In this episode of Puppy Talk, we talk about how many common dog behavior problems are accidentally taught by the owners themselves. Jumping, barking, leash pulling, and attention-seeking habits often continue because, from the dog’s perspective, the behavior works. Dogs repeat what gets a result, even when the owner is…
Most dog owners think calm means a dog that is tired or doing nothing, but real calmness is something different. In this episode of Puppy Talk, we talk about what calm behavior actually looks like, why many dogs never learn how to settle, and how owners often encourage excitement without…
Many people get a new puppy and immediately start teaching it to shake, high-five, and roll over. In this episode of Puppy Talk, I am going to explain the advantages and disadvantages of teaching your puppy tricks before they learn obedience. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog…
Most owners think their dog is being stubborn, ignoring them, or choosing not to listen. But in many cases, the dog is not being disobedient at all. The dog is confused. In this episode of Puppy Talk, we will discuss the following: • Why confusion happens • What confusion looks…
If your dog barks, lunges, freezes, growls, or completely loses their mind when they see another dog or person on leash, this episode is for you. In this episode, I will talk about: • What leash reactivity actually is • Why leash reactivity happens • How owners accidentally reinforce leash…
Most of us focus on the cute parts of bringing home a puppy. Cuddling, playing, and taking lots of photos. What if we focused on the habits that prevent behavior issues from forming? This episode is taken from an Instagram post of Canyon Creek Aussies. Link to their page in…
Dog training is about more than teaching sit and stay. In this episode of Puppy Talk, we break down what real dog training actually looks like in everyday life. We talk about why commands alone fall short, how understanding your dog changes everything, and the simple tools families need to…
I’ve done several episodes recently on the responsibility of raising a puppy. The main thing to remember once you take ownership of a puppy is that they need obedience training, and you have to practice with them. Follow the guidelines below to improve your practice sessions and the predictability of…
People call me to discuss puppy training, and their entire focus is on potty training. This happens a lot. The goal of this episode is to shift new puppy owners' focus to the bigger picture of raising a puppy beyond potty training and crate training. A dog trainer can only…
My dog Dixie has been diagnosed with heart disease after a routine checkup before teeth cleaning. They found a heart murmur, then, from an X-ray, found an enlarged heart and congestion in her lungs. I have created a GoFundMe account link in the show notes with more details. Start-Up Fees:…
Many people underestimate the level of responsibility needed to raise a puppy. Listen to my first episode of Puppy Talk called Owning a New Puppy is a Lot of Work. The Truth: 1. Raising a young puppy starting at 8 weeks old is a part-time job. 2. Hiring a dog…
Being an effective leader and building trust in your dog requires a skill set grounded in effective communication, temperament, and focus. What to do: 1. Make sure your communication is crystal clear. Trim the fat. Tell the dog what you want and reward them for doing it. 2. Set your…
Building structure for your puppy in one of the best things you can do to help raise a happy, healthy, and obedient puppy. In this episode of Puppy Talk I discuss the why and how of puppy structure. Why? 1. Structure creates calmness in the puppy. 2. Structure creates an…
For dog owners: 1. Always keep your dog on a leash. Listen to podcast episode 118. 2. Never allow your dog to bark or lunge at another dog or people. Create distance immediately if this happens. 3. Work with a trainer to prevent rectivity. Teach sit, wait, “watch-me” as alternative…
I was interviewed on the news again last night due to a dog bite in the area. This is the 4th time I've been featured on the news in the past 18 months. Stay safe! Website: http://topgundogtraining.com
Embarking on a career as a dog trainer may seem daunting. With vast knowledge to acquire and numerous pathways to explore, it can be challenging. Yet, by breaking it down into straightforward steps, the journey becomes manageable. In this episode, I will guide you through the essentials of starting out,…
The Most Important Command to Teach Your Puppy is the "stay" command. This will help you control the puppies space in the house, prevent them from jumping, and prevent them from running away. In this episode, I explain why the "stay" command is so important and how to program the…
Puppy Socialization is the most important thing to teach your puppy from the ages of 8 to 16 weeks old. Everything that your puppy is exposed to during this time period will have a significant impact on preventing fear, anxiety, and stress in the future. 1. Start socializing your puppy…
You may be wondering what is best for your dog, whether you should keep them on or off the leash. Here are some reasons that you'll want to consider keeping your best friend on-leash and living their best life. 1. Your dog stays safe 2. Others stay safe 3. In…
Many people get confused when it comes to defining dog training. This episode should clear that up for you. Here is what we will cover today: • Obedience Training, also known as dog training, involves teaching basic commands such as sit, down, and stay. • Obedience training is what most…
Troubleshooting common leash training issues
