In this Q&A episode, I answer real questions from dog owners looking to improve their training and better understand their dogs. Whether you're dealing with reactivity, building engagement, or just want practical tips that actually work, this episode is packed with advice you can apply right away.

This episode was filmed on May 23, 2020.

Timestamps:

00:21 – What’s the first thing you try to teach a dog when training?
03:22 – What’s the best way to train a kid to handle a puppy?
05:19 – I have three dogs. What’s the best way to work with all three?
07:30 – I was just made aware of "fear periods," particularly in GSDs around 4–5 months.
12:25 – Do you have tips on getting him to focus?
13:53 – Our beagle barks incessantly when one of us comes home.
17:55 – How do I keep my dog in a stay position when I answer the door?
19:55 – We have people walking up and down the sidewalk constantly. How do we stop the dogs from barking at them?
23:09 – What would be your top five medium-sized breeds for service dog work?
24:51 – What are the best treats for dog training?
26:54 – What would you say are the key principles to keep in mind every day when training a dog?
31:06 – What’s your opinion on feeding a raw diet?
33:47 – My GSD heels beautifully if I have a ball in my hand, but I’m having a hard time weaning that out. Any suggestions?
37:08 – How do you deal with dogs whining in the crate?
39:00 – What’s the difference between the “yes” reward marker and the “break” or “free” marker when training?
45:25 – How can I stop my dog from barking at other dogs and people when outside or on a walk?
49:00 – Is it bad to give my dog too much freedom in the house?
52:21 – Can you address some age-specific expectations concerning recall and skill duration in different environments?
54:35 – What would you recommend for socializing during the pandemic?
59:25 – I’m still trying to get my dog to let me pet her head. How should I proceed from here?
01:01:08 – I’ve got a 9-week-old Dutch Shepherd that’s determined to nip fingers, toes, ankles, pant legs, etc. The cuteness wore off quickly—any advice?
01:05:52 – My 3-year-old terrier mix recently started obsessively digging to chase moles. I can’t catch her in the act to redirect. Any ideas?
01:08:50 – My 9-month-old GSD does great on leash with just me, but when I walk him with my kids, he pulls and barks in excitement.
01:10:21 – How do I train my dog for public access?
01:13:58 – How long should I wait between bringing the puppy home and starting service training?
01:14:55 – How do I increase my dog’s ball drive?
01:16:06 – How can I get my dog to bite harder when playing tug?
01:17:08 – Do you use a Kong? Does it serve any purpose besides being a food dispenser?
01:19:54 – When your dogs come forward off the terminal marker and you hold your hand high to get them to jump for the reward, do you hold the treat the same way each time?
01:21:24 – Do you teach the double down?
01:23:33 – Any ideas for how to tire dogs out mentally?