Advertise on podcast: The Puppy Training Podcast

Have you ever watched a BAXTER & Bella training video and thought, “That looks so easy!”—only to try it with your puppy and wonder why your dog doesn't respond the same way? You're not alone! In this episode, we pull back the curtain on what you're actually seeing when we train puppies on video. We explain the five things that make training look effortless: consistency, clear criteria, reinforcement history, emotional baggage, and handler timing. You'll learn why your own history with your puppy matters, how trainers know exactly what behavior they're looking for, and how you can build the same skills and confidence in your own training. The goal isn't to train like a professional. It's to understand what the professional is doing—and then practice those skills with your own puppy. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

Confidence doesn't simply happen—it can be intentionally built through small, successful experiences. In this episode, Amy shares a simple way to help your puppy learn that new, unfamiliar things are safe, manageable, and worth exploring. We'll cover how to build confidence through novel objects, different surfaces, sounds, friendly strangers, obstacles, and recovery exercises. You'll learn how to break new experiences into manageable steps, recognize when you've moved too quickly, and help your puppy recover when something startles or worries them. The goal isn't to create a puppy who is never afraid. It's to raise a dog who can experience something unfamiliar, pause, think, recover, and move forward confidently. Instead of hoping confidence develops on its own, learn to build it intentionally—one rung at a time. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

How do you keep your puppy learning when you don’t have treats in your pocket? In this episode of BAXTER & Bella’s The Puppy Training Podcast, Amy explains that reinforcement is about more than food and how everyday rewards can help your dog keep making good choices. Learn how to use life rewards, toys, sniffing, freedom, and praise to reinforce behaviors your puppy already knows. We’ll talk about using access to the things your dog wants—like going outside, playing, exploring, or getting out of the crate—as meaningful rewards for calm behavior and good choices. You’ll also learn why teaching and maintaining a behavior are different, how to gradually vary rewards without losing reliability, and what to do if your dog doesn’t respond when the treats aren’t there. The goal isn’t to stop rewarding your dog. It’s to help your dog understand that good choices make good things happen, whether or not you’re carrying a treat pouch. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

What happens during the first few minutes of an interaction with your puppy can have a big impact on what happens next! In this episode of The Puppy Training Podcast, we explore how to intentionally set your puppy up for success during four everyday moments: coming home, welcoming guests, getting out of the crate, and starting a walk. Instead of waiting for your puppy to become overly excited, jump, bark, pull, or race around and then trying to correct the behavior, learn how to use those first few minutes to encourage calmness, connection, and appropriate choices. We’ll talk about creating simple routines, using management tools, rewarding calm behavior, and teaching your puppy what to do when exciting things happen. Because your puppy doesn't automatically know how to behave in these moments—we have to give them opportunities to practice. Start calm. Start intentionally. Give your puppy a behavior worth repeating! Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

What do you do when your puppy attacks your kids' ankles in the morning? How do you recognize when your puppy needs to go potty? Should you always say “off” when your puppy gets on the furniture? And what does it mean when your puppy growls while chewing something valuable? In this episode, Amy answers real questions from a new puppy family and breaks down exactly how to handle these common puppy behaviors. You'll learn how to prevent and redirect ankle biting, recognize your puppy's individual potty signals, teach an alternative to getting on furniture, and respond appropriately to growling and potential resource guarding—without punishing communication. Most importantly, we'll talk about the bigger picture: don't just teach your puppy what NOT to do. Teach your puppy what TO do instead. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

Dogs thrive on routine—but what happens when that routine changes? In this episode of The Puppy Training Podcast, we talk about why flexibility is such an important skill to teach your puppy and how you can help your dog become confident in new and changing situations. We’ll cover simple ways to practice flexibility, including taking different walking routes, sleeping or settling in different places, working with different handlers, and experiencing new environments. The goal isn’t to make your puppy’s life unpredictable—it’s to teach them that different doesn’t have to mean scary. When puppies learn that their skills travel with them, they become more confident, adaptable, and better prepared for all the changes life brings. Instead of relying on predictability, we can help our dogs develop the confidence to think, adjust, and settle wherever they are. Listen in and learn how to raise a puppy who can say, “Things are different—and I’m okay!” Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

Why does your puppy listen perfectly in the kitchen but completely forget everything at the park? Why does repeating a cue over and over sometimes make things worse? And what does “reinforcement” actually mean? In this episode of the Puppy Training Podcast, Amy Jensen breaks down the science of how dogs learn in a simple, practical way. We’ll explore reinforcement, punishment, timing, repetition, generalization, and why “he knows it!” may not actually mean what you think it does. This is a foundational episode you’ll want to save and revisit as your puppy grows. When you understand how learning works, you can become a clearer, more effective handler—and make training easier and more successful for both you and your dog. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

Why does your puppy bark when dinner is taking too long? Whine behind a baby gate? Get frustrated when they can't greet another dog? These aren't signs of a "bad" puppy—they're opportunities to teach one of the most important life skills: frustration tolerance. In this episode, Amy explains why learning to cope with delayed gratification helps puppies become calmer, more resilient, and easier to live with. You'll learn practical exercises you can start today to help your puppy stay calm while waiting, handling closed doors, resisting temptations, and managing everyday disappointments. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

Have you been practicing consistently, following the advice, and still feel like your puppy—or even your adult dog—isn't making progress? You're not alone, and it doesn't mean you're failing. In this episode of The Puppy Training Podcast, we'll walk you through a step-by-step troubleshooting guide to help you identify why training may have stalled. You'll learn how to recognize when a medical issue could be affecting behavior, evaluate whether you're using the right reinforcers, determine if your expectations or environment need adjusting, and understand the important differences between a dog trainer and a veterinary behaviorist. Whether you're dealing with leash pulling, barking, fear, reactivity, or simply feeling stuck, this episode will help you evaluate your training plan with confidence and know when it's time to pivot your approach. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, and with the right strategy, progress is always possible. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

Travel is becoming a normal part of life for many puppies, but successful travel doesn't happen by accident. In this episode, we're talking about how to build travel confidence from the very beginning. You'll learn how to introduce car rides, crate training for travel, potty planning, preventing motion sickness, preparing for hotels, and creating positive travel experiences that last a lifetime. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or your puppy's very first road trip, these simple training strategies will help make every adventure safer, calmer, and more enjoyable for both you and your puppy. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

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 confidence without sacrificing safety, why rewarding voluntary check-ins keeps your puppy engaged, and how to make collar grabs something your dog happily runs toward instead of away from. We'll also discuss the legal and ethical responsibilities that come with off-leash privileges and why keeping your dog on a leash or long line is often the most responsible choice. Whether your goal is hiking, camping, or simply building a stronger connection with your dog, this episode will help you lay the foundation for lifelong reliability. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

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 calm behavior doesn't just happen naturally, how to capture and reward relaxation, how to introduce a settle mat, and why every outing doesn't have to be an adventure. We'll also discuss common mistakes handlers make, how to build this skill gradually in real-world environments, and why teaching your puppy to simply "do nothing" is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. Whether you have a brand-new puppy or an energetic adolescent dog, these practical tips will help you raise a confident companion who can enjoy life's adventures—and then happily relax by your side. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

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, when and how to use consent tests before petting, and simple handling exercises that help puppies feel comfortable with human touch. We'll also share practical family rules, common mistakes to avoid, and easy parent coaching scripts that help children learn to respect canine communication and boundaries. In this episode, you'll learn: • The four safe play rules every family should follow • How to teach children to respond when puppies become too excited • Why consent tests can improve safety and trust • Positive handling exercises for paws, ears, collars, and grooming • Early signs a puppy may need space • Parent-friendly language that encourages safe interactions A few simple habits can help create a lifelong bond between your puppy and the children in your life. Tune in to learn how. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

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 family schedules. You'll learn how to recognize early signs of distress, and how to help your puppy develop the emotional resilience needed to stay calm and relaxed when home alone. Whether you work from home, have a busy household, or simply want to raise a confident companion, this episode provides a step-by-step approach to building healthy independence from the start. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

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 process sound, why early positive exposure matters, the science behind counterconditioning, and a step-by-step protocol for introducing potentially scary noises before fear takes hold. We'll also discuss common mistakes people make and how to build confidence without overwhelming your puppy. Whether you're raising a brand-new puppy or helping an older dog become more resilient, this episode gives you practical tools to create positive associations with everyday sounds and prevent noise phobias before they start. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.