Puppy Talk

Ever wondered why so many first-time puppy owners end up rehoming their pets? Join me, Dale Buchanan, on this eye-opening episode of Puppy Talk, as we uncover the harsh realities and rewarding highs of raising a puppy. We’ll explore the emotional trauma puppies face when rehomed too soon and how this contributes to the overcrowded shelters in places like Huntsville, Alabama. Through personal anecd...

Are you contemplating adding another furry friend to your household? Join me, Dale Buchanan, on this episode of Puppy Talk as we examine the pros, cons, misconceptions, and truths about owning multiple dogs. Discover whether an additional pup could bring joy and companionship to your current dog or if it might just add to your responsibilities. We'll discuss common myths like the idea that an...

What if bringing home a new puppy could turn into a financial disaster? This episode of Puppy Talk is a must-listen for anyone considering adding a furry friend to their family. I'll guide you through the often-overlooked financial aspects of raising a puppy, from the initial adoption or breeder fees to the ongoing costs of vet visits, food, and training. With a recommended savings of at leas...

Dog trainers never repeat vocal commands. Dog trainers never overuse vocal commands when training a dog. Dog trainers never get frustrated with a dog. Dog trainers never allow a dog to pull on the leash. Dog trainers don’t expect a dog to be perfect. If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog t...

The components of a puppy program: Potty Training and Crate Training  Basic commands  Behavior Training  Leash Manners and Loose Leash Walking  Socialization Skills This is the same information in my book, The Complete Puppy Training Manual If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training se...

This episode provides dog safety tips to help prevent a dog attack. There have been two children who died from dog attacks in the past week in North Alabama. I provided dog safety content with two stories for the local news on the topic. Here are the links to the stories with an article and video. February 28, 2024, on WHNT 19 News March 4, 2024, on Fox54 News Huntsville Disclaimer The tips in thi...

It's important to set realistic expectations for your puppy, to be patient with them, and to accept that they are going to learn everything overnight.  If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Pod...

The best way to potty train your dog is to take advantage of the fact that they don't want to soil their bed. With crate training, you can use this instinct to teach your dog where it's okay to eliminate and where it is not allowed.  If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training...

Before you decide to take your dog out with you on a running session, there are a few ideas that you need to be familiar with. Don't assume that your dog is built for running Do talk to your pet's vet Don't go on runs if you have a puppy Do take it slow Don't forget to warm up Do look for a running trail Don't forget to train your dog to run with you Do make sure that your...

Naming a new puppy is fun--but while there's nothing wrong with choosing a name that's a little bit silly, you should also be practical and thoughtful. Your name should be one you'll use daily for a lifetime.  Selecting a great name makes training more accessible and helps your dog settle into the family. Before picking a name, please listen to these tried and trustworthy tips.  If...

You must put in the work yourself to raise a puppy successfully. A dog trainer cannot fix all of the dog issues and strengthen your relationship with the dog. Dog trainers give advice and suggestions and help educate you on how to solve problems. You have to do the work. You have to put in the time with your dog. Things you can do right now: Check your emotions - let go of all stress, anxiety, fea...

Over the past year, I have seen too many puppies lacking confidence and self-esteem. They are shy, withdrawn, and fearful of experiencing new adventures and situations. Six ways to build confidence: Help Them Navigate Through Challenging Situations Don’t Baby Them; Encourage Them Stop Spoiling Them Socialize Them Early Leash Training Other Enrichment Activities If you need help housebreaking your...

Many people think dog training is stopping unwanted behaviors or fixing the dog. Dog training is actually teaching the dog what you want it to do.  Dog training should be focused on setting your puppy up for success instead of focusing on their unwanted behaviors. When you change your mindset to teach the puppy good behaviors, the undesirable behaviors disappear.  Focus on what you want the dog to...

A therapy dog lends comfort and affection to people in a facility setting or specific individuals who require visitation to deal with a physical or emotional problem. There are 4 steps to complete Therapy Dog Training .  After these 4 steps, you must take a test and be observed by the therapy dog organization for several public visits with your dog around people. I suggest ATD ( Alliance of Therap...

Conditioning your puppy for bad weather, such as heat, cold, rain, and snow, is essential. This helps build their confidence and allows them to realize that bad weather is part of their life. In this episode, I explain how to do this safely and effectively.  If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-ho...

Here is a list of the top 6 dog training mistakes: Chastisement upon return Confusing rules Rewards for bad behavior Constantly offering food treats Getting angry Poor communication You can read the article here: https://www.topgundogtraining.com/post/dog-training-mistakes-avoid-them-if-you-want-a-well-behaved-pooch If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com fo...

One way puppies can explore the world and learn about things is with their mouth. They pick up everything from the ground and bite stuff because they have no other way to explore and learn about physical objects. In this episode, I teach you a method to stop puppy play biting.  If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gu...

3 Steps to Potty Train Your Puppy. More info in my book Potty Training Your Puppy . 1) Your puppy should always be supervised or confined while indoors. Supervise your puppy closely or have them in the crate. Supervised means you will see it taking place if your puppy has an accident. The only exception to this rule is if you know your puppy has just gone potty and now has an empty bladder or colo...

There are two times when you need to use your puppy's name when training.  One is if there are multiple dogs present. The other is to get them to come to you.  Don't overuse the puppy's name, or there will be no value to it.  If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training se...

Littermate syndrome is a term that describes unwanted behaviors among sibling dogs, including aggression and intense attachment. It is often used to describe behavioral issues that occur when two or more dogs from the same litter are raised together and adopted into the same home. If you are considering adopting two puppies from the same litter, it is essential to do your research and understand t...

Leash training your puppy is an essential part of obedience and discipline.  Leash training will get your puppy out of the house to learn socialization skills and how to behave in public. These are called Leash Manners. Here are three tips to help leash train your puppy.  Keep the walks short, about 5-10 minutes. Long walks for young puppies ages 8-24 weeks could result in them losing focus and en...

Potty training a puppy is very simple is you follow the basic guidelines in this episode.  Manage the puppy's space in the house Reward the puppy immediately after they go potty outside Be consistent; take the puppy out at least every hour Don’t use pee pads.  Combine potty training with obedience and leash training. Potty Training Your Puppy Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNGRNXNX If you...

Your puppy's age and breed can determine the amount of exercise your puppy needs. Some dogs will need more than others. This episode advises determining what your puppy needs for exercise and mental stimulation.  The book mentioned in this episode is Leash Training Your Puppy .  If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is...

The place command is an essential tool in the training arsenal of any puppy owner, enabling them to establish control over their furry friend's movements both indoors and outdoors.  Follow the three steps in this podcast and read the article from Top Gun Dog Trainings website or read the transcript for this podcast.  If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy....

Oftentimes, puppy owners are unaware of their puppies' need for mental stimulation. However, once they are educated on how to introduce it into everyday life and form a more structured schedule for their puppy, owners will see results almost immediately. While there are endless ways to mentally stimulate your puppy, I am going to recommend some of my favorites in the list below, which have pr...