Your New Puppy: Dog Training and Dog Behavior Lessons to Help You Turn Your New Puppy into a Well-Behaved Dog

Your puppy's schedule will vary depending on many factors.  Including age, exercise needs, and your schedule.When I'm asked about what a typical day looks like I know that I'm actually being asked things like:"How many times should I take my puppy out?""How much exercise should my puppy get?""How much time is too much time in the crate?"To help answer these questions and give you a place to start, in this episode, I talk about what a typical day might look like for a 10-week old puppy and how it will change as your puppy gets older.   In this episode I talk about:* What your puppy's schedule will revolve around depending on their age.* How exercise and enrichment vary depending on your puppy's age.* How your puppy's schedule will change as they get older.* Examples from clients on the daily schedules that work for them. * Bedtime and wake time.Press play and enjoy!Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:YNP #056: Potty Training for a Working HouseholdYNP #018: Ditch the Bowl and Make Mealtime an Event YNP #042: 10 Ways to Play With Your Dog YNP #059: How to Teach Your Dog to FetchRover Round Robin: Instructions to a fun, structured, family game that also reinforces recall.11 activities to do with your dogThe flirt pole: Found under toys section of my recommended supply list.  YOUR Perfect Puppy: 4-week online training course for you and your new puppy.

When we imagine kids and puppies we think that they go together like peanut butter and jelly (or my preference - chocolate). The reality isn't so sweet.  Your puppy and your kids LOVE each other.  But sometimes it's that same love and excitement that causes scratches, tears, and a disheartening relationship.When we have kids and a puppy in the same house it takes a lot more management and referring than most expect.  We can have that amazing relationship that we imagined when you got the puppy for the kids, but it does take some work to get there.  Be sure to check out all the resources below that I mention throughout the episode. In this episode I talk about:* What the kids/dog relationship looks like vs what we imagine.* Why there can be more tension with the kids than with adults.* My recommended house rules for families with young kids.* Other tips to manage and make sure the puppy and kids stay best friends. Press play and enjoy!Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:The Family Dog: One of the most powerful videos about the kid/dog relationship and why we need to respect it.  If your puppy is ever going to have contact with kids, watch this 2.5 minute video.Rover Round Robin: Instructions to a fun, structured, family game that also reinforces recall.11 activities to do with your dogThe flirt pole: Found under toys section of my recommended supply list.  YOUR Perfect Puppy: 4-week online training course for you and your new puppy.

Debbie here!  I just wanted to jump into your podcast feed one more time this year.  First I want to thank you, my listeners once again for being a bright spot in an otherwise stressful year.  I also thought it would be fun to take a look back at this year's most popular episodes and also talk about what's to come in 2021.No training advice in this one.  Just a little conversation between us humans.  Press play to listen!Resources mentioned and related to this episode:YNP #046: Puppy Biting and Why You Might Still Be StrugglingYNP #050: The 3 Most Common Leash Training QuestionsYNP Episode: How to Prevent Separation Anxiety During Stay-at-HomeYNP #053: Tips to Introduce Your Dog and Cat YNP #051: How to Get a Stronger Recall Press play and enjoy!Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:The Not-So-New Puppy WorkshopYOUR Perfect Puppy: 4-week online training course for you and your new puppy.

Fetch it the one game we all think of when we talk about playing with our dog.  So it's easy to forget that we have to teach them how to fetch.  We have the picture in our mind of our dog running across the yard or park to get the ball and bring it back.   It's so clear to us that we try to jump right there with our dogs!  But the reality is, our dogs have no idea what the rules of the game is...yet!To teach your dog to fetch first you have to make it SUPER EASY so they know what we want from them.  For fetch that means we have to start with super short distances in a small space.  Then build them up from there!The catch (hehe) is some dogs with take to the game like it's the best thing since sliced bacon, others may never take to it all.  To really know the difference take it slow to make sure they know how to play!In this episode I talk about:* Where we go wrong when teaching your dog to fetch.* My fair warning about teaching fetch (curiously of my old dog Chance).* Tips on how to start to teach your dog to fetch.* How to handle when you dog wants to play chase or refuses to bring it back. Press play and enjoy!Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:11 activities to do with your dogYOUR Perfect Puppy: 4-week online training course for you and your new puppy.

When you are new at watching dogs play it can be confusing and even a bit concerning.  Dog play is "play fighting" so if you haven't made a career out of knowing dog body language it's easy to get concerned even when dogs are having a grand old time. To make it harder sometimes two dogs play, are having a good time, but it's still inappropriate play and we might want to ask them to take a break.Learning dog play and dog body language is like learning any new language.  It takes study, time, and a whole lot of practice. You aren't going to learn everything in one podcast episode.  But as dog parent we do want to have a "conversational dog" understanding.  My goal is to give you more confidence when your pup is playing to know if they are having a good time and let them have at it or if it's time to break it up and let it rest.  In this episode I talk about:* Signals that two are playing and having a good time* What to do when you think one dog is not playing nice* When two adolescent dogs play rough* When it's OK to give them a break* What to do if you are not sure (when in doubt)* A word about dog parksPress play to listen and enjoy! As promised, below are a couple videos to demonstrate some of the signals and signs I talk about inside the episode.  Pauses in PlayIn the video below, you can see how Sandi and Zorro pause periodically during their play session (or as I describe it inside the episode (play, play, play, pause).  Periodical pauses in the play is a good sign that everyone is having fun and respecting each other's boundaries. .searchie-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .searchie-container iframe, .searchie-container object, .searchie-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } SneezingHere, the play looks very concerning with all the snapping and teeth showing.  But listen for the quick little sneezes. Those are a clear sign that it's play.  Silly but true!.searchie-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .searchie-container iframe, .searchie-container object, .searchie-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } No Pauses and Increased ExcitementIn this video keep a close eye on Bromley (the small dark brindle puppy).  Notice that Bromley isn't taking any breaks and by the end she seems to be getting more and more excited.  Ollie (the larger white dog) is being very gentle and patient (which is great) but this is a time I might stop the play for a minute or two to give Bromley a chance to settle and then let them play again. .searchie-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .searchie-container iframe, .searchie-container object, .searchie-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }Loose and Curving Body LanguageThis last video is more subtle.  Watch how Lucy (black and white) and Ollie (white) have very loose body language.  They curve their bodies toward each other a lot.  Also notice how they always approach each other from the side (chest to shoulder or side to side) rarely straight on (head to head).  This is ideal dog play. .searchie-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .searchie-container iframe, .searchie-container object, .searchie-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:YNP #013: Dog Park vs. Dog Daycare

If your dog listens to you inside your house that doesn't mean they know what you want outside on their walk.  Even if you are asking for the same thing.  Dogs are very contextual and need to be taught how to listen even when there distractions.  The good news is, if your dog listens to you in your kitchen then you already know how to teach your dog to listen with distractions!  If you want your dog to listen to you in a new environment you have to reteach them the same skill like they have never learned it before.  Then it's about practice, practice, practice.In this episode, I talk about how to teach your dog to listen with distractions!Press Play and enjoy!In this episode I talk about:* How to think about distractions.* Practice, practice, practice.* How to know when to increase or decrease the distractions.* How to prepare for the unexpected. Press play and enjoy!Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:YNP #054: How to Use Training Treats Properly YOUR Perfect Puppy: 4-week online training course for you and your new puppy.

How do you handle potty training when all the adults in the housework full time?  This is a question I get asked a lot.  Mainly because my listeners know I do not like the use of potty pads (for more on that, check out Episode 009).  If you are going to be out of the house longer than your puppy can hold regularly, how do you handle that without using potty pads?  My short answer is "get help!"  I know, it’s not what you want to hear.  And you may think, “wait, SO MANY people have dogs and work, how do they do it?”  I address that too.At the very least I highly recommend working out a schedule to give your pup potty breaks - which might mean getting help from a sitter, neighbor, or friend - until at least 6 months (longer depending on your dog).  That is the minimum age a puppy can be left alone for an extending period.  I think it’s of great benefit for both you and your puppy to go beyond that and I explain why in this episode.  Press Play and enjoy!In this episode I talk about:* What I mean by a working household.* Why I highly recommend you get help instead of using potty pads.* Why it's about more than potty training.* Remember you have a puppy not a dog (yet). Press play and enjoy!Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:YNP #009: Why Indoor Pads Should NOT be Used When House Training Your PuppyYNP #014: How to Choose the Right Dog Care – Part One FacilitiesYNP #015: How to Choose the Right Dog Care – Part Two Pet Sitters YOUR Perfect Puppy: 4-week online training course for you and your new puppy.

There are SO MANY things we need to train our puppy when we bring them home.  It's really easy to get overwhelmed or focus on the wrong things.  In this episode, I talk about the three most important skills you can teach your puppy.  Start these skills from day one and you will reap the benefits for years to come.  The three skills I talk about are:Being handled (beyond being picked up and petting)Getting their attentionImpulse control (AKA frustration tolerance)In this episode I talk about:What these skills are.Why they are so important.How you will benefit for years to come.Where to start when training your puppy these skills. Press play and enjoy!Other resources from this episode:YOUR Perfect Puppy: 4-week online training course for you and your new puppy.

Does it feel like your trainer just tells you to stuff your dog's belly full of treats and say then they're trained?  Treats are an essential tool to raising our well-mannered dog but the lesson on HOW to use the treats properly gets lost.And we really want to avoid that place where your dog will only listen if you have a treat in your hand.  In this episode I talk about:Why we use treats.What's the difference between high value and low value treats (and when do we use them).How to know when to come away from the treats.How to ween your dog off the treats but still have a dog that listens. Press play and enjoy!Other resources from this episode:YNP #031: Reward Your Dog Without Treats 

All we want is a peaceful house!  When asking two (or three!) different species to live together it can get tricky!How you introducing your dog and cat depends a lot on the personalities involved. If you have a calm dog and confident cat, count yourself lucky!  If you have an excited dog and a shy cat, it's gonna take a little longer.One of the most important things to keep in mind is not to rush the process.  That being said the best thing you can do to speed the process along is to make sure everyone not only IS safe but also FEELS safe.In this episode, I go over my top tips to introducing your dog and cat.  SPOILER ALERT: it has everything to do with making sure your cat feels safe around the dog. P.S. You can replace "cat" with any pet (that isn't a dog) that your dog needs to share the house or yard with. 

We all have a hundred (ok, ok hundreds) of photos of our dog.  But how many are keepers?  If you are anything like me you have 600 pictures and 2 end up as keepersIn this episode, let's welcome Allison Shamrell to give us all her best tips on how to get better photos of your dog, even if all you have is a cell phone!This is a fun episode and I learned so much from Allison and I know you will too!What we talk about:How to take better photos with just your cell phoneWhat obedience commands will come in handyHow to take a great action shotYou can learn even more from Allison here:Allison's Free Facebook Group: How to Take Better Photos of Your Dog Allison's website: Allison Shamrell Pet Photography

A strong recall is one of the most important behaviors your dog can have.  It's also something that takes LOTS OF WORK!!This episode is a replay a mini recall training I did inside my online puppy course YOUR Perfect Puppy.  I talk about how I approach recall as a habit that you and your dog need to develop (not as a command to teach).  I also go over the most common mistakes that I see and small adjustments that you can make to get that stronger recall. Press play to listen to the entire episode!  Enjoy!Links mentioned in this episode:* YNP #004: 3 Things You Can Do Now to Teach Your Dog to Come Every Time You Call* YOUR Perfect Puppy online new puppy course* Rover Round Robin cheat sheet

Separation anxiety is always been something dog owners need to be aware of.  How to be alone is something that we have to teach our dogs.  In a perfect world we start this when they are puppies with crate training and the natural rhythm of our lives as we need to go to work, school, family functions or just out to dinner.  But right now we aren't doing any of those things.  As we are spending so much more time with our dogs a concern that has come up recently is how our dogs will react when we do start leaving the house again.In this episode, I address exactly that.  I have you some ideas on how to ease your dog or puppy back into being alone (or maybe being left alone for the first time).  I talk about specific considerations during this time of COVID-19.If this is something you are struggling with I also recommend you check out Episode 022: How to Prevent and Treat Separation Anxiety.

Leash training is a hot topic among dog owners.  Walks are a fundamental joy for dogs but when it comes to walking down the street in a straight line, it's no longer feels natural for them so that's why we encounter some resistance.This is also why there are many different ways we struggle with our dog on a leash.In this episode, I go over the 3 most common questions I get about leash training.* How to stop pulling on a leash.* How to stop jumping and nipping during the walk. * How to handle distractions. Press play to listen to the entire episode!

​As your dog grows you will probably experience some behavior changes.  Just as you think you have it ALL figured out your puppy will prove you wrong. It's all part of the roller coaster of owning a puppy.  In this episode, I talk about when these changes can happen, why they happen, and how to handle them.  Press play to listen to the entire episode.  Enjoy!