The Rooted Podcast

“What the Decoys Do”** Decoys are one of the most important — and most overlooked — pieces of the working-dog puzzle. In this episode of The Rooted Podcast, Alison and Mike talk about what decoys actually do, why the role matters, and how it influences the dogs we train, test, and put on the field. They discuss the general differences between training decoys, trial decoys, and the gray area in between — and how each role plays a part in developing a dog that can understand the work. Whether y...

When a dog stops believing its behavior makes a difference, everything unravels — drive, confidence, focus, all of it. In this episode of The Rooted Podcast, Alison and Mike dig into the core of every successful training program: cause and effect. They break down how dogs learn that what they do actually changes what happens next — and how that belief builds confident, independent, reliable partners. They get into: The science of cause and effect (and why your timing makes or breaks it)How r...

Welcome to The Rooted, where we strip away the fluff and talk about what’s really happening in the dog world. In this episode — The Woke Dog Trainer Era — we dive into how the industry has become a battlefield of ideology, ego, and moral grandstanding. From the San Francisco Standard article claiming that “wokeness has infected dog training,” we break down how philosophy has replaced practicality and how that affects dogs in the real world. We also take on the growing debate around bite work ...

We’re back with The Rooted Podcast, and in this episode we’re diving straight into the conversations that most of the dog world avoids. Are working dogs losing their edge, and what does that mean for the future of police, military, and sport K9s? Why does the dog training industry have no real standards, and how is that lack of regulation affecting both trainers and the families who trust them? And finally, we’re unpacking the truth about guarantees in training—are they an honest promise of r...

In this episode, tensions rise as Michael and Alison go head-to-head in their quest to define the "Perfect Dog." With years of experience and strong opinions on training, temperament, and working ability, they each bring their own unique perspective to the table. What qualities make a truly ideal canine companion? Is it all about obedience and control, or does personality and drive play a bigger role? Join us as they break down their must-have traits, debate what really matters in a well-roun...

In this episode of The Rooted, Mike and Ali dive deep into the often-overlooked topic of animal husbandry, with a particular focus on nutrition and weight management for working dogs. They discuss a growing concern among K9 handlers and dog owners: dogs being underweight and how it directly affects performance, stamina, and overall well-being. Mike and Ali share their experiences and observations, explaining how improper feeding routines, poor-quality diets, and over-conditioning can hinder a...

In our very first episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on us. Who are Alison and Michael Nezbeth? How did two people with a love for dogs, a knack for chaos, and a drive for something bigger turn a dream into Grassroots K9? We’re talking origins, the hustle, the fails, and the moments that shaped our journey—not just as trainers but as business owners, partners, and (somehow) semi-functional humans. If you’ve ever wondered how Grassroots K9 started or what it takes to build a life around...

Sneak Peak.