Finding Your Flow: Artistry in Dog Training with Steve Goodall [Episode 278]

In this candid and soulful exploration of the trainer's journey, Ryan Cartlidge sits down with Steve Goodall — a director of Packed Dogs Limited , an ABTC registered animal training instructor , and a published author based in a small hamlet in Wales . Steve offers a refreshing look at the "why" behind our interactions with animals, drawing on his eclectic background in the DIY punk music scene and sound engineering to highlight the delicate balance between technical protocols and creative intuition . From his early days as a postman to leading a nationally recognized training organization, Steve's story is a testament to how welfare-first, science-based methods can transform both ends of the leash .

Together, Ryan and Steve dive into the concept of prosody and how our vocalizations and body language serve as a primary bridge for cross-species communication . Steve shares the moving story of his first rescue dog, Rocco, and the sudden tragedy that served as a "baptism of fire," propelling him into a career dedicated to fostering happy, healthy homes through emotional connection . They also discuss the importance of professional self-awareness, encouraging listeners to identify whether they are "systems-led operators" or "creative sparks" to build a more sustainable and fulfilling career .

Throughout this episode, we discuss:

• Steve's "Behavior Odyssey": A windy path from touring in punk bands to discovering the "magic" of clicker training and targeting with a Pringle's lid .

• The Art vs. Science Intersection: Why the most effective training happens when mechanics and protocols dance with instinctual creativity .

• Vocal Prosody: Exploring how the pitch, rhythm, and tone of the human voice can instinctively calm or excite an animal .

• Strengths-Based Training: The value of investigating your natural skills and investing time in playing to those strengths rather than fighting weaknesses .

• The Power of Patterns: What Steve has learned from watching hundreds of homework submissions and the specific movements that signal a "flow state" .

• Collaboration Over Competition: How the four directors at PACT leverage their diverse skills—from spreadsheets to storytelling—to move the industry forward .

• Embracing Playfulness: Moving from "learning the scales" to being proficient enough to play with the rules for better results .

Whether you are looking to refine your coaching skills or searching for inspiration after a personal setback, Steve's perspective provides a roadmap for staying curious, staying kind, and finding the rhythm in your training.

Links

PACT https://www.pact-dogs.com/

ABTC https://abtc.org.uk/

Steve's blog https://www.goodalldogtraining.com/blog