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These are the same tips that we give all my clients when they hire me to help train their puppies.  I suggest listening to this episode multiple times and reading the transcript if provided.  Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL. 

In this episode of Puppy Talk, we talk about how many common dog behavior problems are accidentally taught by the owners themselves. Jumping, barking, leash pulling, and attention-seeking habits often continue because, from the dog’s perspective, the behavior works. Dogs repeat what gets a result, even when the owner is trying to stop it. We break down a few everyday situations where people unknowingly reinforce bad habits and explain how a simple shift in awareness can help owners start teaching the behaviors they actually want.  Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL. 

Most dog owners think calm means a dog that is tired or doing nothing, but real calmness is something different. In this episode of Puppy Talk, we talk about what calm behavior actually looks like, why many dogs never learn how to settle, and how owners often encourage excitement without realizing it. You’ll learn how to recognize true calmness in your dog and simple ways to help your dog relax and behave better at home. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL. 

Many people get a new puppy and immediately start teaching it to shake, high-five, and roll over. In this episode of Puppy Talk, I am going to explain the advantages and disadvantages of teaching your puppy tricks before they learn obedience.  Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL. 

Most owners think their dog is being stubborn, ignoring them, or choosing not to listen. But in many cases, the dog is not being disobedient at all. The dog is confused. In this episode of Puppy Talk, we will discuss the following: Why confusion happensWhat confusion looks like in real lifeWhat real disobedience actually looks likeHow to reduce confusionOur Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL. 

If your dog barks, lunges, freezes, growls, or completely loses their mind when they see another dog or person on leash, this episode is for you. In this episode, I will talk about: What leash reactivity actually isWhy leash reactivity happensHow owners accidentally reinforce leash reactivityWhat not to do with a leash reactive dogWhat to do insteadWhy calming exercises must start at homeIntroducing triggers the right waySetting realistic expectationsWhen to get helpOur Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL. 

Most of us focus on the cute parts of bringing home a puppy. Cuddling, playing, and taking lots of photos. What if we focused on the habits that prevent behavior issues from forming? This episode is taken from an Instagram post of Canyon Creek Aussies. Link to their page in the show notes. https://www.instagram.com/canyoncreekaussies?igsh=MXJxYW5uaHgxbDd3YQ== Here are some habits to begin day one with your new puppy.  Use a house line from day one. I suggest a skip lead.Daily socialization done the right way.A predictable schedule - every single day.Build these three habits from day one, and you will raise a puppy who grows into a steady, adaptable, well-mannered adult dog. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL. 

Dog training is about more than teaching sit and stay. In this episode of Puppy Talk, we break down what real dog training actually looks like in everyday life. We talk about why commands alone fall short, how understanding your dog changes everything, and the simple tools families need to create calmer, more confident dogs at home. If training feels frustrating or confusing, this episode will help reframe what really works. Episode Outline Why dog training is more than obedience commandsThe gap between training sessions and real-life behaviorHow understanding your dog’s mindset improves resultsWhy owner education is a key part of training successPractical tools that help in everyday situationsRedefining what success in dog training really meansOur Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL. 

I’ve done several episodes recently on the responsibility of raising a puppy. The main thing to remember once you take ownership of a puppy is that they need obedience training, and you have to practice with them. Follow the guidelines below to improve your practice sessions and the predictability of the puppy's learning of obedience skills. Daily practice is essential. Practicing once in a while will not work. You have to practice correctly, the way a professional dog trainer has taught you. Short training sessions several times a day are better than a single long session. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL. 

People call me to discuss puppy training, and their entire focus is on potty training. This happens a lot. The goal of this episode is to shift new puppy owners' focus to the bigger picture of raising a puppy beyond potty training and crate training. A dog trainer can only provide tips on potty training, crate training, play biting, and other issues because we don’t live with the dog. Most of the unwanted behavior stems from the environment and from the owners' lack of leadership. The bigger picture includes: Setting rules and boundaries, Creating a structured scheduleObedience trainingLeash trainingSocializationIt’s impossible to potty train a puppy without all of these elements of raising a puppy. Work on everything at once, and you will spend very little time on potty training. Two things in particular help with potty training: 1) when a puppy can stay in one place, and 2) when your puppy is tired. The main thing you need to do for effective potty training is to control the puppies' space inside the house and NEVER take your eyes off of them unless they are in a crate just big enough for them to lie down.  Above all, get rid of pee pads.  PRO TIP: Monitor their water intake by giving them 1 ounce per pound of body weight. If your puppy weighs 10 lbs, give them 10 oz of water throughout the day. That means about 2 ounces of water five times a day. After they take a drink, they will need to go potty 2-3 times within the next hour.  Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL. 

My dog Dixie has been diagnosed with heart disease after a routine checkup before teeth cleaning. They found a heart murmur, then, from an X-ray, found an enlarged heart and congestion in her lungs. I have created a GoFundMe account link in the show notes with more details.  Start-Up Fees: Including adoption or breeder fees, initial vet visit, microchip, supplies, and training. $2000-$8000Monthly Expenses: Food Medication (heartworm, flea, and tick prevention)DaycareDog WalkerGroomingTreats and toysPet InsuranceFor Dixie, this is about $700/monthAnnual Expenses: Vet visitsShots (rabies, distemper, parvovirus, etc.)BloodworkBoarding (when out of town)For Dixie, this is about $500/yearUnexpected Expenses: Heart diseaseCancerParvo, distemper, fluParasites and wormsEar infectionsHeartwormInjuries such as broken bones or joint problemsIt can cost anywhere from $500 to $10,000 or more.Resources: https://bowwowinsurance.com.au/pet-community/pet-talk/top-10-most-common-health-problems-for-dogs/ Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL. 

Many people underestimate the level of responsibility needed to raise a puppy. Listen to my first episode of Puppy Talk called Owning a New Puppy is a Lot of Work.  The Truth: Raising a young puppy starting at 8 weeks old is a part-time job.Hiring a dog trainer may not help. It’s not the solution.You have to do the work yourself, with the help of a coach.The Myths: Puppies only need affection and playTeaching your puppy the command “no” will solve everythingPunishing the puppy by yelling or using force is importantOur Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL. 

Being an effective leader and building trust in your dog requires a skill set grounded in effective communication, temperament, and focus.  What to do: Make sure your communication is crystal clear. Trim the fat. Tell the dog what you want and reward them for doing it.Set your dog up for success. Make it impossible for them to fail and let them have fun in the process.Stay focused on “teaching” the dog what you want them to learn.What not to do: DO NOT talk to them so much, especially with repeated commands, where they check outDO NOT yell at your dog.DO NOT show frustration and lack of leadership skills.DO NOT use physical force with your dog. DO NOT over-correct your dog. The focus should not be on stopping a behavior, but teaching an alternative behavior. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL. 

Building structure for your puppy in one of the best things you can do to help raise a happy, healthy, and obedient puppy.  In this episode of Puppy Talk I discuss the why and how of puppy structure.  Why? Structure creates calmness in the puppy.Structure creates an opportunity for the puppy to succeed, not failStructure helps you, the puppy owner, have more control over the puppy’s behavior, obedience, and discipline.How? Stick to a routine: wake up, potty, short walk, training, eat, play, potty again, and nap.Your puppy is in school and needs a balance of math, English, history, and science. Recess can come after the other subjects.DO NOT replace the essential subjects with play and affection. This is having your puppy in recess all day long.Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL. 

For dog owners: Always keep your dog on a leash. Listen to podcast episode 118. Never allow your dog to bark or lunge at another dog or people. Create distance immediately if this happens.Work with a trainer to prevent rectivity. Teach sit, wait, “watch-me” as alternative behaviors to reacting to stimuli. For parents of children: Never allow your child to pet a dog unless the dog is on a leash and calm.Never have your child reach their hand toward a dog's face or put their face close to a dog's face.Only allow the child to pet the dog on its side while the dog's owner holds it calmly on a leash. Related Episodes: #118 on October 7, 2025, and #97 on April 7, 2025.  News story on WHNT News 19: https://youtu.be/JdtAaPczUoc?si=3CmznHd_sHV08uT9 Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL.