The Puppy Training Podcast

Episódios

• Episode #280 The Art of Settling — Teaching Your Puppy to Relax Anywhere 02.07.2026 12min

  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, ...
• Episode #279 Puppy & Kids — Safe Play Rules That Actually Work 18.06.2026 16min

  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 ...
• Episode #278 Alone Time Training 11.06.2026 13min

  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...
• Episode #277 Sound Sensitivity & Noise Desensitization 04.06.2026 14min

  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...
• Episode #276 The Teenage Puppy: Surviving Adolescent Regression (6–18 Months) 28.05.2026 14min

  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...
• Episode #275 Training the Human: Expectations, Consistency & Why Your Puppy Isn’t the Problem 21.05.2026 13min

  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...
• Episode #274 Mental Enrichment vs. Physical Exercise: What Your Puppy Really Needs 07.05.2026 11min

  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...
• Episode #273 Training Around Resources – Preventing Guarding & Building Trust 30.04.2026 9min

  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...
• Episode #272 When Your Puppy Won't Take Treats 23.04.2026 10min

  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...
• Episode #271 Speaking Dog: A Clear Guide To Body Language 16.04.2026 16min

  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...
• Episode #270 Doorway & Boundary Skills 09.04.2026 12min

  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...
• Episode #269 Leave It & Drop It: Teaching the Skills That Could Save Your Dog’s Life 02.04.2026 10min

  “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...
• Episode #268 Proofing Behaviors – Why Your Puppy “Forgets” and How to Fix It 26.03.2026 9min

  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...
• Episode #267 Marker Training & Timing: The Secret to Effective Reinforcement 19.03.2026 11min

  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...
• Episode #266 The First Few Days — Bonding, Potty & Crate Basics 05.03.2026 13min

  Bringing home a new puppy? 🐶 The first few days can feel exciting, overwhelming, and a little exhausting — all at once. In this episode, Amy walks you through exactly what to focus on (and what not to stress about) during those critical early days. You’ll learn how to: Build trust and create a strong bond from Day OneSet up a potty routine that prevents accidents before they happenIntroduce the crate in a way that builds confidence — not fearAvoid common first-week mistakes that slow progress...
• Episode #265 Understanding Your Dog’s Personality: Tailoring Training to the Individual 26.02.2026 14min

  What if the “stubborn” dog at your feet is actually curious, independent, or just overwhelmed? We break down the Big Five puppy personality traits—sociability, confidence, biddability, resilience, and independence—and show how each one changes the way training should look, feel, and progress. Instead of forcing a one-size plan, we share how to read the dog in front of you and tailor sessions that build trust, reduce stress, and get results. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagra...
• Episode #264 Puppy Training Basics Revisited: The 3 Mistakes We See Most Often (And How to Avoid Them) 19.02.2026 12min

  When you bring a new puppy home and real life kicks back in — work schedules, school mornings, extracurriculars — your puppy is trying to figure out what this new rhythm means. In this episode of the Puppy Training Podcast, we revisit the foundations of successful puppy training and break down the three most common mistakes new (and even experienced!) dog handlers make. You’ll learn: Why waiting for bad behavior actually makes it worse — and what to do insteadHow saying “YES” more than “NO” t...
• Episode #263 Agency Turns Chaos Into Cooperation 12.02.2026 10min

  What if the secret to better training isn’t more control—but more choice? In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful shifts in modern dog training: giving dogs agency. Choice-based training is transforming how we teach, focusing on collaboration instead of compliance. From cues like “go sniff” to intentional break times and consent-based handling, we’ll unpack how small moments of choice create big breakthroughs in learning. You’ll discover why dogs who are given options often learn...
• Episode #262 The Power of Predictability — Routines That Build Confidence 05.02.2026 8min

  Predictability is one of the most overlooked tools in dog training—and one of the most powerful. In this extended episode, we explore how consistent routines around feeding, walks, rest, and cues reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and build true confidence in puppies and dogs. Backed by behavioral science, this episode shows why predictability makes dogs feel safe—and how safety is the foundation for calm behavior, learning, and trust. Support the show Follow us on social media In...
• Episode #261 The Art of Ignoring — Teaching Puppies to Focus Around Distractions 29.01.2026 8min

  Does your puppy forget you exist the moment another dog, person, or noise shows up? You’re not alone — and you’re not failing. In this episode, we break down why puppies struggle with focus in distracting environments and how to build attention step by step — without frustration or force. You’ll learn why focus is a muscle, how to strengthen it through simple engagement games, and how to teach your puppy to choose you even when the world feels exciting. From name recognition under distra...