The Safehouse K9 Podcast

Someone recently asked me for a few quick puppy training tips—and my first thought was, how do I sum up puppy training in just a few points?

After a moment, I realized it’s actually pretty straightforward. Not always easy—but clear.

In this episode, I break down the four foundational principles I teach every new puppy owner:

Be the leader – create structure and clarity for your pup

Communicate clearly – use body language, l...

Ever thought your dog would make a great personal protection dog? Before you buy a bite sleeve or start training for defense, this episode is a must-listen.

Anna from Safehouse K9 breaks down what most people don’t realize about protection work—from the rare genetics required to the level of leadership and obedience needed before bite work even begins. You’ll learn why most dogs—and handlers—aren’t ready for this type of work yet...

In this bonus debrief episode, I unpack a recent session with a high-drive Malinois that pushed right up to the edge of what I was willing to handle hands-on. The dog didn’t break skin—but came close—and the handler absolutely rose to the occasion.

I talk about why I chose to stay off the leash despite the dog’s intensity, how I coached the handler through the process, and how I navigate the fine line between fear and healthy sel...

Let’s be real—nobody gets it all right with their first dog. In this episode, Anna shares the honest truth about the mistakes she made with her working line German Shepherd, Koda… and what she’d do differently now. From overlooking calmness to suppressing curiosity, trying the wrong methods, and skipping essential desensitization—this is a vulnerable look at the learning curve that shaped her as a trainer.

Whether you're in the t...