Adding a puppy to a home with cats, birds, or other animals? This episode dives into how to safely introduce, train, and manage puppies in multi-species households—without stress, chaos, or unrealistic expectations.

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If you’re raising a puppy right now—or planning to—you’re probably already thinking about walks, playtime, and basic training. And that’s great. Physical exercise absolutely matters.

But today, we’re talking about something that’s just as important—and often overlooked:

Mental exercise.

Because a tired puppy isn’t just one who’s walked a lot.
A tired puppy is one who’s thought, problem-solved, and learned.

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In this episode of the Puppy Training Podcast, we go beyond basic behaviors like sit and stay to focus on the life skills that truly shape a well-behaved, confident dog.

Many puppy parents work hard on cues, but struggle with everyday challenges like stressful car rides, difficult vet visits, grooming battles, noisy vacuums, or overly excited greetings with guests. 

Amy walks you through the essential “good citizen puppy” skills every dog needs, including calm car riding, positive crate training, grooming and handling tolerance, confidence around household noises, and polite behavior when visitors arrive. You’ll learn why these skills matter so much and how to start teaching them early in a positive, stress-free way.

This episode is perfect for new puppy parents or anyone looking to prevent fear, anxiety, and behavior issues before they begin — and to raise a dog who’s comfortable navigating real life.

🎄 Holiday Note: This is the final episode of the year. Amy and the BAXTER & Bella team wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! New episodes of the Puppy Training Podcast will resume in January.

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Choosing the right equipment for your puppy can make all the difference between smooth, confidence-building training and a daily struggle with slips, stalls, or stress. In this episode, we break down how to select the best harnesses, collars, and leashes for your puppy’s size, breed, and temperament—because what works for a bold Labrador pup may be very different from what a tiny, sensitive toy breed needs.

You’ll learn how to introduce new equipment gently so your puppy associates gear with comfort and fun, not fear or frustration. We also spotlight the most common mistakes puppy owners make—like relying on poorly fitted gear or switching tools too late—and how to avoid them. Finally, we walk you through transitioning equipment as your puppy grows, ensuring safety, comfort, and continued training progress at every stage.

Whether you’re bringing home your first pup or refining your setup for a growing canine companion, this episode gives you practical, trainer-backed guidance to set you both up for success.

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In this special Thanksgiving episode of the BAXTER & Bella Puppy Training Podcast, we discuss the need to slow down, breathe, and appreciate the dogs who share our homes—not for their perfect behavior, but for the companionship, joy, and connection they bring to our lives.

We also talk about realistic expectations during the holidays — because dogs will be dogs, even on Thanksgiving — and remind us to offer grace in the midst of excitement, guests, and irresistible food smells.

You’ll hear how BAXTER & Bella’s training philosophy weaves naturally into the season: focusing on relationship over perfection, communication over correction, and teamwork over unrealistic holiday standards. Plus, Amy shares simple tips for helping your dog feel supported and successful during a busy holiday gathering.

Whether this is your puppy’s first Thanksgiving or one of many, this warm and heartfelt episode is a reminder to pause and give thanks for exactly who our dogs are — loyal companions who make our lives richer every single day. 🧡🐾

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In this episode of the BAXTER & Bella Puppy Training Podcast, we dive into the rapidly growing world of virtual and remote puppy training. With more families seeking flexible, accessible ways to raise well-behaved dogs, online training has become a major part of the industry — and it’s here to stay.

Amy breaks down what has changed, why virtual training works so well, and how handlers can adapt to make the most of remote sessions. She shares tips for keeping puppies engaged, avoiding common pitfalls, using the right tools, and balancing online learning with in-person support.

You’ll also hear how remote training aligns with BAXTER & Bella’s philosophy of relationship-first, stress-free, and practical training — empowering families to raise confident, happy puppies right in their own homes.

Whether you’re new to puppies or exploring virtual training for the first time, this episode gives you the strategies and confidence to make online training effective, fun, and lasting. 

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Did your dog grow up during lockdown? You’re not alone — and you’re not imagining it if your once-happy puppy now struggles with anxiety, fear, or reactivity.

In this episode, Amy explores why so many “pandemic puppies” are showing emotional challenges as adults — and what you can do to help. Learn how to recognize early signs of fear, build resilience through safe socialization, use desensitization and counterconditioning effectively, and support your dog’s emotional well-being day-to-day.

Whether your dog hides from strangers, panics when left alone, or just needs a little more confidence, this episode will help you understand what’s going on — and give you the tools to create lasting emotional stability.

💡 Plus: Don’t miss our Socialization Class, taught live via Zoom this Saturday! It’s included for all members — visit our website for details.

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You’ve taught your dog not to pull — now it’s time to understand why leash manners matter. In this episode, Amy breaks down the emotional side of walking on leash and explains how different types of walks — go sniff walks, training walks, and purposeful exercise — meet different needs. Learn how to make every walk more meaningful, keep your dog calmer, and enjoy smoother, happier outings together.

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What if your dog willingly offered their paw for a nail trim or stayed calm during a vet exam? It’s possible — with Cooperative Care Training.

In this episode, Amy explains how to use fear-free handling, desensitization, and consent cues to help your dog feel calm and confident during grooming, ear cleaning, nail trims, and vet visits. You’ll learn how to turn stressful routines into trust-building moments that strengthen your bond.

By the end, you’ll know how to give your dog choice, control, and comfort — and set the stage for a lifetime of stress-free care.

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• Cooperative care means your dog chooses to participate in grooming and medical handling.
• Use desensitization and counterconditioning to make scary things (like clippers or brushes) positive.
• Teach a consent cue, such as a chin rest, to give your dog a voice in care sessions.
• Keep training sessions short, calm, and reward-based.
• Partner with your vet or groomer for fear-free experiences your dog can trust.

✂️ Practical Tips Covered:

• How to introduce nail clippers, brushes, and ear solution gradually
• Using treats to pair touch with positive experiences
• When to pause or stop — honoring your dog’s “no, thank you” cues
• Setting your dog up for success before vet visits
• Why cooperative care builds resilience, confidence, and trust

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Keeping your dog safe near traffic is one of the most important skills you can teach. In this episode, we dive into car and road awareness training — from staying back from moving vehicles to pausing and looking before crossing the street. Learn how to:

• Teach your puppy to create safe distance from cars
• Use cues like “back” or “wait” to prevent accidents
• Reinforce calm, focused behavior around roads
• Practice real-world safety in your neighborhood and beyond

Whether you live in a busy city or a quiet suburb, these strategies will help your dog feel confident, aware, and safe around traffic.

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