3.6: Starting with Science — A Primer on Operant Conditioning (and Where We Stand on Training, Officially)

Recorded six weeks ago—if that gives any indication of how busy things have been — Episode 3.6 is short, sweet, and sets the table for the Season 3 finale with Dr. Melanie Uhde.Before taking listeners all the way to Science Town, hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh start with the basics: operant conditioning, the four quadrants, and what “punishment” actually means—hint: the dog decides, and it’s not a squirt bottle (at least not for Jenny’s GSD, Mando).Beyond terminology, this episode marks the first time balanced training is the main topic of discussion. Against the backdrop of an ideological war between training camps (and after experiencing some truly unhinged reactions to their willingness to stop behaviors that were quite literally going to get dogs killed), Ashlyn and Jenny discuss why balanced training is not only necessary, but often life-saving. They share real-world examples drawn from a statistically significant sample size (yes, they’re being scientific now) and explore whether lived experience can meaningfully influence the broader conversation. Or not—because, Jenny wonders, is it not just all the dogs on drugs?The episode also includes highlights from the Michael Ellis / Melanie Uhde Aversive Control seminar, including a gummy-adjacent encounter with a local trainer/breeder that very nearly didn’t make the cut.And for listeners less invested in the science and training discussion, skip ahead to Questions: resident nutrition savant Ashlyn shares some truly useful recommendations—especially for large breeds—you won’t want to miss.Stay tuned for Behind the Scenes where the banter is real, and listeners will understand why Shadowfax will never be invited to a podcast recording again.POD MENTIONS:Melanie UhdeMichael Ellis SchoolFixers Collective ReelAVSAB Veterinary Position StatementNutriscanOptagestMushroom Matrix Skin & CoatMyosConnectinCosequinPARTNER MENTIONS:Fixers CollectiveSaving Great AnimalsForever Home Dog RescueWashington Health OutreachRegional Animal Services King CountyPAWSADOPTABLE DOG MENTIONS:Tera TailsMosesCutie PieMangoThovenLunaRicoAsk us anything via Email: [e-mail] us on social media at @dgs.podcast00:00 3.6 Starting with Science01:12 Intro and exciting announcements03:39 3.5 Recap Dogs Biting Kids Fixers Collective10:21 Mango return13:16 Dogs on drugs but what are the people on?16:41 Melanie Uhde Primer20:43 Why we haven't REALLY talked about this before24:56 Operant Conditioning Primer: R+-P+-28:58 Punishment determined by behavior (dog determines what is aversive)30:58 Why punishment matters (stopping unwanted behaviors)34:17 Rolex breeder AWKWARD40:35 Running out of gas42:16 Good time at the seminar44:43 Why this is so important47:24 Real world experience: Luna53:41 A couple questions for Ashlyn on nutriscan (we got Joe's back) and Myos56:49 Myos question01:00:00 Final thoughts on "science"01:01:49 Behind the Scenes01:05:29 to dish or not to dish01:06:55 dog shot in cemetery01:07:28 Bloopers