In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ana Catarina Vieira de Castro, a researcher at the University of Porto (Portugal) specializing in canine behavior, welfare, and human–animal interactions, for a thoughtful discussion about one of the most contentious issues in modern dog training.
Catarina is well known for her research comparing reward-based (positive reinforcement) and aversive or mixed training methods. Her work is frequently cited within the force-free community, often as scientific support for calls to restrict or ban certain training tools through legislation.
Rather than dissecting individual papers line by line, our conversation focuses on the bigger and more difficult questions:
Do aversives have a place in dog training?
Are they effective, and under what conditions?
What are the welfare risks of using them improperly?
And just as importantly, what are the risks of removing them entirely through policy and legislation?
We explore how science, ethics, and real world practice intersect, especially in cases where idealized training models often break down.
Catarina’s published work including Carrots vs. Sticks (Applied Animal Behaviour Science), her PLOS ONE studies comparing training methods and welfare, and her contributions to the literature on stress, obedience, and the dog–owner bond forms the background context for why these questions matter beyond academic debate. These studies are widely referenced in discussions around regulation, bans, and professional standards, making it essential to talk not only about findings, but also about interpretation, limits, and unintended consequences.
Importantly, Catarina is also a dog trainer herself, which allowed this conversation to go beyond research settings and into the practical realities of working with real dogs.
This was also the first time a scientist whose work is so frequently cited in these debates was willing to sit down with me for an open, long form conversation, something that hasn’t been done in this space.
This episode is for trainers, behavior professionals, policymakers, and dog owners who want a deeper, more honest conversation about effectiveness, welfare, and the real risks on both sides of the training method debate.
In this solo podcast, I address the broader argument against aversive tools in dog training promoted by the AVSAB and the R+-only movement.Recently, Dr. Michael Bailey, President of the American Veterinary Medical Association, commented on the use of electronic collars in dog training. That comment triggered backlash and a strong response from Dr. Lisa Radosta, President of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.But this presentation is not about personalities.It’s about the claim that aversives never have a place in dog training.Using peer-reviewed research, learning theory, and real-world outcomes, I examine whether the “no aversives ever” position is actually supported by evidence and what happens to dogs when ideology overrides results.At the end, I invite you, the trainers and owners, to share stories of dogs who are alive today because balanced training worked when nothing else did.Outcomes matter.
In this episode, I break down one of the most damaging myths in modern dog training, the idea that all resource guarding is caused by Fear.I explain why this “fear-only” narrative collapses the moment you look at real behavior, and how it leads trainers and owners to misdiagnose dogs every day.I go into the difference between fear-based guarding and competitive, status-driven guarding… and why confusing the two creates bigger, long-term problems!If you want a clear, functional understanding of resource guarding, without ideology, this episode is for you.
In this episode I’m back with Melanie Uhde for a direct and unapologetic conversation about canine behavior, animal learning, and the growing gap between popular dog training ideology and biological reality. We examine commonly cited canine studies, how they’re often misread or selectively used, and why the force-free narrative fails to explain how animals actually learn, adapt, and thrive.
A major part of our conversation centers on adversity and aversives in training, not as something to be reflexively avoided, but as information. We talk about why challenge, discomfort, and even conflict are not inherently harmful, and why some dogs don’t just tolerate adversity but actively seek it. For many dogs, especially those with strong drives, the thrill of overcoming resistance, pressure, and difficulty is part of what makes learning meaningful!
This episode challenges the idea that good training must be sterile, effortless, or free of negative experience. Instead, we explore learning as it actually occurs in real animals, through consequences, feedback, success, failure, and resilience.
This conversation wasn’t meant to protect feelings or ideology. It’s for trainers, behavior professionals, and serious dog people who are interested in honest, EVIDENCE BASED discussions about animal learning, motivation, and performance.
In this episode, Ivan Balabanov and Will Bangura sit down for a direct, honest conversation about dog training, learning theory, and the claims behind “positive-only” methods.
No scripts. No prepared speeches. Just two trainers with very different philosophies trying to understand and challenge each other.
The points of agreement matter just as much as the disagreements.
Different philosophies. Different experiences. Same goal: truth over ideology.
This is only the beginning. Part 2 is already coming.
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💪🏼