Creating a Calm Puppy: Teaching the Skill That Changes EverythingEveryone wants a calm puppy, but calm is not something puppies magically grow into. It is a skill that must be intentionally taught, reinforced, and protected.In this episode of Barks to Basics, we break down what calm actually means from a behavioural and scientific perspective, and why many well meaning owners accidentally create overstimulated and overtired puppies by doing more instead of doing better.You will learn why calm is a nervous system state (not a personality trait), and how early experiences, sleep, routine, and reinforcement shape a puppy’s ability to regulate themselves long term.

This episode covers:

• What calm really is (and what it is not)

• Why more exercise often makes puppy behaviour worse, not better

• How sleep deprivation and overstimulation drive biting, zoomies, and meltdowns

• The role of stress physiology and arousal in puppy behaviour

• How to build calm through daily routines, decompression, and predictability

• Practical training skills that teach puppies how to settle and self regulate

• Capturing and reinforcing calm behaviour in real life

• How to use mat training and structured relaxation to build an off switch

• Socialisation done correctly (without overwhelm, flooding, or forced greetings)

• Why observation based socialisation creates calmer, more resilient dogs

• Real life examples of common puppy struggles and how to troubleshoot them

• A full daily calm puppy blueprint you can implement immediately

This episode is grounded in modern canine learning science and behaviour research, with a strong focus on reward based methods, emotional regulation, and long term welfare (not quick fixes or suppression).Whether you are raising your first puppy or working with a young dog who struggles to settle, this episode will help you shift your focus from managing manic behaviours (biting, jumping up, zoomies etc) to teaching calm as a life skill.Because you do not need a perfect puppy.

You need a puppy who is learning how to regulate in a busy world.

Thanksgiving is a time for family, warmth and good food, but for our dogs it can be a day filled with confusion, overstimulation and stress. In this episode of Barks to Basics, certified canine behaviourist Renee Patience, founder of Paws Academy, shares calm, practical ways to keep your dog safe, comfortable and included in the celebrations.

Learn why sudden changes in routine affect your dog’s behaviour, how to spot early signs of stress, and what foods are safe to share from the Thanksgiving table. Renee explains the science behind calmness, gives real-life training examples, and shows how small adjustments in environment and energy can make all the difference.

This episode is a must-listen for every dog owner who wants to understand their dog better and prevent holiday overwhelm before it starts.

💛 Free Guide:
Download your free educational guide, Thanksgiving with Dogs: A Calm Guide to Safety and Celebration, filled with evidence-based tips and calm handling advice:
👉 https://www.thetrainingofdogs.com/product-page/free-thanksgiving-dog-safety-guide

At Paws Academy, we support dogs and owners globally, helping families create calm, confident relationships built on understanding and trust.

In this episode of Barks to Basics, Renee explores the world of canine sound sensitivity and asks: why do some dogs fear fireworks and storms, while others hardly react at all? Is sound sensitivity something dogs are born with, or can it develop later in life through stress, pain or negative experiences?

Drawing on behavioural science, real-life cases and years of hands-on experience, Renee breaks down the difference between primary sensitivity, where dogs are naturally more reactive to sound, and secondary sensitivity, where fear is learned through association. She explains why fireworks and thunderstorms are such powerful triggers, how the canine brain processes fear, and why these experiences can have such a lasting impact.

You will hear practical advice on recognising the signs of sound sensitivity, how to create safe spaces and routines that help your dog feel secure, and which training methods and support options can make the biggest difference. Whether your dog trembles at every bang or simply shows unease during noisy events, this episode offers understanding, compassion and science-backed strategies to help them cope.

By the end, you will see that sound sensitivity is not a one-size-fits-all problem. With choice, safety and the right support, every dog can feel calmer and more secure, even when the sky is lit up with fireworks.

In this episode of Barks to Basics, Renee dives into the emotional world of dogs and asks: What really happens when we cry in front of our pets? Do dogs understand sadness? Are they trying to comfort us, or are they simply reacting to change? Through real-life stories, behavioural insight, and years of hands-on experience, Renee explores the many ways dogs respond to human emotion, whether it’s licking your face, pacing the room, or quietly walking away.

You’ll hear relatable examples (with names and details changed to protect privacy) that shed light on how individual temperament, history, and human interaction all play a role in shaping a dog’s reaction. Whether your dog is a full-on cuddler or keeps their distance during tough moments, this episode helps you see their behaviour with fresh understanding and compassion.

Does your dog seem unsure around new people, freeze when approached, or react suddenly in situations that feel unpredictable? 

Maybe they are not being difficult. Maybe their brain is simply trying to stay safe. In this episode, we are looking inside the canine nervous system to explore why fear-based behaviours happen, and how a method we developed at Paws Academy, called Trust Step, can help.

This approach is grounded in neuroscience but designed for real life. You will learn what is really going on when dogs bark, bolt or avoid, why control is often the missing piece in training plans, and how to use clear, consistent patterns to help your dog feel safe enough to choose connection instead of retreat.

We will walk you through how Trust Step works, what makes it different from common techniques like luring or exposure, and how to avoid mistakes that can make progress slower. We will also share real stories of dogs who moved from shutdown to confident, not by being pushed, but by being given a choice.

If you live with a dog who is fearful, sensitive or reactive, or if you support clients who do, this episode is for you. It is practical, thoughtful and built on real experience. No complicated routines. Just one step at a time, led by what the dog is ready for.

Tune in and explore a new way of thinking about behaviour, trust and choice.

Does your dog launch themselves at you the moment you walk through the door? Are guests being greeted with two paws on their chest and a flurry of excitement? In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly why dogs jump up and more importantly, how you can put a stop to it without the stress.

Jumping might seem like harmless enthusiasm but for many owners it becomes frustrating fast. The good news is it’s a behaviour you can change with some simple adjustments and a bit of consistency. We’ll talk about why dogs do it in the first place, how your reactions might be accidentally encouraging it and what to do instead.

You’ll get straightforward, no-nonsense advice that actually fits into real life. No complicated routines. No gimmicks. Just clear steps that work. We’ll also cover what to do when guests come over, how to set your dog up for success and why even negative attention can keep the problem going.

If you’ve got a puppy who’s just starting to jump or an older dog who’s made it a habit, this episode will help you understand what’s going on and give you practical ways to fix it.

As always, we keep it honest, realistic and focused on building good habits that last. Whether your dog jumps up in excitement, frustration or just for fun, this is your guide to calmer greetings and fewer muddy paw prints.

Listen in, and let’s get your dog’s feet back on the ground. Literally.

Welcome to Episode 002 of the Paws on Point Podcast by Paws Academy.

In this episode, we explore the psychology of canine resilience, what it means, why it matters and how to help your dog bounce back from stress with confidence and calm. Whether you’re working with a nervous rescue, an anxious pup or simply want to better understand your dog’s emotional world, this episode is for you.

🎧 What you’ll learn:

• What resilience looks like in dogs

• How dogs experience and recover from stress

• The role of early life, environment and training in shaping resilience

• Practical ways to build emotional strength and confidence in your dog

• Common mistakes to avoid

• Real-life success story from Paws Academy

💡 Training isn’t just about commands – it’s about connection.

🎙️ Subscribe to the Paws on Point Podcast for real-world training advice, behaviour deep-dives and compassionate guidance that helps your dog thrive.

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New Year’s Eve can be stressful for dogs with loud fireworks, festive foods, and busy celebrations creating challenges for their comfort and safety. In this episode of Paws on Point by Paws Academy, we explore how to prepare for the festivities while keeping your dog calm and secure.

We’ll discuss creating a safe space, comforting your dog when they seek reassurance, and planning ahead for a stress-free evening. Learn about the hidden dangers of holiday foods and decorations, ways to minimise the impact of fireworks, and the benefits of consulting your vet for anxiety remedies.

Tune in for practical tips to ensure a peaceful New Year’s Eve for you and your dog. Perfect for dog owners who want to start the year off on the right paw!

Listen now and make this New Year’s Eve a safe and happy one for your dog.