Barks to Basics

On this episode of Barks to Basics, Jamie sits down with Jennifer Solano-Thieme for an honest conversation about fighting dogs and behavioral euthanasia. Together, they discuss the heartbreaking realities of severe aggression, the difficult decisions owners and rescues sometimes face, and the importance of putting safety and quality of life first. They also explore the emotional impact these cases...

On this episode of Barks to Basics, Jamie sits down with Jennifer Solano-Thieme to discuss whether fostering a dog is the right fit for you. They dive into the realities of fostering, including the rewards, challenges, and the life-changing impact it has on both dogs and the families who open their homes. Jennifer shares valuable insights into the fostering process, common misconceptions, and how...

On this emotional and compassionate episode, Jamie Diaz discusses the difficult decision of euthanasia and the important questions pet owners should ask when evaluating their dog’s quality of life. She talks about pain management, mobility, appetite, comfort, daily happiness, and whether a pet is still able to enjoy the things they once loved. Jamie encourages owners to focus on their dog’s dignit...

On this episode, Jamie Diaz breaks down the most common mistakes dog owners make during potty training and how to avoid them. She covers the importance of consistency, supervision, routines, crate training, and rewarding good behavior at the right time. Jamie also explains how mixed signals, punishment, and unrealistic expectations can slow progress and confuse puppies. This episode is packed with...

On this episode, Jamie Diaz breaks down the most common mistakes dog owners make during potty training and how to avoid them. She covers the importance of consistency, supervision, routines, crate training, and rewarding good behavior at the right time. Jamie also explains how mixed signals, punishment, and unrealistic expectations can slow progress and confuse puppies. This episode is packed with...

On this episode, Jamie Diaz shares creative and practical ways to keep your dog happy, active, and mentally stimulated during the summer months. From swimming, beach trips, and hiking to frozen treats, scent games, and backyard activities, Jamie explains how enrichment and exercise help prevent boredom and strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners. She also shares important summer safety t...

On this episode of Barks to Basics, Jamie Diaz sits down with Dr. Megan Petroff for an informative conversation covering all things babies, kids, and dogs. Together, they discuss how to safely introduce dogs to growing families, common behavioral changes pets may experience around infants and young children, and how parents can create a calm, positive environment for both kids and pets. Dr. Petrof...

On this episode of Barks To Basics, Jamie Diaz breaks down the ultimate breed checklist and what every future dog owner should consider before choosing the right breed. Jamie explains why selecting a dog should go far beyond looks or popularity and instead be based on lifestyle, temperament, energy level, drive, grooming needs, health predispositions, and long-term compatibility. Throughout the ep...

On this episode of Barks To Basics, Jamie Diaz dives into one of the most important questions future dog owners can ask: when is the right time to get a dog? Jamie breaks down what people should realistically consider before bringing a dog home, including lifestyle, schedule, finances, living arrangements, travel, and whether you truly have the time and consistency a dog needs to thrive. Throughou...

On this episode of Barks To Basics, Jamie Diaz explores the pros and cons of adopting from a shelter and what potential dog owners should realistically expect when bringing home a rescue. While adoption can be an incredibly rewarding experience, Jamie breaks down why it is important to understand both the benefits and the challenges before making the commitment. Throughout the episode, Jamie discu...

On this episode of Barks To Basics, Jamie Diaz breaks down the often misunderstood topic of choosing a breeder and why finding the right one matters more than most people realize. Jamie explains how a responsible breeder can set the foundation for a dog’s health, temperament, and long-term success, while also helping future owners avoid common behavioral and medical issues that often come from poo...

On this insightful episode, Jamie welcomes Dr. Megan Petroff, a veterinary behaviorist, for an honest conversation about the science behind your dog’s behavior. Together, they break down common issues like anxiety, reactivity, aggression, and fear—explaining what’s really going on beneath the surface. Dr. Petroff shares expert guidance on when behavior is more than just training, how medical facto...

On this interactive live Q&A episode, professional dog trainer Jamie Diaz goes live on TikTok to answer real-time questions from dog owners. From puppy training basics to behavior challenges like leash pulling, barking, and anxiety, Jamie shares practical, easy-to-follow advice you can start using immediately. Listeners will learn how to build better communication with their dogs, set clear bo...

On this episode of Barks to Basics, Jamie breaks down the key differences between training a puppy and working with an adult dog—and why they require completely different approaches. Puppies are a blank slate. It’s all about building structure, creating clear communication, and setting expectations from day one. Adult dogs, on the other hand, often come with established habits—good or bad—which me...

On this episode of Barks to Basics, Jamie Diaz is saying it loud and clear—it’s time to throw out your shock collars. Jamie breaks down why aversive tools can do more harm than good, how they impact your dog’s behavior and trust, and what many owners don’t realize when using them. She explains the science behind behavior, the risks of fear-based training, and why punishment doesn’t create long-ter...

On this episode of Barks to Basics, Jamie Diaz breaks down the top 10 dog breeds you may want to think twice about before bringing home. While every dog has the potential to be a great companion, not every breed is the right fit for every lifestyle. Jamie dives into the realities of owning certain breeds, including high energy levels, intense training needs, behavioral challenges, and the time com...

On this episode of Barks to Basics, Jamie sits down with fellow Certified Professional Dog Trainer Stacy Greer to talk about one of the most common challenges new puppy owners face—puppy biting. Together, they break down why puppies bite, what behaviors are completely normal during development, and when owners should start redirecting the behavior. Jamie and Stacy explain that puppy biting is ofte...

On this episode of Barks to Basics, Jamie sits down with Stacy Greer, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, to talk about her journey into the world of dog training. Stacy shares how her passion for dogs turned into a professional career, the challenges she faced along the way, and the lessons that shaped her training philosophy. The conversation dives into what it really takes to become a dog train...

On this episode of Barks to Basics, Jamie Diaz hosts a live TikTok Q&A where she answers real dog training questions from dog owners just like you. She covers some of the most common topics dog owners face, including crate training, building structure, improving focus, managing unwanted behaviors, and creating clear communication. Jamie explains that most dog owners have the same questions and...

On this episode of Barks to Basics, Jamie Diaz explains the importance of creating structure in your dog’s daily routine through three key components: activity, potty, and crate. She breaks down what she truly means by “activity,” including structured walks, training sessions, and mental enrichment—not just physical exercise. Jamie also discusses how consistent potty routines help dogs learn faste...

On this episode of Barks to Basics, Jamie is joined by veterinarian Dr. Donna Schwartz for an in-depth Breed Breakdown, where they explore different dog breeds through a veterinary lens. From temperament and exercise needs to common health concerns and grooming requirements, Dr. Schwartz shares expert insights to help pet parents better understand what makes each breed unique. This vet-approved di...

On this episode of Barks to Basics, Jamie welcomes veterinarian Dr. Donna Schwartz for a fast-paced Rapid Fire Q&A featuring 60 quick questions designed to cover a wide range of essential dog health and care topics. From puppy wellness and preventative care to nutrition, grooming, breed considerations, and common medical concerns, Dr. Schwartz delivers clear, expert-backed answers that every p...

In this episode of Barks to Basics, Jamie Diaz explains why the 8–16 week window is the most important socialization period in a dog’s entire life — and what happens when it’s missed. Jamie breaks down what proper socialization actually means (and what it doesn’t), why exposure matters more than interaction, and how everyday experiences during this short window shape your puppy’s confidence for li...

On this episode of Barks to Basics, Jamie Diaz breaks down a simple, realistic approach to crate training your puppy in just three days — without stress, force, or guilt. Jamie explains why the crate should be your puppy’s safe space, not a punishment, and walks listeners through a step-by-step plan that builds positive associations, prevents accidents, and creates healthy routines from day one. Y...

On this episode of Barks to Basics, Jamie goes live to answer real dog training questions from pet parents just like you. From puppy training struggles and common behavior challenges to reinforcement timing, consistency, and setting realistic expectations, Jamie breaks down practical solutions you can start using right away. Drawing from over 17 years of force-free, positive-reinforcement training...