When you bring a new puppy home and real life kicks back in — work schedules, school mornings, extracurriculars — your puppy is trying to figure out what this new rhythm means.

In this episode of the Puppy Training Podcast, we revisit the foundations of successful puppy training and break down the three most common mistakes new (and even experienced!) dog handlers make.

You’ll learn:

• Why waiting for bad behavior actually makes it worse — and what to do instead
• How saying “YES” more than “NO” transforms your puppy’s learning
• Why too much freedom too soon leads to accidents and frustration
• How shrinking your puppy’s space sets them up for housetraining success
• The surprising reason your “crazy” puppy might just need a nap
• How structure and routine create a calmer, more cooperative dog

Whether you’re managing everyday chaos with a brand-new puppy or simply need a back-to-basics reset, this episode will help you be more proactive, more intentional, and more confident in your training.

Because raising a great dog isn’t about being perfect — it’s about setting them up for success. 🐾

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What if the secret to better training isn’t more control—but more choice?

In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful shifts in modern dog training: giving dogs agency. Choice-based training is transforming how we teach, focusing on collaboration instead of compliance. From cues like “go sniff” to intentional break times and consent-based handling, we’ll unpack how small moments of choice create big breakthroughs in learning.

You’ll discover why dogs who are given options often learn faster, retain behaviors longer, and build deeper trust with their humans. We’ll talk about how offering choice reduces stress, increases engagement, and strengthens the relationship at the heart of training.

Because when dogs have choices, they don’t just perform—they participate. And that changes everything.

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Predictability is one of the most overlooked tools in dog training—and one of the most powerful. In this extended episode, we explore how consistent routines around feeding, walks, rest, and cues reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and build true confidence in puppies and dogs. Backed by behavioral science, this episode shows why predictability makes dogs feel safe—and how safety is the foundation for calm behavior, learning, and trust.

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Does your puppy forget you exist the moment another dog, person, or noise shows up? You’re not alone — and you’re not failing.

In this episode, we break down why puppies struggle with focus in distracting environments and how to build attention step by step — without frustration or force.

You’ll learn why focus is a muscle, how to strengthen it through simple engagement games, and how to teach your puppy to choose you even when the world feels exciting. From name recognition under distraction to practical focus-building games you can use at home and on the go, this episode gives you clear, compassionate tools to help your puppy succeed.

Perfect for puppy parents struggling with attention around people, dogs, and everyday noises — and anyone who wants a calmer, more connected relationship with their dog.

🎙️ Tune in and start building focus, one rep at a time.

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You survived puppyhood—so why does training suddenly feel harder?

In this episode, we break down the often-overlooked transition from puppy to adolescent and explain why even well-trained dogs can seem distracted, impulsive, or inconsistent during this phase. We’ll cover what’s happening in your dog’s developing brain, common challenges handlers face, and how to adapt your training approach so you don’t lose momentum.

You’ll learn:

• When adolescence typically begins (and how long it lasts)
• Why previously reliable behaviors may fall apart
• How to adjust expectations without lowering standards
• Training strategies that support focus, calm, and engagement
• How to protect your relationship while navigating this stage

If your puppy suddenly feels like a teenager with opinions, this episode will help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

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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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