Pet To Pal Podcast · October 19, 2026 · 1 hr 2 min

Dog Training, Pressure & Freedom: Andrew Goldberg of Happy Go Lucky Dog Company & Doggie Stoic Pod

What does it really take to build a well-trained, confident dog? And how do we balance freedom, boundaries, play, and pressure in the training process? In episode 47 of the Pet To Pal Podcast, Matthew Maltese sits down with Andrew Goldberg of Happy Go Lucky Dog Company in Boca Raton, Florida. Andrew also hosts the Doggy Stoic Podcast, where he speaks with dog trainers to explore different training philosophies and continue learning. Andrew shares how he went from running pack walks and working with his own rescue dogs to building a dog-training business with multiple facilities and a team of trainers. We dive into the realities of modern dog training, including e-collar conditioning, LIMA, corrections, reinforcement, and the debate surrounding positive-only and balanced training approaches. We discuss why dogs need clear communication, how reinforcement history can shape behaviour, and why learning to navigate stress may be an important part of developing resilience. We also explore the role of play in dog training, how to build engagement with your dog, why repeating commands can create confusion, and how owners sometimes unintentionally reinforce the very behaviours they want to stop. Beyond training techniques, Andrew shares his thoughts on dog daycare, managing difficult behaviours, hiring and developing trainers, and building relationships with other professionals in the industry. Whether you’re a dog owner, a professional trainer, or someone interested in canine behaviour, this episode offers plenty to think about when it comes to how we train dogs and how we live with them. Connect with Andrew: Happy Go Lucky Dog Company — Instagram Doggy Stoic — Podcast Follow the Pet To Pal Podcast for more conversations with dog trainers and professionals working across the canine industry.