A study from the National Library of Medicine shows that overweight dogs are more likely to engage in unwanted behaviors.  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5468744/

How to prevent dogs from getting overweight

1. Plenty of exercise 
2. Plenty of enrichment and mental stimulation. 
3. Monitor their food intake. 
4. No Snacking. 

You can purchase my book here: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

RESOURCES:
Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com
Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com
Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

In this episode, I discuss how to set your puppy up for success by making better decisions to replace unwanted behaviors. 

• Stop directing them
• Allow them to decide independently - use leash training for this.
• Do the chair exercise.
• Praise them subtly when they make a good decision
• Target training, light agility training, and dog puzzles.
• Give them a chance to succeed.

The chair exercise: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDK-H52SBgm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Target Training: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFBXwE1yOXJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Indoor Agility Training: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-BznCQshcN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

You can purchase my book here: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

RESOURCES:
Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com
Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com
Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

Dogs and cats are not naturally inclined to fight; that idea is a myth. Both animals can tolerate each other and even get along very well. However, you need to understand how their minds work.

1. It's the personality that matters, not the breed
2. Consider getting a puppy and a kitten together
3. Help your dog with some training
4. Give your cat his own private space
5. Keep your dog away from the litter box
6. Make sure there is no competition over food 

You can purchase my book here: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

RESOURCES:
Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com
Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com
Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

Commands I Don’t Recommend for Puppies:

• Off
• Stop
• No

Teach the puppy what you want it to do, not what you want it to stop doing.  In this episode, I explain in more detail the training methodology. 

RESOURCES:
Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com
Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com
Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

Here are three reasons why you never want to repeat commands to your puppy:

1. The puppy loses respect for you as a leader
2. The puppy gets confused and checks out
3. You’re programming the number of times you say the command

Say the command once, and allow the puppy enough time to do it. 

You can purchase my book here: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

RESOURCES:
Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com
Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com
Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

Choosing the perfect dog breed for you and your family can be challenging.  It is even more of a challenge when you live in an apartment or do not have a yard and must consider space. Five breeds that not only survive but thrive in an apartment lifestyle include: 

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
2. Bulldog
3. Poodle
4. Greyhounds
5. Great Dane

You can purchase my book here: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

RESOURCES:
Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com
Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com
Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

It is essential to select the right dog trainer. Various options include in-home private lessons, classes, or board-and-train. Here are eight reasons why in-home training can lead to better and lasting results.

1. Personalized Attention
2. Familiar Environment
3. Owner Involvement
4. Faster Progress
5. Flexible Scheduling
6. Addressing Specific Issues
7. Longer-Lasting Results
8. Building Trust and Communication
   
   

You can purchase my book here: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

RESOURCES:
Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com
Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com
Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

There are seven things that I talk about in this episode on how to raise the perfect puppy. Follow these seven principles, and you will have great results. 

1. Build your relationship from the first day
2. Set the puppy up for success
3. Set clear rules and boundaries
4. Socialize your puppy early
5. Don’t overuse corrections
6. Don’t focus on what you don’t want - Teach the puppy what you want it to do.
7. Don’t punish, yell, or get mad at your puppy

You can purchase my book here: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

RESOURCES:
Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com
Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com
Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

Many people need clarification about specialty training for their puppy or dog related to service dogs, therapy dogs, or ESAs (emotional support animals). In this episode, I discuss the definitions, training requirements, and roles each plays in human life. 

Related article from AKC: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/service-working-therapy-emotional-support-dogs/

Alliance of Therapy Dogs website: https://www.therapydogs.com/

You can purchase my book here: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

RESOURCES:
Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com
Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com
Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

How can you make your new puppy's first days at home as smooth as possible? On this episode of Puppy Talk, I, Dale Buchanan, will equip you with five essential tips to transform those initial nerve-wracking moments into a seamless bonding experience. Whether you're bringing home an older rescue or a brand-new puppy, we'll cover why taking a few days off work can make a world of difference, how to avoid overwhelming your pup by sticking to one room at first, and the power of positive reinforcement during potty training. 

Find out why forcing your new furry friend into a crate might backfire and learn the best way to introduce them to their new sanctuary. Plus, discover the importance of keeping initial human interactions to a minimum to ensure a calm and manageable transition. From setting boundaries and using baby gates to ensuring your pup gets plenty of outdoor time every hour, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to making your puppy feel right at home from day one. Tune in and turn those puppy jitters into joyful moments!

You can purchase my book here: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

RESOURCES:
Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com
Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com
Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan