Pet To Pal Podcast · September 14, 2026 · 1 hr 5 min

Understanding the Dog Behind the Behavior | Josh Beckler, K9 Optima

What happens when a dog trainer who started with compulsion and corrections completely rethinks his approach? This week I'm joined by Josh Beckler of K9 Optima for one of my favorite conversations yet. Josh talks about his evolution as a trainer, from using leash corrections and compulsion to developing a more individualized, assessment-based approach to behavior. We dive into aggression, reactivity, fear, frustration, genetics, dopamine, nervous-system regulation, polyvagal theory, sensory communication, touch, leash pressure and the role of corrections in modern dog training. We also talk about the problems Josh sees with social-media dog training, the importance of actually putting in the reps with real dogs, and why trainers need to stay humble, curious and willing to ask, "What am I missing?" Josh is the author of The Infinite Approach: Modern Dog Training and Polyvagal Insights and founder of K9 Optima. A good episode for both dog owners and trainers , especially anyone interested in understanding what is happening underneath a dog's behavior rather than simply stopping the behavior itself.