The Puppy Training Podcast

Is your dog nervous, reactive, or just unsure around new people? You're not alone — and this episode is for you! In today’s show, Amy walks you through why some dogs struggle with strangers and what you can do to help them feel safe and confident using positive reinforcement and force-free training methods.

Whether your dog is fine out and about but struggles at home, or they just don’t like being touched by people they don’t k...

In this episode, Amanda, a professional trainer here at BAXTER & Bella, coaches a client through a powerful behavior-changing technique known as the 10-1 rule. If your dog struggles with things like car rides, leash walks, harnesses, crates, baths, or nail trims, this episode is for you. Amanda breaks down how to shift your dog’s emotional response to these common stressors by creating more positive associations and building tr...

In this eye-opening episode, we’re tackling one of the most controversial topics in dog training: shock collars and invisible fences. Are these tools truly effective—or are they causing more harm than good?

Join us as we uncover:
 ⚠️ The rise of electronic collars and containment systems
 🌍 Global bans and why many countries are saying no
 🧠 The physical and psychological risks to your dog
 🏡 Why physical fences a...

Looking for ways to make the most of the sunny season with your dog? We’ve got you covered with a guide full of exciting, safe, and fun-filled activities—from mountain hikes to beachside play.

In this episode, we’ll explore:
 🥾 How to prep for dog-friendly hikes
 🛶 Tips for kayaking with your pup
 🐕‍🦺 Fun dog sports to try this summer
 🌳 Park visits & more
 🚗 Road trip and beach safety
 🧊 Smart way...

Today we're diving into one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—chapters of puppy parenthood: the first week at home.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to lay the foundation for a trusting, loving bond with your new dog. We’ll cover:

🐾 Building a Bond – Simple ways to help your puppy feel safe, secure, and connected to you from day one.
🛏️ Crate Training 101 – How to make the crate a calm, comforting place you...

Every puppy parent faces the same challenge: balancing freedom with safety. That delicate dance between letting your puppy explore their world while protecting them (and your home) from potential disasters. What if there was a simple solution that creates harmony for both you and your growing puppy?

Playpens are the unsung heroes of puppy raising. Far from being a "cage" or prison, a properly introduced playpen s...

Have you ever noticed your dog jumping on you, then quickly told them to sit and rewarded them with a treat? You might be inadvertently teaching them that jumping is the first step in getting what they want.

On the Puppy Training Podcast, dog trainer and therapist Amanda Crosland introduces us to the jump-sit-treat theory—a fascinating insight into how dogs learn patterns and how we often accidentally reinforce the very be...

Is your puppy a social butterfly who wants to greet every dog and human on walks—but not every encounter goes smoothly? In this episode, we dive into the reality of socializing your puppy around neighborhood dogs, especially when some dogs aren’t as friendly or welcoming. You’ll learn how to handle tricky walk-by situations, what to do when other dogs react poorly, and how to help your puppy develop calm, confident social skills. W...

Tired of your puppy pawing at your legs every time you sit down to eat? In this episode, we dive into why puppies develop this habit and how you might be reinforcing it without even realizing it. More importantly, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step training plan to teach your pup a polite, alternative behavior—like relaxing on a designated mat or holding a down-stay during meals.

With patience, consistency, and positive reinforce...

In this episode, we explore the fascinating science of neuroplasticity in dogs and how it shapes their behavior. Learn how negative experiences create fear-based reactions and discover proven training techniques to help dogs rewire their responses to triggers. We break down the “Look at That” game—an effective exercise to shift a dog’s mindset from fear to confidence. Whether you're a pet parent or a dog trainer, this episode ...

Do you have one dog who devours anything while another turns their nose up at perfectly good food? You're not alone in this frustrating mealtime dance. 

Picky eating in dogs stems from multiple sources—medical issues like dental pain or food allergies, behavioral patterns from inconsistent feeding, or simply learned behaviors when we constantly offer alternatives to refused meals. Doodle owners will nod knowingly, as ...

Is your dog bored, restless, or getting into trouble? 😬 A bored dog is a mischievous dog, but don’t worry—I’ve got the BEST boredom-busting tips to keep your pup happy and entertained! 🎉

In this episode, I’ll teach you:
✅ 3 fun & easy games to play with your dog:
1️⃣ Find Your Food/Toy – Engage their nose for a fun sniffing challenge! 👃🍖
2️⃣ Hide and Seek – A great way to build recall and confidence! 🏃...

If your dog is scared of something—like the vacuum—DO NOT force them to face their fear head-on! This common mistake, called flooding, can actually make things worse and cause long-term fear issues. 😨

In this episode, we break down:

✅ The #1 mistake dog owners make when dealing with a fearful pup
✅ How to gradually help your dog overcome their fear using positive reinforcement
✅ The importance of socialization and why it’s ...

Many people focus on behaviors like sit and stay, but one of the most valuable training techniques is rewarding your puppy simply for existing in a calm, positive way. In this episode, we explore how proactive reinforcement helps build confidence, strengthen engagement, and encourage good choices. By creating positive associations with new experiences and environments, you set the foundation for a well-mannered, happy companion. Tu...

Creating safe and enjoyable playdates for your puppy relies on understanding the nuances of dog play. Recognizing healthy signs of play and when to intervene is essential for fostering positive experiences. 

• Understanding the characteristics of healthy play for puppies 
• Recognizing warning signs of rough or inappropriate play 
• Importance of regular breaks and managing excitement during playtime 

If y...

If you’ve ever called your dog and they’ve completely ignored you, you’re not alone! Most of us accidentally teach our dogs that “come” means “the fun is over”… but don’t worry, we’re going to fix that! In this episode, I'll teach you how to make recall training FUN, EASY, and super REWARDING for your pup. 🚀

🔹 Why We Ruin the Word "Come" (and how to fix it!)
🔹 Common Recall Mistakes (and what to do instead)

Is your dog barking non-stop, and you find yourself yelling back—only to make things worse? You're not alone! Many people make the mistake of reacting instead of understanding why their dog is barking. In this episode, I’ll break down:

✅ Why dogs bark (it’s not just to annoy you!)
✅ Why yelling doesn’t work (it might actually make barking worse!)
✅ The different types of barking (alert barking, demand barking, anxiety b...

Bringing a new puppy into a home with resident cats can be a recipe for chaos—unless you have a solid plan! In this episode, we dive into strategies to help your puppy respect your cat’s space using smart management techniques and positive reinforcement. Learn how to set up safe spaces, use leashes and barriers effectively, and reinforce calm behavior to create a peaceful, pet-friendly home. Whether you're introducing a new pu...

Are you ready to take your dog’s grooming into your own hands? In this video, we break down the 10 essential tools and tips you’ll need to keep your pup looking and feeling their best—from trimming fur to tackling tough mats and even nail care! Grooming your dog at home can save money, build trust, and create special bonding moments with your dog.

✨ Here’s what we’ll cover:
 1️⃣ Grooming scissors for precise trims
...