Your New Puppy: Dog Training and Dog Behavior Lessons to Help You Turn Your New Puppy into a Well-Behaved Dog

FlatLeash — **YNP #075: Different Types of Leash Walking Tools (Part 01: Leashes)** Sep 26, 2022
Every dog needs a collar and leash. There are many options out there so let's talk about them.
Each option has it's advantages and disadvantages and there's no one perfect solution that works for every dog.
So in this episode (part one) I talk about the most common types of leashes that are available. In part two I talk about the different types of collars and harnesses.
I also share my recommendations (which may or may not be right for you) and which ones I think you should avoid. By the end you'll have a better idea of what will work for you and your dog.
Here are the different types of leashes I talk about:
Standard Leash:
The standard leash is the most common type of leash and the one I recommend for everyday use. The material can vary but that is your personal preference. I do recommend a light weight material and clip for puppies.
Long Line:
The long line is the other type of leash that I recommend. It's not an every day leash but it has lots of training uses. Anytime you want to give your dog more freedom but still have the control of a leash to keep them safe.
For example, your back yard (even if it's fenced in for a young puppy) or a park when you want to play a game of fetch.
I find 30 feet is long enough to give your dog some freedom but not too long where the leash is hard to handle.
Slip Lead:
I used to use a slip lead to teach loose leash walking. I don't anymore because they need to be used correctly to be safe and effective. It's very easy to use them incorrectly and then they become a choke collar which is dangerous and ineffective. I now use other loose leash walking tools that are easier to learn and are still effective. I'll talk about them in part two.
Retractable Leash (a.k.a. Flexi Leash):
I do NOT recommend a retractable leash. They are one of those tools that seems like a good idea but in practice they are not. In fact, I have an entire episode about it.
YNP #011: Reasons to Leave Your Retractable Leash at Home
Those are the tools I talk about in part one. Stay tuned for part two where I talk about the different collars and harnesses that are out there.
In this episode I talk about:
The different types of leashes.
Which leashes I recommend and why.
My recommendations for young puppies.
Which leash I don't recommend and why.
Press play and enjoy!
Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:
YNP #011: Reasons to Leave Your Retractable Leash at Home
Playtime Paws Academy: A brand new program for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

The post YNP #075: Different Types of Leash Walking Tools (Part 01: Leashes) appeared first on Playtime Paws.

LongLine — **YNP #075: Different Types of Leash Walking Tools (Part 01: Leashes)** Sep 26, 2022
Every dog needs a collar and leash. There are many options out there so let's talk about them.
Each option has it's advantages and disadvantages and there's no one perfect solution that works for every dog.
So in this episode (part one) I talk about the most common types of leashes that are available. In part two I talk about the different types of collars and harnesses.
I also share my recommendations (which may or may not be right for you) and which ones I think you should avoid. By the end you'll have a better idea of what will work for you and your dog.
Here are the different types of leashes I talk about:
Standard Leash:
The standard leash is the most common type of leash and the one I recommend for everyday use. The material can vary but that is your personal preference. I do recommend a light weight material and clip for puppies.
Long Line:
The long line is the other type of leash that I recommend. It's not an every day leash but it has lots of training uses. Anytime you want to give your dog more freedom but still have the control of a leash to keep them safe.
For example, your back yard (even if it's fenced in for a young puppy) or a park when you want to play a game of fetch.
I find 30 feet is long enough to give your dog some freedom but not too long where the leash is hard to handle.
Slip Lead:
I used to use a slip lead to teach loose leash walking. I don't anymore because they need to be used correctly to be safe and effective. It's very easy to use them incorrectly and then they become a choke collar which is dangerous and ineffective. I now use other loose leash walking tools that are easier to learn and are still effective. I'll talk about them in part two.
Retractable Leash (a.k.a. Flexi Leash):
I do NOT recommend a retractable leash. They are one of those tools that seems like a good idea but in practice they are not. In fact, I have an entire episode about it.
YNP #011: Reasons to Leave Your Retractable Leash at Home
Those are the tools I talk about in part one. Stay tuned for part two where I talk about the different collars and harnesses that are out there.
In this episode I talk about:
The different types of leashes.
Which leashes I recommend and why.
My recommendations for young puppies.
Which leash I don't recommend and why.
Press play and enjoy!
Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:
YNP #011: Reasons to Leave Your Retractable Leash at Home
Playtime Paws Academy: A brand new program for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

The post YNP #075: Different Types of Leash Walking Tools (Part 01: Leashes) appeared first on Playtime Paws.

Facebook — **YNP #074: How to Socialize Your Puppy Without Leaving Your House** Sep 09, 2022
Socialization is the most important training you can do for your Puppy. We want to get our puppy out from the very beginning and do as much as we can in their early weeks.
Socialization is more than just exposing your dog to new people and dogs. It also includes new places, objects, sounds, textures, environments, and other animals.
When we think of it this way there are lots of things we can do everyday at home (in **addition to** the outside world).
So the next time you are looking to entertain your puppy between naps while getting some super important training in, try one of these activities!
Bonus: Socialization tires a puppy out!
In this episode I talk about:
A quick review on what it means to socialize your puppy.
Why socialization is so important.
5 ways to socialize your puppy without leaving your home.
Lot of examples and ideas to keep you and your puppy busy for a long time.
Press play and enjoy!
Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:
YNP #021: Balancing Vaccines and Socialization
YNP #063: My 7 Guidelines to Socializing Your Puppy
Playtime Paws Academy: A brand new program for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

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twitter — **YNP #074: How to Socialize Your Puppy Without Leaving Your House** Sep 09, 2022
Socialization is the most important training you can do for your Puppy. We want to get our puppy out from the very beginning and do as much as we can in their early weeks.
Socialization is more than just exposing your dog to new people and dogs. It also includes new places, objects, sounds, textures, environments, and other animals.
When we think of it this way there are lots of things we can do everyday at home (in **addition to** the outside world).
So the next time you are looking to entertain your puppy between naps while getting some super important training in, try one of these activities!
Bonus: Socialization tires a puppy out!
In this episode I talk about:
A quick review on what it means to socialize your puppy.
Why socialization is so important.
5 ways to socialize your puppy without leaving your home.
Lot of examples and ideas to keep you and your puppy busy for a long time.
Press play and enjoy!
Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:
YNP #021: Balancing Vaccines and Socialization
YNP #063: My 7 Guidelines to Socializing Your Puppy
Playtime Paws Academy: A brand new program for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

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Dog breed guide for kids — **YNP #073: Does Your Dog’s Breed Matter?** Jun 27, 2022
Christine Rohloff Gossinger literally wrote the book on dog breeds.
She joins me to talk about how understanding your dog's breed can help us understand our dogs and their needs.
This episode is chock full of examples, training tips, and fun tidbits just like her book.
Listen in and decide for yourself it your dog's breed matters.
In this episode Christine talks about:
Her journey to becoming a trainer.
How understanding what your dog was bred for can help us understand our dog's needs.
How we can adjust training and enrichment for our specific dog.
Each of the different breed groups with examples of what those dogs need.
How each dog is an individual with their own needs and understanding them can help us improve our relationship and our dog's quality of life.
Press play and enjoy!
How to learn more from Christine:
Connect with Christine on Facebook
Her Book (find on Amazon): Dog Breed Guide for Kids: 50 Essential Dog Breeds to Know and Love with Fun Facts and Tips for Care*

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. If you don't wish to use these link you can find this book by searching Amazon.com, Target.com or BarnesandNoble.com
Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:
YNP #002: Which Type of Dog is Right for You?
Playtime Paws Academy: A brand new program for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

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YNP #065: How to Take Better Photos of Your Dog (Part 2) Jul 09, 2021

Allison is back with some more great tips on how to take better photos of your dog! Who doesn't want that perfect Instagramable, frameable, background photo of our dog. But even with the 200 photos we have on our phones sometimes it eludes us! Back in episode 52 Allison Shamrell of Allison Shamrell Pet Photography told us […]

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YNP #064: The Downside of a Fenced-in Yard (Part 2) Jun 24, 2021

I'm back to burst some bubbles (POP!). Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my fenced-in yard just like most dog owners. But just like with most things that make our lives easier there's a downside. I'm here to help you minimize them! My goal is to make sure that you and your dog can use your […]

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YNP #063: My 7 Guidelines for Socializing Your Dog May 28, 2021

Socializing your dog, especially when they are young, is SUPER DUPER important. If you have listened to me at all then this is not news to you. You know that you have to expose your dog to many different people, places, environments, sounds, textures, and dogs. This is what creates a confident, well-adjusted dog that you […]

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YNP #062: How I Taught My Dog a New Trick Mar 12, 2021

How many times have you gone to Youtube to find a new dog trick and it's a three-minute video with a dog that already knows the trick? Or you teach your dog a new trick in class to go home and they act like they never heard of it before. Truth is, training doesn't happen in […]

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YNP #061: A Typical Puppy Schedule Feb 22, 2021

Your puppy's schedule will vary depending on many factors. Including age, exercise needs, and your schedule. When I'm asked about what a typical day looks like I know that I'm actually being asked things like:"How many times should I take my puppy out?""How much exercise should my puppy get?""How much time is too much time in […]

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YNP #060: Kids and Puppies Jan 06, 2021

When we imagine kids and puppies we think that they go together like peanut butter and jelly (or my preference - chocolate). The reality isn't so sweet. Your puppy and your kids LOVE each other. But sometimes it's that same love and excitement that causes scratches, tears, and a disheartening relationship. When we have kids and […]

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YNP 2020 Sign Off: A Look Back and Look Forward Dec 28, 2020

Debbie here! I just wanted to jump into your podcast feed one more time this year. First I want to thank you, my listeners once again for being a bright spot in an otherwise stressful year. I also thought it would be fun to take a look back at this year's most popular episodes and also […]

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YNP #059: How to Teach Your Dog to Fetch Dec 20, 2020

Fetch it the one game we all think of when we talk about playing with our dog. So it's easy to forget that we have to teach them how to fetch. We have the picture in our mind of our dog running across the yard or park to get the ball and bring it back. […]

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YNP #058: How to Recognize Appropriate Dog Play Dec 09, 2020

When you are new at watching dogs play it can be confusing and even a bit concerning. Dog play is "play fighting" so if you haven't made a career out of knowing dog body language it's easy to get concerned even when dogs are having a grand old time. To make it harder sometimes two dogs […]

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YNP #057: How to Teach Your Dog to Listen With Distractions Nov 20, 2020

If your dog listens to you inside your house that doesn't mean they know what you want outside on their walk. Even if you are asking for the same thing. Dogs are very contextual and need to be taught how to listen even when there distractions. The good news is, if your dog listens to you […]

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YNP #056: Potty Training for a Working Household Nov 06, 2020

How do you handle potty training when all the adults in the housework full time? This is a question I get asked a lot. Mainly because my listeners know I do not like the use of potty pads (for more on that, check out Episode 009). If you are going to be out of the […]

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YNP #055: Three Important Skills to Teach Your Puppy From Day 01 Oct 21, 2020

There are SO MANY things we need to train our puppy when we bring them home. It's really easy to get overwhelmed or focus on the wrong things. In this episode, I talk about the three most important skills you can teach your puppy. Start these skills from day one and you will reap the […]

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YNP #054: How to Use Training Treats Properly Oct 09, 2020

Does it feel like your trainer just tells you to stuff your dog's belly full of treats and say then they're trained? Treats are an essential tool to raising our well-mannered dog but the lesson on HOW to use the treats properly gets lost. And we really want to avoid that place where your dog will […]

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YNP #053: Tips to Introduce Your Dog and Cat Jul 30, 2020

All we want is a peaceful house! When asking two (or three!) different species to live together it can get tricky! How you introducing your dog and cat depends a lot on the personalities involved. If you have a calm dog and confident cat, count yourself lucky! If you have an excited dog and a shy […]

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YNP #052: How to Take Better Photos of Your Dog with Allison Shamrell Jul 15, 2020

We all have a hundred (ok, ok hundreds) of photos of our dog. But how many are keepers? If you are anything like me you have 600 pictures and 2 end up as keepers In this episode, let's welcome Allison Shamrell to give us all her best tips on how to get better photos of your […]

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YNP #051: How to Get a Stronger Recall Jun 18, 2020

A strong recall is one of the most important behaviors your dog can have. It's also something that takes LOTS OF WORK!! This episode is a replay a mini recall training I did inside my online puppy course YOUR Perfect Puppy. I talk about how I approach recall as a habit that you and your dog […]

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YNP Episode: How to Prevent Separation Anxiety During Stay-at-Home May 22, 2020

Separation anxiety is always been something dog owners need to be aware of. How to be alone is something that we have to teach our dogs. In a perfect world we start this when they are puppies with crate training and the natural rhythm of our lives as we need to go to work, school, […]

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YNP #050: The 3 Most Common Leash Training Questions May 08, 2020

Leash training is a hot topic among dog owners. Walks are a fundamental joy for dogs but when it comes to walking down the street in a straight line, it's no longer feels natural for them so that's why we encounter some resistance. This is also why there are many different ways we struggle with our […]

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YNP #049: Behavior Changes as Your Puppy Gets Older Apr 22, 2020

As your dog grows you will probably experience some behavior changes. Just as you think you have it ALL figured out your puppy will prove you wrong. It's all part of the roller coaster of owning a puppy. In this episode, I talk about when these changes can happen, why they happen, and how to […]

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YNP #048: Bringing Home an Adult Dog Apr 08, 2020

If you decide to bring home an adult dog you may have different expectations than if they were a puppy. Maybe they're already potty trained and crate trained. They don't have as much energy. Maybe they're out of the chewing stage. These expectations can lead to some trouble when we first bring them home. Just […]

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[Part 03] 3 Phases to Bringing Your New Puppy Home Apr 03, 2020

This week I'm doing something a little different. This is the audio version of a video series called 3 Phases to Bringing Your New Puppy Home. If you are a future puppy owner than this mini training is perfect for you. In this episode, I talk all about Phase 03: Get to Work. Right around day […]

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[Part 02] 3 Phases to Bringing Your New Puppy Home Apr 01, 2020

This week I'm doing something a little different. This is the audio version of a video series called 3 Phases to Bringing Your New Puppy Home. If you are a future puppy owner than this mini training is perfect for you. In this episode, I talk all about Phase 02: Settle In. I go over exactly […]

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[Part 01] 3 Phases to Bringing Your New Puppy Home Mar 30, 2020

This week I'm doing something a little different. This is the audio version of a video series called 3 Phases to Bringing Your New Puppy Home. If you are a future puppy owner than this mini training is perfect for you. In this episode, I talk all about Phase 01: Prepare. I go over everything from […]

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YNP Episode: How to Socialize Your Puppy During Social Distancing Mar 22, 2020

***This episode was recorded on March 22, 2020 and uses the best information available at that time. With information is constantly changing, please keep informed and stay safe according to the most accurate, science based, up to date information available.***In the best of times, it's important to know how to socialize your puppy. Even though […]

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YNP Episode: Checking In and Let’s Play! Mar 20, 2020

I wanted to take a minute and check in and reach out. How are you doing? Just about every single person out there is touched by what's happening. I too, sat in my anxiety and stress for a little while. You know what brought me out of it? YOU. I carved out this little corner of the […]

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YNP #047: How to Handle a Reactive Dog on a Leash Mar 04, 2020

When you have a reactive dog on a leash it takes all of the fun out of walks and makes them stressful and a chore. Unfortunately, having a reactive dog is all too common. It comes from the dog’s fight or flight response. When they are on a leash and tethered to you, some can default […]

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YNP #046: Puppy Biting and Why You Might Still Be Struggling Feb 13, 2020

Puppy biting is something that just about every new dog owner struggles with. It can go from being an annoyance to affecting your enjoyment and bond with your puppy. It gets even worse with the kids. Puppies don't know how to play with humans. It's in their DNA to play with their tough-skinned, fur-covered littermates, but […]

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YNP #045: Pros and Cons of Different Dog Training Programs Jan 30, 2020

There are a bunch of different types of dog training programs out there. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Which one (or ones) you choose depends on your learning style, what's going on with your dog, and what your budget is. In this episode, I take a look at a puppy class vs obedience class […]

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YNP #044: When Your Dog Gets Car Sick Jan 16, 2020

Just like humans, dogs get car sick. It's especially common for puppies. Their little bellies are sensitive and not used to the motion. The good news is, most will grow out of it. The bad news is there is always a chance they will develop a bad association with the car. Since it starts out […]

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YNP #043: What They Don’t Tell You About Getting a Puppy Jan 03, 2020

You've read ALL the books, watched ALL the videos, listened to ALL the podcast but there are things that still come as a surprise when you get a new puppy. Let's be honest, some of these things they DO tell you, but maybe we don't hear them because they aren't the fun part of having a […]

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YNP #042: 10 Ways to Play With Your Dog Dec 18, 2019

Especially with a new puppy, you'll hear 20 times a day, play with your puppy, exercise your puppy, stimulate your puppy so they don’t get bored, bond with them to create a strong relationship… OK OK, we get it’s important but after 160 games of fetch things get a little...well, boring. In this episode, I’m going to […]

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YNP #041: Tips on Raising a Puppy in an Apartment Dec 04, 2019

Raising a puppy is challenging. Raising a puppy in an apartment adds a few additional challenges. It’s becoming more and more common to raise a puppy in an apartment. This is great because it means more places are allowing dogs but before you run and get your new puppy there are some things to consider and […]

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YNP #040: How to Be Your Dog’s Pack Leader Nov 20, 2019

You need to be your dog’s pack leader. This much is clear. However, when I talk about leadership it doesn’t have anything to do with “alpha” or “dominance”. I believe those words are overused and greatly misunderstood. But mostly, I believe that it leads us to the wrong type of relationship with our dog. Make […]

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YNP Special Edition: Q&A Tuesday Highlights 03 Nov 02, 2019

This is the third and final special edition highlighting the great questions I received during Q&A Tuesdays. Every Tuesday in October I will be answering your training questions. These are just a few of the great questions I received and I thought would be beneficial to all my listeners. October is now officially over and therefor […]

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YNP #039: The Most Common Potty Accidents Oct 23, 2019

Potty accidents are part of having a puppy. You can do everything right and you are still going to have an accident. And let’s face it, we probably aren’t going to do everything right. In all of my years helping puppy owners with potty training there are a few types of accidents that I see […]

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YNP Special Edition: Q&A Tuesday – Crate Training Oct 18, 2019

Every Tuesday in October I will be answering your training questions. These are just a few of the great questions I received and I thought would be beneficial to all my listeners. I got the idea for Q&A Tuesday because this is very similar to what I do inside YOUR Perfect Puppy my online course for […]

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YNP Special Edition: Q&A Tuesday Highlights 01 Oct 11, 2019

Every Tuesday in October I will be answering your training questions. These are just a few of the great questions I received and I thought would be beneficial to all my listeners. I got the idea for Q&A Tuesday because this is very similar to what I do inside YOUR Perfect Puppy my online course for […]

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YNP #038: The One Thing You Need to Know About Dog Behavior Oct 09, 2019

here is only one thing that you need to know about dog behavior to teach or stop any behavior! Yup, when it comes down to it, our dogs are very simple creatures.

In this episode, I am revealing my secret. This is what I use to solve 90% of my client's training issues.

I have centered my life around dog behavior. And everything I have learned and observed comes down to this one thing.

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YNP #037: The Three Types of Training You Need to Raise a Well-Mannered Dog Sep 27, 2019

There are three types of training that you need to turn your puppy into a well-rounded, well-behaved, and well-mannered dog. When we think of training our dog we usually think about teaching our dog to “listen to me” I want him to come when I say come and stay when I say stay. Or we don’t […]

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YNP #036: 4 Mistakes New Puppy Owners Make Sep 12, 2019

Raising a puppy is something we have to learn. It's not natural for us humans. So just like with learning anything new we are going to make a few mistakes along the way. First we have to know what mistakes we are making in the first place. In this episode, I talk about 4 mistakes I […]

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YNP #035: Where Should Your Dog Sleep? Aug 07, 2019

Where should your dog sleep? This is a simple question with multiple answers. On one had I have a strong recommendation where your dog should be sleeping. On the other, it really doesn't matter as long as you make the decision and then stick with it. To make this more clear split my answer into two […]

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YNP #034: Introduce Your New Puppy to Your Current Dog Jul 24, 2019

Adding another dog to your pack is an exciting time. It can also be a little stressful because you want to make sure that your current dog accepts your new puppy. Sometimes when you bring a new puppy home the current dog immediately accepts the puppy and it super excited to have a younger brother and […]

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YNP #033: My Dogs Aren’t Perfect, So What? Jul 10, 2019

My dogs aren't perfect, and I'm ok with that? You would think because I'm a dog trainer I would care more. But that's exactly why I know it's OK. Training a dog is time-consuming and it’s something that most of us just simply aren’t good at. Most likely you won't be able to teach your dog […]

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YNP #032: My Favorite Dog Supplies Jun 26, 2019

There are so many dog supplies out there it can be overwhelming. Over the years I have developed a list of my go-to supplies that I use and recommend to my clients. In this episode, I talk about what my favorite dog supply is in each of these 8 categories and why they have become my […]

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YNP #031: Reward Your Dog Without Treats Apr 17, 2019

Dogs learns through repetition and reward. The easiest and most efficient way to reward your dog is by using treats. That is why they are the go-to for trainers and dog owners. Even though treats is the most popular way to reward your dog they are not, by far, the only way. In fact, there are […]

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YNP #030: The First 4 Steps to Teaching Any New Command Apr 10, 2019

Dog obedience training is the first thing we think of when we say “training your dog.” In fact, it might be the only thing we think of. Your dog’s training goes WAY beyond obedience but it is a very important part of your new puppy’s education. When starting from scratch it’s important to create a strong and […]

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YNP #029: The Ride Home Apr 03, 2019

Bringing your puppy home is exciting and maybe a little stressful. The ride home is the first time you are 100% responsible for them. If this is your first puppy you may be even more nervous. Your puppy might be nervous too. It’s a short and simple topic but something I get asked all the time. […]

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YNP #028: 5 Reasons to Use the Crate When You’re Home. Mar 20, 2019

When we think of crate training we usually think of potty training or where we put our puppy when we aren’t home. Crate training goes way beyond that. In fact, we should be using it after potty training AND when we are home. I usually get some resistance to this. Most dog owners have a sense […]

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YNP #027: How to Handle a Shy Dog Mar 06, 2019

How to handle a shy dog is important for all of us to know. If you are anything like me, you just want to put ALL the puppies. But not ALL of the puppies want to be pet. Wait, what??? Crazy, right? This is even worse when it’s our own puppy. We are all excited […]

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YNP #026: Timing is EVERYTHING When Training Your Dog Feb 06, 2019

The foundation of positive dog training is to reward the behaviors we want repeated and ignore or redirect the behaviors we don’t want repeated. Oh, how I wish it were that simple. A question we don’t even think to ask is “how does the dog know what behavior we are rewarding or correcting?” This is where […]

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YNP #025: Is Human Food Good for Dogs? Jan 23, 2019

Very often I get asked: Is human food good for dogs? Or "should I feed my dog people food?" Or they say with pride “I ONLY feed my dog, dog food” The first thing I want to dispel is the idea that there is a difference between "people" food and "dog" food. Food is food. The distinction […]

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YNP #024: How to Raise Two Puppies at the Same Time Jan 09, 2019

The thought of raising two puppies together can create a lot of warm, fuzzy, and fun images. They will keep each other company, entertain each other, exercise each other, and create perfect Instagram moments of snuggling together in their bed. We go into it aware that it will take more work. Of course, it makes sense, […]

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YNP #023: Did You Remember to Praise Your Puppy? Dec 26, 2018

Did you remember to praise your puppy?When using positive training our main tool is to reward behaviors we want our puppies to repeat. The more we praise our puppy's good behavior the more likely they will grow into a well-behaved dog. Unfortunately, there are many times that we don’t remember (or worse, we don’t even realize) […]

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YNP #022: How to Prevent and Treat Separation Anxiety Dec 12, 2018

Separation anxiety is when your dog is stressed out because they are separated from you. Every single dog has the potential to develop some form of separation anxiety because dogs don’t know how to be alone naturally. This is one of the many things we need to teach them to live in our world. Separation anxiety […]

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YNP #021: Balancing Vaccines and Socialization Nov 28, 2018

A question I get ALL the time is about taking your puppy outside before they are fully vaccinated. This question usually comes up during potty training but my answer has nothing to do with potty training. In short, your puppy needs to get out and start experiencing the world BEFORE they are fully vaccinated. I know this […]

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YNP #020: Your Emergency Preparedness Plan When You Have a Dog Apr 11, 2018

We are always told “prepare for emergencies" or "make an emergency preparedness plan." The problem is the nature of an emergency is they are unpredictable and the situations are usually not something we expect. All we can do is do our best to prepare so when it happens we at least have a head start. The […]

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YNP #019: The Downside of a Fenced-in Backyard Dec 15, 2017

A fenced-in backyard is considered a very valuable resource for a dog owner. It makes owning, potty training and exercising your dog SO much easier. Or does it? With anything that makes our lives easier there is always a downside. I know this, because I share this struggle with you. In this episode I talk about a […]

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YNP #018: Ditch the Bowl and Make Mealtime an Event Dec 01, 2017

So often, we get stuck in the idea that our dogs need to eat out of a bowl. BORING!! Our dogs are programmed to work for their food so let’s use that in our favor. We already feed our dogs so let’s make it an event! Our dogs have a blast AND it also help […]

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YNP #017: 5 Dog Food Myths and the Truth Behind Them Nov 15, 2017

We know that finding the right dog food for our dog is important. It can also be overwhelming. Most of us want to be able to walk into a pet store, pick up a bag and make the right decision. Unfortunately, it's not that simple. There is a lot of different information out there about which dog […]

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YNP #016: Stop Behaviors Before They Start! How Thinking Ahead Can Make Training Easier. Nov 09, 2017

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” - Benjamin Franklin The best way to stop your dog from jumping up on people is not to allow him from to do it from day one. The best way to stop your dog from sleeping on the bed with you is to teach him to sleep […]

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YNP #015: How to Choose the Right Dog Care – Part Two Pet Sitters Oct 18, 2017

Welcome to Part Two of the two-part series on helping you find the right dog care for you. In part one (Episode #14) I talked all about facilities. In this episode I talk about Pet Sitters.Who will take care of your dog when you can’t is a very common concern for most dog owners. With […]

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YNP #014: How to Choose the Right Dog Care – Part One Facilities Oct 12, 2017

Welcome to Part One in two-part series on helping you find the right dog care for you.Who will take care of your dog when you can’t is a very common concern for most dog owners. With good reason. There is a high level of trust that has to happen for you to feel comfortable to […]

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YNP #013: Dog Park vs. Dog Daycare Sep 28, 2017

Both a dog park and a dog daycare are a place for your dog to get lots of exercise while playing with his friends. Beyond that the experience is quite different. Where a dog park is free, daycares cost money. You get to stay and interact and play with the other dogs and people at a […]

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YNP #012: The Most Important Part of Your Dog’s Obedience Training Sep 20, 2017

You don’t have to be a dog person to know about basic obedience. It’s usually the first thing you think of when someone says “training a dog”. It is popular for very good reasons. I could list a hundred reasons for you and your dog to go through some kind of obedience training. In this episode, I […]

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YNP #011: Reasons to Leave Your Retractable Leash at Home Sep 13, 2017

I find so many dog owners go right for their retractable leash. And I get it! I did the same thing when I got my first dog. Retractable leashes make so much sense in theory; make it short when I want to, give them freedom when I want to. It’s like 10 leashes in one!” […]

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YNP #010: Complete Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy Jul 20, 2017

Potty training is a rite of passage for all puppy owners. It’s not the pretty part of owning a new puppy but it’s the one training none of us can ignore. Sometimes we forget that our dogs don’t come pre-programmed to go to the bathroom outside. This is a habit we have to teach them. The concept […]

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YNP #009: Why Indoor Pads Should NOT be Used When House Training Your Puppy Jul 05, 2017

Indoor pads (also called wee-wee pads or potty pads) have a purpose but house training should not be one of them. If you want to teach your puppy to go to the bathroom outside only, these pads can be detrimental to this training. Indoor pads are one of those products that seem like a great tool (and […]

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YNP #008: When your Dog Jumps: How to Prevent and Correct Jumping up on People Jun 15, 2017

When your dog jumps on you, your family and your friends it can quickly turn into an annoying habit. Luckily there are a few things we can do to prevent or correct this behavior. Most of the time our dog jumps on us it is to get our attention. And if we are honest most of the […]

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YNP #QA01: Questions and Answers Jun 07, 2017

I had a lot of fun recording our first Q&A episode! You asked some great questions that have influenced the topics of many episodes and now I want to answer some specific questions. In this episode, I answer three great questions sent in by listeners. Topics include:Multiple dog householdHanding a new young dog with older dogsThe difference […]

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YNP#007: Why Do Dogs Dig and What You Can Do About It May 24, 2017

Does your backyard look like someone has been digging for gold? Having a crater filled back yard is frustrating, not pretty and can even be dangerous. Why do dogs dig? Digging is one of those things that dogs just love to do. It’s right up there with barking and chewing and being with us. The most […]

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YNP #006: My Dog Steals my Stuff!! How to Protect your Dog and Your Things. May 17, 2017

What do we do when our dog steals our stuff? We all know the scene: it’s gotten a little too quiet so you go searching for the little fuzzball that was just at your feet. You turn the corner and there he is, chomping happily away on the book you were reading earlier, or maybe it’s […]

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YNP #005: Crate Training: How (and Why) to Make Their Crate Your Dog’s Best Friend May 10, 2017

When we think of crate training, we usually think of potty training our puppy. It makes sense because these two things go hand and hand. Using a crate is the best and most efficient way to potty train our dogs. In this episode, I want to convince you that crate training goes way beyond potty […]

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YNP #004: 3 Things You Can Do Now to Teach Your Dog to Come Every Time You Call. May 02, 2017

In today's episode, we're going to talk about your recall command; most commonly known as “come”. I'm not going to be talk about teaching your dog the actual command. What I am going to talk about is building a few everyday habits so when it comes time to teach your dog the command, it's going to be […]

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YNP #003: What is Free Feeding and Why You Shouldn’t Do It. Apr 29, 2017

Free Feeding is when your dog's bowl is always filled with food allowing them to choose when to eat. When you have a dog that likes does to graze leaving their food out all the time can be a convenient. On the surface it seems harmless but what we don't realize is that it can […]

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YNP #002: Which Type of Dog is Right for You? Apr 29, 2017

Once you have decided that you are ready for a dog (if you haven’t check out episode 1) it’s time to figure out which dog is right for you. During this episode, I talk about 10 different traits to think about to help you decide what type of dog will best fit into your life. While I […]

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YNP #001: Are You Ready for a New Dog? 5 Questions to Help you Decide. Apr 25, 2017

Want a new dog? Not sure if you are ready? Getting a new dog is a big decision and a long term commitment. Getting a dog isn’t something you can decide overnight, so we are here to help you figure it out! This episode walks you through 5 questions to ask yourself to see if you […]

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YNP #000: Who I Am and What Your New Puppy Podcast is About Apr 25, 2017

Welcome to Your New Puppy’s Podcast!! Getting a new puppy (or dog) is exciting and fun but it can also be very overwhelming. No one gets a good dog by accident. It takes time and energy to get the well-behaved dog we all dream of when we decided to bring home our new four-legged family […]

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