The Puppy Training Podcast

Is your puppy a social butterfly who wants to greet every dog and human on walks—but not every encounter goes smoothly? In this episode, we dive into the reality of socializing your puppy around neighborhood dogs, especially when some dogs aren’t as friendly or welcoming. You’ll learn how to handle tricky walk-by situations, what to do when other dogs react poorly, and how to help your puppy develop calm, confident social skills. W...

Tired of your puppy pawing at your legs every time you sit down to eat? In this episode, we dive into why puppies develop this habit and how you might be reinforcing it without even realizing it. More importantly, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step training plan to teach your pup a polite, alternative behavior—like relaxing on a designated mat or holding a down-stay during meals.

With patience, consistency, and positive reinforce...

In this episode, we explore the fascinating science of neuroplasticity in dogs and how it shapes their behavior. Learn how negative experiences create fear-based reactions and discover proven training techniques to help dogs rewire their responses to triggers. We break down the “Look at That” game—an effective exercise to shift a dog’s mindset from fear to confidence. Whether you're a pet parent or a dog trainer, this episode ...

Do you have one dog who devours anything while another turns their nose up at perfectly good food? You're not alone in this frustrating mealtime dance. 

Picky eating in dogs stems from multiple sources—medical issues like dental pain or food allergies, behavioral patterns from inconsistent feeding, or simply learned behaviors when we constantly offer alternatives to refused meals. Doodle owners will nod knowingly, as ...

Is your dog bored, restless, or getting into trouble? 😬 A bored dog is a mischievous dog, but don’t worry—I’ve got the BEST boredom-busting tips to keep your pup happy and entertained! 🎉

In this episode, I’ll teach you:
✅ 3 fun & easy games to play with your dog:
1️⃣ Find Your Food/Toy – Engage their nose for a fun sniffing challenge! 👃🍖
2️⃣ Hide and Seek – A great way to build recall and confidence! 🏃...

If your dog is scared of something—like the vacuum—DO NOT force them to face their fear head-on! This common mistake, called flooding, can actually make things worse and cause long-term fear issues. 😨

In this episode, we break down:

✅ The #1 mistake dog owners make when dealing with a fearful pup
✅ How to gradually help your dog overcome their fear using positive reinforcement
✅ The importance of socialization and why it’s ...

Many people focus on behaviors like sit and stay, but one of the most valuable training techniques is rewarding your puppy simply for existing in a calm, positive way. In this episode, we explore how proactive reinforcement helps build confidence, strengthen engagement, and encourage good choices. By creating positive associations with new experiences and environments, you set the foundation for a well-mannered, happy companion. Tu...

Creating safe and enjoyable playdates for your puppy relies on understanding the nuances of dog play. Recognizing healthy signs of play and when to intervene is essential for fostering positive experiences. 

• Understanding the characteristics of healthy play for puppies 
• Recognizing warning signs of rough or inappropriate play 
• Importance of regular breaks and managing excitement during playtime 

If y...

If you’ve ever called your dog and they’ve completely ignored you, you’re not alone! Most of us accidentally teach our dogs that “come” means “the fun is over”… but don’t worry, we’re going to fix that! In this episode, I'll teach you how to make recall training FUN, EASY, and super REWARDING for your pup. 🚀

🔹 Why We Ruin the Word "Come" (and how to fix it!)
🔹 Common Recall Mistakes (and what to do instead)

Is your dog barking non-stop, and you find yourself yelling back—only to make things worse? You're not alone! Many people make the mistake of reacting instead of understanding why their dog is barking. In this episode, I’ll break down:

✅ Why dogs bark (it’s not just to annoy you!)
✅ Why yelling doesn’t work (it might actually make barking worse!)
✅ The different types of barking (alert barking, demand barking, anxiety b...

Bringing a new puppy into a home with resident cats can be a recipe for chaos—unless you have a solid plan! In this episode, we dive into strategies to help your puppy respect your cat’s space using smart management techniques and positive reinforcement. Learn how to set up safe spaces, use leashes and barriers effectively, and reinforce calm behavior to create a peaceful, pet-friendly home. Whether you're introducing a new pu...

Are you ready to take your dog’s grooming into your own hands? In this video, we break down the 10 essential tools and tips you’ll need to keep your pup looking and feeling their best—from trimming fur to tackling tough mats and even nail care! Grooming your dog at home can save money, build trust, and create special bonding moments with your dog.

✨ Here’s what we’ll cover:
 1️⃣ Grooming scissors for precise trims
...

Teaching your dog to ride quietly in the car is an achievable goal that benefits you and your dog. Understanding the reasons behind your dog’s barking and implementing consistent training techniques can create a more peaceful and enjoyable experience for everyone. With time, your car rides will transform from chaotic to calm, allowing you to focus on the journey while your dog relaxes.

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Are you struggling with potty training your puppy? You're not alone! In this episode, I'll share FIVE essential tips that will help you keep your puppy from peeing in the house. These tried-and-true methods are perfect for first-time puppy parents or anyone needing a refresher.  

Here's what you'll learn:  
1️⃣ **Management:** Set your puppy up for success with the right tools and strategies.  
...

Unlock the secrets to raising a well-behaved puppy as we tackle one of the biggest hurdles new pet parents face: giving their furry friends too much freedom too soon. Discover essential strategies to create a structured environment that promotes security and prevents behavioral issues. From setting up a comforting "Zen Den" to the effective use of crates, leashes, and tethers, I share actionable tips that will help guide ...

What's the secret to ensuring your new puppy feels right at home from day one? Join me, Amy Jensen, as I unlock the essential tools and strategies you need to make your puppy's transition smooth and enjoyable. From selecting the perfect collar, harness, and crate to understanding the benefits of interactive feeding tools and chew toys, we're diving into the must-have supplies that will create a safe and enriching env...

The journey to giving your dog more freedom is paved with patience and strategy. As puppies, we manage them with crates, pens, and tethers as we train them to live in a human home. As they mature, we can graduate them to being home alone without the crate! Learn how to gradually increase their alone time with short, manageable intervals, all while keeping them entertained with toys and interactive puzzles. Baxter and Bella will be ...

Introducing a new puppy into a household with a senior dog can be a rollercoaster of emotions, but it doesn’t have to be. Imagine finding that needed balance, where your senior dog feels loved and secure even with a new bundle of energy bouncing around. In today’s episode, we give you the insights needed to create a harmonious environment for your seasoned canine companion and your playful new arrival. Drawing from personal experie...

Unlock the secrets to successful crate training as we delve into the art of balancing a puppy's natural inclination to cry with effective soothing techniques. I'm Amy Jensen, founder of BAXTER and Bella, and today, we're tackling one of the most common challenges new puppy families face: the dreaded crate cries. This episode is brimming with insights on understanding your puppy's sounds, whether they stem from d...