The Puppy Training Podcast

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 ...

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 learnin...

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, learn...

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 w...

You survived puppyhood—so why does training suddenly feel harder?

In this episode, we break down the often-overlooked transition from puppy to adolescent and explain why even well-trained dogs can seem distracted, impulsive, or inconsistent during this phase. We’ll cover what’s happening in your dog’s developing brain, common challenges handlers face, and how to adapt your training approach so you don’t lose momentum.

You’ll learn:

Adding a puppy to a home with cats, birds, or other animals? This episode dives into how to safely introduce, train, and manage puppies in multi-species households—without stress, chaos, or unrealistic expectations.

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If you’re raising a puppy right now—or planning to—you’re probably already thinking about walks, playtime, and basic training. And that’s great. Physical exercise absolutely matters.

But today, we’re talking about something that’s just as important—and often overlooked:

Mental exercise.

Because a tired puppy isn’t just one who’s walked a lot.
A tired puppy is one who’s thought, problem-solved, and learned.

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In this episode of the Puppy Training Podcast, we go beyond basic behaviors like sit and stay to focus on the life skills that truly shape a well-behaved, confident dog.

Many puppy parents work hard on cues, but struggle with everyday challenges like stressful car rides, difficult vet visits, grooming battles, noisy vacuums, or overly excited greetings with guests. 

Amy walks you through the essential “good citizen puppy” skills ever...

Choosing the right equipment for your puppy can make all the difference between smooth, confidence-building training and a daily struggle with slips, stalls, or stress. In this episode, we break down how to select the best harnesses, collars, and leashes for your puppy’s size, breed, and temperament—because what works for a bold Labrador pup may be very different from what a tiny, sensitive toy breed needs.

You’ll learn how to intro...

In this special Thanksgiving episode of the BAXTER & Bella Puppy Training Podcast, we discuss the need to slow down, breathe, and appreciate the dogs who share our homes—not for their perfect behavior, but for the companionship, joy, and connection they bring to our lives.

We also talk about realistic expectations during the holidays — because dogs will be dogs, even on Thanksgiving — and remind us to offer grace in the midst of...

In this episode of the BAXTER & Bella Puppy Training Podcast, we dive into the rapidly growing world of virtual and remote puppy training. With more families seeking flexible, accessible ways to raise well-behaved dogs, online training has become a major part of the industry — and it’s here to stay.

Amy breaks down what has changed, why virtual training works so well, and how handlers can adapt to make the most of remote session...

Did your dog grow up during lockdown? You’re not alone — and you’re not imagining it if your once-happy puppy now struggles with anxiety, fear, or reactivity.

In this episode, Amy explores why so many “pandemic puppies” are showing emotional challenges as adults — and what you can do to help. Learn how to recognize early signs of fear, build resilience through safe socialization, use desensitization and counterconditioning effective...

You’ve taught your dog not to pull — now it’s time to understand why leash manners matter. In this episode, Amy breaks down the emotional side of walking on leash and explains how different types of walks — go sniff walks, training walks, and purposeful exercise — meet different needs. Learn how to make every walk more meaningful, keep your dog calmer, and enjoy smoother, happier outings together.

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What if your dog willingly offered their paw for a nail trim or stayed calm during a vet exam? It’s possible — with Cooperative Care Training.

In this episode, Amy explains how to use fear-free handling, desensitization, and consent cues to help your dog feel calm and confident during grooming, ear cleaning, nail trims, and vet visits. You’ll learn how to turn stressful routines into trust-building moments that strengthen your bond.

...

Keeping your dog safe near traffic is one of the most important skills you can teach. In this episode, we dive into car and road awareness training — from staying back from moving vehicles to pausing and looking before crossing the street. Learn how to:

• Teach your puppy to create safe distance from cars
• Use cues like “back” or “wait” to prevent accidents
• Reinforce calm, focused behavior around roads
• Practice real-world safety in yo...

Does your puppy love to bark, bite, or jump for attention? In this episode, Amy explains how teaching your puppy to “Sit to Say Please” can turn all that wild puppy energy into calm, polite behavior. You’ll learn what Sit to Say Please means, why it’s such an effective tool for reducing unwanted behaviors, and exactly how to use it in real-life situations — like when guests come over or when kids are playing with the puppy.

Discover...

In this episode of the Puppy Training Podcast, Amy from BAXTER & Bella explores one of the most underrated—but life-changing—skills you can teach your dog: how to do nothing.

From understanding what “settling” really means to learning how to train calmness step-by-step, Amy breaks down the process of helping your dog relax on cue. You’ll hear practical tips for teaching your pup to rest calmly at your feet, wait patiently in rea...

Those little shark teeth aren’t a character flaw—they’re a language. We unpack what puppy biting really means, why it’s a normal stage of development, and how to turn chaotic nips into gentle, thoughtful play. You’ll learn the core pattern that works: soft mouths keep you close, hard bites pause the fun. With bite inhibition techniques, smart use of pens and gates, and a toolbox of engaging chew options, we map out a plan that’s hu...

In this episode of the Puppy Training Podcast, we’re diving into the exciting opportunity of training your own service dog from home. Together with Good Dog! Service Canines, we’re helping families shorten the long wait for a service dog by combining BAXTER & Bella’s online puppy training program with advanced service dog finishing work.

We’ll cover what a service dog is, their legal rights under the ADA, and how they differ fro...