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.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Peggy Gibbon

02:42 Peggy's Journey to the Seeing Eye

05:10 Training Guide Dogs: Then and Now

08:21 The Role of Puppy Raisers

12:15 Community Support in Puppy Raising

21:18 Peggy's Career Progression at the Seeing Eye

26:38 The Structured Training Program

30:19 Motivation and Bonding with Dogs

35:45 Tailoring Training to Individual Needs

39:35 The Matching Process: Dog and Handler

46:17 The Breeding Program's Role in Success

01:03:13 Understanding Car Sickness in Puppies

01:04:33 The Importance of Saying 'No' in Training

01:07:09 Building Confidence Through Clarity

01:09:52 The Teamwork Between Dog and Handler

01:11:50 Genetics vs. Training: What Makes a Great Guide Dog?

01:17:59 Transferring Training Techniques Across Disciplines

01:21:09 The Impact of Guide Dogs on Lives

01:29:00 The Passion Behind the Seeing Eye Organization

FOLLOW US:

https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod

https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast

PETRA:

https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/

www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com

LAURIE:

https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius

https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025

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.

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.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Canine Behavior

31:12 The Importance of Being Normal

32:44 Understanding Dog Comfort Zones

37:02 Building a Relationship with Your Dog

43:00 Listening to Your Dog

48:55 The Power of Interaction in Training

55:55 Respecting Individuality in Dogs

01:00:02 Conclusion and Future Discussions

FOLLOW US:

https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod

https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast

PETRA:

https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/

www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com

LAURIE:

https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius

https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025

In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, hosts Petra and Laurie dive into a variety of topics surrounding dog training, particularly focusing on the recent training camp Laurie conducted. They discuss the benefits of immersive training experiences, emphasizing how spending multiple days with dogs can enhance learning and foster community among trainers. Laurie shares her insights from teaching the camp, highlighting the importance of flexibility in teaching methods and the value of engaging with participants to address their specific needs and questions. The conversation also touches on the significance of open-mindedness in training, encouraging listeners to explore different training methods and sports to enrich their understanding and skills

Petra and Laurie further explore the challenges and joys of training dogs, including the necessity of observing canine behavior closely to address issues before they escalate. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences with different dogs and training techniques, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the field of dog training. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to attend seminars and camps, reinforcing the idea that dog training is a multifaceted journey that benefits from collaboration and shared knowledge.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Recent Events

01:34 Insights from the Training Camp

06:30 The Importance of Engagement in Learning

10:24 Open-Mindedness in Training

12:31 Exploring Different Training Methods

15:22 The Role of Problem-Solving in Training

18:17 The Benefits of Immersive Experiences

23:20 The Joy of Nose Work

25:17 Understanding Arousal in Dogs

28:09 Observing Dog Behavior

30:13 Managing High-Drive Dogs

32:06 The Importance of Training Seminars

FOLLOW US:

https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod

https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast

PETRA:

https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/

www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com

LAURIE:

https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius

https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025