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 32: Importance of Life Skills
MAR 2, 2026
Episode 32: Importance of Life Skills
<p>In this episode of the Canine Connection Podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss the importance of life skills in dog training, emphasizing that understanding a dog's personality and behavior is crucial for effective training. They highlight the need for safety skills like recalls and stays. They discuss how life skills impact performance training. The conversation also covers the role of observation in understanding a dog's needs and motivations, and how past experiences can influence current behavior. The episode concludes with a reminder that training is an ongoing process that requires consistency and patience.</p><p>CHAPTERS:</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Seminar Insights</p><p>03:09 The Importance of Life Skills in Dog Training</p><p>06:21 Understanding Your Dog's Personality</p><p>09:08 Safety and Recall Training</p><p>12:17 The Role of Consistency in Training</p><p>15:10 Addressing Impulse Control and Relationship Dynamics</p><p>18:18 Maintaining Training Standards Over Time</p><p>22:10 Understanding Dog Behavior and Personality</p><p>25:18 Training Techniques Based on Dog's Nature</p><p>30:06 The Importance of Objective Observation</p><p>34:10 Emotional Detachment in Training</p><p>37:11 Life Skills and Responsibility in Dog Training</p><p>FOLLOW 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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40 MIN
Episode 31: Training Is Hard
FEB 23, 2026
Episode 31: Training Is Hard
<p>In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss the challenges of dog training, particularly in the context of competition. They explore various training techniques, the importance of managing a dog's arousal levels, and the emotional responses that arise during trials. The conversation emphasizes the need for resilience in dogs, the significance of effort and engagement, and the complexities of reinforcement strategies. They also touch on the importance of allowing dogs to figure things out on their own and the necessity of adapting training methods to suit individual dogs. The episode concludes with reflections on the ongoing journey of dog training and the importance of flexibility and experimentation.</p><p>CHAPTERS:</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Context Setting</p><p>01:46 Challenges in the Trial Ring</p><p>04:37 Adjusting Training Techniques</p><p>08:33 Finding the Right Arousal Level</p><p>10:52 Transitioning and Managing Expectations</p><p>14:45 Implementing New Strategies</p><p>18:44 Doodling and Emotional Awareness</p><p>22:40 Exploring Arousal Techniques</p><p>26:42 Final Thoughts and Future Plans</p><p>28:04 Shifting Mindsets in Training</p><p>31:11 Understanding Dog Intelligence and Learning</p><p>33:33 The Complexity of Training Methods</p><p>36:19 The Challenge of Reinforcement in Training</p><p>40:11 Navigating Competition Stress</p><p>43:37 Building Resilience in Dogs</p><p>48:18 The Importance of Flexibility in Training</p><p></p><p>FOLLOW 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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52 MIN
Episode 30: Experimenting
FEB 17, 2026
Episode 30: Experimenting
<p>In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie delve into the challenge of getting the same dog in the ring as in training. They talk about managing and sometimes modifying our expectations to meet the individual personality traits of the dog. They discuss training in the same arousal state the dog presents in trialing, while always working towards an ideal end picture. The conversation emphasizes the significance of patience, communication, and the acceptance of each dog's unique qualities, while also addressing the pressures trainers face in achieving their goals. Ultimately, the episode highlights the ongoing journey of learning and adapting in the world of dog training.</p><p>CHAPTERS:</p><p>00:00 The Journey of Training Dogs</p><p>02:59 Understanding Dog Behavior in Trials</p><p>06:01 The Challenge of Arousal States</p><p>09:09 Accepting Individual Dog Personalities</p><p>12:13 The Importance of Positive Reinforcement</p><p>15:24 Finding Balance in Training Methods</p><p>18:10 The Role of Pressure in Performance</p><p>21:15 Reinforcing Confidence in Dogs</p><p>23:57 The Impact of Expectations on Training</p><p>27:05 The Reality of Different Breeds</p><p>30:12 The Never-Ending Process of Dog Training</p><p>FOLLOW 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><p></p>
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70 MIN
Episode 29: Interview with Peggy Gibbon of The Seeing Eye in Morristown, NJ
FEB 10, 2026
Episode 29: Interview with Peggy Gibbon of The Seeing Eye in Morristown, NJ
<p>In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, hosts Petra and Laurie interview Peggy Gibbon, a retired Instructor and Director for The Seeing Eye Guide Dog School in Morristown, NJ. Peggy shares her journey of working with dogs for over 42 years, discussing the importance of puppy raisers, the training process for guide dogs, and the impact these dogs have on the lives of their handlers. She emphasizes the significance of genetics in breeding, the selection process for matching dogs with handlers, and the need for clarity in training. They discuss the incredible training behind these dogs and their ability to quickly generalize what they learn. The conversation highlights the passion and dedication of everyone involved in the guide dog program, showcasing how these dogs truly change lives.</p><p>CHAPTERS:</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Peggy Gibbon</p><p>02:42 Peggy's Journey to the Seeing Eye</p><p>05:10 Training Guide Dogs: Then and Now</p><p>08:21 The Role of Puppy Raisers</p><p>12:15 Community Support in Puppy Raising</p><p>21:18 Peggy's Career Progression at the Seeing Eye</p><p>26:38 The Structured Training Program</p><p>30:19 Motivation and Bonding with Dogs</p><p>35:45 Tailoring Training to Individual Needs</p><p>39:35 The Matching Process: Dog and Handler</p><p>46:17 The Breeding Program's Role in Success</p><p>01:03:13 Understanding Car Sickness in Puppies</p><p>01:04:33 The Importance of Saying 'No' in Training</p><p>01:07:09 Building Confidence Through Clarity</p><p>01:09:52 The Teamwork Between Dog and Handler</p><p>01:11:50 Genetics vs. Training: What Makes a Great Guide Dog?</p><p>01:17:59 Transferring Training Techniques Across Disciplines</p><p>01:21:09 The Impact of Guide Dogs on Lives</p><p>01:29:00 The Passion Behind the Seeing Eye Organization</p><p>FOLLOW 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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94 MIN
Episode 28: Increasing Arousal
FEB 2, 2026
Episode 28: Increasing Arousal
<p>In this conversation, Laurie and Petra discuss how many dogs do not have high arousal issues. Rather they need help increasing arousal. They talk about the power of keen observation and understanding each dog as a unique individual. It is possible to find what increases your dog’s arousal but you may need to be creative and think outside the box. They emphasize the parallels between human interactions and dog training, highlighting how dogs, much like people, have their own comfort zones and preferences. Petra shares anecdotes about her experiences with her dogs, illustrating how crucial it is to read their body language and respect their boundaries. The discussion also touches on the significance of building a strong relationship with dogs, which involves listening to their needs and preferences rather than imposing human expectations on them.</p><p>As the conversation progresses, Laurie and Petra explore the idea that training should be a collaborative and enjoyable experience for both the dog and the owner. They stress the importance of being observant and adaptable, noting that each dog is unique and requires a tailored approach. The episode concludes with a call to action for dog owners to invest time in understanding their pets, fostering a deeper bond that enhances both training and everyday interactions. This insightful dialogue serves as a reminder that the foundation of effective dog training lies in mutual respect and understanding.</p><p>CHAPTERS:</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Canine Behavior</p><p>31:12 The Importance of Being Normal</p><p>32:44 Understanding Dog Comfort Zones</p><p>37:02 Building a Relationship with Your Dog</p><p>43:00 Listening to Your Dog</p><p>48:55 The Power of Interaction in Training</p><p>55:55 Respecting Individuality in Dogs</p><p>01:00:02 Conclusion and Future Discussions</p><p>FOLLOW 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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60 MIN