The Dog People Podcast

Today we jump back into our series on dog sports and sit down with Dr Ingrid Groeger-Stone from Creature Connections to talk all things mantrailing . Ingrid is a Mantrailing Global Head Instructor and walks us through this fascinating, highly accessible sport for anyone curious to give it a try. We discuss who the sport is suited to, which dogs tend to thrive in it, and, most importantly, the many...

Thinking about getting a mixed-breed dog? In this episode, Max and Jack break down the real science and ethics behind crossbreeding and why not all breed combinations are created equal. We talk about how physical structure, temperament, and genetic compatibility matter far more than trendy names like “Golden Shepheard” or “designer dog.” When two breeds are mismatched, such as a pug and a Rottweil...

Got a rescue dog with a name you don’t love or a dog whose name just doesn’t feel right? A lot of owners worry that changing a dog’s name will confuse them or damage the bond. In this episode of The Dog People Podcast , Jack and Max O’Neil answer one simple question: can you change your dog’s name… and should you? Max explains how dogs actually understand their names, why they don’t attach the sam...

We’re back to our regular programming and diving straight into your questions. Today, Max breaks down dog-food aggression, resource-guarding behaviours around toys, and the crucial difference between true punishment and unintentionally postive reinforcing of a behaviour. Got a question for us? Join The Dog People Podcast Facebook group and get involved. Need help with your four legged best friend?...

This is another episode in our dog sports series where we are trying to convince more people to do cool things with their dogs! and IGP is certianly one of those sports. It takes dedication and time but can be incredibly rewarding for you and your dog and more importantly FUN!! In this episode we sit down with Sharonkia Williamson , founder of Clear Canine and one of Australia’s most respected IGP...

In this extra long Dog pod episode, Jack and Max sit down with Casey from Big Show PSA — a trainer with one of the wildest origin stories you’ll ever hear. Casey has spent years working with animals of all sizes, and his path into dog training and PSA protection sports began in the most unexpected place: training tigers for a movie. When COVID hit and the industry shut down overnight, Casey pivote...

In this episode, Jack and Max are joined once again by the team from Barn Dogs Australia — but this time, they’re heading to the pool! The crew dives into the fast-growing sport of dock diving , a high-energy activity that’s as fun for owners as it is for dogs. From the basics of getting started to training tips, safety, and competition insights, this episode covers everything you need to know to...

In this episode of The Dog People Podcast , Jack and Max are joined by the team from Barn Dogs Australia to uncover one of the most exciting and accessible dog sports around — Barn Search ! Learn how this scent-based game taps into your dog’s natural instincts, builds confidence, and strengthens your bond. Whether you’ve got a working breed or a couch companion, Barn Search offers a fun, low-press...

Jack and Max are joined by Jamie the Dog Trainer to dive into the world of ANKC obedience — one of the fastest-growing dog sports around. Jamie breaks down the structure of obedience competitions, explains how ANKC works, what makes it unique, and how everyday owners can get involved. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your dog’s obedience skills or step into the exciting world of ANKC sport, this...

In this new mini-series, Jack and Max dive into the world of dog sports that anyone can get involved in — no elite training required. From dock diving to barn search and obedience competitions , these sports aren’t just great fun, they’re an incredible way to build a stronger relationship with your dog . Whether you’ve got a high-energy pup or a more laid-back companion, there’s a sport out there...

What makes someone leave a career as a professional triathlete to become one of Victoria’s most respected dog trainers? In this episode, Max and Jack sit down with Jamie, a trainer who started out teaching puppy school classes before helping Petstock build their national puppy program. He shares how he turned his passion into a thriving business, grew a loyal social media following, and the traini...

Can we accidentally set our dogs up to fail by expecting too much? Jack sits down with Max to talk honestly about his cattle cross rescue, Kira, and whether his training expectations match her personality. A powerful discussion on meeting dogs where they’re at, managing frustration, and celebrating progress instead of perfection. Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at...

Dog trainer Max O’Neill breaks down two of the most misunderstood techniques in dog behaviour — desensitisation and counter-conditioning. Learn the difference between the two, how to tell which one your dog actually needs, and why getting it wrong could make behaviour worse. From nail grinders and fireworks to doorbells and car rides, Max explains how to reshape your dog’s emotional response the r...

In this episode of The Dog People Pod , Jack puts a big question to trainer Max O’Neil: are we contradicting ourselves when we say we shouldn’t let our dogs fail, but also talk about “setting them up for failure”? Max breaks down what these two concepts really mean, why both approaches exist in training, and how to use them in the right context. Together, Jack and Max explore when failure can actu...

In this episode of The Dog People Pod , Jack and professional trainer Max O’Neil tackle a controversial question: should people need a license to own a dog? With shelters overflowing and cases of neglect still too common, some argue that adding barriers to entry could weed out those who aren’t truly committed to responsible dog ownership. Others worry it might create unnecessary red tape and punis...

In this episode of The Dog People Pod , Jack and professional trainer Max O’Neil dive into audience questions from the Facebook group. First up: what to do when your dog won’t hold their bladder overnight, cries to be taken outside, and refuses to pee before bed. Then, the guys tackle a hot topic, dog beaches. Are they as chaotic and risky as dog parks, or can they be a safe, enriching outlet for...

In this episode of The Dog People Pod , Jack and professional trainer Max O’Neil dive into a recent video from well-known trainer Zac George, who argues that dogs should be free to “opt out” of training sessions to build stronger trust and bonds. Jack raised an important question: what happens when your dog decides to opt out in a real-world situation, like chasing a rabbit, deer, or cat? Zac resp...

Dog training is an unregulated industry but should it stay that way? In this episode, Jack takes the side of regulation after seeing firsthand the harm caused by bad advice, while Max argues that passion, skill, and results matter more than government rules and talks about the damage that regulation could cause to the industry. Together they explore the pros, cons, and possible consequences of reg...

In this episode, Max and Jack dive into one of the most important lessons in dog training: don’t just stop a behaviour, understand why it’s happening in the first place. From digging to barking to chewing, tackling the root cause can stop unwanted habits from simply shifting into new ones. And when all the possible whys have been explored? That’s when it’s time to step in and deal directly with th...

A four-week puppy school might be a great start, but it’s not the finish line. In this episode, Max explains the real role of puppy school, why it should be seen as the foundation rather than the solution, and how ongoing structure and consistency at home are what truly shape a well-behaved dog. Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com This episo...

Bringing home a second dog isn’t just about doubling the fun, it means doubling the responsibility. Max explains why “letting the dogs sort it out” is a dangerous myth, and how clear leadership from you is the key to avoiding conflict and creating harmony. If you’re living with more than one dog, this episode is essential listening. Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max...

When Max woke up to find his dog Nelson had shredded a cushion, he didn’t just get frustrated he used it as a training opportunity. In this episode, Max explains how to uncover the real reasons behind destructive behaviour, why correcting your dog after the fact never works, and how to set up scenarios that let you catch unwanted actions in the moment. Perfect listening for anyone dealing with che...

Is your dog’s behaviour shaped by its breed and genetics—or by how it's raised? In this episode of The Dog People Podcast , professional dog trainer Max O’Neil dives deep into the age-old debate of nature vs nurture in dogs , breaking down how much of your dog’s personality and behaviour is inherited versus influenced by environment, training, and lifestyle. Max shares real-world examples from yea...

Are ultrasonic anti-bark devices really the magic solution they claim to be? In this episode of The Dog People Podcast , professional dog trainer Max O’Neil exposes the truth behind the viral social media ads promoting ultrasonic bark control gadgets. With more and more frustrated dog owners turning to these so-called “miracle” devices, Max breaks down why these tools not only fail to fix barking...

In the final episode of our breed guidance series for new dog owners, Jack and expert trainer Max O’Neil explore the large dog breeds that might not be the best fit for first-timers . These dogs may look impressive—and often are loyal, intelligent, and deeply rewarding companions—but some come with big physical and behavioural needs that can overwhelm novice owners. From powerful working breeds to...