Explore every episode of the podcast A Good Dog's Guide to Obedience

This episode comprises excerpts from a Leerburg Enterprises Inc. ebook addressing the introduction of dogs, especially puppies, into homes with cats. Ed Frawley, a renowned dog trainer with extensive experience, provides a detailed method involving controlled exposure using a dog crate and muzzle, supplemented by prong and e-collars for corrections. The ebook emphasizes the owner's crucial role in consistent training and establishing pack structure to ensure successful integration. Numerous reader questions and Frawley's responses illustrate common challenges and reinforce his training philosophy.

This episode explains why puppies jump up on people—primarily due to excitement, attention-seeking, or lack of socialization—and offers training methods to curb this behavior. Key strategies involve teaching alternative greetings (sitting or lying down), consistently ignoring jumping, and rewarding calm behavior. Positive reinforcement, such as praise and treats, is encouraged. Finally, the post suggests a specialized training program, "Puppy Makeover," for persistent issues.

Puppies are known for their adorable and irresistible behavior, which often includes begging for food at mealtime. As cute as it may be, it's important to nip this behavior in the bud, as it can lead to problems down the road. Not only can it lead to weight gain and other health issues, but it can also lead to a dog that is overly dependent on its owner for food and treats.

This guide provides instructions on properly introducing puppies to new people, emphasizing the importance of socialization for building confidence and preventing aggression.

The "leave it" command is an important tool in helping you control your dog's behavior and preventing them from consuming potentially dangerous items. Here's how to teach your dog the "leave it" command.

Teaching a puppy the "down" and "sit" command is an important part of basic obedience training. Not only does it help to establish clear communication between you and your puppy, but it also helps to build a strong bond and provides a foundation for more advanced obedience training in the future. Here's how to teach your puppy the "down" and "sit" command.

Patience is an important skill for puppies to learn, as it helps them to become well-behaved and well-mannered dogs. The "wait" command is a great way to teach patience to your pup, as well as to prevent them from bolting out the door, jumping on people, or grabbing food from the table.

Barking is a natural behavior for puppies and dogs, but excessive barking can become a problem for both the dog and the owner. Here's a guide on why puppies bark and how to use the "shhh" command to stop excessive barking.

Preventing pulling on a leash is an important step in training your puppy to walk properly on a leash. Here are some tips for preventing pulling on a leash.

Exercise is an essential part of a puppy's physical and mental development. It not only helps to keep them healthy and fit, but it also helps to prevent behavior problems and promotes a strong bond between you and your pup. Here's a guide on the importance of puppy exercise, the best toys to use, and guidelines for puppy exercise.

Socialization is a crucial aspect of puppy development, as it helps them learn how to interact with and respond to different people, animals, and environments. Here's a guide on how to introduce a puppy to socialization, including tips on meeting friends and families, meeting other animals, and how to distinguish between proper and improper play.

Puppies go through a teething stage just like human babies do. It is an important and necessary process for them as they need to develop their teeth in order to properly chew and digest food. However, as a puppy owner, it can be frustrating to see your belongings being gnawed on or destroyed. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of puppy teething, how to handle teething, and ways to prevent unwanted chewing.

Leash training is an essential step in helping your puppy become a well-behaved and well-adjusted companion. Here's a guide on how to introduce leash training to your puppy, how to stop leash biting, and other useful tips and information.

Grooming is an important aspect of taking care of your puppy, as it not only keeps them looking good, but also helps to maintain their overall health. Here are some tips on how to take care of your puppy's grooming needs, including their nails, fur, and teeth.

Taking your puppy to the veterinarian for their first check-up can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience for both you and your furry companion. Here are some tips to help you prepare for and make the most of your puppy's first veterinarian visit.

It's natural for dogs to feel scared of new or unfamiliar things. If your dog is afraid of certain items, such as vacuums, thunderstorms, or loud noises, it's important to help them overcome their fear. This process is called desensitization, and it's a gradual process that helps your dog learn to feel more comfortable with the scary item over time.

Dogs can be sensitive to loud noises and being touched in certain areas, which can cause them to become anxious or fearful. Desensitization is a gradual process that can help your dog become more comfortable with these stimuli over time. Here's a guide on how to desensitize your dog to loud noises and being touched.

Choosing a name for your new puppy is an exciting and important decision. The name you choose will be your pup's primary identifier, and it's essential to pick one that's unique, memorable, and easy to say. In this guide, we'll cover some tips on how to pick the perfect name for your new puppy and provide suggestions for different types of names.

Eating feces, also known as coprophagia, is a common but unpleasant behavior among dogs. This behavior can be caused by a variety of reasons, including nutritional deficiencies, a lack of mental stimulation, and certain medical conditions. Here's a guide on why dogs eat poop and how to stop a puppy from eating poop.

Puppies, like all dogs, have unique needs when it comes to their digestion and bowel movements. Understanding what healthy poop looks like and how to prevent and address issues such as diarrhea is an important part of puppy care.

Training a puppy can be a challenging but rewarding experience. One important aspect of puppy training is addressing resource guarding, which is when a dog becomes possessive or protective of a specific resource such as food, toys, or even people. This behavior can be dangerous and can lead to aggression if not addressed properly.

Feeding a puppy is an essential part of puppy care and it is important to provide them with the right type of food and the right amount. In this blog, we will discuss how much to feed a puppy, food guarding, and the issues with hand feeding.

Bringing a new puppy into your life is an exciting time, but it also comes with a great deal of responsibility. One of the most important tasks you'll have is to ensure your furry friend is well-fed and nourished. To help you navigate this aspect of puppy care, we've put together a comprehensive guide on what to feed your puppy, different brands, and what to watch out for, along with covering allergies and bloat.

Setting limits and boundaries is a crucial aspect of puppy training, as it can help prevent future unwanted behaviors. Some unwanted behaviors can be a source of liability such as: biting people, attacking dogs or chasing livestock. Setting limits allows puppies to understand what is expected of them and can also increase their sense of security and comfort. Here, we will discuss the importance of setting limits for playing with your puppy and provide tips for encouraging the behavior you want while discouraging unwanted behavior.

Separation anxiety is a common problem among puppies and dogs. It occurs when a dog becomes overly anxious or stressed when left alone, and can manifest in a variety of behaviors, such as barking, whining, chewing, and digging. Here's a guide on how to prevent and correct separation anxiety in puppies.

Crating is an important aspect of puppy training and care. A crate provides a safe and secure environment for your puppy to rest and sleep, and can also help with potty training and preventing destructive behavior. In this blog, we will explore the importance of crating a puppy, why crates are great, and how to build crate fidelity.

Potty training a puppy can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It is important to understand that puppies have small bladders and need to go to the bathroom frequently. They also may not have full control of their bladder until they are several months old. With patience and consistency, you can teach your puppy where it is appropriate to go to the bathroom.

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting and joyous time, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. Getting started with puppy training is an exciting journey for both you and your new furry friend. Puppy training helps to create a positive bond between you and your puppy, and sets the foundation for good behavior in the future. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started with puppy training.

For this podcast season, we've compiled a wealth of knowledge to help you navigate the fascinating world of puppyhood. From deciphering their behaviors to meeting their needs, from establishing effective training routines to witnessing your furry companion graduate to their full potential, this guide is your steadfast companion on this incredible journey.

Halloween is a time of fun and excitement for humans, but for our furry companions, it can be stressful and even frightening. Dogs thrive on routine, and the changes that come with Halloween—strange costumes, loud noises, and extra visitors—can create anxiety and behavioral issues. This guide will help you understand how to keep your dog safe and happy during this festive season, from managing leash manners to reducing stress.

Service dogs are not merely companions; they are trained professionals that enhance the quality of life for their handlers. They empower people to navigate daily challenges with greater confidence and independence, breaking down barriers that society often imposes

As we look towards the future, the role of service dogs is poised for transformation across various sectors, including technology, education, and healthcare. The evolving landscape presents new opportunities and challenges that will shape how service dogs are integrated into our daily lives.

This episode highlights real-life experiences of individuals whose lives have been transformed by having a service dog at work or in educational settings. From handlers who’ve gained independence and confidence to educators and employers who’ve seen firsthand the positive impact on productivity, focus, and well-being, these stories illustrate the powerful bond between a service dog and its handler.

Having a service dog can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. However, understanding the legal framework surrounding service dogs is crucial for both handlers and institutions. This chapter outlines the legal rights of service dog handlers in various settings, addresses potential discrimination, and clarifies the responsibilities of handlers, employers, and educational institutions.

Navigating life with a service dog in a professional or educational setting comes with unique challenges and misconceptions. Understanding how to respond to these issues with patience, professionalism, and knowledge is crucial to ensuring a smooth experience for both the handler and those around them.

For individuals who rely on service dogs, integrating them into daily routines at work or school is key to maintaining both the dog’s well-being and the handler’s success. This chapter will explore how to establish a routine that ensures the dog’s physical and emotional needs are met while balancing the responsibilities of a workday or school schedule. It will also address common challenges that may arise and offer tips for self-care for both the handler and the service dog.

Service dogs can be an invaluable asset to students with disabilities, providing not only physical assistance but also emotional support and a sense of security. The presence of a service dog can:

Creating a welcoming environment for both the service dog and handler is essential to ensure smooth integration into the workplace. Employers, coworkers, and the handler must collaborate to create a space that accommodates the service dog’s needs without disrupting the work environment.

Bringing a service dog into a workplace or classroom requires thoughtful preparation to ensure a smooth transition. The service dog needs time to become familiar with its surroundings, while colleagues and peers need to understand the dog's role and how to interact with it respectfully.

Service dogs undergo extensive and specialized training to perform tasks that assist their handlers with disabilities. Training can take several months to years depending on the type of service the dog is being prepared for. The process can be broken down into the following stages.

Choosing a service dog is a significant decision that involves careful thought about your specific needs, lifestyle, and the dog's abilities. The right match can greatly enhance your daily life, providing both independence and companionship. In this chapter, we’ll explore how to choose a service dog based on your individual needs, the types of training programs available, traits that make a good service dog, and how to ensure the dog’s temperament and personality align with your lifestyle.

Service dogs play a vital role in the lives of people with disabilities, offering independence, support, and companionship. In this chapter, we’ll explore what defines a service dog, how they differ from other types of assistance animals, the various roles they fulfill, and the legal rights they are entitled to in workplaces and educational environments.

In this episode, we take a bigger look on the Public Access test for service dogs.

When it comes to training a psychiatric service dog, the best course of action is to partner with a  professional dog trainer. 

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the many skills that psychiatric service dogs provide.

Proper PSD training serves two purposes: it ensures your service animal displays good manners at all times while in public places, and it also ensures that your service animal is able to perform a specific task or type of work that is directly related to your mental or emotional disability (a requirement for all PSDs).

There are three options available when it comes to training your psychiatric service dog. In this episode, we are taking a deep dive into these options.

Service (including PSDs), emotional support, and therapy dogs are three distinct types  of working dogs, so it’s important not to confuse them with one another. If you want to  know how the training, certification, and use of these different types vary, read  our service dog vs therapy dog vs emotional support dog article. Additionally, regularly  spending time with a dog can boost your health in many different ways. 

Here are some questions readers often ask about PSDs. 

A psychiatric service dogs (PSD) is a type of service animal specifically trained to  help people with mental illnesses and learning disabilities. PSDs have the same  legal rights as service dogs that assist people with physical disabilities.