Pet to Pal dog training

06/08/2026

In episode 28 of the Pet To Pal Podcast, Jonas Black (Punk Ass Dog Trainer) joins Matt Maltese if Pet To Pal Dog Training for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had on the show.

We discuss the current state of the dog training industry, why trainers become trapped in ideological camps, the importance of critical thinking, neuroscience in dog training, social media fame, mentorship, certification standards, wolf advocacy, and the future of the profession.

Jonas also opens up about some of the biggest lessons from his career, the dogs that humbled him, the rise and fall of his online platform, becoming a father, and the devastating loss of two of his dogs to cancer.

Whether you’re a professional trainer or a dedicated dog owner, this episode offers valuable insights into behavior, learning, training philosophy, and the human side of working with dogs.

In This Episode:

* How Jonas got started in dog training
* Trainers who influenced his career
* The dog that completely changed his approach
* Why dog training camps hurt progress
* The role of neuroscience in behavior modification
* Why trainers need to self-audit
* The Professional Association of Dog Trainers (PADT)
* Certification standards and industry accountability
* Wolf advocacy and livestock conflict solutions
* Social media, branding, and “Punk Ass Dog Trainer”
* Losing Wolfie and Wyatt
* Fatherhood, empathy, and personal growth

Follow Jonas Black:
📍 Website: https://jonasblack.com
📍 Instagram: .black
📍 TikTok:

Follow Pet To Pal:
📍 Website: https://pettopal.com
📍 Instagram:
📍 Facebook: Pet To Pal Dog Training

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, rate, review, and share it. It helps us continue bringing you conversations with some of the most respected professionals in the dog world.



https://youtu.be/IRO24CekhUY?si=rbvrgoBkVM972gYJ

In episode 28 of the Pet To Pal Podcast, Jonas Black (Punk Ass Dog ...

06/05/2026

Your dog doesn’t hate grooming…

They hate being brushed for 2 months worth of tangles in one sitting. 😬🐶

06/02/2026

“Crate training is abusive.”

No — an unstructured, overwhelmed dog with no safe place to decompress is the bigger problem.

A properly introduced crate gives dogs:
✔ structure
✔ safety
✔ downtime
✔ emotional regulation
✔ independence

Dogs are den animals. When crate training is done correctly, most dogs eventually choose to relax there on their own.

One of the most underrated tools in dog training. 🐾

06/01/2026

Episode 27 of the Pet To Pal Podcast is out now!

Nancy Bryson

What really happens behind the grooming table?In episode 27 of the Pet To Pal Podcast, Professional dog groomers Nancy Bryson, Alessia Macri, and Giulia Laud...

06/01/2026

What really happens behind the grooming table?

In episode 27 of the Pet To Pal Podcast, Professional dog groomers Nancy Bryson, Alessia Macri, and Giulia Laudari join Matthew Maltese of Pet To Pal Dog Training for an honest conversation about the realities of dog grooming, from severe matting and difficult dogs to pricing, client expectations, and the biggest mistakes dog owners make.

In this episode, our panel discusses:
🐾 Why some dogs need to be shaved and others should never be shaved
🐾 The truth about matting and its impact on a dog’s health and comfort
🐾 Why grooming costs what it does
🐾 Difficult clients, cancellations, and setting boundaries
🐾 How grooming can influence dog behavior and confidence
🐾 Social media’s impact on grooming trends and owner expectations
🐾 Grooming myths that refuse to die
🐾 The difference between technical grooming skill and dog handling
🐾 Funny, shocking, and unforgettable grooming stories from behind the scenes

Whether you’re a dog owner, groomer, trainer, or pet industry professional, this episode offers valuable insight into an industry that is often misunderstood.

Guests:
🔹 Nancy Bryson
🔹 Alessia Macri
🔹 Giulia Laudari

Follow Our Guests on IG:
📍 Nancy Bryson –
📍 Alessia Macri –
📍 Giulia Laudari –

Full episode available on YouTube + Spotify + Apple Podcasts

🎙️ Subscribe to the Pet To Pal Podcast for more conversations with trainers, groomers, veterinarians, breeders, and pet industry professionals.

06/01/2026

“If positive-only works for every dog…
why do those dogs keep ending up with balanced trainers?”

That’s the uncomfortable conversation nobody wants to have.

Positive reinforcement is a HUGE part of good training.
Most balanced trainers use it every single day.

But communication isn’t complete if your dog only hears “yes.”

At some point, clarity and accountability matter too.

🎙️ Full episode out now

05/29/2026

Most trainers actually agree on 90% of things.

The problem?

The extremes are the loudest.

On one side:
“No corrections ever.”

On the other:
Compulsion and force.

Somewhere in the middle is balance:
✔️ Clear communication
✔️ Fair accountability
✔️ Giving dogs a chance to succeed

The dog training world doesn’t need more extremism.
It needs more nuance.

🎙️ Full episode out now

05/27/2026

You can’t explain things to your dog.

You can’t sit them down and say:
“Hey, this behavior isn’t safe…”

They don’t speak English.

That’s why clarity matters.

Dogs don’t need lectures.
They need clear communication about what’s right and what’s not.

Trying to “gentle parent” your dog without structure?
That’s where things start to fall apart.

🎙️ Full episode out now

05/25/2026

Ep. 26 of the Pet To Pal Podcast w/ guest Justin Rigney is out now!

In episode 26 of the Pet To Pal Podcast, I sit down with Justin Rigney — a former law enforcement K9 handler with over 17 years of experience and decades in ...

05/25/2026

Ep. 26 of the Pet To Pal Podcast w/ guest Justin Rigney is out now on YouTube + Spotify + Apple Podcasts

Justin spent many years as a K9 handler, he has experience in dog sports, personal protection, and pet obedience. His story is one you’ll definitely want to hear.

In this snippet clip, Justin Rigney breaks down what sport trainers and pet trainers can actually learn from each other.

Give the episode a watch and let us know what you think 🐾

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