Heather Dahlin ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I have been a client of the author Bart for 10 years and involved in competitive dog sports for 15 years. I have a PhD in a biomedical related field from UW in Seattle and a BS in Animal Science from UC Davis. Bart uses all evidence based methods and is the best dog trainer I have ever met. I was very impressed by this video series because it explains the basics of animal behavior and many of the concepts were taught in my college level courses. More than that Bart is able to take theory and produce results. He can take a dog with mediocre breeding and make it perform at a high level. I have seen his methods in action personally and only have good things to say about his training. He tells you how to build a relationship with your dog and the foundation of his program is trust between dog and trainer/ owner. If you want to see theory put into practice, I highly recommend this video.

Thalia Opdyke ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

From Tyrant to Teacher Part 1 is a must watch ! What sets this video apart from the myriad of videos available to trainers today, is that it invites you to embark on a special journey — and in doing so, explains so eloquently why you should care to understand the fundamentals of how dogs (and really all living beings) learn and thrive. I have been working with Bart de Gols since 2012 and have trained and competed with dogs and horses in my younger years. I am not an authority on animal behavior, nor am I a professional film critic. I share this perspective from my current viewpoint as a human being, living with a family of humans and animals.

This film has had a huge impact on my dog training. It has inspired me to have fun and teach my dog through play, rather than command and correct behavior. It has inspired me to study the science and to ask questions, to increase my awareness and to practice the concepts. This film has inspired me to treat my dog as a partner in a lifelong relationship based on Trust, Respect and Fun. I enjoy the way Dr. de Gols weaves scientific principles with real-life examples in this video and I appreciate his sincere enthusiasm in helping people achieve success in their dog training. I highly recommend this film to anyone curious about where to start; and since this material will always be relevant, I also recommend this film to everyone as a worthwhile review and reference. An excellent production. Enjoy it again and again !

In the words of Dr. Seuss: “It’s better to learn how to learn than to know.” 

Once you understand how to learn, you can master most anything ! — Much better than simply storing factoids in our already overloaded brains. As this applies to dog training, From Tyrant to Teacher Part 2 is a high quality production by Bart de Gols and picks up nicely after Part 1. This video further explains why it’s crucial to fine tune our learning skills, acquire the most relevant scientific information combined with well-practiced mechanical skills and in turn, teach our dogs. This approach is far more powerful and empowering than simply filling our heads with facts, commands and vocabulary from any 2 week crash course on “puppy manners”. Most significantly, it delivers the long-lasting effects most of us seek in our dog training. It teaches us how to LIVE in partnership with our sport, protection and companion dogs through relationship-based training.

I have known Bart de Gols for nearly a decade and my 5 year learning experience with his school has given me a framework for life, not only in my relationship with my animals but also with people. Bart is an indefatigable optimist and sees possibilities where others see only frustrations. Throughout this film, he invites the viewer to explore new levels of excellence. Using clever animations, everyday examples and analogies, this film does a masterful job of presenting material that is interesting to both technical and general audiences at the same time. Truly remarkable in it’s execution, with excellent story boarding, audio and visuals, Bart de Gols achieves a high instruction standard by keeping both technical and general audiences fully engaged. The material presented in Part 1 is expanded upon and explored more deeply in Part 2 to reveal even more possibilities. This is certainly not a “How To” video, and could instead be considered a long-term investment in self-improvement and learning, with the bonus effect of taking your training of any dog to the next level of excellence. 
This video series should be in every library of learning. You won’t be disappointed !

Billye Crafton ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Like many pet owners, I have explored the wide variety of dog training and educational materials available.  More often than not my experience ended with me feeling conflicted about the information distributed and practical applications taught.  Leaving me with the feeling that I was gambling with my beloved dogs’ health and welfare.

In 2017, I discovered the Innovative Sport Dog Community founded by Cynologist, Bart De Gols.  After having had the experience of working with a multitude of professional dog trainers that primarily relied on outdated traditional training models. I was curious and inspired by Bart De Gols scientific relationship-based approach to dog training.  Specifically, his relationship-based approach to training canine working breeds.  A class of canine breeds that are routinely trained with compulsory methods and limited regard for the animal’s well-being.  I currently share my household with 4 canines, 2 German Shepherds, 2 Rottweilers and my 9 year old daughter.  All four of my dogs’ train, work, learn and play to this day at Bart De Gols amazing facility located in Tenino, Washington.

I am currently studying Applied Animal Behavior at the University of Washington.  My studies are focused on developing an ethological approach to analyzing animal behavior. Through analysis and extensive review of empirical evidence relating to evolutionary processes relevant to varying species throughout the animal kingdom.  “From Tyrant to Teacher, Foundation of Animal Behavior (Part 1)” is an introduction and in-depth comparative analysis of two species of the canid family.  Domestic dogs and the wolf. “From Tyrant to Teacher, Foundation of Animal Behavior (Part 1)” invites the viewer into an explorative analysis of the common dogs’ genetic divergence from the wolf and identifies how the human species impacted natural selection and began our relationship with the canine.  After setting the evolutionary background of the Canis Lupus Familiaris (common dog), “From Tyrant to Teacher, Foundation of Animal Behavior (Part 1)” catapults you into the fascinating study of animal behavior accompanied by essential advice necessary to bring awareness to your own behavior.  Preparing the viewer to learn the fundamental tools necessary for building a balanced and enjoyable relationship with their canine companion. 

“From Tyrant to Teacher, Foundation of Animal Behavior (Part 2)” Builds upon the foundations introduced in Part 1 and unveils interactive teaching tools to assist the viewer in understanding advanced concepts of behavioral analysis.  The production quality animations, descriptive diagrams, flow charts, statistical data representations and live video are of highest quality.  Effectively engage the viewer in a learning process that not only teaches you the concepts but shows you how to implement the knowledge gained into practical application.  The real-life examples included in “From Tyrant to Teacher, Foundation of Animal Behavior (Part 2)” provided by the De Gols family, inspire the viewer to start analyzing human behavioral patterns in their own households. Providing the understanding and awareness needed as they start to reshape how they interact on a day-to-day basis with their canine companions. Bringing attention to how pet owners unknowingly reinforce unwanted behaviors in their canine counterparts.  

The knowledge gained in this series has been fundamental in restructuring my ideologies and training goals. “From Tyrant to Teacher, Foundation of Animal Behavior (Part 1&2)” has hands down led to the success of my ability to manage and co-exist in a household shared with multiple working canines.  I recommend “From Tyrant to Teacher, Foundations of Animal Behavior (Part 1&2) to anyone that embraces scientifically proven methods and values the ethical responsibility we share in providing our cherished canines with species specific enrichment that meets their biological needs.

Sarah Van Der Mersch ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A must watch series for every animal- or dogtrainer. Bart De Gols explains in depth how dogs learn and goes way beyond the classical learning theories. Everything is very clear and easily explained which makes it applicable to your everyday training with your dog.
I loved how he emphasized the importance of a good relationship and clarity as the foundation of your relationship with your dog.
A must watch!

Primitivo Davis ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After spending my entire life with German Shepherds and the last 20 years in various forms of professional dog training I have finally found what I’m looking for! Bart de Gols is the best dog trainer & animal behaviorist I have ever met. (I have met many) A chance internet browse led me to his world renowned training philosophy. At his state of the art training facility I found a warm and friendly environment where my entire family could feel comfortable. 

"From Tyrant to Teacher: Foundation of Animal Behavior Part 1" will change your relationship with your K9, no matter how long you have studied/interacted with dogs! This video will present a scientifically based approach to establishing a solid relationship with your dog that will be the firm foundation by which you accomplish all of your goals! It taught me how to interact with my K9’s in such a way to get the best from both of us. It made my training more fun, and my progress faster and more consistent. This training video has brought out the best in my dog and me and caused my relationship with my dog to grow deeper and more meaningful. Ultimately, it provided me a path to mutual understanding between my K9’s and I during every interaction. From pet dog, to any type of working dog, champion sport dog, or personal protection dog...this teaching works! I have seen the results in my own animals. One of which was introduced to this later in life and the other which was trained in this philosophy from birth. It works!!! 

In my opionion you will find no better trainer who properly balances the intentionality of training a dog with the fun that should always be present for both the owner/handler and canine. A cultured and life experienced gentlemen, Bart de Gols works well with people from all backgrounds. Wether you are a farmer with a family pet, a big city business executive with K9 security needs, a competitor in working dog sports, or a military/law enforcement handler look no further. As a senior military officer, I know integrity and a work ethic when I see it. I will be a lifelong client of Bart de Gols. This cynologist (one who is scientifically studied in matters related to canines, there breeding, behaviors, etc.) and his entire training platform comes with my highest personal recommendation!

"From Tyrant to Teacher: Foundation of Animal Behavior Part 2" is by far one of the best videos on animal behavior I have ever watched! Together with Part 1 of the series, it is a must have for anyone from pet owner to professional dog trainer. The quality of the video rivals that of any professional studio. The production quality is combined with engaging content that is both scientific and practical. The many decades of hands on experience, combined with formal graduate education, allows Bart de Gols to take the most complicated and make it simple for the average learner. At the same time, the depth of knowledge is not superficial, but dives deep into the behavioral genetic antecedents of the animal kingdom. With just the right length and expertise, Bart de Gols delivers a power packed episode that you will need to watch and re-watch to grasp all that is offered. The content is delivered with creative white board animation software, and video of his own dog and family. I cannot recommend this first rate company and training videos enough. The only thing that rivals the video content, is an in person lecture at his state of the art training facility. I feel blessed to have been the recipient of both!

Ken Knoerke ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

From Tyrant to Teacher provides anyone who has a dog or is thinking about getting a dog a down to earth approach to understanding your dog and how your interactions influences the outcomes you want to achieve. Having worked with a variety of trainers over the past 50 years, none have come close to helping me achieve what I wanted. Bart de Gols provides not only information, but examples I think everyone can relate to. Time and energy well spent training with Bart, would encourage everyone to take advantage of Bart’s years of experience and knowledge. Thanks Bart

Eyal Haim ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The “From Tyrant to Teacher Foundation of Animal Behavior Part two”  Video has been a game changer for me. This class provides an insight to how the dogs operate and what motivates them.  It also extensively touches on how the owner/handler/trainer should interact with the Dog. We owners must understand that it's not only the dog that needs to be trained. There are so many things we do that can conflict with the desired behavior we expect from the Dog/ Our initial reaction , out of lack of knowledge , is to blame the dog . Truly its actually mostly us to be blamed for the failures of our Dogs. We have adopted a German Shepherd from a working line and little did we know what’s involved with that.  We have tried a few trainers with a few methods without understanding the fundamentals , we were just not getting the results. This is by far the most academic class I have seen out there. The instructor tackles the topics in a combination of scientific way all the way into behavioral and social aspects. Understanding the concepts and the different methods the instructor provides helped pick up the correct approach to work and enjoy our dog. The class itself contain massive amount of information , the more I re-watched the more things I picked up I urge you to watch this Video before rushing to into fast & easy solutions that would not work on the long term and may even harm the Dog.  The video goes in detail to explain why patience is important and when are the proper times to up the level. The section I loved the most is the one giving the biological explanation of what happens when the Dog gets stressed / Excited , how long it last and the effect on training i.e when you should or not try and train the dog. Enjoy that Video!

Mary Trute ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A must see for everyone who shares their lives with dogs - whether you have a family pet, working dog, or sport competition dog. This video will take you through the fundamentals of how dogs learn, and factors such as environment and genetics that will affect learning. Understanding these concepts creates a solid foundation for both your relationship with your dog, and for whatever training you wish to do with your dog. The concepts introduced in this video series will enable both the novice dog owner and more experienced handlers to be more successful reaching their training goals, and enhance the fun and joy for both the handler and the dog. 

In the first video Bart De Gols takes the viewer through the foundational skills of working with your dog step by step, with clear explanations of learning theory and real world examples of how these foundational concepts are applied in the real world of training and living with your dog. The second video takes the viewer on a deeper dive into the concepts introduced in the first video, exploring in more detail factors that affect learning and how we as handlers can really use these tools in subtle and sophisticated ways to enhance our dogs' learning. 

I’ve trained with Bart De Gols for almost 3 years and implementing these concepts has changed my relationship with my dogs. I am able to coexist peacefully with a terrier and working GSD because understanding the theories behind canine learning and behavior enables me to set both my dogs, and myself, up for success. This video series will be a resource you return to over and over as you continue to expand your understanding of how dogs learn, and how your actions can enhance that learning process. What can I say...just watch the videos! Your dog will thank you.