Understanding the Dog Behind the Behavior | Josh Beckler, K9 Optima

What happens when a dog trainer who started with compulsion and corrections completely rethinks the way he approaches behavior? In this episode of the Pet To Pal Podcast, I'm joined by Josh Beckler of K9 Optima, a behavior-focused dog trainer and author of The Infinite Approach: Modern Dog Training and Polyvagal Insights. Josh shares how his approach to dog training has evolved over the years, why he believes assessment should come before intervention, and how he determines what is actually driving a dog's behavior. We get into some big topics, including: • Moving away from compulsion and correction-based training • The difference between a dog "losing it" and a dog "choosing it" • Fear, frustration, predation, conflict and hypersocial reactivity • Nervous-system regulation and polyvagal theory • Dopamine, arousal and using a dog's natural motivations • Touch and sensory communication • Leash pressure and punishment • When corrections may have a place in training • How genetics and high drive influence behavior • Why trainers need to stay curious and continue learning • The problems with social-media dog training and "stagecraft" • Why real-world experience with thousands of dogs matters Josh also shares some of the most difficult cases he's worked with and explains why he believes "meeting the dog before defeating the dog" is critical to becoming a better trainer. Find Josh / K9 Optima: K9 Optima The Infinite Approach: Modern Dog Training and Polyvagal Insights If you enjoyed the episode, make sure to like, subscribe, leave a review and share it with another dog owner or trainer. 🎙️ The Pet To Pal Podcast Hosted by Matthew Maltese Toronto, Canada