Robin and the host discuss how her stock dog training evolved from physically exhausting methods to a pressure-and-release approach that created better communication and partnership with her dogs. Robin compares this shift to a breakthrough moment in skiing—after years of trying too hard under her demanding father’s coaching, she finally made an effortless, correct turn later in life, which helped her understand the value of feel over force. She describes a specific round pen moment where stepping back released pressure and changed her dog’s movement, leading her to work smarter, train faster, and develop a more enjoyable team dynamic. Robin explains how her dog-training work became a career over about 30 years through ranchers noticing her dogs, leading to training and selling dogs—starting with selling her first dog, Tiff, when she was pregnant, to a Hereford, Oregon ranch that later bought many more dogs. She tells a key story about Sue, a small, initially unconfident dog bought in Baker City, who became a standout head dog after Robin built her confidence; Sue later helped Robin move three stubborn Angus bulls out of heavy brush and a creek at Soldier Creek Ranch in Idaho using sustained pressure and timely release over several hours. Robin shares her ‘cup of confidence’ analogy: negative incidents can drain confidence, while teamwork and successful experiences can add confidence back, though genetics still matter.

00:00 Back on the Ranch: A More Powerful Dog & Harder Work
01:20 The Skiing Parable: Trying Too Hard vs Effortless Feel
04:48 The Breakthrough: Discovering Pressure & Release in the Round Pen
08:25 Going Pro: Selling the First Dog & Training Through Motherhood
11:08 Sue the Little Dog: Building Confidence Into a Great Cow Dog
13:26 Real-World Test: Moving Three Stubborn Bulls with Patience
18:57 Dog ‘Clout’ & Confidence: The Teaspoon-in-the-Cup Analogy
22:39 Trials, Business Growth & What’s Next for the Podcast
26:23 Wrap-Up: Listener Questions, Email/Website, and See You Next Time

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