Why your dog isn’t listening depends on a bunch of factors including what your asking them to do, where they are, what you’ve taught them previously, and more.

It’s one of the most common questions I get but it’s also one of the hardest to answer.  I usually need ALOT more information.  

From my experience, I’ve narrowed it down to 5 reasons.  They are not mutually exclusive.  In fact, chances are it’s a blend of a few reasons.  

The five reasons are:

1. You haven’t taught them what you’re asking for.
2. You skipped some steps in their training.
3. You haven’t practiced in this environment.
4. They’ve already learned they don’t have to listen.
5. Today is just not the day. 

Once we can pinpoint the reason (or reasons) we can start to figure out what to do next. 

Enjoy!

In this episode I talk about:

• Expectations you should have for puppies.
• The five reasons your dog is not listening. 
• Examples of each reason.
• How to tell which reason your dog isn’t listening.
• What your next step is.

Enjoying this podcast?  Please rate and review it wherever you listen.  This helps other puppy parents find it.

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #057: How to Teach Your Dog to Listen With Distractions

YNP #064: The Downside of a Fenced-in Yard

YNP #080: Why I Don’t Teach “Off”

YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies.

Just about every dog is going to have some trouble with the hot weather.  

For some dogs even a slight elevation in temperature will find them seeking out the shade and wanting shorter walks. 

The heat itself can be tiring for a dog so it tends to shorten walks and activity.  This will result in us having to find creative ways to entertain our dog and burn some energy. 

For this episode I reached right into my Enrichment Database (available with YOUR Perfect Puppy) to find some activities that are perfect for a hot day.  

I have you covered if you want to play with water, sit in the shade with a frozen treat, or stay inside and avoid the heat altogether.

Enjoy! 

In this episode I talk about:

• Dogs that are sensitive to the heat.
• How to recognize heat stroke in a dog. 
• Different types of water activities to try with your pup.
• Different types of frozen treats to make for your pup.
• Indoor activities to avoid the heat all together.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

Articles on heat stroke in dogs:

• https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/heat-stroke-in-dogs
• https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/heatstroke-in-dogs/

Rover Round Robin:  A fun family recall game you can turn into hide and seek (request the step by step directions)

YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies.

Socialization is the most important training you can do for your puppy.  It’s also the most overlooked and misunderstood part of your puppy’s training.

When done correctly as a puppy, socialization creates a confident, well adjusted dog.  And who doesn’t want that for their puppy?  

I’ve gathered the 4 most common misconceptions about socialization to help you better understand what socialization is all about.

Each topic has it’s own podcast episode where you can learn even more.  

As always, the resources I talk about in this episode are listed all below. 

In this episode I talk about:

• What socialization is. 
• How socialization is about more than dogs.
• How your puppy’s experience matters.
• How age matters.
• When socialization is about dogs.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #074: How to Socialize Your Puppy Without Leaving Your House.

YNP #063: My 7 Guidelines for Socializing Your Dog

YNP #021: Balancing Vaccines and Socialization

YNP #013: Dog Park vs. Dog Daycare

YNP #058: How to Recognize Appropriate Dog Play

Playtime Paws Academy:  A membership for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

Indoor pads (or wee-wee pads) have a purpose but house training should not be one of them.

Indoor pads are one of those products that seem like a good idea and great tool to make house training easier but in the long run it does anything but.

Not only does it add more work in the long run but it is possible your pup may never get fully housetrained.  

In this episode, I talk about why I strongly discourage the use of indoor pads while housetraining.

If your intention is to eventually teach your puppy to only go outside these pads can be detrimental to this training.

If you plan to use indoor pads indefinitely, I give you a few reasons why that may not be a great idea either.

For some indoor pads are a great option but for most, they are not.

Potty training is a right of passage for any puppy owner.  It’s a time-consuming process that can be frustrating at times so it’s only natural for us to grab something that might make it easier.  However, I promise you if you put in the work now, it will be worth it in the end.

When your dog jumps on you, your family and your friends it can quickly turn into an annoying habit.

Luckily there are a few things we can do to prevent or correct this behavior.

Most of the time our dog jumps on us it is to get our attention. And if we are honest most of the time, that is exactly what we give them. Remember attention is attention, good or bad. So even if you are telling your dog no and pushing him off you, to your dog, that’s attention.

Why does your dog jump?

It usually starts when they are puppies because they are so darn cute and it seems harmless. Who can resist those big eyes, right?? Only, when our dogs grow up it may not be as cute and they don’t know the difference. If our pup has always jumped up on us for attention and if it works for them that is what they will always do, muddy paws or not.

In this episode, I talk about preventing, ignoring and redirecting your dog’s jumping. I use coming home as the main example but these tips can be used in whichever scenario your dog is jumping on you.

Links in this episode:

Episode 4: How to Get a Strong Recall: Three Things You Can Do Now to Teach Your Dog to Come Every Time You Call.

(I also want to mention I am very surprised I have gotten to episode 8 without my back up singers making an appearance.)

I had a lot of fun recording our first Q&A episode!  You asked some great questions that have influenced the topics of many episodes and now I want to answer some specific questions.

In this episode, I answer three great questions sent in by listeners.

Topics include:

• Multiple dog household
• Handing a new young dog with older dogs
• The difference between adding a male or female dog to your pack.  

If you have your own questions to ask we want to hear them.  You can email us directly at [yournewpuppy (@) playtimepaws.com] or if you sign up for our weekly updates you will not only get information when new episodes are released but you can reply directly to the email that is sent to you.

Links discussed in this episode

Episode #002:  Which Type of Dog is Right for You

Episode #005:  How (and Why) to Make Their Crate Your Dog’s Best Friend

Episode #006:  My Dog Steals my Stuff!! How to Protect your Dog and your Things

Episode #007: Why Dogs Dig and What You Can Do About It

Psychology Today – Aggression Between Dogs in the Same Household

If you are enjoying this Podcast head over to iTunes and leave us a rating and review!  This will help others find us!

Does your backyard look like someone has been digging for gold?  Having a crater filled back yard is frustrating, not pretty and can even be dangerous.  

Digging is one of those things that dogs just love to do.  It’s right up there with barking and chewing and being with us.

The most common reasons why a dog digs is boredom or has too much energy and he is looking to entertain himself.  Other reasons could be to cool dog, chase an animal or even escape.

Because this is such a natural behavior your best bet is to redirect or distract from the digging instead of trying to just stop it.

In this episode, I talk about the reasons dogs dig and some ways to help save your yard.

I talk a little about using a “sandbox” which is a designated place in the yard where your dog is allowed to dig.  This is what I do and it works well.  

In fact, here is Lucy sitting in one of her holes.  It’s her favorite because it’s nice and cool and she can watch the street.

What do we do when our dog steals our stuff?

We all know the scene: it’s gotten a little too quiet so you go searching for the little fuzzball that was just at your feet. You turn the corner and there he is, chomping happily away on the book you were reading earlier, or maybe it’s something that clearly came out of the garbage.

First, you panic because don’t know how much he actually ate. Once you know he’s ok, it’s time to clean up the mess or mourn the possession you are now tossing in the trash.

Dogs love to chew. It’s just a fact. It’s one of the basic things that all dogs do. But when our dog steals our things to chew on it can be dangerous and at the very least, frustrating.

What do we do to protect our dog and our stuff?

In this episode, I talk about a few things that you can start doing to stop your dog from stealing your stuff. I also go over how to teach him what he is allowed to chew on.

To give you an example I have a case study for you to give you an idea of how I handled this in a real world situation.

Links and Info in this episode:

Episode 5 (Crate Training)

When we think of crate training, we usually think of potty training our puppy.  It makes sense because these two things go hand and hand.  Using a crate is the best and most efficient way to potty train our dogs.  

In this episode, I want to convince you that crate training goes way beyond potty training.  If done correctly a crate can be an essential training tool and a way to give you peace of mind long after potty training is over.  

In this episode of Your New Puppy I will go over:

• Benefits to crate training your dog (and keep them crate trained).
• Pros and cons of the main types of crates.
• Where in your house your crate should go.
• How to make your dog LOVE his crate.
• Tips if your dog doesn’t love his crate right now.

Press play to listen to this podcast episode or subscribe to Your New Puppy where ever you listen to your podcasts.

Resistance to Crate Training

I understand a lot of new dog owners can have resistance to using a crate altogether.

A lot of people see it as a cage or think it’s unfair to the dog.  Especially if you adopted them from a shelter. I hear this a lot that, “they were in a cage in the shelter. I don’t want to have them in one at home…” 

I want you to look at it from a different perspective. We have cribs and playpens for our children to give them a place where they can play or sleep.  We have peace of mind knowing that they are safe while they’re in there. A crate is for a dog is no different.

That’s why I’m going to give you some tips and pointers to make this a great oasis for your dog. That way your dog’s going to love it and you’re going to have peace of mind. It’s a win-win situation.

Benefits to Crate Training Your Dog

The most common reasons for crate training is to help with potty training and keep them safe (and our stuff safe) while they are still in the chewing stage. 

What happens is, once he’s house trained and you trust him to be in the house unsupervised, then we come away from the crate and we stop using it altogether.

There are a lot of reasons to keep them used to and loving their crate way beyond puppy-hood.

When you have to board your dog. Especially if you go with a traditional boarding where they’re going to be confined, even if it’s only at night, if your dog already has a good association with the crate with that, there’s an extra peace of mind knowing that he’s going to be comfortable there.

When I used to board dogs in my house I didn’t require a crate (with the exception of puppies not yet potty trained)  But if they were crate trained, I highly recommend bringing their crate because the dogs who slept in the crates at night made the best transition to the new environment. I very rarely had any kind of whining or anxiety.

If your dog ever has to stay at the vet, either overnight or just during the day, they’re going to keep them in a kennel or crate.  Knowing that they will be comfortable in the kennel can take away some of the stress that you will probably feel from having to leave them there in the first place. 

The few times Lucy had to stay at the vet they commented to me on how comfortable my she was while staying there.  She just curled up in the kennel and went sleep. 

If you have people coming in and out of your house. They could be professionals working on your house or if you have a cleaning service that comes in a few times a month. 

If you have visitors. Not everyone likes dogs (I don’t understand it, but I respect it).  Or everyone is dressed up. Maybe it’s a child that’s a little scared of dogs.  It’s great to have an option where you can give your dog a bully stick or a really great toy and he can chill in this crate for a little bit and be perfectly content.

If there is an emergency. It’s something we don’t always want to think about but if we ever need to evacuate our home if your dog can be kept in a crate, the options of where you can go and bring your dog with you, increase. 

These are things that aren’t going to happen every day, but when they do happen, it’s really, nice to have that option. 

Once your dog is an adult you don’t have to keep them in their crate every day but just enough that they are used to it. 

For my dogs, what I do is every single time I give my dogs a bully stick, they chew on it in their crate. Now as soon as my hand goes into the bully stick bin, they both run to their crates and that’s where they chew on it.  Lucy, my younger girl, still sleeps in her crate every night (I’ll talk about her crate more in a minute).  

​Main Types of Crates 

The first thing that you have to think about is which type of crate is going to work best for you. Let’s look at a few of the most common ones. 

Wire (Life Stages) Crate:

The most popular one is the one that looks like a cage. It’s the wire crate also known as the Life Stages Crate. 

The biggest advantage to the wire crate is it has a divider where you can make the crate smaller when your dog is a puppy and then you move it out and the crate grows with your dog. Eventually, you can take it out and the dog has the whole crate.

The reason this is important is when it comes to potty training, the size of the crate matters.  You want to come give him enough room where, he can stand up, turn around, and lie down, but no more.  If you give them too much room they may go to the bathroom in one corner and then sleep in the other and you DO NOT want that. Once he learns he can go to the bathroom and the crate you use lose the crate as a tool then house training just becomes a whole lot harder.  

(I go into potty training in detail in YNP #010: Complete Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy)

They’ll also fold down easily for storage and travel. They can be a little heavy depending on the size.

With the wire crates, I also recommend putting blankets over them to kind of give them a snug feeling (I’ll talk more about this in a moment).

 

• Most versatile.
• Divider to change the size of the crate to grow with the dog.
• Folds down for storage or transport.
• Looks the most like a cage.
• Needs towels or blankets on the outside to make cozy.

Plastic Kennel (Enclosed Crate)

The second most popular one is the plastic Kennel.  What’s nice about this one is that they’re already kind of enclosed. So they already have that nice snug feeling.

The drawback is, is that they don’t fold down nicely. So if you have a large crate for a large dog they can get big and bulky to store and travel with.   

They also don’t have a divider where the crate grows with the dog.  So you might have to buy a small one when they are a puppy and get a bigger one later.

If you have a small dog, it’s really easy to carry them around in these crates.

• Already enclosed and snug.
• Airport approved.
• No way to adjust the size for growing puppies.
• Can be bulky to travel with.

Soft (Travel) Crate

Another one that they have is called a travel crate or a soft-sided crate. It’s incredibly light and it’s already enclosed. A lot of them have zippers on the sides where you can open up a flat and vent it but still have a nice cozy feeling. They fold down super easy to take up very little space for storage or travel. 

It doesn’t have the life stages option where it will grow with the dog. The other downside is because it’s only a canvas material, puppies and big chewers can chew through the material. 

This is my favorite option if you plan to take your dog on adventures with you. 

• Folds down and is light for easy travel.
• Already enclosed and snug.
• No way to adjust the size for growing puppies.
• Puppies and heavy chewers can chew holes in the material.

“End Table” Crate

The last type is these really nice crates that look like furniture. It’s essentially this really nice piece of furniture that your dog can sleep in. 

They are expensive and there are no travel options with them. It can be a good option if you are limited on space so your end table can also be your dog’s crate.  Or if you just want a nice looking crate.

• Attractive ​
• Can second as an end table.
• No travel or storage option.
• Expensive

To pick which one works best for you it all about how it’s going to fit into your life, how it’s going to work with your dog, and what you think the dogs gonna enjoy the most.

There are different options out there because everybody’s situation is different.

Location in your house

Another decision to make is where in the house you should put the crate. This is another one I can’t answer for you. 

When they’re a puppy and they’re going to be in the crate more often because of potty training or you simply can’t supervise.

During this time, it’s nice to have them in a high traffic area, like a kitchen or a living room because then the dog will still be with the family even if he’s hanging out in his crate napping or chewing on their bone during the day.

That being said, I also know that a lot of people like their dog to sleep in the bedroom with them.  And your new puppy with adjust better at night. I have also seen a lot of puppies adjust just fine not being in the bedroom at night.

So…

Do you keep the crate in the bedroom? Do you keep the crate in the main family area? Do you have two crates? Do you move the crate?

It might be something you might have to play with to see where the dog’s going to be the most comfortable and where it works best into your schedule, your family’s lifestyle.

Create yourDog’s Oasis

Okay. So let’s get down to how we’re going to make this the best place for your dog to be. Your dog’s little oasis.

Our goal is to give him a good association with his crate.  We can do this in a few ways.  

To start, never ever, ever, ever use the crate as punishment. It’s really easy, when the dog’s jumping around, really active, he’s nipping and he kind of gets out of control, to get a little frustrated and put them in this crate. You want to avoid this. The crate is not a timeout tool. The crate is somewhere for him to rest and relax.

What IS a good idea is to get him nice and tired before putting him in the crate. Then he’s just out and he’s sleeping and it becomes the place where he gets to rest without being disturbed.  You can also scoop him up and put him in his crate whenever he’s taking a nap during the day. 

You can have special treats that are only for the crate. Having that special treat for just in the crate gets makes the crate an extra special crate.  I mentioned before that I use bully sticks.  This can also be a deer antler or a favorite toy.   

Feed him in his crate.  You can put his food bowl right in the crate with him. I recommend using a Kong.  You can stuff a Kong with their food, maybe a little bit of peanut butter or some other healthy treat like yogurt and mix it in there. It’s great because he’s occupied in his crate, he’s happy because he’s eating this fun, treat and he’s also taking more time and more energy just to eat his meal

I talk about using a Kong for mealtime in more detail in Episode 18: Ditch the Bowl and Make Mealtime an Event

Make it cozy!  When I talked about the different crates above I mentioned making the crate snug and cozy.  This is the most important step.  You want to create a little cave.  This is a picture of Lucy’s crate.  I have to pull other dogs out of her crate all the time because everyone wants to sleep in it.  I have all sides covered with a blanket to make a little cave.  Then inside is a fleece bed and soft blankets to curl up in.  

Note: Young puppies will probably chew on the bedding.  Using an old towel or possibly no bedding at all may be necessary at first. 

Each of these things you can do at first just to get them to love his crate. You don’t have to do it forever (or you can!). You can anything that’s gonna be enjoyable, safe and he’s in his crate.

Pro tip: If you give them a squeaky toy, take it out before you go to bed.  Especially if he’s going to be in your bedroom because sometimes they don’t know that at 2:00 am it’s not the time to play it with that squeaky toy.

Introducing your puppy (or dog)

If you just have a puppy or if you’re bringing a new dog home this is relatively easy.

Follow these steps to introduce or reintroduce your dog to their crate.  Only move onto the next step when your dog is comfortable with the current step.

1. Set up the crate and leave the door open.  Don’t ask them to go in, just let them get used to the crate’s presence. An option is to feed him near the crate.
2. Play with your dog and throw toys and treats into the crate.  Continue to leave the door open. Let your dog run in and get the toy and treat and come right back out. 
3. Continue to throw his toy or treats in the crate.  When he goes in close the door and immediately open it.
4. Continue to throw his toy or treats in the crate.  Close the door for longer and longer periods of time (1 second, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, etc.).  

If you’re dog already doesn’t like the crate

First we want to see why your dog is uncomfortable and it could have nothing to do with the crate.  These are the most common reasons that a puppy or dog doesn’t like their crate.

Something “bad” is happening when they go in their crate.  If you only use the crate when you leave the house then your dog is associating his crate with you leaving.  Or if you put them in the crate and then use the vacuum.  Be aware of what is happening while your dog is in their crate.  Remember we want make sure it’s a positive experience. 

They don’t hate their crate, they are getting some kind of attention for whining.   Most of the time when a dog, especially a puppy is continually whining in the crate it isn’t that they hate the crate, they are trying to get your attention.  Walking back into the room, a quick “it’s OK”, or worst of all, letting them out will encourage them to do it again.  You need to completely ignore them whine you are initially crating training a puppy.  

I talk more about why puppies will whine in the crate in Episode 28: 5 Reasons to Use the Crate When You’re Home.

Big picture

Crate training your dog has lots of benefits.  When done correctly it will become a multi functional training tool.  

Pick the crate and location that works best for your family.  Then create a good association by making it cozy, making all good things happen in the crate, and never use it as punishment. 

Press play to listen to the full podcast episode.

What’s Next?

Want crate training to actually work — without the stress, the guilt, or the constant second-guessing?

That’s exactly what we do inside YOUR Perfect Puppy, my digital program that gives you a clear, practical plan for every stage of puppyhood and direct access to me to ask questions like:

 “Am I doing this right?” “Why won’t he stop crying?” or “How do I know he loves his crate?”

You’ll also get ongoing support through Playtime Paws Academy — with weekly live calls, a private community, and real-life solutions to help you feel confident as you raise your well-mannered pup.

👉 Click here to check out YOUR Perfect Puppy.

Let’s make that crate your dog’s favorite spot and give you the peace of mind you deserve.

In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about your recall command; most commonly known as “come”. 

I’m not going to be talk about teaching your dog the actual command.

What I am going to talk about is building a few everyday habits so when it comes time to teach your dog the command, it’s going to be a heck of a lot easier.  In fact, if you do this right, a formal command may not be necessary.  Your dog will always want to come running when you call them.

If you have a brand new puppy you are going to start these habits from day one. 

If you’ve had a dog for a while and maybe aren’t doing some of these things, that’s okay, because you’re just going to make today day one!

In addition, I have a bonus that teaches you how to play a game with your dog that reinforces everything we are going to talk about.  It’s also a great way to tire out your dog and create some family bonding!  More on that in a minute.

The three habits I’m going to go over are:

1. Never call your dog to you for ANYTHING your dog sees as negative.
2. NEVER chase your dog.
3. Add a collar grab.

Each of these 3 habits is based on the fact that we are always training our dog, whether we realize it or not. If you have noticed that your dog knows you’re leaving the house an hour before you actually do, you know what I’m talking about (sometimes I’m a little disappointed at how predictable I am).  That’s because they are ALWAYS paying attention to our body language, actions, and habits.

We’re going to use this to our advantage. Let’s get started.

Psst: Don’t miss out on the free tool I tell you all about at the end!

Press play to listen to this podcast episode or subscribe to Your New Puppy where ever you listen to your podcasts.

1. NEVER call your dog to you for ANYTHING your dog sees as negative  (and every time they do come to you make it a good thing)

This is where you need to be aware of your own actions. Sometimes we have to change our own habits first, which we all know isn’t easy.

The recall command isn’t about getting your dog to listen; it’s about you being in competition with their environment.  We don’t want him to have any idea in their head that coming to you is the wrong decision.  Every single time he comes to you it’s a good thing because one day it’s going to be a choice between you and that squirrel across the street and you want to give yourself a fighting chance.

For example, he’s running around, he’s playing outside, you call him to you and you bring him inside. From your dog’s point of view, he was playing and having fun and when he came running over to you he had to go inside (boo!).   

How about when she’s playing with something she shouldn’t have. You call him to you and then you take it away from her. Well, all she knows is she came running over to you and she got him new fun toy taken away.  

This goes for bath time, or clipping their nails, or giving them medicine (unless it’s wrapped in peanut butter, then feel free to call them to you).   Anything that your dog is going to see as not fun, you go to your dog, do not call him to you.

Before you call your dog to you, look at it from his point of view and decide can I call him to me or should I go to get him. 

It’s gonna take a little practice to start seeing things through your dog’s eyes. It’s something to practice and to always, always keep in mind.  We want to be doing this every single day so it becomes a habit for us too.

14 Days to a Stronger Recall

Teaching your dog to come to you in any environment is the key to your peace of mind and your dog’s freedom.  In just 14 days you’ll be on your way to feeling the pride and joy that comes with having a strong, reliable recall with your dog. 

But did you know teaching your dog to come when called isn’t just teaching your dog another command. It’s developing a day habit with your dog.  Your own behavior is the most powerful tool you have when teaching your dog a strong, reliable recall. 

Inside 14 Days to a Stronger Recall you’ll learn the skills your dog needs, the habits you need and the mistakes to avoid to have your dog coming to you in any environment. 

2. NEVER chase your dog (and teach games where your dog chases you) 

Chase is one of those fundamental games that dogs love, love, love to play. If you watch a group of dogs playing, you will almost always see a game of chase happening.

Your dog has probably tried to play this with you.

DO NOT CHASE THEM.  Even in play.

If you play the chase game with them, you know the one, he has a toy maybe you’re running around the yard.  It is a fun game to play, but you don’t want him to decide to play that game when he has something dangerous or he just got off-leash and he’s in the middle of the street. 

If it’s a game that he’s never played with you, then he’s not gonna think to play it in those times.

What I DO encourage you to do is flip the game and get him to chase you.  You get him all excited and then you run in the other direction.  Then if he knows the game of chasing YOU,  when he get’s off-leash, you can get him all riled up and run back to the front door. He’ll be like, “oh yeah, I know this game. We play this game all the time!!”

Test this out. Next time you call your dog to you, shuffle back a couple of steps you’ll notice him pick up his speed.   It’s a natural instinct for dogs to chase something that is moving away from them.  Any time we can work with their natural instincts, let’s do it!

It’s a great tool and a great game to have in your back pocket when you need to get your dog off the street or back on his leash or away from the fence, or the unfriendly dog that might be walking down the street.

3. Add a collar grab

The last thing I want you to do is incredibly simple and you will thank me for it one day.  I want you to include a collar grab into your dog’s everyday training.  

To do a collar grab is simply slip two fingers under your dog’s collar and then immediately release. 

A good time to start this when you‘re training him to sit.  Before you give him the treat, reach down grab his collar and then give him the treat.   You can also do this when you are playing with their toys or scratching their belly, or anytime you are handling them.  Do this a few times a day so it’s something they are used to you doing and even have a good association with it.

There are a couple of reasons this will help you. When the time comes and you get them to come to you, she’s not going to think twice about you reaching around and grabbing a hold of his collar to put his leash on because you’ve done it a hundred times.

Any of us who has that dog that will grab a treat and run or just sit out of arm’s length from you or try to play keep away you know how this can help.

If we make it part of his everyday training, then it’s something that he expects.

A second, and equally important, reason why I like to have my clients do this is because it’s the most common for a dog to bite someone he knows is when you grab his collar. 

The reason this happens is when two dogs fight, the first thing they do is go for their neck. And when we want to get a hold of our dog we grab the collar.  Think about if you saw a dog running around the street and you want to grab them for safety, whether you knew the dog or not, you’re probably going to grab his collar cause there’s nothing else on them to grab.

So we want to desensitize him to it and associate it with something good.  I like doing it when you teach your dog to sit because treats are usually involved. It doesn’t have to be every time, but enough where he’s used to it and he’s being desensitized to it. So when it does happen, he doesn’t get defensive.

Freebie

The very last thing I have for you is a PDF download that is all about a game that will help you reinforce everything we talked about.  I’m always very excited to teach this game to all of my clients.

I call it Rover Round Robin (for the young ones you can also call it Puppy Ping Pong). The general idea is that you have the whole family and your friends participating and you’re going to have the dog running from person to person each in turn.

It’s great exercise, it’s great bonding, AND it reinforces that running to whoever is calling him is SO MUCH FUN!  It’s a win, win, win!

But that’s not all…there’s different ways to modify the game to teach him additional skills and up the challenge. You can start to teach your dog everybody’s name (including his own). You can turn it into a game of hide-and-seek.  The possibilities are endless. I give you a whole bunch, but you can make up your own.

Free Tool: Rover Round Robin

This bonus includes step by step instructions on how to teach your dog and your family and friends to play the game. It also includes options to add challenges and new skills to the game. It’s a bonus that you can come back to again and again to continue to teach your dog and involve your family and friends…it doesn’t get better than that.

Leaving food out for you dog all the time is convenient and seems harmless on the surface, but there are many downsides to free feeding.

I talk about how free feeding can affect your dog’s behavior, health, potty training and more.

You will also get some tips on how to change the habit if it has already started.

 

Feel free to share or leave a comment below.

Once you have decided that you are ready for a dog (if you haven’t check out episode 1) it’s time to figure out which dog is right for you.

During this episode, I talk about 10 different traits to think about to help you decide what type of dog will best fit into your life.

While I use examples of different breeds, I do this just to give you a picture of what I’m talking about. Deciding which traits and qualities are best for you isn’t about picking a specific breed. My goal for you is to just be aware that all different types of dogs exist.

Remember it is possible to find a dog that you will not only love and care for but that will fit into your life so you can have the best experience possible. I believe that is essential in doing what is best for both your family and the new member you are welcoming in!

The specific traits I will talk about are:

• Size
• Energy
• Training
• Shedding
• Grooming
• Noise
• Territorial
• Gender
• Climate

Here are additional resources that you can use to research a little further.

https://www.akc.org/breed-selector-tool/

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/dog-breed-quiz-what-dog-should-i-get/

http://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds

http://iheartdogs.com/the-10-best-dog-breeds-for-first-time-owners/

https://www.amazon.com/Original-Dog-Bible-Definitive-Source-ebook/dp/B005PYJXDQ/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1

Free Tool! Which Dog is Right for you Workbook!

To help you out I’ve developed a tool to walk you through the different traits and qualities to figure out which ones are the most important to you. If you are interested you can request a copy below. It will be delivered directly to your inbox.

Want a new dog? Not sure if you are ready? Getting a new dog is a big decision and a long term commitment. Getting a dog isn’t something you can decide overnight, so we are here to help you figure it out!

This episode walks you through 5 questions to ask yourself to see if you are ready for a new dog.

Are You Ready for A New Dog? is the first part in a two-part series. Episode 002 will walk you through which type of dog is right for you.

The five questions we will go over are:

• Do I have time for a dog?
• Can I afford a dog?
• Does my living situation allow for a dog?
• How will I care for my dog when I travel?
• Does a dog fit into my life now and in the future?

We will talk about the different things you need to think about when answering these questions.

Free Tool: Are you Ready for a New Dog Workbook.

To help you answer these questions honestly, below is a workbook where you can write down your answers. This tool is designed to help you work through any challenges and solutions to the above questions. There is also room to add your own questions, depending on your specific situation.

Is your dog trying to dominate you?  The short answer is no, they are not.  

And though that might not come as a surprise to you, what isn’t always clear is why it’s not true.  

Especially because this theory that dogs want to dominate us or some dogs are more “dominate” than others still comes up a lot in dog training. 

That’s why I want to talk about where this dominance and alpha theory came from, how it’s been debunked, and why it still persists even though we now know better. 

I believe this information is important because helps us better understand our dog and how they see the world so we can better communicate with them and teach them how we want them to behave in our human world.  

As always, the resources I talk about in this episode are listed all below. 

In this episode I talk about:

• Where the dominance and alpha theory came from. 
• How we now know that there’s no such thing as an “alpha” dog in a natural wolf pack.
• Why dominance and alpha theory is still (incorrectly) used.
• What is actually happening when we think we see a “dominate” or “submissive” dog.
• Why I think it’s so important to understand the difference.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

International Wolf Center: An article by the organization that conducted the ordinal study on why they no longer use the term “alpha”.

Dave Mech (pronounced “meesh”): An article and video by the scientist that wrote the book that made the “alpha” theory popular on why it’s no longer accurate. 

YNP #038: The One Thing You Need to Know About Dog Behavior.

YNP #040: How to be Your Dog’s Pack Leader

Playtime Paws Academy:  A membership for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

Welcome to Your New Puppy’s Podcast!!

Getting a new puppy (or dog) is exciting and fun but it can also be very overwhelming.  No one gets a good dog by accident.  It takes time and energy to get the well-behaved dog we all dream of when we decided to bring home our new four-legged family member.

My goal is to guide you through all the information you need to guide you through the first months to a year and beyond, so you can get back to the fun!

In this episode, I tell you a little about me, who I am as a trainer and what you can expect from Your New Puppy’s Podcast.  

Resources:

yournewpuppy@playtimepaws.com:  Use this email to let us know what you want to hear about.

 

I look forward to talking with you!!

 

 

 

 

 

Potty training can be overwhelming.  The good news is, one of the first things we can check off the list is getting our puppy to sleep through the night.  

Potty training overnight is a little different than during the day.  Even though they can hold it longer overnight, they still aren’t going to make more than 4 hours or so at first.  

Our goal is to take them out as little as possible while still minimizing the risk for accidents.  I give you the steps to make this happen.

I’ve seen puppies as young as 10 weeks sleep through the night but most will be closer to 16 weeks.

Hopefully, this episode will get you closer to that uninterrupted night’s sleep!

Remember the one thing that trumps all else????  Say it with me WHEN IN DOUBT, TAKE YOUR PUPPY OUT!

In this episode I talk about:

• How long your puppy can “hold it” overnight. 
• What to do before bed to prepare for overnight potty breaks.
• Why I recommend setting an alarm.
• How to let your puppy sleep longer while lowering the risk of overnight accidents. 
• Additional tips to make overnights a little easier.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #010: Complete Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy

YNP #079: Are you Still Struggling With Potty Training?

Playtime Paws Academy:  A membership for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

Potty training can be overwhelming.  The good news is, one of the first things we can check off the list is getting our puppy to sleep through the night.  

Potty training overnight is a little different than during the day.  Even though they can hold it longer overnight, they still aren’t going to make more than 4 hours or so at first.  

Our goal is to take them out as little as possible while still minimizing the risk for accidents.  I give you the steps to make this happen.

I’ve seen puppies as young as 10 weeks sleep through the night but most will be closer to 16 weeks.

Hopefully, this episode will get you closer to that uninterrupted night’s sleep!

Remember the one thing that trumps all else????  Say it with me WHEN IN DOUBT, TAKE YOUR PUPPY OUT!

In this episode I talk about:

• How long your puppy can “hold it” overnight. 
• What to do before bed to prepare for overnight potty breaks.
• Why I recommend setting an alarm.
• How to let your puppy sleep longer while lowering the risk of overnight accidents. 
• Additional tips to make overnights a little easier.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #010: Complete Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy

YNP #079: Are you Still Struggling With Potty Training?

Playtime Paws Academy:  A membership for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

When we thing of what our dog’s walk should look like we think of them walking by our side without being distracted by anything and only sniffing when we say it’s ok.  

Spoiler alert!  There is NO “should”.

I’m here to let you off the hook.  Your walk doesn’t have to be perfect.  As long as your dog is 6 feet from you, you and your dog are enjoying the walk, and everyone around you is safe, then I don’t care what your walk looks like. 

No we don’t want them dragging us down the street (then we wouldn’t be enjoying the walk) but we also don’t need them in a “heel” position the whole time (then they wouldn’t enjoy the walk).

It’s about finding the balance that works for you and your dog. 

In this episode I talk about:

• What my rules for what your dog’s walk should look like.
• What my rules aren’t. 
• Why every dog should know “heel”.
• Why I encourage your walk to NOT be perfect. 
• A note about puppies and when your dog should have strict rules.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #011: Reasons to Leave Your Retractable Leash at Home

YNP #050: Three Most Common Leash Walking Questions

Playtime Paws Academy:  A brand new program for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

When we thing of what our dog’s walk should look like we think of them walking by our side without being distracted by anything and only sniffing when we say it’s ok.  

Spoiler alert!  There is NO “should”.

I’m here to let you off the hook.  Your walk doesn’t have to be perfect.  As long as your dog is 6 feet from you, you and your dog are enjoying the walk, and everyone around you is safe, then I don’t care what your walk looks like. 

No we don’t want them dragging us down the street (then we wouldn’t be enjoying the walk) but we also don’t need them in a “heel” position the whole time (then they wouldn’t enjoy the walk).

It’s about finding the balance that works for you and your dog. 

In this episode I talk about:

• What my rules for what your dog’s walk should look like.
• What my rules aren’t. 
• Why every dog should know “heel”.
• Why I encourage your walk to NOT be perfect. 
• A note about puppies and when your dog should have strict rules.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #082: Let’s Update Your Dog’s Microchip

www.Canva.com: A free design tool to help you make your lost posters.

Playtime Paws Academy:  A brand new program for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

A microchip is a tiny device that is placed below your pet’s skin.  It has a unique 15 digit code that you register along with your contact information.  This way if your pet ever gets lost, shelters, veterinarians, police stations, and others can scan the microchip and access your contact info and help return your pet to you.  

Think of it like a tag that can’t get lost or fall off.  

Microchipping your dog is a pretty standard and safe practice nowadays.  Most breeders and rescues automatically chip their dogs before sending them to their forever homes.  

In certain place like the UK, Canada, and some cities within the US require your dog to be microchipped.  That is how effective it is at keeping dogs (and cats!!) out of shelters.

Unfortunately, one problem persists.  It is extremely common for a lost pet to stay lost simply because the microchip information is out of date or not registered in the first place.

That is exactly what we’re going to prevent happening to you and your pets! 

I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know to make sure your dog’s microchip is registered and up to date even if your unsure if your dog has one or what the number is. 

In this episode I talk about:

• Why you should microchip your dog.
• How to figure out if your dog is microchipped.
• Where to go to find the number (or get your dog microchipped). 
• How to register or update your information.
• Where to go if you don’t know where or if the microchip is registered. 

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

Animal Humane Society: List of websites where you can register your pet’s microchip

Microchip Registry Look Up (www.petmicrochiplookup.org): A registry where you can find where your microchip is registered.

Playtime Paws Academy:  A digital membership for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

When we thing of what our dog’s walk “should” look like we think of them walking by our side without being distracted by anything and only sniffing when we say it’s ok.  

I’m here to let you off the hook.  As long as your dog is 6 feet from you, you and your dog are enjoying the walk, and everyone around you is safe, then I don’t care what your walk looks like. 

​

In this episode I talk about:

• What my rules for what your dog’s walk should look like.
• What my rules aren’t. 
• Why every dog should know “heel”.
• Why I encourage your walk to NOT be perfect. 
• When your dog should have strict rules.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #011: Reasons to Leave Your Retractable Leash at Home

YNP #050: Three Most Common Leash Walking Questions

Playtime Paws Academy:  A brand new program for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

Most of the time we want to use the cue “off” to tell our dogs to “get down”.  For example, when they  jump on us or our guests or when they jump on the table or counter.  

I have nothing against teaching this cue, I just approach it in a different way. 

If we think about it, what we really want to teach our dog not to jump up.  So, if we need to use the word “off”  that means they’re already preforming the behavior we don’t want. 

BUT if we teach our dog a habit of keeping four paws on the ground then the cue “off” becomes irrelevant.  So this the behavior I like to focus on.

Essentially we want to teach our dogs that all the attention, fun, play, food, etc. only comes when four paws are on the ground so they never even think about jumping up!

In this episode I talk about:

• Why I don’t teach off (not that I have anything against it).
• Why to focus on the behavior not the cue. 
• A different way to look at this type of training.
• Examples of alternatives to teaching “off”.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #008: When Your Dog Jumps

Playtime Paws Academy:  A brand new program for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

Potty training is hard.  It can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months.  Even then you can still have a random accident here and there up to a year. 

It’s a process that we can’t rush our puppy through.  We can set them up for success as much as we can but it usually takes as long as it takes.   

If you’ve been   

It can be very disheartening especially when the kids don’t want to play with the puppy anymore.  

That’s why I’m giving you my three favorite games that I teach my clients to help with a nipping puppy.

Each one is designed to give you a way to interact and play with your puppy while keeping sharp teach away from sensitive fingers.

Each of these games are great for kids and adults. 

The the games I teach are:

1. Puppy Soccer
2. Freeze Tag
3. Flirt Pole (this one is actually a toy which I have pictured below)

In this episode I talk about:

• Why puppies nip and bite.
• To prevent nipping it’s sometimes about changing the game.
• My three favorite games to play with a nipping puppy.
• How to teach your puppy each game.
• When to involve the kids. 

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #046: Puppy Biting and Why You Might Still be Struggling

Playtime Paws Academy:  A brand new program for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

It can be counter intuitive but when your puppy has a potty accident, we shouldn’t punish them.

You may feel that you need to do something to let them know “this is wrong”.  

Or maybe you know that you’re not supposed to punish your puppy’s potty accidents but you’re not sure why.

In general, I discourage using punishment as a form of teaching your puppy anything.  But this question comes up a lot around potty training. 

In Episode #10: (Complete Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy), I talk about what to do when your puppy has an accident.  Punishment is never part of it.  

In this episode, I’m going to talk about why that is. 

In this episode I talk about:

• Why I get this question around potty training.
• What I mean by “punishment”. 
• What we are supposed to do with potty accidents.
• Why dogs learn better when told what to do (instead of what not to do).
• How puppies don’t know going potty inside is wrong (yet!).

Press play and enjoy!

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/compare-pet-insurance-quotes/

https://www.pet-insurance-university.com/guide_to_pet_insurance.html

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #010:  Complete Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy

YNP #039:  The Most Common Potty Accidents

YNP #079:  Are You Still Struggling With Potty Training?

Playtime Paws Academy:  A membership for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

Nipping is one of the biggest struggles every puppy parent goes through.  

It can be very disheartening especially when the kids don’t want to play with the puppy anymore.  

That’s why I’m giving you my three favorite games that I teach my clients to help with a nipping puppy.

Each one is designed to give you a way to interact and play with your puppy while keeping sharp teach away from sensitive fingers.

Each of these games are great for kids and adults. 

In this episode I talk about:

• Why puppies nip and bite.
• To prevent nipping it’s sometimes about changing the game.
• My three favorite games to play with a nipping puppy.
• How to teach your puppy each game.
• When to involve the kids. 

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #046: Puppy Biting and Why You Might Still be Struggling

Playtime Paws Academy:  A brand new program for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

A strong recall is one of the most important behaviors your dog can have.

That is why I wanted to replay this episode about how to get a stronger recall.  

This is a special training that I do inside my digital products (YOUR Perfect Puppy and Playtime Paws Academy)

I talk about how I approach recall as a habit that you and your dog need to develop (not just a command to teach).  

This part is overlooked so often when teaching recall I wanted to replay this episode once again to make sure that you get to listen.  If you have already listened to Episode 51 you will probably pick up on even more if you give it another go.  

I also go over the most common mistakes that I see and small adjustments that you can make to get that stronger recall. 

In this episode I talk about:

• The way I approach recall (not as a command to teach).
• Common mistakes to avoid.
• Small adjustments that make a big difference.
• Due to popular demand, 14 Days to a Stronger Recall is now available as a stand along program (find more info below).

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

14 Days to a Stronger Recall 

YNP #004: 3 Things You Can Do Now to Teach Your Dog to Come Every Time

Rover Round Robin: A family game that also reinforces recall. 

Playtime Paws Academy:  A brand new program for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

A lot of new puppy owners wonder if it’s OK to use a pen in addition to or instead of a crate.  

The idea of giving your puppy or young dog room to move around and play is a very appealing one.  BUT there are some drawbacks to giving them this extra space. 

A emphasize using the crate because I believe it is an essential tool to have throughout your dog’s life.  A pen can be an extra accessory but we have to make sure that we are using it correctly.

In this episode I talk about:

• The biggest difference between using a crate vs using a pen.
• The drawbacks during potty training.
• How to use a pen after potty training.
• Three common follow up questions I receive when talking about using a pen.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #005: Crate Training: How (and why) to Make Their Crate Your Dog’s Best Friend

YNP #028: 5 Reasons to Use the Crate When You’re Home

YNP Special Edition: Q&A Tuesday: Crate Training

YNP #072: Should You Use a Potty Bell?

YNP #056: Potty Training for a Working Household

Playtime Paws Academy:  A brand new program for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

Every dog needs a collar and leash.  There are many options out there so let’s talk about them.

Each of these tools has it’s advantages and disadvantages and there’s no one perfect solution that works for every dog.

In part one I talked about the different types of leashes.   

In this episode (part two) I talk about the most common types of collars and harnesses that are available.

I also share my recommendations and which ones I think you should avoid.  By the end you’ll have a better idea of what will work for you and your dog. 

Here are the different types of collars and harnesses I talk about:

Flat Collar:

This is the most common type of collar.  It usually holds some kind of identification.  You may or may not use this one for walks as well as everyday use.

There is a slightly different version that has similar uses which I talk about next. 

I recommend the flat collars that have a quick release (which is the type of clip you see in the picture).  Most flat collars have this type of clip.  What I don’t want you to use the type collar where you have to loosen and tighten the collar to get it on and off.  There are many ways for these collars to get caught up and you want to be able to get them off quickly. 

Martingale Collar:

This collar is very similar to the flat collar.  The difference is that there is an extra piece that when a leash is attached and they pull the collar pinches together to make it just small enough so they can’t pull out of the collar.  

It’s NOT a choke collar (in fact if it chokes your dog then it’s too tight).  It’s made for safety reasons so your dog can’t pull back and out leaving you standing there with a leash and collar and no dog!  

This is the everyday collar I recommend.

As with a flat collar, you may or may not use this for walks and I recommend using one with the quick release clip. 

Harness:

Harnesses are also very recognizable.  I favor this tool for everyday walking.  For some dogs a harness can encourage pulling and you loose a little control compared to a neck collar.  That being said, I’ve seen enough neck injuries to still recommend a harness over a neck collar for walks.  

If you have a heavy puller there are some separate tools for that.  So let’s talk about them… 

Head Collar or Gentle Lead:

This tool is specifically designed to help with leash pulling.  When your dog pulls forward the collar pulls their head around taking away their leverage.  

It’s very effective.  

The biggest drawback is dogs hate it.  They don’t like the strap that sits around their nose.  Some dogs will get used to it but for the most part they tend to reject it.   

Front Clip Harness:

This is the tool I recommend for leash pullers.  Essentially it’s a regular harness with a clip in the front as well as the back.  You don’t need the double leash like in the picture but some do come designed that way.

It works in a similar way to the head collar.  When your dog starts to pull forward they get turned around and lose their leverage.  It’s very important to get the fit right for these, otherwise it’s just the harness that spins around, not the dog. 

What I don’t recommend:

E-collar, pinch collar, choke collar.

Each of these tools are designed to make your dog uncomfortable to stop a behavior.  In my experience these cause more behavior problems than they fix. 

Those are the tools I talk about in part two.  Head over to Episode #75 for part one where I talk about the different types of leashes. 

In this episode I talk about:

• The most common types of collars and harnesses.
• Which tools I recommend and why.
• My recommendations for young puppies.
• Which collars I don’t recommend and why.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #075: Different Leash Walking Tools (Part 01: Leashes)

Playtime Paws Academy:  A brand new program for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

Every dog needs a collar and leash.  There are many options out there so let’s talk about them.

Each option has it’s advantages and disadvantages and there’s no one perfect solution that works for every dog.

So in this episode (part one) I talk about the most common types of leashes that are available. In part two I talk about the different types of collars and harnesses.   

I also share my recommendations (which may or may not be right for you) and which ones I think you should avoid.  By the end you’ll have a better idea of what will work for you and your dog. 

Here are the different types of leashes I talk about:

Standard Leash:

The standard leash is the most common type of leash and the one I recommend for everyday use.  The material can vary but that is your personal preference.  I do recommend a light weight material and clip for puppies.

Long Line:

The long line is the other type of leash that I recommend.  It’s not an every day leash but it has lots of training uses.  Anytime you want to give your dog more freedom but still have the control of a leash to keep them safe.  

For example, your back yard (even if it’s fenced in for a young puppy) or a park when you want to play a game of fetch.  

I find 30 feet is long enough to give your dog some freedom but not too long where the leash is hard to handle. 

Slip Lead:

I used to use a slip lead to teach loose leash walking.  I don’t anymore because they need to be used correctly to be safe and effective.  It’s very easy to use them incorrectly and then they become a choke collar which is dangerous and ineffective. I now use other loose leash walking tools that are easier to learn and are still effective.  I’ll talk about them in part two.

Retractable Leash (a.k.a. Flexi Leash):

 I do NOT recommend a retractable leash.  They are one of those tools that seems like a good idea but in practice they are not.  In fact, I have an entire episode about it.  

YNP #011: Reasons to Leave Your Retractable Leash at Home

Those are the tools I talk about in part one.  Stay tuned for part two where I talk about the different collars and harnesses that are out there. 

In this episode I talk about:

• The different types of leashes.
• Which leashes I recommend and why.
• My recommendations for young puppies.
• Which leash I don’t recommend and why.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #011: Reasons to Leave Your Retractable Leash at Home

Playtime Paws Academy:  A brand new program for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

Socialization is the most important training you can do for your Puppy.

We want to get our puppy out from the very beginning.

There are also lots of things we can do every day at home in addition to the outside world. 

Bonus: Socialization tires a puppy out! 

In this episode I talk about:

• A quick review on what it means to socialize your puppy.
• Why socialization is so important.
• 5 ways to socialize your puppy without leaving your home.
• Lot of examples and ideas to keep you and your puppy busy for a long time.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #021: Balancing Vaccines and Socialization

YNP #063: My 7 Guidelines to Socializing Your Puppy

Playtime Paws Academy:  A brand new program for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

Something I get asked often is how I feel about using a potty bell.  

If you listened to my complete guide to potty training then you know that I don’t mention using a bell at all but does that mean I don’t want you to?  No go ahead…well, maybe… 

While I’ll show my clients how to use the bell if they ask, I find myself talking them out of it more often than not. 

I’m not against using a bell, I just find that it doesn’t work in the way we may think. 

BUT as long as our expectations are in the right place a potty bell might work for you.  So stick around until the end when I tell you exactly how to teach your dog to ring a bell to go outside.  

In this episode I talk about:

• Why I may hesitate to teach the bell.
• Why a bell might not work the way you think it will.
• Conversations I have with my clients before teaching the bell.
• Reasons a potty bell might work for you.
• How to teach your dog to ring a bell to go outside.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #010: Complete Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy

Playtime Paws Academy:  A brand new program for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

Something I get asked often is how I feel about using a potty bell.  

Stay can be a useful command (“Stay” so I can take your picture).  It can be used for safety (“Stay” while I clean up this glass that just broke).  I also use it all the time to focus an overstimulated dog.  

With just a few adjustments you can build a foundation to a stronger and longer Stay. 

In this episode I talk about:

• How to set your dog up for success.
• What’s wrong with the Stay-Come exercise.
• How to reset them when they break.
• Stay is a one syllable word.
• What makes Stay different from other cues.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #012: The Most Important Part of Your Dog’s Obedience Training

Playtime Paws Academy:  A brand new program for dog and humans in any s

Teaching your dog “Stay” is one of the easier cues to teach your dog…if we do it right.  And of course most of us are doing it wrong. 

Stay can be a useful command (“Stay” so I can take your picture).  It can be used for safety (“Stay” while I clean up this glass that just broke).  I also use it all the time to focus an overstimulated dog.  

With just a few adjustments you can build a foundation to a stronger and longer Stay. 

In this episode I talk about:

• How to set your dog up for success.
• What’s wrong with the Stay-Come exercise.
• How to reset them when they break.
• Stay is a one syllable word.
• What makes Stay different from other cues.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #012: The Most Important Part of Your Dog’s Obedience Training

What’s Next?

Feeling stuck because your puppy just won’t stay put no matter how many times you practice?

You’re not alone AND you’re not doing anything wrong. 

You might just need some extra guidance.

That’s exactly why I created YOUR Perfect Puppy — my digital program that gives you a clear plan to follow and direct support from me every step of the way. ​

You’ll build the core behaviors that matter most — like stay, attention, and impulse control — using real-life training that actually fits into your day.

And because puppyhood doesn’t stop after four weeks, you’ll also get ongoing access to Playtime Paws Academy — my membership community with weekly live calls, a private forum, an entire library of enrichment activities, and training refreshers

Click here to check out YOUR Perfect Puppy.  I’d love to help you get a “stay” you can actually count on.

How do you know if your kids are ready for a dog?  And if they are, how do you prepare them for bringing that new dog home?

Well lucky for you (and me) Justine Schuurmans, the expert on families, kids, and dogs,  is going to answer those questions.

Justine is the founder of The Family Dog and the creator of The Dial Method.  Her work with families has greatly impacted how I work with kids and puppies to this day.  

The best part?  This is part one of a two part series.  Stay tuned for part two where she talks about what to do when the your kids and the dog aren’t BFFs like you planned.

In this episode we talk about:

• Are your kids ready for a dog?
• Are you ready for a new dog? 
• How much can you depend on the kids help?
• Why younger kids shouldn’t be in charge of walking the dog. 
• Picking the right dog for your family’s lifestyle.
• How to prepare your kids for when the dog comes home.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

The Family Dog resources:  This page includes the resources both Justine and I talked about inside the interview including the video that I think EVERY parent should watch along with the Pet, Pat, Pause flyer. 

YNP Episode #002: Which Type of Dog is Right for You?

YOUR Perfect Puppy’s course:  A 4 week course to build the foundation of you and your new puppy’s life together. 

More about Justine:

Justine is a former Nickelodeon and MTV producer and dog trainer for over 20 years, specializing in working with young families. Her mission is to help parents, kids and dogs understand each other better and live safely and happily together.  She’s the founder of The Family Dog, STOP THE 77 and the creator of The Dial Method.

Maybe you’ve never heard of raw feeding your dog.  Maybe you have but you’re not quite sure what it means.  This episode can start to answer some of your questions. 

Raw feeding is something that I’ve dabbled in but I am NO expert.  Since I do get questions about it all the time, I’ve decided to bring in Kasie Maxwell Grujcic to help teach us more about it.  

Kasie has been raw feeding for 30 years and is the founder and owner of San Francisco Raw.  If you are new to raw feeding this is a great opportunity to hear from the perspective from someone who’s been doing it for a while. 

This episode is Part 1 of a two part series.  In Part 2 we focus on raw feeding puppies.

In this episode we talk about:

• Kasie’s story. 
• A brief history of traditional dog food.
• What is raw feeding?
• How it’s easier than most people think.
• The different ways of raw feeding. 
• How to start.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources provided by Kasie:

• Raw supportive vets worldwide: https://rfvs.info/find-a-vet/
• Local supplier resources for ingredients: www.eatwild.com
• Nationally available prepared raw foods (alternative to Answers Pet Food which Kasie no longer recommends): https://www.kurepetfood.com/ 
• Nationally available prepared raw foods: https://rawdogfoodandco.com/  
• Raw food consultants: https://freshfoodconsultants.org/canine-consultants
• Puppy feeding guide: https://perfectlyrawsome.com/raw-feeding-puppy-guides/ 
• Raw feeding myths: http://rawfed.com/myths/ 

Related articles from Kasie’s blog:

• https://sfraw.blog/2016/09/14/baywoofs-september-nutrition-issue-featured-article-starting-puppies-on-a-raw-food-diet-by-kasie-maxwell/
• https://sfraw.blog/2017/05/10/making-using-raw-goat-milk-slurry-for-naturally-reared-puppiesyoung-dogs/
• https://sfraw.blog/2018/02/25/perfect-canine-poop-qa-whats-a-normal-stool-for-a-raw-fed-dog-question-about-constipation/

Ways to contact Kasie:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sfraw
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sfraw/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatgroovyeats/ (how she feed her own dog)
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briarandbones/ (her cats)
• Website: http://sfraw.net/
• Direct scheduling link: https://sfraw.as.me/Kasie 

“Practice makes perfect.”  We all know that one.  Well it’s just as true for our dogs.  

When we teach our dogs how to sit we know to start at step one and work them up to a reliable sit in any situation.  

When we want to change a behavior (like barking, digging, leash walking, or counter surfing) it’s no different. 

We don’t usually think of it as something we have to intentionally practice but this is exactly what is going to change it. 

When you teach someone algebra, first they need to know how to add and substract.  Our dogs are no different. 

We think about how we want the behavior to change in the moment and try to work there when really we have to back up a whole bunch of steps and practice in easier more controllable situations. 

In this episode I talk about:

• What intentional practice means.
• The difference between changing a behavior and just reacting to it.
• Why it’s important to work in controlled environments.
• Why practicing when the behavior isn’t happening is important. 
• How to resist the easy button.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #027: How to Handle a Shy Dog

YOUR Perfect Puppy: 4-week online training course for you and your new puppy.

In part one we talked about demand barking.  Here in part two I go into detail about alter barking.  

Alert barking is when your dog is barking at something.  A dog out the window, a noise like a doorbell, your neighbor who’s washing their car, etc.  

​

In this episode I talk about:

• Summary of what we talked about in Part 1.
• What is alert barking.
• The different techniques to handle alert barking.
• Examples of different scenarios and how to handle them. 
• How to recognize when they are barking out of fear.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #027: How to Handle a Shy Dog

YNP #063: My 7 Guidelines for Socializing Your Dog

YNP #066: How to Stop a Dog From Barking (Part 1)

• See Part 1’s show notes for links to these episodes:
• Episodes to help with barking while crate training
• Episode to help with barking because of separation anxiety
• Episode to help with barking while on a leash

Other resources:

YOUR Perfect Puppy: 4-week online training course for you and your new puppy.

I’m back to burst some bubbles (POP!).  Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my fenced-in yard just like most dog owners.  But just like with most things that make our lives easier there’s a downside.  I’m here to help you minimize them!

My goal is to make sure that you and your dog can use your backyard in the best way possible.  And that means there’s some training that needs to happen before you just let them loose!

This applies if you have a puppy or a full grown dog!

In this episode I talk about:

• Why letting a puppy have the run of the backyard too soon can backfire.
• How to handle a dog that already has bad habits.
• How a fenced-in backyard can ruin your recall.
• How to work on a stronger recall in your backyard. 
• When it’s time to let your dog run around unsupervised.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #019: The Downside of a Fenced-in Backyard (Part 1)

YNP #051: How to Get a Stronger Recall

YOUR Perfect Puppy: 4-week online training course for you and your new puppy.

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Allison is back with some more great tips on how to take better photos of your dog!

Back in Episode 52 Allison 

In this episode Allison talks about:

• How to approach a photo session with your dog.
• How to photograph two dogs together.
• How to handle a dog that won’t sit still.
• How to photograph a dog with a dark face. 

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #052: ​How to Take Better Photos of Your Dog with Allison Shamrell

Allison’s Free Facebook Group: How to Take Better Photos of Your Dog

Allison’s Instagram: @takebetterphotosofyourdog

Allison’s website: Allison Shamrell Pet Photography

YOUR Perfect Puppy: 4-week online training course for you and your new puppy.

​

Socializing your dog, especially when they are young is SUPER DUPER important.  If you have listened to me at all then this is not news to you. 

You know that you have to expose your dog to many different people, places, environments, sounds, textures, and, yes, dogs.  This creates that confident, well adjusted dog that you can take anywhere and not have to worry about them.  BUT we need to do it right.  That is why I developed my 7 Guidelines for Socializing a Dog.  

Not only do we want to expose our dog to all these different things and situations but we need to make sure that we create a good association!

In fact that is guideline #1!

In this episode I talk about:

• Why socialization is important to do at a young age (3-16 weeks!).
• How to handle a shy dog.
• How to handle it when things go bad.
• How you, the human, need to act. 
• How to create a good association.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #021: Balancing Vaccines and Socialization

YNP Episode: How to Socialize Your Puppy During Social Distancing

YOUR Perfect Puppy: 4-week online training course for you and your new puppy.

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:

YOUR Perfect Puppy: 4-week online training course for you and your new puppy.

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 Household

YNP #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 Fetch

Rover Round Robin: Instructions to a fun, structured, family game that also reinforces recall.

11 activities to do with your dog

The 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.

What’s Next?

Still wondering if your puppy’s schedule is “right”? You’re not alone!

You’re just like any human trying to raise a dog.

That’s exactly why I created YOUR Perfect Puppy — my digital program that gives you a clear plan to follow and direct support from me every step of the way.

From potty breaks and crate routines to balancing naps, training, and enrichment, I’ll help you create a schedule that works for you and your puppy.

And because puppyhood doesn’t stop after four weeks, you’ll also get ongoing access to Playtime Paws Academy — my membership community with weekly live calls, a private forum, and an entire library of enrichment activities to help you to help you stay on track as your puppy grows.

Click here to check out YOUR Perfect Puppy.  I’d love to help you feel confident in your day-to-day routine.

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 dog

The 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.

What’s Next?

Feeling unsure how to manage the chaos of kids and a new puppy? You’re not alone AND you’re not doing anything wrong.

You’re just like any human trying to raise a dog with little humans.

That’s exactly why I created YOUR Perfect Puppy — my digital program that gives you a clear plan to follow and direct support from me every step of the way.

You’ll learn how to create a safe, fun, and low-stress relationship between your puppy and your kids with real-life tools, boundaries, and games that everyone will love.

And because puppyhood doesn’t stop after four weeks, you’ll also get ongoing access to Playtime Paws Academy — my membership community with weekly live calls, a private forum, and an entire library of family friendly enrichment activities to help you navigate real-life challenges as they come up.

Click here to check out YOUR Perfect Puppy.  I’d love to help make this stage a little easier for your whole family.

If you’re a parent, how do you know if your kids are ready for a dog?  And if they are, how do you prepare them for bringing that new dog home?

Well lucky for you (and me) Justine Schuurmans, the expert on families, kids, and dogs,  is going to answer those questions.

Justine is the founder of The Family Dog and the creator of The Dial Method.  Her work with families has greatly impacted how I work with kids and puppies to this day.  

The best part?  This is part one of a two part series.  Stay tuned for part two where she talks about what to do when the your kids and the dog aren’t BFFs like you planned.

In this episode we talk about:

• Are your kids ready for a dog?
• Are you ready for a new dog? 
• How much can you depend on the kids help?
• Why younger kids shouldn’t be in charge of walking the dog. 
• Picking the right dog for your family’s lifestyle.
• How to prepare your kids for when the dog comes home.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

The Family Dog resources:  This page includes the resources both Justine and I talked about inside the interview including the video that I think EVERY parent should watch along with the Pet, Pat, Pause flyer. 

YNP Episode #002: Which Type of Dog is Right for You?

YNP Episode #095: When Things Go Wrong Between the Kids and Dog? With Justine Schuurmans (Part Two)

YOUR Perfect Puppy’s course:  A 4 week course to build the foundation of you and your new puppy’s life together. 

More about Justine:

Justine is a former Nickelodeon and MTV producer and dog trainer for over 20 years, specializing in working with young families. Her mission is to help parents, kids and dogs understand each other better and live safely and happily together.  She’s the founder of The Family Dog, STOP THE 77 and the creator of The Dial Method.

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 Struggling

YNP #050: The 3 Most Common Leash Training Questions​YNP 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 Workshop

YOUR Perfect Puppy: 4-week online training course for you and your new puppy.

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.

When you are new at watching dogs play it can be confusing.  Dog play is actually 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. 

Learning dog body language is like learning any new language.  It takes study, time, and a whole lot of practice.  As a dog parent we do want to have a “conversational dog” understanding.  

You aren’t going to learn everything in one podcast episode.  My goal is simply to give you more confidence when your pup is playing to know if they are having a good time and let them go it if it’s time to break it up and let it rest.  

In this episode I talk about:

• Signals that two dogs give to let us know they are playing
• When it’s OK to give them a break
• What to do when you think one dog is not playing nice
• What to do if you are not sure 
• A word about dog parks

As promised, below are a couple videos to demonstrate some of the signals and signs I talk about inside the episode. 

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #013: Dog Park vs. Dog Daycare

YNP #034: Introduce Your New Puppy to Your Current Dog

YOUR Perfect Puppy: 4-week online training course for you and your new puppy.

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.