Certified Fear-Mongers (Oops, I Mean Dog Trainers)
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In this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, Kati Peppe—owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine—responds to a viral social post aimed at prong and e-collar users. Kati agrees owners should ask trainers about tools, but says the real question is what consequences a trainer uses to make behavior reliable. She contrasts “teaching a skill” vs. “making it non-optional,” argues for results over credentials, and shares a fresh success story of an anxious dog learning to sit calmly around distractions.
Episode Highlights
- Ask about tools—and consequences: Teaching sit is easy; making it required around distractions needs fair, tangible follow-through.
- Yes, a good trainer can “train without tools”… but why handicap owners? Tools make clarity, efficiency, and reliability reachable.
- Teaching vs. reliability: Rewards build behaviors; consequences make them non-optional when it matters (recalls, safety, public).
- Don’t be combative: Curiosity beats confrontation when interviewing trainers; expect a program—not client-dictated methods.
- Results over letters: Durable outcomes > titles, fame, or 30-second tips with no proof.
- Off-leash stakes are high: Tools put control in the handler’s hands so dogs can be freely off-leash—reliably.
- Owner win: After one lesson and proper fit, an anxious dog held a sit as another dog passed—no more sled-dog harness pulling.
Minute-by-Minute Breakdown
- 00:31 – Who we are: Diamond K9; off-leash reliability, behavior work, and state-of-mind training (plus puppies).
- 01:29 – The post: meme targeting prong/e-collar trainers; why it lit a fire.
- 02:28 – At face value, asking about tools is good—context and comments are the problem.
- 03:39 – Owners should ask about equipment: you’ll use these tools long-term.
- 04:31 – “Can you train without tools?” Sure—but like building a house without power saws; it’s harder and less practical for owners.
- 06:09 – Tools make average owners effective and efficient.
- 07:50 – Reliability needs consequences: difference between teaching a cue and making it required.
- 09:24 – Flip the question: “What negative consequences do you use to make behavior non-optional?”
- 11:22 – Why “more time/leash/bacon” isn’t an answer for off-leash reliability.
- 12:50 – On certifications and fear-mongering; owners get stuck half-trained.
- 16:22 – Results > credentials: show durable change, not 30-second hacks.
- 18:28 – Finish the training: consequences complete the program so dogs can be free and safe.
- 21:20 – Interviewing trainers without turning it into a fight; the trainer sets the program.
- 22:44 – Why Kati uses these tools: control, clarity, and real-world safety.
- 28:27 – Don’t hide tools; standing by what works helps others find the path.
- 29:40 – More people pushing back online; the “used properly” disclaimer and tool analogies.
- 33:41 – Private-lesson case: prong-collar hesitance → calm sit near another dog the same day.
- 36:50 – Building calm via leash pressure–release; owners see the shift fast.
- 37:51 – Wrap & call for questions: [email protected].