Feel like the more you try to fix your dog’s behavior, the worse it gets?
If you’re dealing with barking, leash pulling, jumping, or flat-out ignoring commands, the problem might not be your dog: it might be what you’re accidentally reinforcing without realizing it.
In this episode, I’m joined by professional dog trainer and behavior consultant Bradley Phifer to unpack the everyday mistakes that teach dogs to keep misbehaving, even when you're trying your best to stop it.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL FIND OUT:
• How unintentional habits like acting excited when you get home, high-pitched baby talk, or ignoring jumping up periodically can reinforce bad behavior
• Why “management” isn't a shortcut, it’s a critical part of lasting training
• What to do when your dog’s behavior is taking over your life (and how to get it back)
If your dog’s behavior is going from frustrating to unmanageable, and nothing you’ve tried is working, this episode will show you where things are breaking down and how to shift the pattern starting today.
CONNECT WITH BRADLEY PHIFER
WEBSITE | https://bradleyphifer.com/
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers: https://www.ccpdt.org/
Love the show? Please share it with another pet parent who wants less chaos and more clarity. Please leave a 5-star review to help others find real-life, judgment-free advice.
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Big pet challenges we help pet parents solve include: puppy training, cat behavior, pet budgeting, stress-free vet visits, solutions for multi-pet households, and more.
Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com
©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro.
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