The Dog People Podcast

In this episode of The Dog People Podcast , Jack and professional trainer Max O’Neil continue their honest look at breed suitability for new owners—this time focusing on medium-sized dog breeds that might be a bit too much for beginners . Medium dogs often strike the perfect balance for many households, but that doesn’t mean every breed in this category is beginner-friendly. Some medium dogs come...

Not every adorable small dog is an easy fit for first-time owners. In this honest and informative episode of The Dog People Podcast , Jack and dog trainer Max O’Neil shift gears to look at small dog breeds that might be more challenging for beginners . We’re not here to bad-mouth any breed—every dog is amazing in the right hands. But the reality is that some small breeds come with big personalitie...

In the final instalment of our breed recommendation series on The Dog People Podcast , Jack and professional trainer Max O’Neil tackle the best large dog breeds for first-time owners . While big dogs can seem intimidating at first glance, many are surprisingly gentle, affectionate, and easygoing—making them a fantastic choice for new dog parents. Max breaks down which large breeds are beginner-fri...

In part two of our first-time dog owner series on The Dog People Podcast , Jack and expert trainer Max O’Neil turn their attention to medium-sized dog breeds —those lovable middleweights that offer the perfect blend of size, smarts, and personality. If small breeds feel a bit too dainty, and large dogs seem like too much to handle, this episode is for you. Max shares his top picks for medium-sized...

In this episode of The Dog People Podcast , Jack and professional dog trainer Max O’Neil kick off a brand-new series designed to help first-time dog owners find the perfect canine companion. Whether you're living in an apartment or just want a pup with a little less size and a lot of personality, this episode is all about small dog breeds that are ideal for beginners . From easygoing lapdogs to sp...

In this episode of The Dog People Podcast , Max and Jack unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of dog training — how often you should be rewarding your dog. Max breaks down the science of reinforcement schedules and explains why not knowing when a reward is coming can actually supercharge your dog’s motivation. If you're always handing out treats, you might be doing more harm than good — but...

Join Jack and Max as they field your questions in this dog-packed episode: uncover the realities of modern doggie daycare, debunk the vagus nerve “calming hack,” and Jack puts his big boy pants on for his first bit of advice on a deep-dive into a listener’s Kelpie problem but will Max agree with his tips? Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com...

Rehoming a dog is one of the hardest decisions a person can make — and one of the most judged. In this honest conversation, we break down the stigma around rehoming and explain why, sometimes, it is truly the kindest, most responsible choice for both the dog and the owner. Jack shares his own personal story of rehoming a dog and how it still weighs on his mind, even though it was the right thing t...

Want a dog who loves working with you but can also chill on their own? In this episode, we’ll teach you how to build a healthy relationship with your dog, encourage engagement and focus, and prevent separation anxiety. Professional trainer Max O’Neil breaks down practical training steps to help your dog feel confident, balanced, and happy — whether you’re together or apart. Learn how to avoid crea...

Every interaction your dog has shapes them — so what are they picking up from their "friends"? This episode dives into how dogs influence each other’s behaviour, why you might need to limit certain playmates, and how to use structured social time to your advantage. It’s not about isolation — it’s about intentional influence. Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at down...

Dog parks are everywhere — but are they really the best place for your dog? In this episode, we dive into the pros, cons, and common misconceptions around dog parks. Max and Jack break down when dog parks can help, when they can harm, and why not every dog is suited to that kind of social environment. Plus alternative ways to meet your dog’s social needs without stepping inside the gate. If you’ve...

Bringing home a second dog is a major life change — not just for you, but for your current dog too. In this episode, we dive into everything you need to consider before taking the plunge. From energy levels and personalities to time, space, and budget, we help you make an informed, confident decision — plus some tips on how to trial a second dog before committing. Need help with your four legged b...

In this episode, Max breaks down one of the most important distinctions in dog behaviour: training vs management. You should always be in one of these modes — but knowing which one you’re in, and why, is the key to long-term success with your dog. We discuss real-world examples and how to switch between modes to set your dog up for success. Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch...

Loud bangs, flashing lights, and rolling thunder — while we know it’s just weather or a celebration, for many dogs it’s terrifying. In this episode, we unpack practical ways to help your dog cope with the stress of thunderstorms and fireworks. From training techniques and calming aids to long-term desensitisation strategies, we share what works and what to avoid. Need help with your four legged be...

In this episode of The Dog People Podcast , we sit down with Sebastian Lemaire from Canines on Cue to hear the honest, inspiring story of how his own dog, Hagrid the German Shepherd, changed everything. Like many first-time dog owners, Seb made a few crucial mistakes—which led to Hagrid developing reactivity issues. But instead of giving up, Seb turned that experience into a powerful motivation to...

This week on The Dog People Podcast , it’s all about kids and canines—and how to help them live together safely and harmoniously. Jack is joined by regular co-host Max O’Neil, who’s getting ready to welcome a new baby into the home, and special guest Sebastian Lemaire from Canines on Cue, who’s just become a new dad himself. Between the three, they cover every stage—from preparing your dog for a b...

In this episode of The Dog People Podcast , Jack opens up about a recent scare with Kira running through open doors left ajar by tradies—a potentially life-threatening habit that needed fixing fast. He turns to Max for expert advice on threshold training, a simple yet powerful tool to teach your dog patience and impulse control around doorways, gates, and cars. 🎥 Watch the accompanying training v...

In this episode of The Dog People Podcast , we tackle a topic that can stir up strong opinions—buying from breeders. While we absolutely recognise that many people are passionate advocates for adoption, we also know that some individuals choose to buy from breeders for personal, practical, or breed-specific reasons. Our goal? To make sure that if you do go down the breeder path, you’re equipped wi...

In this episode of The Dog People Podcast , Max and Jack dive into your listener questions! First up, we explore the best outlets and breed-specific enrichment ideas for the high-energy, intelligent Cobberdog—what does this unique breed really need to stay balanced and fulfilled? Then, we tackle a tricky situation involving a dog who’s become just a little too interested in the flatmate’s cat. Fro...

In this episode of The Dog People Podcast , we explore one of the most overlooked keys to a calm, happy, and well-behaved dog— giving them a job . Whether you’ve got a high-drive working breed or a chilled-out family companion, every dog benefits from mental stimulation and purpose. Trainer Max O’Neil breaks down what it actually means to “give your dog a job”—and no, it doesn’t mean sending them...

In this episode of The Dog People Podcast , we break down two of the most essential and misunderstood terms in dog training: positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement . If you’ve ever wondered why your dog keeps repeating certain behaviours—or why your rewards aren’t working—this one’s for you. Trainer Max O’Neil joins us to demystify the four quadrants of operant conditioning and explain...

In this episode of The Dog People Podcast , we tackle one of the most misunderstood concepts in dog training: punishment. For many, the word brings to mind shouting, harsh corrections, or outdated discipline methods. But real, ethical punishment in dog training is none of those things. Together with professional dog trainer Max O’Neil, we unpack what punishment actually means—clear communication a...

Recall isn’t just about your dog coming when called—it’s about trust, timing, and proof. In this episode, Max breaks down his Four Levels of Freedom : Proofing Reinforcement Accountability No Strings Attached Jack shares what happened when he rushed Kira’s recall training and how stepping back and following Max’s process helped him build a rock solid recall. We’ll talk about how to gradually incre...

Barking is one of the most common frustrations for dog owners—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood behaviours. In this episode of The Dog People Pod , Jack and professional trainer Max O’Neil explore the many different reasons dogs bark. Whether it's alert barking, boredom, frustration, fear, excitement, or simply a way to get your attention, every bark tells a story. Before you can effecti...

Your dog listens at home, but ignores you at the park? You might be stuck between stages. This week, Max explains the four stages of learning every dog owner needs to know—starting with Teaching the behaviour, moving into Training it with intent, Proofing it under real-world pressure, and finally Maintaining it so it lasts. Jack shares real-life examples from his journey with Kira, and together th...