Welcome back and I hope you enjoyed this subscribers-only podcast. It's just my way of saying thank you for supporting the show. So here's the thing Most dog trainers like me are not veterinarians, we're not nutritionists, we don't have degrees in animal physiology or veterinary medicine. But what we do have is experience in training, behavior, learning, management, and that's where our knowledge belongs, and here's why I bring it up. I regularly get contacted by companies who want me to promote their supplements or their dog food. They'll send free samples, offer affiliate codes or even suggest a commission deal and honestly, I won't do it Because I know I don't have the medical knowledge to say with confidence that, yes, this is the right thing to put into your dog's body. But scroll through social media and you'll see trainer after trainer recommending foods or supplements, powders, oils, you name it and they'll say this will fix your dog's itching or this brand is the best for digestive health. But here's the uncomfortable truth A lot of trainers don't actually have the education to make those claims. What they do often have are affiliate links and commission contracts, meaning every time you buy that supplement they recommend, they get a cut of the sale.

Now, I'm not saying that trainers are out to scam you. I think most of them believe in the products that they promote, but you should know that money is part of that picture. And the bigger issue a trainer's background doesn't necessarily qualify them to give you medical advice for your dog. I'll be the first to admit I don't have that training. I can tell you about behavior, learning theory and management strategies, but if we're talking about putting something inside your dog's body, that's outside my scope.

So what should you do when you see supplement recommendations online? First, consider the source. What's their actual education in animal health? And second, recognize the financial incentives at play. And third, when in doubt, talk to your veterinarian. They know your dog's medical history, they can interpret lab results and they understand how different supplements interact with medications or conditions. At the end of the day, I think trainers are here to guide your dog's behavior, not to replace your vet. And if you remember nothing else from this episode, remember this Just because a trainer recommends a product doesn't automatically make it good or safe for your dog.