Larry Krohn on Dog Training, Aggression Rehab, and the Real Work Behind Transformation
- Nathan Schoemer
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to train a difficult dog—or just want to level up your skills as a handler—this deep-dive interview with Larry Krohn is one you won’t want to miss.
In this episode of the Nate Schoemer Dog Training Podcast, I sat down with Larry Krohn—a retired federal agent and now a highly respected dog trainer. We dove deep into behavior science, remote collar training, aggression rehab, and even the burnout that comes with pouring yourself into the work. Larry shared not just techniques, but mindset shifts that have helped him grow through decades of experience. This episode is packed with insight, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Why Larry’s Voice Matters
Larry is one of the few trainers who can blend science, real-world aggression rehab, and heart-centered leadership. He’s not just skilled—he’s lived it. From training dogs five nights a week after his federal job to eventually working out of his home full-time, Larry has trained countless dogs and shaped the way many trainers see the profession.
His passion for learning from sport dog trainers transformed his approach. “Pet dog trainers, especially young pet dog trainers, please, please, please go learn from the best of the best in the sport dog world. Because it changed my life,” he says. This shift, sparked at his first sport dog seminar, opened his eyes to precision and intensity he hadn’t seen before, reshaping how he trains even the most challenging pet dogs.
Key Dog Training Lessons from the Episode (Backed by Research and Real Examples)
To truly bring these lessons to life, I’ve included not only the science but also direct insights and stories from Larry’s interview. These examples show how expert advice connects with real-world results.
1. Play Is Non-Negotiable
Larry emphasizes that play is foundational—not just a warm-up or reward, but a diagnostic tool for understanding the dog’s state of mind and relationship with the handler. One of the first things he asks of his virtual clients is for them to send a video of themselves playing with their dog. “It tells me a lot,” he says. “I can see their energy, their bond, how engaged the dog is, how responsive, even if they’re comfortable touching the dog. It’s a window into everything that matters before we even start training.”
Research shows that structured play enhances learning, obedience, and trust in dogs. Puppies who participated in structured play sessions responded better to commands and exhibited fewer behavior problems compared to those in unstructured play environments (PMC Study). Play also builds social trust. According to Cell Press, dogs use honest signals during play—like the play bow—to show friendly intentions, deepening the bond with humans (Cell Press). Structured games like tug-of-war have also been proven not to increase aggression but instead improve attention and obedience (ePrints Soton).
Common mistakes Larry sees in play videos include ramming the toy in the dog’s face (“the suicide rabbit”), shaking the tug excessively (“masturbation tug”), or interrupting play with premature obedience commands. “They’re ten seconds into it and say ‘sit’ or ‘out,’” he notes. “The dog’s giving effort, and you’re cutting him off.” Instead, he advises mimicking how dogs play naturally—competing to win the toy with movement and challenge—to build engagement and set rules that translate to obedience.
2. Handler First, Dog Second
Larry shares a story of working with a client who couldn't get their dog to sit on command, despite using food rewards and praise. “I watched her give the command and immediately lean forward while shaking the treat pouch,” Larry said. “The dog had no idea what to focus on—he was reading the body, not the word.”
This type of miscommunication, known as cue overshadowing, is a common timing error in dog training. Learning theory shows that when multiple cues are given at once, dogs will often focus on the most obvious or consistent one—usually body language over verbal commands (SoMuchPETential). Timely feedback also improves learning outcomes and reduces frustration in dogs (PMC Study). Consistent reinforcement—without accidental rewards—is critical. For example, if a dog jumps up and the owner laughs or pets it, the dog learns that jumping earns attention (VCA Hospitals). Effective handlers prioritize clarity, timing, and consistency over just repetition.
“The hardest thing in dog training is breaking human habits,” Larry says. He stresses that trainers must focus on the handler’s actions—how they reward, correct, or inadvertently reinforce behaviors—before addressing the dog. A skilled handler can make a poorly trained dog look good, while a novice can undermine even a well-trained dog.
3. Aggression Work Is About Fairness, Not Fear
Modern behavioral science supports Larry’s use of bite suits to address aggression. Allowing dogs to experience “natural consequences” like an unreactive bite target can extinguish the power behind aggression, aligning with counter-conditioning principles (PMC). Research also shows that muzzled dogs often experience stress or passivity, whereas bite suits allow full expression without harm, giving dogs a natural, safe learning experience (ScienceDirect).
“The dog puts their teeth on me, and I have no reaction. Suddenly, that behavior loses power.” Larry explains that by using a long line (30 feet) and staying neutral, he lets the dog choose to bite or explore. If the dog bites, there’s no fight or reaction, defusing the behavior. If the dog makes a positive choice, like sniffing or playing, it’s celebrated with tug or praise, often leading to breakthroughs in a single session. He cites a Cane Corso with severe human aggression that, after this approach, now plays off-leash with strangers years later.
4. The Problem Is Usually in the House
Household dynamics are often the root of behavior problems. Dogs without structured obedience training show more aggression and separation anxiety (Purdue Canine Welfare Science). Consistency is key. If a behavior results in attention or reward—intended or not—it will likely continue. Larry’s experiment with board-and-train dogs confirmed that structure at home alone can dramatically shift behavior.
“I took aggression cases for board-and-train and did no training—just structure,” Larry recalls. “Every dog gave up bad behaviors.” He compares a chaotic home to a “crack house,” where inconsistent rules fuel issues. To fix this, he insists on clear boundaries from day one, like crate training until a year old and no house freedom until two years old for high-drive dogs. “I’m obsessive early on,” he says, “so I don’t fix problems later.”
5. Trainer Growth Means Letting Go of Ego
The Dunning-Kruger effect explains why inexperienced trainers may overestimate their abilities. As trainers gain experience, humility sets in, leading to deeper learning and adaptability—traits Larry and I agree are vital for long-term success.
“At five years in, you think you know everything. At ten years in, you’re sure of it. And at 20 years, you realize you know nothing.” Larry reflects on his early days idolizing his first mentor, only to later see flaws in that approach. “The first person who influences you becomes a god,” he says. He urges young trainers to seek diverse perspectives, crediting mentors like Ivan Balabanov and Bart Bellon for reshaping his methods. This openness, coupled with self-criticism—evident when he apologizes for being too harsh at seminars—defines his growth.
Watch the Full Episode
Final Thoughts
One of the most powerful undercurrents in this conversation is Larry’s personal evolution as a trainer. He describes starting out with strong opinions and an ironclad sense of certainty, only to realize—over decades—that dog training is as much about listening and adapting as it is about leading.
He shared that early in his career, he felt a constant need to prove his knowledge. “I used to walk into every session ready to show them I was the expert,” Larry said. “Now, I walk in ready to listen—to the dog, to the owner, to what’s really going on. That’s where the breakthroughs happen.”
This humility shines in his emphasis on sincerity—connecting with dogs through genuine emotion, as seen in a UK seminar where an owner’s heartfelt response transformed a volatile border collie mix. “It was the purest thing,” Larry says, highlighting how authentic connection drives results.
This level of humility doesn’t come quickly, but it’s often what separates a good trainer from a great one. It’s the mindset shift from “What tool do I use here?” to “What does this dog need from me right now?” Larry’s approach, grounded in play, structure, and self-reflection, reminds us that training is a partnership built on trust and clarity.
This conversation is packed with science, stories, and strategies that every dog owner and trainer should hear. Backed by both real-life experience and peer-reviewed research, Larry Krohn’s insights bridge the gap between instinct and evidence. If you want a better-trained dog, the first place to look isn’t at your dog—it’s in the mirror.
Explore the Courses:
From Novice to Pro: The Ultimate Guide To Dog Training by Nate Schoemer
Transform your dog's behavior with clear, step-by-step guidance for both beginners and advanced handlers. Whether you're starting fresh or refining complex skills, this course has you covered.
Providing Freedom Through E-Collar Training by Larry Krohn
Master the essentials of e-collar training and unlock your dog’s true potential with Larry's time-tested, positive-based approach to freedom through communication.
The Ultimate Canine Communication Masterclass by Larry Krohn
From marker timing to play strategies and behavioral fixes, this course offers a deep dive into mastering communication between handler and dog for better results and a stronger bond.
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