In this episode of The Dog People Podcast, we tackle one of the most misunderstood concepts in dog training: punishment.

For many, the word brings to mind shouting, harsh corrections, or outdated discipline methods. But real, ethical punishment in dog training is none of those things.

Together with professional dog trainer Max O’Neil, we unpack what punishment actually means—clear communication and boundary-setting—not fear, pain, or frustration. We explore how to help our dogs understand the difference between behaviours we want to reinforce and those we don’t, using safe, calm, and effective strategies.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone confused by conflicting dog training advice, or those looking to strike a balance between kindness and clarity when raising a well-behaved, confident pup.

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.

Recall isn’t just about your dog coming when called—it’s about trust, timing, and proof. In this episode, Max breaks down his Four Levels of Freedom:

1. Proofing
2. Reinforcement
3. Accountability
4. No Strings Attached

Jack shares what happened when he rushed Kira’s recall training and how stepping back and following Max’s process helped him build a rock solid recall. We’ll talk about how to gradually increase your dog’s freedom—from short lead to no lead—and what questions to ask yourself before moving to the next level.

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.

Barking is one of the most common frustrations for dog owners—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood behaviours. In this episode of The Dog People Pod, Jack and professional trainer Max O’Neil explore the many different reasons dogs bark. Whether it's alert barking, boredom, frustration, fear, excitement, or simply a way to get your attention, every bark tells a story.

Before you can effectively address the behaviour, you need to understand the why behind it. This episode is all about identifying which type of barking your dog is doing, and why recognising the root cause is crucial before you attempt to correct it. Max shares real-world examples and key insights to help you decode your dog’s vocal cues, setting the stage for deeper dives into each barking type in future episodes.

If you’ve ever thought, “Why won’t my dog stop barking?”—this is where your journey to peace and quiet begins.

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.

Your dog listens at home, but ignores you at the park? You might be stuck between stages. This week, Max explains the four stages of learning every dog owner needs to know—starting with Teaching the behaviour, moving into Training it with intent, Proofing it under real-world pressure, and finally Maintaining it so it lasts. Jack shares real-life examples from his journey with Kira, and together they break down how to get from "kind of knows it" to "nails it every time."

1. Teaching – Introducing your dog to a new behaviour.
2. Training – Repeating it with clarity, structure and expectation.
3. Proofing – Testing it with distance, duration, and distraction.
4. Maintenance – Keeping the behaviour sharp for life.

Whether you're raising a new pup or trying to take your current dog to the next level, this is the training framework that works.

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.

After a few too many incidents with Kira wondering off—thanks to tradies leaving gates open—Jack realised something had to change. In this episode, Max breaks down threshold training, a simple yet powerful way to teach your dog boundaries at doors and gates. We cover why it matters, how to teach it, and why it could be the difference between safety and disaster. Plus, check out our step-by-step video masterclass in the DPP Facebook group.

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.

Every dog is different, and while some owners can tackle training on their own, others might need a little expert guidance. But how do you know when it’s time to bring in a professional? In this episode, Jack and trainer Max O’Neil discuss the key signs that indicate you could benefit from a dog trainer—whether it’s behavioural struggles, lack of progress, or simply wanting to set your pup up for success from day one.

They break down what to expect from a good trainer, how to find the right fit for your dog, and why professional help doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’re committed to giving your dog the best life possible. From basic obedience to behavioural challenges, tune in to learn when, why, and how to get the right help at the right time.

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.

We’re opening the inbox and answering your dog dilemmas!

First, Max tackles a case of sibling rivalry—one listener’s young dog is acting out with jealousy, and it’s throwing off the household vibe. Then we help a member of the DPP Facebook group whose Border Collie pup is struggling with harness anxiety. Two questions, tons of insight, and tools you can use right away.

If you have a question or an issue you need help woth jump onto the DPP Facebook group right now!

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.

If your dog isn’t responding to training, you might be using the wrong currency.

In this episode, Jack and Max O’Neil explain how to identify what truly motivates your dog and how to use it strategically in training. Plus, tips on building toy and food drive to create a more engaged, driven pup!

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.

Turning a passion for dogs into a full-time career is a dream for many, but where do you start? In this episode, Max shares his blueprint for becoming a professional dog trainer, drawing from years of hands-on experience and accredited expertise. From gaining practical skills to building a client base, we cover what it really takes to make a living in the dog training world. If you've ever thought about taking the leap, this episode is for you!

Rasing the perfect dog is hard, our mission is to help guide you through the mindfield with a no nonsense balanced aproaach to thid highly devisive topic. So if you need help, you're pulling your hair out and you just don't know where to turn, join our fb group now The Dog People Podcast and we will try and asnwer all your questions.

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.

If your dog’s leash skills make you feel like you’re hang-gliding instead of walking, this episode is for you. Jack and Max O’Neil sit down to answeer the number one question when it comes to dog training and break down practical, game-changing techniques to stop pulling and make your walks a breeze.

Check out more helpful tips and ask your questions now on the Dog People Podcast group on Facebook

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.