Bringing home a puppy is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming when reality doesn't match your expectations. If you've ever wondered why your puppy won't listen, keeps biting, has accidents in the house, or seems to have endless energy, you're not alone. In this episode of Puppy Talk, Dale…
Raising a puppy is about more than exercise and play. Their growing brains need a workout too. In this episode of Puppy Talk, Dale Buchanan shares five simple and effective ways to add mental stimulation to your puppy's daily routine. You'll learn how easy activities like scent games, food puzzles,…
Could your own stress be making your puppy fearful or anxious? In this episode of Puppy Talk, we explore how puppies pick up on our emotions, common ways owners unintentionally create stress, and simple changes that help puppies feel safe, confident, and eager to learn. If you want to build…
A well-behaved puppy starts with a strong relationship. In this episode of Puppy Talk, we explore why trust and connection are the foundation of successful training. You'll learn simple, practical ways to strengthen your bond with your puppy through everyday interactions, play, training, and communication. Whether you've just brought home…
It's very important to start socializing your puppy as soon as you bring them home. They need to be introduced ot a variety of people, places, sights, and sounds. In this episode, I discuss why this is so important and the consequences of not socializing a puppy. If you need…
In this episode of Puppy Talk, I discuss whether or not you should allow people to pet your dog in public locations on field trips. The answer may surprise you. If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com (https://pottytrainingyourpuppy.com/) for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog…
Should you punish your puppy for accidents, chewing, biting, or jumping? In this episode of Puppy Talk Podcast, Dale Buchanan explains why punishment often creates confusion and fear instead of teaching puppies what we want them to do. You'll learn why puppies make mistakes, how they learn best, and practical…
Many behavior problems are rooted in stress, confusion, fear, frustration, or overstimulation, not stubbornness or “bad” behavior. Owners often misread what their dogs are actually communicating. Dogs cannot explain emotions with words, so behavior becomes communication. If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com (https://pottytrainingyourpuppy.com/) for FREE resources.…
Dogs need more than just food and shelter. They also require mental and physical stimulation. A bored dog might appear to be lazy or a troublemaker, but in many cases, it is boredom leading to frustration that gives rise to problem behavior. Spotting the signs early in that process and…
In this episode I talk about why and how to keep the training simple for your puppy early in their training program. • Why it’s best to keep it simple. • Focus on the foundational skills and make them perfect before attempting to add more commands, behaviors etc. • What…
These are the same tips that we give all my clients when they hire me to help train their puppies. I suggest listening to this episode multiple times and reading the transcript if provided. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area…
This video was made for our new blog post 21 Tips For New Puppy Owners: https://www.topgundogtraining.com/post/22-tips-for-new-puppy-owners Website: https://topgundogtraining.com/
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…