Barks to Basics

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...

On this episode of Barks to Basics, Jamie breaks down the must-have dog training products that set both dogs and owners up for success. From high-value training treats and reward delivery tools to enrichment items that support focus, calm behavior, and mental stimulation, Jamie explains what to use, why it works, and how to use it correctly in real-life training scenarios. Jamie also shares expert...

On this episode of Barks to Basics, Jamie dives into how to choose the right groomer for your dog’s needs and personality. She explains what to look for in a grooming facility, from safety and sanitation to handling techniques and transparency. Jamie highlights important questions to ask, signs of a quality groomer, and red flags that shouldn’t be ignored. By the end, you’ll feel confident finding...

On this episode of Barks to Basics, Jamie breaks down how to choose the right veterinarian for your dog and your family. She talks about what truly matters beyond convenience—communication style, handling of fear and stress, and alignment with your training philosophy. Jamie shares red flags to watch for, questions to ask at your first visit, and how to advocate for your pet’s needs with confidenc...

On this episode of Barks To Basics, Jamie is sitting down with Dr. Seth Ghantous to talk about kidney disease in dogs and what every pet parent needs to know. They break down how kidney disease develops, the subtle early signs most owners miss, and why early detection can make a life-changing difference. Dr. Ghantous explains the role of diet, hydration, and routine bloodwork, while also addressin...

On this episode of Barks To Basics, Jamie is sitting down with Dr. Seth Ghantous to talk about toxins that can kill your dog and how to prevent it. Together, they break down the most common household dangers—from foods and plants to medications and cleaning products—and explain how quickly these toxins can affect your pet. Dr. Ghantous shares real cases, lifesaving signs to watch for, and what to...

Ever wonder what separates good dog training from great dog training? This week Jamie Diaz welcomes Dave Loewen — aka Dave The Dog Coach — to dive into real-world training, behavior basics, and the mindset dogs actually need to thrive. A must-listen for dog lovers and trainers everywhere.

On this episode of Barks to Basics, Jamie dives into the infamous “teenage terror phase” that many dogs go through between 6–18 months. She explains why previously well-behaved puppies suddenly seem forgetful, impulsive, or stubborn, and how this phase is rooted in normal developmental changes. Jamie shares practical training strategies, management tips, and mindset shifts to help owners navigate...

On this episode of Barks to Basics, Jamie shares her best tips for holiday-proofing your dog so the season stays fun, safe, and stress-free for everyone. She breaks down how to prevent common holiday mishaps—from door-dashing guests and food hazards to overstimulation and changes in routine. Jamie also explains simple management strategies, enrichment ideas, and training refreshers to help dogs fe...

On this episode of Barks to Basics, Jamie welcomes back Dr. Fiona Patterson — veterinarian turned force-free trainer — to unpack the 4 D’s of dog training: Duration, Distance, Distraction, and Diversity. Together, they explore how these four pillars shape real progress in your dog’s learning journey — from building focus that lasts, to teaching calm under pressure, and ensuring your dog can perfor...