In this episode, Anna shares expert insights on how to raise a confident and happy puppy from day one. She walks us through the critical stages of puppy development, including how to navigate socialization and fear periods with confidence and care. From mastering potty training to understanding the ups and downs of adolescence, Anna offers practical, compassionate advice for new puppy parents. She also emphasizes the power of reinforcers in training—why teaching your puppy what motivates them is one of the most important tools you’ll have. Whether you’re bringing home a new pup or just want to brush up on the basics, this episode is packed with tips to set you and your puppy up for success.

In the immortal words of Jimi Hendrix, are you experienced..........dog owner, that is? What breeds require an experienced dog owner? What does that even mean; experienced dog owner? Connie takes a stab at defining experienced dog ownership, what happens if you aren't as experienced as you thought, and how can you become experienced. 

Anna dives into the touchy subject of walking your dog off leash. Should you do it? How does walking your dog off leash affect other dogs. Should you even care? We think so and Anna will discuss the pros and cons of going off leash! Even dog trainers from different backgrounds and methods agree on this one. 

Fair Use Act use of the following sound bites:

@vigothetoller

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Cb7Y0R7RdhI

@HaileeAnd.HerDogs

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VoRcOf-5MtA

Tom Davis Dog Training

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJulTzp4Lw4

@willathertoncaninetraining

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dRqYqsZzK0I

@zakgeorge

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Xx2lZcPFhsg

Koko Garcia | Rescue Dog Training

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqDNyFQcE90

Dogs That

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiygnLThS6Y

Yes, we covered reactivity before! But this episode gets into tips and strategies to help you right now with your reactive dog. Even if you are not actively training your dog. Connie adds her personal feelings about reactivity training and the different methods to "fix" reactive behavior in dogs. 

What exactly is cooperative care, how do you use it, and why? Listen in as Anna talks about the ins and outs of this relatively new training that gives dogs a voice in their care and grooming. 

Anna also drops a few resources where you can learn more both online, in books and in person. 

What is reactivity in dogs, why does it happen and how can we fix it? Connie dives into the troublesome behavior of barking and lunging. She also briefly  covers the most common technique to fix it. Connie reveals the most commonly overlooked piece to fixing reactivity and without it, no amount of training will work! 

What are you using for dog training, rewards or reinforcers? What is the difference? It's more than you might think. Connie talks not only about the differences but how to figure out which one you're using, why it's important and the benefits of using the right one. Raise your dog training to the next level for sports, pet training and even behavior modification.

Let's talk about retractable leashes. This is such a challenging topic for so many people. Connie dives into the pros and cons. Is there a place for retractable leashes in a dog owners life? 

She breaks down if and when along with a list of rules, to help guide you, the dog owner, on appropriate use of this controversial piece of dog equipment.

If you have a puppy, this podcast is for you! Typically you pick-up your puppy from a rescue or breeder around 8 - 9 weeks old. But did you know the clock is already ticking on socializing that puppy? What does that even mean? 

Connie goes through puppy socialization, the dos and don'ts and the sometimes still controversial puppy class versus vaccinations.  

SHOW NOTES:

UC Davis, Veterinary Medicine https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk491/files/inline-files/Puppy_Socialization.pdf

American Veterinary Society of Animal Medicine

Position Statements, Puppy Socialization

https://avsab.org/resources/position-statements/

San Diego Humane Society, Puppy Socialization Checklist

https://resources.sdhumane.org/Resource_Center/Behavior_and_Training/Dogs_and_Puppies/Adopting%3A_Puppies/Puppy_Socialization_Checklist

Welcoming Your Puppy From Planet Dog, by Kathy Callahan

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=welcoming+your+puppy+from+planet+dog+book&crid=654QD1Z3FUYO&sprefix=book+welcoming+your+p%2Caps%2C98&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_21

Connie sits down and delves into reinforcers in dog training. She answers the questions What are they? How do you use them correctly? When can you stop using them? She breaks them down into three groups and one of them you probably know but never thought of as a reinforcer!