In this episode of The Dog People Podcast, Jack and Max are joined by the team from Barn Dogs Australia to uncover one of the most exciting and accessible dog sports around — Barn Search!

Learn how this scent-based game taps into your dog’s natural instincts, builds confidence, and strengthens your bond. Whether you’ve got a working breed or a couch companion, Barn Search offers a fun, low-pressure way to engage your dog’s nose and mind. Discover how to get started, what you’ll need, and why this fast-growing sport is perfect for everyday dog owners.

Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com

This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au. ssued by

Pacific International Insurance.

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Jack and Max are joined by Jamie the Dog Trainer to dive into the world of ANKC obedience — one of the fastest-growing dog sports around. Jamie breaks down the structure of obedience competitions, explains how ANKC works, what makes it unique, and how everyday owners can get involved. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your dog’s obedience skills or step into the exciting world of ANKC sport, this episode is packed with insights on training, structure, and community.

Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com

This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au. ssued by

Pacific International Insurance.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this new mini-series, Jack and Max dive into the world of dog sports that anyone can get involved in — no elite training required. From dock diving to barn search and obedience competitions, these sports aren’t just great fun, they’re an incredible way to build a stronger relationship with your dog. Whether you’ve got a high-energy pup or a more laid-back companion, there’s a sport out there for you. Discover how to get started, what’s involved, and why these activities are booming in popularity.

Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com

This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au. ssued by

Pacific International Insurance.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes someone leave a career as a professional triathlete to become one of Victoria’s most respected dog trainers? In this episode, Max and Jack sit down with Jamie, a trainer who started out teaching puppy school classes before helping Petstock build their national puppy program. He shares how he turned his passion into a thriving business, grew a loyal social media following, and the training philosophies that shape his work today.

If you’ve ever thought about turning your love for dogs into a career, this one’s for you.

Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com

This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au. ssued by

Pacific International Insurance.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can we accidentally set our dogs up to fail by expecting too much? Jack sits down with Max to talk honestly about his cattle cross rescue, Kira, and whether his training expectations match her personality. A powerful discussion on meeting dogs where they’re at, managing frustration, and celebrating progress instead of perfection.

Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com

This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au. ssued by

Pacific International Insurance.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dog trainer Max O’Neill breaks down two of the most misunderstood techniques in dog behaviour — desensitisation and counter-conditioning. Learn the difference between the two, how to tell which one your dog actually needs, and why getting it wrong could make behaviour worse. From nail grinders and fireworks to doorbells and car rides, Max explains how to reshape your dog’s emotional response the right way.

Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com

This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au. ssued by

Pacific International Insurance.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Dog People Pod, Jack puts a big question to trainer Max O’Neil: are we contradicting ourselves when we say we shouldn’t let our dogs fail, but also talk about “setting them up for failure”? Max breaks down what these two concepts really mean, why both approaches exist in training, and how to use them in the right context.

Together, Jack and Max explore when failure can actually be a teaching tool, when it can damage trust, and how owners can strike the balance to help their dogs learn safely and effectively.

Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com

This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au. ssued by

Pacific International Insurance.

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In this episode of The Dog People Pod, Jack and professional trainer Max O’Neil tackle a controversial question: should people need a license to own a dog? With shelters overflowing and cases of neglect still too common, some argue that adding barriers to entry could weed out those who aren’t truly committed to responsible dog ownership. Others worry it might create unnecessary red tape and punish good owners. Jack and Max dig into both sides of the debate, exploring whether licensing could protect dogs, raise standards, and ensure only serious, dedicated people take on the responsibility of a pet.

Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com

This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au. ssued by

Pacific International Insurance.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Dog People Pod, Jack and professional trainer Max O’Neil dive into audience questions from the Facebook group. First up: what to do when your dog won’t hold their bladder overnight, cries to be taken outside, and refuses to pee before bed. Then, the guys tackle a hot topic, dog beaches. Are they as chaotic and risky as dog parks, or can they be a safe, enriching outlet for your dog? Tune in for practical tips, honest debate, and a few laughs along the way and we round it out with a question from Jack over his own training with Kira.

Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com

This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au. ssued by

Pacific International Insurance.

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In this episode of The Dog People Pod, Jack and professional trainer Max O’Neil dive into a recent video from well-known trainer Zac George, who argues that dogs should be free to “opt out” of training sessions to build stronger trust and bonds.

Jack raised an important question: what happens when your dog decides to opt out in a real-world situation, like chasing a rabbit, deer, or cat? Zac responded, but the conversation sparked a bigger debate.

Together, Jack and Max explore the balance between trust, choice, and safety, agreeing that while dogs need the chance to step back, it’s critical that opting out happens with the handler’s permission, not on the dog’s whim. This episode unpacks why structure matters, how to keep your dog safe in everyday life, and what “choice in training” really looks like.

See the video here

Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com

This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au. ssued by

Pacific International Insurance.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.