For over 40 years, dog trainers have been fed a feel-good myth: the "jackpot" reward, championed by Karen Pryor, claims a pile of treats will supercharge your dog’s learning. But does it deliver? Did the force-free movement’s “kool-aid” mislead trainers for decades?Tune in and discover the truth!
My guest in this episode is Clemente Grosso, well respected IGP and FCI Obedience judge, has officiated at numerous World Championships. Clemente is also a member of the FCI Working Dog Commission and plays a key role in shaping the rules, decisions, and long-term vision for the future of IGP. As competitor Clemente’s breed of choice is the Giant Schnauzer.
We discuss how and why the rules evolve, the direction of the sport, and the often misunderstood relationship between what judges look for and what trainers think judges want to see. Clemente also shares his thoughts on the removal of stick hits in IGP and how this change is affecting performance, training methods, and even breeding and selection.
We didn’t always agree, which made it even more interesting to both of us.
Clemente and I go way back to my years living in Belgium, when we were both first introduced to the sport.
There will be a Part 2, because we both felt there are topics we wanted go deeper into.
Share your thoughts in the comments, we might include some of your ideas in our next conversation.
Is your dog chasing cars because it’s afraid?Force-free trainers like Simone Mueller claim it’s all about fear — not predation.But expert trainers and science say otherwise.In this episode, I dismantle the “fear theory” behind Predation Substitute Training and explain what’s really going on inside your dog’s brain when it lunges at cars, bikes, or joggers.We’ll explore the biology of drive, dopamine, and instinct, and I’ll show why “confidence building” doesn’t stop the behavior.Fear doesn’t make dogs chase — instinct does.And pretending otherwise doesn’t help dogs; it just sells stories.
In this episode, I sit down with my wife, Natalia Balabanov, to talk about the unique world of living, training, and competing together at the top level of dog sports. We dive into what it’s really like to share the same passion, the same goals, and sometimes the same pressure — while balancing the roles of coach, trainer, and spouse.
From the intensity of competition to the daily grind of training plans and long-term goals, we talk openly about teamwork, communication, and how we handle the challenges that come with working side by side. We also explore what it takes to stay motivated, support each other, and keep improving when you’re both aiming to be the best in the world.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to mix love, sport, and ambition — this one’s for you.
Leash reactivity. You’ve heard it a thousand times.Trainers throw it around, clients repeat it, and somehow it’s become the magic explanation for every dog that barks, lunges, or pulls on leash.But here’s the truth: there is no such thing as leash reactivity.It’s a lazy label. A word salad. And it fails dogs every single day.In this episode, I’m breaking down why the term doesn’t help.
TWC Podcast #64 Slot Machines Don’t Train Dogs!What if everything you’ve been told about variable reinforcement is only half the story?Dog trainers and psychologists love to say, “Switch to variable reinforcement, it’s like a slot machine, that’s how behaviors stick.” But here’s the truth: that analogy is flawed, incomplete, and in training, often misleading.In this episode, Ivan Balabanov breaks down:-Why the slot machine comparison fails in dog training.-When is Continuous Reinforcement actually more powerful?-How to use extinction bursts as a tool to sharpen behaviors.-Why barking, whining, and nipping aren’t “disobedience” but feedback.-The difference between keeping behaviors alive vs. making them bulletproof.Dogs aren’t pigeons in Skinner boxes. They aren’t gamblers at slot machines. Real training is about clarity, joy, precision, and connection — not random paychecks.If you’re serious about dog training, this episode will challenge what you’ve been told and show you how to think beyond the textbook.Subscribe to the Training Without Conflict® Podcast for more episodes
If Errorless Learning was the greatest breakthrough in how animals—or humans—learn, why hasn’t it taken over education?It’s been over 60 years since it was introduced. If it really worked, wouldn’t our schools, colleges, and universities have adopted it by now?In this solo podcast, I break down two recent publications by Eduardo J. Fernandez:“Comparing trial-and-error to errorless learning procedures in training pet dogs a visual discrimination”and“The Least Inhibitive, Functionally Effective (LIFE) model: A new framework for ethical animal training practices”These aren’t scientific breakthroughs—they’re ideological maneuvers. Behind the friendly language and force-free branding lies a troubling pattern: rigging methodology, ignoring real-world complexity, and selling fantasy as welfare.I’ll explain why these ideas not only fail in practice—but are dangerous when taken seriously.here are the links for the two papers:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375769627_Comparing_Trial-and-Error_to_Errorless_Learning_Procedures_in_Training_Pet_Dogs_a_Visual_Discriminationhttps://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eduardo-Fernandez-27/publication/376288769_The_Least_Inhibitive_Functionally_Effective_LIFE_Model_A_New_Framework_for_Ethical_Animal_Training_Practices/links/65b9e19479007454974f5517/The-Least-Inhibitive-Functionally-Effective-LIFE-Model-A-New-Framework-for-Ethical-Animal-Training-Practices.pdf
The first podcast I did with Larry Krohn was years ago, and it sparked a lot of debate around the e-collar.
Since then, Larry has completed my Training Without Conflict™ school, and through many conversations we’ve come to realize how much common ground we share. Today, we agree on nearly everything and hold a strong respect for one another.
We’ve wanted to do a second podcast for quite some time, and our schedules finally aligned. The result is a 4+ hour conversation covering a wide range of dog training topics.
This one isn’t about conflict, it’s about depth, clarity, and experience.
Back for a second round: FCI judge David Garcia Suarez joins me for another deep and at times provocative conversation, this time focused entirely on IGP.
We dive into:
• The evolution of rules and judging
• How training styles have shifted over the last 10, 20, even 30 years
• The influence of genetics on modern dogs
• And where the sport is heading
Whether you’re a competitor, trainer, or just a passionate observer, this episode pulls no punches. Let us know what you think, agree, disagree, or want to push the conversation further? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Sixty: Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring
SSRIs, Dogs, and the Chemical Lobotomy No One Wants to Talk About - with Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Josef, a board-certified psychiatrist, former FDA medical officer, and one of the few voices brave enough to speak publicly about what SSRIs are really doing to people… and what that means for dogs.
The so-called “safe and effective” narrative is crumbling.
What we’re seeing instead are emotional numbness, cognitive damage, and permanent changes to the brain, and not just in humans.While the AVSAB continues to push SSRIs as a behavioral fix for dogs, the evidence of harm is mounting.
In this conversation, we dismantle the myth of the “chemical imbalance,” and challenge the blind faith many trainers and veterinarians have placed in psychiatric drugs.
If you’re a trainer, vet, or dog owner who cares about animal welfare, this is a conversation you can’t ignore.
For more information about Dr. Josef, check out:
https://www.instagram.com/taperclinic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT0HW8jp8xDuczBnO7Kg7rA
Ivan Balabanov is a 2-time World Champion dog trainer, Ot Vitosha Malinois breeder, trainer of Premier Protection Dogs and founder of the revolutionary Training Without Conflict® dog training system.
For more information about Ivan Balabanov's Dog Training School and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out:
https://trainingwithoutconflict.com
https://malinois.com
https://premierprotectiondogs.com
Please like, comment, and share with your dog friends💪🏼
In this Training Without Conflict® Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Ori Stollar, also known as Dr. Orion on YouTube, a veterinarian and board-certified veterinary behaviorist specialist. (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists).
Dr. Orion and I connected after he publicly responded to my critiques of the widespread use of SSRIs in dogs. To his credit, he agreed to come on the show for an open conversation.
We cover big questions in this episode:
• Is the “chemical imbalance” theory real science or outdated marketing?
• Are SSRIs really making dogs better, or just easier to live with?
• What’s the role of medication vs. training in resolving behavior problems?
Whether you’re a trainer, a veterinarian, or a dog owner trying to make sense of the growing push for pharmaceuticals, you need to hear both sides.
Enjoy listening .
Share if you liked it or if it challenges what you’ve been told
For more information about Dr. Orion, check out: https://www.youtube.com/@UC3eNQ33_H6sub78yVa1-6Pw
Ivan Balabanov is a 2-time World Champion dog trainer, Ot Vitosha Malinois breeder, trainer of Premier Protection Dogs and founder of the revolutionary Training Without Conflict® dog training system.
For more information about Ivan Balabanov's Dog Training School and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out: https://trainingwithoutconflict.com
https://malinois.com
https://premierprotectiondogs.com
Please like, comment, and share with your dog friends💪🏼
Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Fifty-Eight: Jan Van Maren
In this episode, I have a conversation with a good friend and excellent helper Jan Van Maren.
For those who know him, he needs no introduction, but for those who don’t, he is a highly respected world-level IGP helper from the Netherlands.
He was the helper at the 2017 WUSV World Championship and was also brought in to be helper at the 2017 Brazilian IPO Championships.
I had a great time with this conversation and I am sure you will love it as well!
Enjoy and don’t forget to comment!
Ivan Balabanov is a 2-time World Champion dog trainer, Ot Vitosha Malinois breeder, trainer of Premier Protection Dogs and founder of the revolutionary Training Without Conflict® dog training system.
For more information about Ivan Balabanov's Dog Training School and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out:
https://trainingwithoutconflict.com
https://malinois.com
https://premierprotectiondogs.com
Please like, comment, and share with your dog friends💪🏼
I had a great conversation with Johan Weckhuyzen. Johan is the breeder of van de Duvetorre Malinois kennels in Belgium. He is also the president of FMBB.
I've known Johan for a very long time and finally was able to catch him to come to the podcast. We talk about Malinois, the legends in the breed, selection l, genetics, and training, Ring sport, IGP, detection and much more. We did not have time to go over the future goals of FMBB , this will part two.
Enjoy and don’t forget to comment!
Hello trainers, I’ll keep this intro shorter. This time I have as guests few very accomplished trainers Shannon Faltak, Jessica Johnson, and Spencer Bowman.
We talk about the complexities of French Ring, Mondio Ring and IGP, the breeds and type of dogs that are better suited for each sport, the different style of helper/decoy work, preparation for competition, and much much more.
Enjoy
Today, I have an incredible guest with an inspiring journey—Javier, a talented dog trainer who proves that hard work and passion can take you far. However you have to take the risks and challenges in front of you. Originally from Honduras, Javier moved to the U.S. at just 16 years old with his father. He initially pursued a career in veterinary medicine, meanwhile working as a vet tech, but soon realized that dog training was his true calling.Javier started as an army of one experimenting with the possibility and eventually took the leap into full-time dog training. Eventually he also took the TWC course. Now, he runs a thriving business with over 20 employees, showing what’s possible when you commit to your passion. His story is a must-listen for anyone on the fence about making dog training their career. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should take that leap—this episode is for you.Ivan Balabanov is a 2-time World Champion dog trainer, Ot Vitosha Malinois breeder, trainer of Premier Protection Dogs and founder of the revolutionary Training Without Conflict® dog training system.For more information about Ivan Balabanov's Dog Training School and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out: https://trainingwithoutconflict.comhttps://malinois.comhttps://premierprotectiondogs.comPlease like, comment, and share with your dog friends💪🏼
Welcome back to the TWC podcast!
Today, I have a guest whose experience in the dog training world spans over 30 years and covers just about every aspect of the industry. Jason Purgason is the President of Highland Canine Training.
With a background as a former police officer and K9 handler, Jason has trained and certified working dog teams across law enforcement, military, and specialized detection disciplines—everything from narcotics and explosives detection to human remains and even termite detection.
Beyond training, Jason is also the primary instructor at his school for dog trainers.
He’s also the current president of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), where he plays a key role in advocating for high standards in the dog training industry.
In this episode, we dive into his business, his leadership at the IACP, and what’s happening in the dog training world.
In this podcast, my guest is Dylan Jones, a TWC-certified expert trainer renowned for tackling cases where other dog trainers have struggled to achieve success.
Dylan shares his experiences and explains why he thrives on taking on challenging dogs rather than opting for the easier cases.
We delve into the common difficulties faced by new trainers entering the dog training industry, shedding light on the obstacles they often encounter.
Dylan also offers valuable insights and guidance on various aspects of the profession, providing a wealth of practical advice for both aspiring and seasoned trainers.
Welcome to the latest TWC podcast, where we challenge one of the most controversial and misleading documents in the dog training industry: the AVSAB position statement on training methods. Force-free trainers often uphold this statement as the ultimate authority, claiming it represents a scientific consensus that should dictate the industry’s practices. But we believe this statement is not only flawed but also dangerous and unethical. Today, we got together to examine its weaknesses and set the record straight!
Joining me are three exceptional experts with unparalleled experience in dog training, breeding, and behavioral science:
First, Stephanie Cottee, an animal behavior and welfare scientist, researcher, and co-owner of Black Kraken K9. Stephanie combines her scientific expertise with practical experience as a working German Shepherd trainer and breeder, bringing a unique perspective to the conversation.
Next, Dr. Stewart Hilliard, a behavioral neuroscientist with a PhD and 45 years of experience in training and breeding working dogs. Much of his career has been devoted to military dog training, establishing him as one of the foremost authorities in the field.
Finally, Michael Ellis, a legendary trainer with 45 years of experience. In the past Michael has spent over a decade giving seminars for police, sport, and search-and-rescue dog handlers. He’s the founder of the Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers, which he has run for 15 years, and a breeder of exceptional Belgian Malinois.
Together, we dissect the AVSAB position statement, reveal its contradictions, and discuss the true science and ethics behind effective dog training.
Subscribe Like Share and of course comment!
Ivan Balabanov is a 2-time World Champion dog trainer, Ot Vitosha Malinois breeder, trainer of Premier Protection Dogs and founder of the revolutionary Training Without Conflict® dog training system.
For more information about Ivan Balabanov's Dog Training School and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out:
https://trainingwithoutconflict.com
https://malinois.com
https://premierprotectiondogs.com
Please like, comment, and share with your dog friends💪🏼
Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Fifty-One: Jim Bradley
Today, I had an insightful conversation with Jim Bradley, who, for the past several years, has been dedicated to rescuing Malinois dogs on the side while maintaining a full-time job. Jim runs a rescue organization and has also gone trough my Training Without Conflict® Certification Program.
In our discussion, we delve into the complexities of rehoming dogs, the current state of animal shelters, and explore potential improvements in how they operate. We also touch on the commitment it takes to volunteer in this field.
Furthermore, we challenge the Force Free ideology, discussing how sometimes, in the face of real-world challenges, difficult decisions must be made beyond idealistic approaches. Get ready for a thought-provoking episode!
Ivan Balabanov is a 2-time World Champion dog trainer, Ot Vitosha Malinois breeder, trainer of Premier Protection Dogs and founder of the revolutionary Training Without Conflict® dog training system.
For more information about Ivan Balabanov's Dog Training School and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out:
https://trainingwithoutconflict.com
https://malinois.com
https://premierprotectiondogs.com
Please like, comment, and share with your dog friends💪🏼
Welcome to another episode of my TWC podcast, where we dive deep into the real world of dog training and behavior. Today, I’m thrilled to have Jacqui Zakar join me. Jacqui is a professional dog trainer based in Perth, Australia, and the founder of Dog Sense Training and Behavior. She’s not just a trainer—she’s an investigator, spending countless hours combing through past and current canine research papers to expose the flaws and misleading narratives that are flooding the industry worldwide.
Jacqui and I have had extensive private conversations on these topics, which led us to record this podcast. If you’re a dog trainer feeling confused or frustrated by the current propaganda being pushed by ideologists, this episode is for you. Together, we’ll cut through the noise and bring you clarity, context, and practical insights.
Make sure to like, share, and subscribe to stay connected and help us spread the word. Let’s get into it!
For more information about Ivan Balabanov's Dog Training School and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out:
https://trainingwithoutconflict.com
https://malinois.com
https://premierprotectiondogs.com
Please like, comment, and share with your dog friends💪🏼
