The Puppy Training Podcast

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 d...

Your puppy was doing so well… and then suddenly they stopped listening. In this episode, we break down one of the most frustrating — and completely normal — stages of dog development: adolescence. Between 6 and 18 months, many puppies begin testing boundaries, ignoring cues, losing focus, and acting as if all previous training disappeared overnight. We cover: Why adolescent regression happens Boundary testing and reinforcement history Why most handlers accidentally...

Is your puppy full of endless energy no matter how much exercise they get? You’re not alone—and the solution might surprise you. In this episode of The Puppy Training Podcast, we break down the key differences between physical exercise and mental enrichment, and why more activity isn’t always the answer to a hyper or misbehaving puppy. You’ll learn: Why too much exercise can actually create a more energetic dogHow mental stimulation tires puppies out faster and more effectivelySimple, practic...

Struggling with a puppy who isn’t motivated by food? You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck. In this episode, Amy from BAXTER & Bella breaks down why food motivation can vary, especially during the early days of bringing a new puppy home when stress levels are high. You’ll learn how to use your puppy’s regular food as an effective training tool, safely introduce higher-value rewards without upsetting their stomach, and avoid the common mistake of relying on too many treats too quickly. Amy...

Doorway chaos, leash pulling the second you open the door, and dogs that treat every threshold like a starting line—sound familiar? In this episode, we break down Doorway & Boundary Skills as a complete system, not just a quick fix. You’ll learn why dogs struggle with thresholds, how to stop door dashing, and how to teach your dog to pause and wait—without relying on physical barriers. We also share a real-life example with Amy's dog Baxter, who calmly waits at street corners until releas...

Does your puppy seem to “forget” their cues the moment you leave the house? You’re not alone—and your puppy isn’t being stubborn. In this episode, we’re diving into proofing behaviors (also known as generalization) so you can help your puppy succeed in the real world, not just your living room. You’ll learn why cues fall apart in new environments, how to introduce distractions without frustration, and how to build reliability using distance, duration, and difficulty in a way that feels calm a...

Bringing home a new puppy? 🐶 The first few days can feel exciting, overwhelming, and a little exhausting — all at once. In this episode, Amy walks you through exactly what to focus on (and what not to stress about) during those critical early days. You’ll learn how to: Build trust and create a strong bond from Day OneSet up a potty routine that prevents accidents before they happenIntroduce the crate in a way that builds confidence — not fearAvoid common first-week mistakes that slow progress...

When you bring a new puppy home and real life kicks back in — work schedules, school mornings, extracurriculars — your puppy is trying to figure out what this new rhythm means. In this episode of the Puppy Training Podcast, we revisit the foundations of successful puppy training and break down the three most common mistakes new (and even experienced!) dog handlers make. You’ll learn: Why waiting for bad behavior actually makes it worse — and what to do insteadHow saying “YES” more than “NO” t...

Predictability is one of the most overlooked tools in dog training—and one of the most powerful. In this extended episode, we explore how consistent routines around feeding, walks, rest, and cues reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and build true confidence in puppies and dogs. Backed by behavioral science, this episode shows why predictability makes dogs feel safe—and how safety is the foundation for calm behavior, learning, and trust. Support the show Follow us on social media In...

You survived puppyhood—so why does training suddenly feel harder? In this episode, we break down the often-overlooked transition from puppy to adolescent and explain why even well-trained dogs can seem distracted, impulsive, or inconsistent during this phase. We’ll cover what’s happening in your dog’s developing brain, common challenges handlers face, and how to adapt your training approach so you don’t lose momentum. You’ll learn: When adolescence typically begins (and how long it lasts)Why ...

If you’re raising a puppy right now—or planning to—you’re probably already thinking about walks, playtime, and basic training. And that’s great. Physical exercise absolutely matters. But today, we’re talking about something that’s just as important—and often overlooked: Mental exercise. Because a tired puppy isn’t just one who’s walked a lot. A tired puppy is one who’s thought, problem-solved, and learned. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnl...

Choosing the right equipment for your puppy can make all the difference between smooth, confidence-building training and a daily struggle with slips, stalls, or stress. In this episode, we break down how to select the best harnesses, collars, and leashes for your puppy’s size, breed, and temperament—because what works for a bold Labrador pup may be very different from what a tiny, sensitive toy breed needs. You’ll learn how to introduce new equipment gently so your puppy associates gear with ...

In this episode of the BAXTER & Bella Puppy Training Podcast, we dive into the rapidly growing world of virtual and remote puppy training. With more families seeking flexible, accessible ways to raise well-behaved dogs, online training has become a major part of the industry — and it’s here to stay. Amy breaks down what has changed, why virtual training works so well, and how handlers can adapt to make the most of remote sessions. She shares tips for keeping puppies engaged, avoiding comm...