Canine Connection Podcast
Canine Connection Podcast

Canine Connection Podcast

Petra Ford & Laurie Winter Strimavicious

Overview
Episodes

Details

Canine Connection is a podcast for dog lovers, by dog lovers—people who are passionate about dog training and the incredible bond it builds between us and our dogs. We believe dog training is all about communication, and we’re here to talk about it in a way that’s approachable and relatable. Whether you're involved in dog sports or just want to better understand your pup, we’ll break down training concepts that apply across the board. Through honest conversations and inspiring interviews, we’ll explore mindset, motivation, and real-life experiences—plus share practical, actionable tips to help you grow alongside your dog. If you love all things dogs, dog training and dog sports and want to deepen your connection with your canine companion, you’re in the right place.

Recent Episodes

Episode 37: Optimal Arousal, Reducing Pressure, Offering for Empowerment
APR 28, 2026
Episode 37: Optimal Arousal, Reducing Pressure, Offering for Empowerment
<p>In this detailed discussion, Petra and Laurie discuss teaching dogs to manage their own arousal, striving for optimal arousal in training and in the ring, removing all pressure from training and trialing, and using offering as an empowerment tool. They discuss practical strategies, and the importance of patience and consistency in training.</p><p>CHAPTERS:</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Canine Connection Podcast</p><p>01:14 Understanding Ever's Arousal State</p><p>06:21 Training Challenges and Realizations</p><p>12:00 Shifting Training Approaches</p><p>17:11 Progress and Patience in Training</p><p>20:00 Real-Life Application in Trials</p><p>25:17 Handling Pressure in the Ring</p><p>30:14 The Importance of Consistency in Training</p><p>34:08 Initiating Play and Engagement</p><p>40:43 The Challenge of Patience in Training</p><p>43:02 Navigating the Pressure of Training Environments</p><p>46:05 Building Confidence Through Motion Games</p><p>48:00 Adjusting Strategies After Setbacks</p><p>51:05 Understanding Behavior and Building Trust</p><p>53:58 The Importance of Autonomy in Training</p><p>01:00:00 Long-Term Goals and Adjusting Expectations</p><p>CONTACT US:</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod">https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast">https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast</a></p><p>PETRA:</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/">https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com">www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com</a></p><p>LAURIE:</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius">https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025">https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025</a></p><p> </p>
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72 MIN
Episode 36: What We Learned At A Mondioring Seminar
APR 20, 2026
Episode 36: What We Learned At A Mondioring Seminar
<p>Join Petra and Laurie as they recap their fun day of playing with their dogs at a Mondioring seminar. Mondioring is considered a “bite sport” but it’s so much more! It emphasizes fun, confidence, and versatility for all breeds. Discover training insights, proofing techniques, and how this sport can enhance your dog's confidence and skills. Remember, training is training…and we can learn from ALL dog sports!</p><p>CHAPTERS:</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Mondioring and Its Appeal</p><p>02:55 Training Techniques and Building Confidence</p><p>05:52 The Importance of Fun in Training</p><p>09:02 Creative Distractions in Training</p><p>11:59 Proofing and Its Role in Dog Training</p><p>14:47 Challenges and Unique Experiences in Trials</p><p>17:59 Mindset and the Importance of Confidence</p><p>20:59 Conclusion and Future Considerations</p><p>23:51 Celebrating Dog Achievements</p><p>27:27 The Importance of Fun in Training</p><p>32:26 Understanding Bite Work and Safety</p><p>36:15 Exploring New Challenges for Dogs</p><p>CONTACT US:</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod">https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast">https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast</a></p><p>PETRA:</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/">https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com">www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com</a></p><p>LAURIE:</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius">https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025">https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025</a></p>
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38 MIN
Random Reflections: We All Feel Pressure!
APR 13, 2026
Random Reflections: We All Feel Pressure!
<p> Petra and Laurie explore the mental pressures faced by dog sport competitors, sharing personal experiences and strategies for managing expectations, criticism, and self-doubt. They emphasize the importance of process goals, mental resilience, and fostering a supportive community.</p><p>CHAPTERS:</p><p>00:00 Understanding Human Pressure in Dog Sports</p><p>02:54 Managing Expectations and Self-Worth</p><p>05:46 The Role of Social Media and Community Support</p><p>08:59 Overcoming Performance Anxiety</p><p>11:58 The Importance of Process Goals</p><p>14:57 Building Resilience Through Competition</p><p>18:08 Creating a Supportive Environment in Dog Sports</p><p>21:08 The Reality of Competition and Performance</p><p>23:59 Transferring Skills to Everyday Life</p><p>26:59 Fostering Empathy and Respect in the Sport</p><p>CONTACT US:</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod">https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast">https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast</a></p><p>PETRA:</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/">https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com">www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com</a></p><p>LAURIE:</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius">https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025">https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025</a></p>
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38 MIN
Random Reflections: The Power of Rest
APR 6, 2026
Random Reflections: The Power of Rest
<p>Petra and Laurie discuss the importance of relaxation and rest for dogs and humans, covering physical and mental recovery, training strategies, and how to incorporate rest into busy schedules.</p><p>CHAPTERS:</p><p>00:00 The Importance of Time Off for Dogs</p><p>03:01 Understanding Physical and Mental Recovery</p><p>06:02 Strategies for Managing Time Off</p><p>08:49 The Role of Rest in Training</p><p>11:56 Recognizing the Need for Breaks</p><p>15:03 The Value of Latent Learning</p><p>17:54 Incorporating Variety in Training</p><p>21:01 The Balance Between Training and Rest</p><p>23:59 Finding Joy in Different Activities</p><p>27:01 The Mental Aspect of Taking Breaks</p><p>29:54 Conclusion: Embracing Time Off</p><p>CONTACT US:</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod">https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast">https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast</a></p><p>PETRA:</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/">https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com">www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com</a></p><p>LAURIE:</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius">https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025">https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025</a></p>
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34 MIN
Episode 35: Empowerment Using Offering
MAR 30, 2026
Episode 35: Empowerment Using Offering
<p>In this episode, Petra and Laurie talk about the ongoing journey to get a more relaxed dog in the ring. They talk about using offering as an engagement tool and a way to reduce perceived pressure. They talk about building confidence, managing arousal levels, and fostering a positive relationship with dogs through patience and understanding. They share practical insights and personal experiences to help handlers improve their training approach.</p><p>CHAPTERS:</p><p>00:00 Understanding Dog Behavior and Perception</p><p>03:09 The Importance of Choice in Training</p><p>06:05 Building Engagement Through Play</p><p>09:01 Navigating Training Environments</p><p>12:16 Empowering Dogs Through Agency</p><p>15:09 Shifting the Training Dynamic</p><p>18:18 Recognizing and Addressing Pressure in Training</p><p>27:47 Understanding Ego in Dog Training</p><p>30:23 The Complexity of Arousal in Training</p><p>36:56 Finding the Right Arousal Level</p><p>40:46 Training in the Right Arousal State</p><p>52:40 Building Confidence and Speed in Dogs</p><p>CONTACT US:</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod">https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast">https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast</a></p><p>PETRA:</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/">https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com">www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com</a></p><p>LAURIE:</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius">https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025">https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025</a></p>
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56 MIN