The Puppy Training Podcast

Your puppy's recall may be reliable in the backyard—but what happens when there are squirrels, new smells, other dogs, or an exciting hiking trail? In this episode of The Puppy Training Podcast , we explore the foundational skills that create reliable off-leash behavior in the real world. Learn why recall is about much more than the cue "come," how to use a long line to build confid...

Does your puppy seem to have two speeds—sleeping and full-speed zoomies? If you've ever wondered how to help your puppy relax at home, on a restaurant patio, at the park, or during family outings, this episode is for you. In this episode of the Puppy Training Podcast, we're exploring the art of settling—one of the most valuable life skills you can teach your dog. You'll learn why ca...

Puppies and kids can be the best of friends—but only when adults provide the guidance and structure both need to succeed. In this updated version of one of our most popular early episodes, we revisit puppy-and-child interactions using today's best practices in dog training and canine behavior. You'll learn why supervision matters, how to teach children the "Be a Tree" technique...

Many handlers assume that once a puppy is comfortable in a crate, they've mastered alone-time training. In reality, crate training and independence training are two different skills. In this episode, we explore how to prevent separation-related issues before they begin by teaching graduated absences, confidence-building independence exercises, and practical enrichment strategies that fit real...

Thunderstorms. Fireworks. Vacuums. Traffic. Construction. The world is full of sounds that can frighten a puppy if they aren't introduced carefully and positively. In this episode, we dive into proactive sound exposure. While many handlers focus on meeting people and seeing new places, sound experiences often get neglected until a puppy suddenly develops fear. You'll learn how puppies pr...

Your puppy was doing so well… and then suddenly they stopped listening. In this episode, we break down one of the most frustrating — and completely normal — stages of dog development: adolescence. Between 6 and 18 months, many puppies begin testing boundaries, ignoring cues, losing focus, and acting as if all previous training disappeared overnight. We cover:  Why adolescent regression happens   B...

Why does puppy training sometimes feel inconsistent—even when you’re trying your best? In this episode of The Puppy Training Podcast, Amy Jensen dives into one of the most overlooked parts of dog training: training the humans. Your puppy is constantly learning from patterns, routines, and reinforcement, which means unclear expectations and inconsistent responses can create confusion fast. You’ll l...

Is your puppy full of endless energy no matter how much exercise they get? You’re not alone—and the solution might surprise you. In this episode of The Puppy Training Podcast , we break down the key differences between physical exercise and mental enrichment, and why more activity isn’t always the answer to a hyper or misbehaving puppy. You’ll learn: Why too much exercise can actually create a mor...

Resource guarding is one of the most common—and preventable—behavior challenges in dogs. In this episode, we break down how everyday interactions around food, toys, and valued items shape your dog’s behavior. Learn how to prevent resource guarding before it starts, why taking things away can actually make the problem worse, and how to build trust through simple techniques like trading and adding v...

Struggling with a puppy who isn’t motivated by food? You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck. In this episode, Amy from BAXTER & Bella breaks down why food motivation can vary, especially during the early days of bringing a new puppy home when stress levels are high. You’ll learn how to use your puppy’s regular food as an effective training tool, safely introduce higher-value rewards without ups...

What do fear and stress actually look like in your puppy? In this education-packed episode, Amy gives you the foundation every puppy parent needs: how to read your dog’s body language. Learn the clusters of signals that tell you if your puppy is relaxed, worried, or over threshold. We’ll cover soft eyes vs. whale eye, loose bodies vs. freezing, and why a wagging tail doesn’t always mean happy. The...

Doorway chaos, leash pulling the second you open the door, and dogs that treat every threshold like a starting line—sound familiar? In this episode, we break down Doorway & Boundary Skills as a complete system, not just a quick fix. You’ll learn why dogs struggle with thresholds, how to stop door dashing, and how to teach your dog to pause and wait—without relying on physical barriers. We also...

“Leave it” and “drop it” aren’t just nice tricks—they’re essential safety skills every dog needs. In this episode, we break down how to teach both cues clearly, effectively, and without conflict. You’ll learn how to build reliability, prevent resource guarding, and understand when to use “drop it” versus trading for something better. Whether your dog grabs socks, snacks, or something dangerous on...

Does your puppy seem to “forget” their cues the moment you leave the house? You’re not alone—and your puppy isn’t being stubborn. In this episode, we’re diving into proofing behaviors (also known as generalization) so you can help your puppy succeed in the real world, not just your living room. You’ll learn why cues fall apart in new environments, how to introduce distractions without frustration,...

In this episode, we explore the powerful technique of marker training and why timing plays a critical role in your puppy’s success. You’ll learn how to clearly communicate with your dog using marker words or a clicker, how to reinforce the exact behaviors you want, and how to avoid common timing mistakes that can slow progress. Whether you’re just starting or looking to sharpen your training skill...

Bringing home a new puppy? 🐶 The first few days can feel exciting, overwhelming, and a little exhausting — all at once. In this episode, Amy walks you through exactly what to focus on (and what not to stress about) during those critical early days. You’ll learn how to: Build trust and create a strong bond from Day One Set up a potty routine that prevents accidents before they happen Introduce the...

What if the “stubborn” dog at your feet is actually curious, independent, or just overwhelmed? We break down the Big Five puppy personality traits—sociability, confidence, biddability, resilience, and independence—and show how each one changes the way training should look, feel, and progress. Instead of forcing a one-size plan, we share how to read the dog in front of you and tailor sessions that...

When you bring a new puppy home and real life kicks back in — work schedules, school mornings, extracurriculars — your puppy is trying to figure out what this new rhythm means. In this episode of the Puppy Training Podcast, we revisit the foundations of successful puppy training and break down the three most common mistakes new (and even experienced!) dog handlers make. You’ll learn: Why waiting f...

What if the secret to better training isn’t more control—but more choice? In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful shifts in modern dog training: giving dogs agency. Choice-based training is transforming how we teach, focusing on collaboration instead of compliance. From cues like “go sniff” to intentional break times and consent-based handling, we’ll unpack how small moments of choice...

Predictability is one of the most overlooked tools in dog training—and one of the most powerful. In this extended episode, we explore how consistent routines around feeding, walks, rest, and cues reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and build true confidence in puppies and dogs. Backed by behavioral science, this episode shows why predictability makes dogs feel safe—and how safety is the...

Does your puppy forget you exist the moment another dog, person, or noise shows up? You’re not alone — and you’re not failing. In this episode, we break down why puppies struggle with focus in distracting environments and how to build attention step by step — without frustration or force. You’ll learn why focus is a muscle , how to strengthen it through simple engagement games, and how to teach yo...

You survived puppyhood—so why does training suddenly feel harder? In this episode, we break down the often-overlooked transition from puppy to adolescent and explain why even well-trained dogs can seem distracted, impulsive, or inconsistent during this phase. We’ll cover what’s happening in your dog’s developing brain, common challenges handlers face, and how to adapt your training approach so you...

Adding a puppy to a home with cats, birds, or other animals? This episode dives into how to safely introduce, train, and manage puppies in multi-species households—without stress, chaos, or unrealistic expectations. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips ! Check...

If you’re raising a puppy right now—or planning to—you’re probably already thinking about walks, playtime, and basic training. And that’s great. Physical exercise absolutely matters. But today, we’re talking about something that’s just as important—and often overlooked: Mental exercise. Because a tired puppy isn’t just one who’s walked a lot. A tired puppy is one who’s thought, problem-solved, and...

In this episode of the Puppy Training Podcast, we go beyond basic behaviors like sit and stay to focus on the life skills that truly shape a well-behaved, confident dog. Many puppy parents work hard on cues, but struggle with everyday challenges like stressful car rides, difficult vet visits, grooming battles, noisy vacuums, or overly excited greetings with guests.  Amy walks you through the essen...