagement through physical activities and reinforcing dogs' understanding that their owner is the primary source of rewards. With tips on luring and free shaping a focused heel, she reminds listeners that the training process should be enjoyable and repetitive for effective learning. Finally, Britney encourages engagement through five daily training sessions of five minutes each.
00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
01:07 Understanding the Concept of Focus in Dog Training
02:53 The Importance of Relationship and Engagement in Training
03:29 How to Obtain Focus in Dog Training
04:56 Defining Your Own Focus Goals
05:58 The Role of Mental State in Training
07:09 Starting to Train Focus: Eye Contact and Engagement
11:51 The Importance of Movement in Training
14:16 Training Techniques: Free Shaping and Luring
20:56 Conclusion and Contact Information
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Video to train what was discussed:
https://youtu.be/JbVogiGNvUQ
Hayley is a young dog trainer seeking guidance for her dog Hutch. Hutch has been growling at her younger brother, and has also been blowing off recall commands. Listen in to hear some solutions to these issues.
Dog Training Advice: Dealing With Growling and Improving Recall
After a two-year gap, Brittney returns with an episode aimed to help a listener named Haley, who is experiencing problems with her mixed breed dog, Hutch. Hutch has been growling at Haley's little brother and is struggling with recall, responding only when treats are offered. The host suggests understanding and acknowledging that most dogs are opportunistic and understanding this can assist in effective training. Haley is also advised to seek help on YouTube and from professional trainers for corrective measures. Regarding the growling issue, the host suggested understanding the relationship between Hutch and her brother and avoid off-leash encounters until the situation is managed. For recall training, she recommends a frequent practice regime, using his food as a treat, calling him regularly and rewarding him as soon as he turns back.
00:06 Introduction
00:24 Introducing Haley's Dog Hutch
00:45 Haley's Questions about Hutch
01:31 Understanding Dog Behavior
02:37 Addressing Hutch's Growling
04:40 Training Resources and Tips
06:27 Recall Training for Hutch
08:13 Closing Remarks and Social Media Plugs
*All training should be done under adult supervision, especially when dealing with potentially aggressive behaviors.
*We conquer all dog training issues, big or small! Any breed, any age!
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Your dog is never trained. Ever. Got that? It's a constant struggle and triumph!! Never quit. Never never never!
In this podcast, Brittney discusses her recent personal life events and then delves into dog training. She emphasizes that training a dog is not a finite process with a specific end goal, but a continuous journey because dogs are living creatures who make their own choices. The key, she asserts, is the amount of time and effort the owner is willing to put in, not how long it takes to train the dog. Brittney also advises listeners to fully utilize their trainers by asking questions and having them critique their at-home training sessions, and reminds them that training doesn't stop with the trainer but should be continued at home.
00:01 Introduction and Personal Update
00:28 The Mystery of Dog Training
01:31 The Never-Ending Journey of Training
02:34 Your Dog Reflects Your Training
03:16 The Role of a Trainer and Owner in Dog Training
03:40 Maximizing the Value of Your Trainer
04:05 Training for a Task vs Training for Life
04:24 Conclusion and Farewell
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It's your dog a Velcro dog? You can actually be doing more harm than good by allowing your dog to be a stage 5 clinger.
Brittney talks about the importance of setting boundaries and training dogs to respect their owner's personal space. The host emphasizes that treating dogs exactly like humans can lead to behavioral problems. Dogs should be trained to be more independent and not overly reliant or intrusive on their owners. The host also provides practical tips on how to establish these boundaries including giving commands to discourage dogs from following them everywhere, kicking dogs out of the kitchen and stopping them from sleeping on the bed. Brittney stresses the idea of giving dogs rules to help them become better, while stressing the role of owners in implementing these rules.
00:01 Introduction and Personal Updates
00:43 Understanding Unhealthy Attachment in Dogs
01:44 The Consequences of Treating Dogs as Humans
02:39 Practical Tips to Establish Healthy Boundaries
03:51 The Importance of Being a 'Badass' Owner
04:00 Closing Remarks and Contact Information
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Thinking of adding two puppies to your home ? Think again! Want to add a second dog ? Here's how to do it !
Littermate Syndrome and Managing More than One Dog in a Household
In this episode of the The Robotic Dog podcast, Brittney discusses the complexities of raising two puppies from the same litter, known as 'littermate syndrome', and the challenges that come with managing two dogs in a household. Littermate syndrome can result in heightened codependency and conflict between puppies. She advises raising a single puppy with structure and rules before introducing another. The podcast also tackles the topic of introducing a new pet to an existing dog by slowly conditioning them to each other's presence. Importantly, the host emphasizes that a puppy is a future dog that requires investment of time for training.
00:01 Introduction to the Podcast
00:16 Understanding Littermate Syndrome
00:26 The Challenges of Raising Littermates
01:52 The Impact of Littermate Syndrome on Dogs' Behavior
02:21 Recommendations for Raising Puppies
02:42 Introducing a New Dog to the Household
02:59 The Process of Introducing Dogs to Each Other
03:59 Establishing Ground Rules for Dogs in the Household
04:15 The Importance of Raising a Dog, Not a Puppy
04:31 Conclusion and Contact Information
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How to get your dog not so dependent on needing a reward.?We still give it. But about 20-30% of the time.
In this episode of the Robotic Dog Podcast, Brittney discusses the importance of reward systems in dog training. They stress how dependent dogs can become on rewards and suggests strategies for moving towards less reward-dependent training. These include mixing up the rewards, gradually reducing the frequency, and incorporating verbal and physical praise alongside motivational items such as food and toys. She also emphasizes on the need to hold dogs accountable for their behavior and to ensure they're trained to follow commands without always expecting rewards. The episode ends with an invitation for listener questions and concludes with the upcoming Friday schedule.
00:14 Introduction to the Dawg Boss Podcast
00:33 The Importance of Rewarding Dogs
01:05 The Stages of Dog Training
02:14 The Concept of Accountability in Dog Training
02:22 Practical Example: Training Your Dog to Sit and Recall
02:36 The Importance of Mixing Up Rewards
03:25 The Risks of Over-Reliance on Rewards
04:09 Conclusion and Next Steps
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Timing for dog training is everything, listen to the words we use to communicate with our dogs so they understand what we want. We also use clickers for precise replicated sounds.
In this episode, Brittney from Dawg Boss gives advice on Clear Signals Training (CST), emphasizing the importance of timing when training dogs. She delves into commonly used words and phrases, such as 'good', 'no', and 'wait', to coordinate actions. Highlighting two types of clicker training (pay in place and active release), Brittney explains that striking the right balance between these styles ensures the dog is neither 'sticky' nor tempted to break command. Mistimed rewards can lead to delays and decreased enthusiasm in the dogs during training.
00:01 Introduction and Overview
00:29 The Importance of Timing in Dog Training
01:06 Understanding the Key Words in Dog Training
02:46 The Role of Positive Reinforcement: The Word 'Yes'
03:38 Exploring Clicker Training Techniques
04:18 The Balance Between Pay in Place and Active Release
04:48 Conclusion and Call to Action
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Is your dog an anxious wreck? Does your dog struggle to exist in daily life ?! It is possible to get him out of it!
In this episode, Brittney from Dawg Boss K9 Training discusses the serious issue of anxiety in dogs. She underlines how detrimental it can be; from extreme cases where dogs can't be kenneled and wreak havoc at home, to the smaller signs hinting at a dog's discomfort. Brittney highlights that these anxieties often begin from puppyhood due to never holding the dog accountable for things. These problems can escalate, manifesting as aggressive behavior or unusual physical responses. The solution, as Brittney explains, involves laying the foundations with obedience training and teaching the dog to understand 'no'. She also points out the importance of not reinforcing anxious behavior with petting, emphasizing it’s better to ignore it. The aim is to make the dog comfortable with discomfort, to build confidence. She mentions a successful case involving a very anxious dog who used to lean on his owner for security. Brittany concludes with a promise of more detailed training videos on their YouTube channel.
00:00 Introduction and Overview of Dog Anxiety
00:25 Understanding the Severity of Dog Anxiety
01:26 How Anxiety Starts in Dogs
02:09 The Progression of Anxiety in Dogs
02:34 How to Start Addressing Dog Anxiety
03:11 Common Mistakes in Handling Anxious Dogs
03:40 Effective Strategies for Dealing with Dog Anxiety
04:28 Practical Example and Conclusion
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Imagine having a puppy that doesn't pee or poop in the house !! It is possible !! Listen to unlock the secret!
Brittney from Dawg Boss discusses the ins and outs of potty training puppies and shaping their behavior. Stressing that potty training is not only about teaching a dog to control their bladder, but also about teaching them boundaries and house manners, she offers insights from her own experience. Brittney highlights the need for constant supervision, an exercise pen, and patience during the training phase. She also recommends structuring routines for puppies, including minimal free roam time around the house until they are eight or nine months old. Brittney cites Jeff Gelman from Solid K9 Training as a useful resource for dog training and structuring.
00:01 Introduction to Dog Training
00:18 The Importance of Potty Training
00:43 The Role of Structure in Potty Training
01:06 My Personal Experience with Potty Training
01:34 The Importance of Supervision in Potty Training
02:40 Practical Steps for Potty Training
03:32 The Role of Consistency in Potty Training
04:08 The Consequences of Giving Puppies Free Time
04:21 Conclusion: The Key to Successful Dog Training
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How to stop random dogs from coming up to yours and creating issues.
Self-Defense When Walking Your Dog: Handling Confrontational Canines
In this podcast, Brittney talks about her experience training a German Shepherd with aggression issues. She then moves on to discuss the problem of confrontational dogs attacking leashed dogs on walks, highlighting the dangers posed by such encounters. Brittney suggests that owners should not hesitate to defend their pet using non-lethal force such as a kick or a ski-pole to ward off an aggressive dog. She further advocates for dog owners to stand up against irresponsible owners who do not control their dogs.
00:01 Introduction and Personal Experiences
00:53 The Problem of Confrontational Dogs
02:02 Real-life Incidents and Dilemmas
02:25 Defending Your Dog: A Necessary Measure
04:18 Advocacy and Responsibility as a Dog Owner
04:38 Conclusion: It's You and Your Dog Against the World
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Welcome to Dawg Boss K9 training
Brittney, the creator of the Dawg Boss Channel, a canine training company based in Alaska, discusses her upcoming relocation to Virginia and the role of her military background in shaping her dog training methods. The key topic discussed revolves around advocating for dogs by teaching pet owners how to manage people’s attempted interactions with their pets in public spaces. This advice includes wearing a 'do not pet' collar and voicing instructions to strangers for maintaining distance, with the aim of developing the dog's discipline and focus. The episode amplifying the need for respecting an animal’s personal space, promotes audience's engagement with their queries and concludes with a commitment to offer more dog training advice in future episodes.
00:02 Introduction and Background
00:37 The Purpose of the Podcast
01:14 Understanding Personal Space in Dogs
02:20 Experiences with Disrespect of Personal Space
03:01 Advocating for Your Dog
04:09 Capturing Your Dog's Attention
04:39 Conclusion and Future Plans
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