The Puppy Training Podcast

Episodes

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  Episode #286 Teaching Your Puppy to Be Flexible 20.08.2026 11m

  Dogs thrive on routine—but what happens when that routine changes? In this episode of The Puppy Training Podcast, we talk about why flexibility is such an important skill to teach your puppy and how you can help your dog become confident in new and changing situations. We’ll cover simple ways to practice flexibility, including taking different walking routes, sleeping or settling in different places, working with different handlers, and experiencing new environments. The goal isn’t to make yo...
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  Episode #285 How Dogs Actually Learn 13.08.2026 13m

  Why does your puppy listen perfectly in the kitchen but completely forget everything at the park? Why does repeating a cue over and over sometimes make things worse? And what does “reinforcement” actually mean? In this episode of the Puppy Training Podcast, Amy Jensen breaks down the science of how dogs learn in a simple, practical way. We’ll explore reinforcement, punishment, timing, repetition, generalization, and why “he knows it!” may not actually mean what you think it does. This is a fo...
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  Episode #284 Helping Your Puppy Handle Frustration 30.07.2026 12m

  Why does your puppy bark when dinner is taking too long? Whine behind a baby gate? Get frustrated when they can't greet another dog? These aren't signs of a "bad" puppy—they're opportunities to teach one of the most important life skills: frustration tolerance. In this episode, Amy explains why learning to cope with delayed gratification helps puppies become calmer, more resilient, and easier to live with. You'll learn practical exercises you can start today to help your puppy stay calm while...
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  Episode #283 What To Do When Training Isn't Working 23.07.2026 14m

  Have you been practicing consistently, following the advice, and still feel like your puppy—or even your adult dog—isn't making progress? You're not alone, and it doesn't mean you're failing. In this episode of The Puppy Training Podcast, we'll walk you through a step-by-step troubleshooting guide to help you identify why training may have stalled. You'll learn how to recognize when a medical issue could be affecting behavior, evaluate whether you're using the right reinforcers, determine if ...
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  Episode #282 Puppy Travel Training – Cars, Hotels & Road Trips 16.07.2026 14m

  Travel is becoming a normal part of life for many puppies, but successful travel doesn't happen by accident. In this episode, we're talking about how to build travel confidence from the very beginning. You'll learn how to introduce car rides, crate training for travel, potty planning, preventing motion sickness, preparing for hotels, and creating positive travel experiences that last a lifetime. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or your puppy's very first road trip, these simple train...
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  Episode #281 Off-Leash Foundations in Real Life 09.07.2026 12m

  Your puppy's recall may be reliable in the backyard—but what happens when there are squirrels, new smells, other dogs, or an exciting hiking trail? In this episode of The Puppy Training Podcast, we explore the foundational skills that create reliable off-leash behavior in the real world. Learn why recall is about much more than the cue "come," how to use a long line to build confidence without sacrificing safety, why rewarding voluntary check-ins keeps your puppy engaged, and how to make coll...
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  Episode #280 The Art of Settling — Teaching Your Puppy to Relax Anywhere 02.07.2026 12m

  Does your puppy seem to have two speeds—sleeping and full-speed zoomies? If you've ever wondered how to help your puppy relax at home, on a restaurant patio, at the park, or during family outings, this episode is for you. In this episode of the Puppy Training Podcast, we're exploring the art of settling—one of the most valuable life skills you can teach your dog. You'll learn why calm behavior doesn't just happen naturally, how to capture and reward relaxation, how to introduce a settle mat, ...
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  Episode #279 Puppy & Kids — Safe Play Rules That Actually Work 18.06.2026 16m

  Puppies and kids can be the best of friends—but only when adults provide the guidance and structure both need to succeed. In this updated version of one of our most popular early episodes, we revisit puppy-and-child interactions using today's best practices in dog training and canine behavior. You'll learn why supervision matters, how to teach children the "Be a Tree" technique, when and how to use consent tests before petting, and simple handling exercises that help puppies feel comfortable ...
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  Episode #278 Alone Time Training 11.06.2026 13m

  Many handlers assume that once a puppy is comfortable in a crate, they've mastered alone-time training. In reality, crate training and independence training are two different skills. In this episode, we explore how to prevent separation-related issues before they begin by teaching graduated absences, confidence-building independence exercises, and practical enrichment strategies that fit real family schedules. You'll learn how to recognize early signs of distress, and how to help your puppy d...
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  Episode #277 Sound Sensitivity & Noise Desensitization 04.06.2026 14m

  Thunderstorms. Fireworks. Vacuums. Traffic. Construction. The world is full of sounds that can frighten a puppy if they aren't introduced carefully and positively. In this episode, we dive into proactive sound exposure. While many handlers focus on meeting people and seeing new places, sound experiences often get neglected until a puppy suddenly develops fear. You'll learn how puppies process sound, why early positive exposure matters, the science behind counterconditioning, and a step-by-ste...
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  Episode #276 The Teenage Puppy: Surviving Adolescent Regression (6–18 Months) 28.05.2026 14m

  Your puppy was doing so well… and then suddenly they stopped listening. In this episode, we break down one of the most frustrating — and completely normal — stages of dog development: adolescence. Between 6 and 18 months, many puppies begin testing boundaries, ignoring cues, losing focus, and acting as if all previous training disappeared overnight. We cover: Why adolescent regression happens Boundary testing and reinforcement history Why most handlers accidentally...
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  Episode #275 Training the Human: Expectations, Consistency & Why Your Puppy Isn’t the Problem 21.05.2026 13m

  Why does puppy training sometimes feel inconsistent—even when you’re trying your best? In this episode of The Puppy Training Podcast, Amy Jensen dives into one of the most overlooked parts of dog training: training the humans. Your puppy is constantly learning from patterns, routines, and reinforcement, which means unclear expectations and inconsistent responses can create confusion fast. You’ll learn: Why consistency is so difficult in real life How to create family training...
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  Episode #274 Mental Enrichment vs. Physical Exercise: What Your Puppy Really Needs 07.05.2026 11m

  Is your puppy full of endless energy no matter how much exercise they get? You’re not alone—and the solution might surprise you. In this episode of The Puppy Training Podcast, we break down the key differences between physical exercise and mental enrichment, and why more activity isn’t always the answer to a hyper or misbehaving puppy. You’ll learn: Why too much exercise can actually create a more energetic dogHow mental stimulation tires puppies out faster and more effectivelySimple, practic...
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  Episode #273 Training Around Resources – Preventing Guarding & Building Trust 30.04.2026 9m

  Resource guarding is one of the most common—and preventable—behavior challenges in dogs. In this episode, we break down how everyday interactions around food, toys, and valued items shape your dog’s behavior. Learn how to prevent resource guarding before it starts, why taking things away can actually make the problem worse, and how to build trust through simple techniques like trading and adding value. We also cover food bowl manners, toy possession during play, and how to create a calm, coop...
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  Episode #272 When Your Puppy Won't Take Treats 23.04.2026 10m

  Struggling with a puppy who isn’t motivated by food? You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck. In this episode, Amy from BAXTER & Bella breaks down why food motivation can vary, especially during the early days of bringing a new puppy home when stress levels are high. You’ll learn how to use your puppy’s regular food as an effective training tool, safely introduce higher-value rewards without upsetting their stomach, and avoid the common mistake of relying on too many treats too quickly. Amy...
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  Episode #271 Speaking Dog: A Clear Guide To Body Language 16.04.2026 16m

  What do fear and stress actually look like in your puppy? In this education-packed episode, Amy gives you the foundation every puppy parent needs: how to read your dog’s body language. Learn the clusters of signals that tell you if your puppy is relaxed, worried, or over threshold. We’ll cover soft eyes vs. whale eye, loose bodies vs. freezing, and why a wagging tail doesn’t always mean happy. Then we’ll dig into the early stress signals most people miss, like lip licks, yawns, shake-offs, an...
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  Episode #270 Doorway & Boundary Skills 09.04.2026 12m

  Doorway chaos, leash pulling the second you open the door, and dogs that treat every threshold like a starting line—sound familiar? In this episode, we break down Doorway & Boundary Skills as a complete system, not just a quick fix. You’ll learn why dogs struggle with thresholds, how to stop door dashing, and how to teach your dog to pause and wait—without relying on physical barriers. We also share a real-life example with Amy's dog Baxter, who calmly waits at street corners until releas...
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  Episode #269 Leave It & Drop It: Teaching the Skills That Could Save Your Dog’s Life 02.04.2026 10m

  “Leave it” and “drop it” aren’t just nice tricks—they’re essential safety skills every dog needs. In this episode, we break down how to teach both cues clearly, effectively, and without conflict. You’ll learn how to build reliability, prevent resource guarding, and understand when to use “drop it” versus trading for something better. Whether your dog grabs socks, snacks, or something dangerous on a walk, this episode will give you the tools to handle it with confidence. Support the show Follo...
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  Episode #268 Proofing Behaviors – Why Your Puppy “Forgets” and How to Fix It 26.03.2026 9m

  Does your puppy seem to “forget” their cues the moment you leave the house? You’re not alone—and your puppy isn’t being stubborn. In this episode, we’re diving into proofing behaviors (also known as generalization) so you can help your puppy succeed in the real world, not just your living room. You’ll learn why cues fall apart in new environments, how to introduce distractions without frustration, and how to build reliability using distance, duration, and difficulty in a way that feels calm a...
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  Episode #267 Marker Training & Timing: The Secret to Effective Reinforcement 19.03.2026 11m

  In this episode, we explore the powerful technique of marker training and why timing plays a critical role in your puppy’s success. You’ll learn how to clearly communicate with your dog using marker words or a clicker, how to reinforce the exact behaviors you want, and how to avoid common timing mistakes that can slow progress. Whether you’re just starting or looking to sharpen your training skills, this episode will give you practical tools to build better habits, improve focus, and strength...