The Puppy Training Podcast

Your puppy was doing so well… and then suddenly they stopped listening.

In this episode, we break down one of the most frustrating — and completely normal — stages of dog development: adolescence. Between 6 and 18 months, many puppies begin testing boundaries, ignoring cues, losing focus, and acting as if all previous training disappeared overnight.

We cover:

•  Why adolescent regression happens 
•  Boundary testing and reinforcement history 
•  Why most handlers accidentally raise expectations too quickly 
•  How to reset training without starting over 
•  Practical strategies for rebuilding consistency and reliability 

If your once-sweet puppy has entered their chaotic teenage phase, this episode will help you understand what’s normal, what’s not, and how to get through it without losing progress — or your sanity.

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BAXTER & Bella, The Online Puppy School, teaches you how to train your puppy from home! We offer classes, courses, email support, live 1-1 coaching, weekly group Q&A calls, and more!

Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips!

Check out our FREE resources!

Join our membership here.

Why does puppy training sometimes feel inconsistent—even when you’re trying your best?

In this episode of The Puppy Training Podcast, Amy Jensen dives into one of the most overlooked parts of dog training: training the humans. Your puppy is constantly learning from patterns, routines, and reinforcement, which means unclear expectations and inconsistent responses can create confusion fast.

You’ll learn:

•  Why consistency is so difficult in real life 
•  How to create family training plans that actually work 
•  Common reasons training seems to “stop working” 
•  How to set realistic expectations for puppies 
•  Why management and routines matter just as much as commands 
•  Simple ways to improve communication with your dog 

Whether you’re struggling with jumping, barking, leash pulling, potty training, or simply feeling frustrated with progress, this episode will help you refocus on clear communication, patience, and practical consistency.

Because successful puppy training isn’t about perfection—it’s about building understanding and trust together.

Listen now and learn how small changes in human behavior can create big improvements in your puppy’s behavior.

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Follow us on social media

Instagram @BAXTERandBella 
Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool 
YouTube @BAXTERandBella

BAXTER & Bella, The Online Puppy School, teaches you how to train your puppy from home! We offer classes, courses, email support, live 1-1 coaching, weekly group Q&A calls, and more!

Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips!

Check out our FREE resources!

Join our membership here.

Is your puppy full of endless energy no matter how much exercise they get? You’re not alone—and the solution might surprise you.

In this episode of The Puppy Training Podcast, we break down the key differences between physical exercise and mental enrichment, and why more activity isn’t always the answer to a hyper or misbehaving puppy.

You’ll learn:

• Why too much exercise can actually create a more energetic dog
• How mental stimulation tires puppies out faster and more effectively
• Simple, practical enrichment ideas you can start using today
• How to create a balanced daily routine for a calmer, happier puppy

If you’ve ever wondered why your puppy still seems “wired” after a long walk, this episode will give you a whole new perspective—and actionable tools to help your puppy thrive.

Tune in and start working smarter, not harder, when it comes to your puppy’s energy needs!

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Follow us on social media

Instagram @BAXTERandBella 
Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool 
YouTube @BAXTERandBella

BAXTER & Bella, The Online Puppy School, teaches you how to train your puppy from home! We offer classes, courses, email support, live 1-1 coaching, weekly group Q&A calls, and more!

Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips!

Check out our FREE resources!

Join our membership here.

Resource guarding is one of the most common—and preventable—behavior challenges in dogs. In this episode, we break down how everyday interactions around food, toys, and valued items shape your dog’s behavior.

Learn how to prevent resource guarding before it starts, why taking things away can actually make the problem worse, and how to build trust through simple techniques like trading and adding value. We also cover food bowl manners, toy possession during play, and how to create a calm, cooperative relationship with your dog around the things they love most.

Whether you’re raising a new puppy or working with an older dog, this episode will give you practical, positive strategies to set your dog up for long-term success.

Support the show

Follow us on social media

Instagram @BAXTERandBella 
Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool 
YouTube @BAXTERandBella

BAXTER & Bella, The Online Puppy School, teaches you how to train your puppy from home! We offer classes, courses, email support, live 1-1 coaching, weekly group Q&A calls, and more!

Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips!

Check out our FREE resources!

Join our membership here.

Struggling with a puppy who isn’t motivated by food? You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck. In this episode, Amy from BAXTER & Bella breaks down why food motivation can vary, especially during the early days of bringing a new puppy home when stress levels are high. You’ll learn how to use your puppy’s regular food as an effective training tool, safely introduce higher-value rewards without upsetting their stomach, and avoid the common mistake of relying on too many treats too quickly.

Amy also shares how to tap into alternative reinforcers like play, plus step-by-step guidance on fading treats the right way so your puppy listens with or without food. Whether your puppy is picky, distracted, or just getting settled, this episode will give you practical, easy-to-implement strategies to build motivation and create a positive training experience.

Support the show

Follow us on social media

Instagram @BAXTERandBella 
Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool 
YouTube @BAXTERandBella

BAXTER & Bella, The Online Puppy School, teaches you how to train your puppy from home! We offer classes, courses, email support, live 1-1 coaching, weekly group Q&A calls, and more!

Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips!

Check out our FREE resources!

Join our membership here.

What do fear and stress actually look like in your puppy? In this education-packed episode, Amy gives you the foundation every puppy parent needs: how to read your dog’s body language.

Learn the clusters of signals that tell you if your puppy is relaxed, worried, or over threshold. We’ll cover soft eyes vs. whale eye, loose bodies vs. freezing, and why a wagging tail doesn’t always mean happy. Then we’ll dig into the early stress signals most people miss, like lip licks, yawns, shake-offs, and head turns.

You’ll walk away knowing exactly what to watch for and what to do in the moment to help your puppy feel safe. Because a puppy who feels safe is a puppy who can learn.

In this episode:

• How to read your puppy’s eyes, mouth, ears, posture, and tail
• The 10-step Canine Ladder of Stress and where to intervene
• Common scenarios where stress signals get missed
• Simple ways to reduce stress and build confidence

Perfect for: New puppy parents, anyone struggling with socialization, or dog owners who want to advocate for their dog better.

Support the show

Follow us on social media

Instagram @BAXTERandBella 
Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool 
YouTube @BAXTERandBella

BAXTER & Bella, The Online Puppy School, teaches you how to train your puppy from home! We offer classes, courses, email support, live 1-1 coaching, weekly group Q&A calls, and more!

Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips!

Check out our FREE resources!

Join our membership here.

Doorway chaos, leash pulling the second you open the door, and dogs that treat every threshold like a starting line—sound familiar? In this episode, we break down Doorway & Boundary Skills as a complete system, not just a quick fix. You’ll learn why dogs struggle with thresholds, how to stop door dashing, and how to teach your dog to pause and wait—without relying on physical barriers. We also share a real-life example with Amy's dog Baxter, who calmly waits at street corners until released. If you want a safer, calmer, and more thoughtful dog in everyday situations, this episode gives you the step-by-step approach to get there.

Support the show

Follow us on social media

Instagram @BAXTERandBella 
Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool 
YouTube @BAXTERandBella

BAXTER & Bella, The Online Puppy School, teaches you how to train your puppy from home! We offer classes, courses, email support, live 1-1 coaching, weekly group Q&A calls, and more!

Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips!

Check out our FREE resources!

Join our membership here.

“Leave it” and “drop it” aren’t just nice tricks—they’re essential safety skills every dog needs. In this episode, we break down how to teach both cues clearly, effectively, and without conflict. You’ll learn how to build reliability, prevent resource guarding, and understand when to use “drop it” versus trading for something better. Whether your dog grabs socks, snacks, or something dangerous on a walk, this episode will give you the tools to handle it with confidence.

Support the show

Follow us on social media

Instagram @BAXTERandBella 
Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool 
YouTube @BAXTERandBella

BAXTER & Bella, The Online Puppy School, teaches you how to train your puppy from home! We offer classes, courses, email support, live 1-1 coaching, weekly group Q&A calls, and more!

Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips!

Check out our FREE resources!

Join our membership here.

Does your puppy seem to “forget” their cues the moment you leave the house? You’re not alone—and your puppy isn’t being stubborn. In this episode, we’re diving into proofing behaviors (also known as generalization) so you can help your puppy succeed in the real world, not just your living room. You’ll learn why cues fall apart in new environments, how to introduce distractions without frustration, and how to build reliability using distance, duration, and difficulty in a way that feels calm and doable.

Support the show

Follow us on social media

Instagram @BAXTERandBella 
Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool 
YouTube @BAXTERandBella

BAXTER & Bella, The Online Puppy School, teaches you how to train your puppy from home! We offer classes, courses, email support, live 1-1 coaching, weekly group Q&A calls, and more!

Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips!

Check out our FREE resources!

Join our membership here.

In this episode, we explore the powerful technique of marker training and why timing plays a critical role in your puppy’s success. You’ll learn how to clearly communicate with your dog using marker words or a clicker, how to reinforce the exact behaviors you want, and how to avoid common timing mistakes that can slow progress. Whether you’re just starting or looking to sharpen your training skills, this episode will give you practical tools to build better habits, improve focus, and strengthen your bond with your puppy.

Support the show

Follow us on social media

Instagram @BAXTERandBella 
Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool 
YouTube @BAXTERandBella

BAXTER & Bella, The Online Puppy School, teaches you how to train your puppy from home! We offer classes, courses, email support, live 1-1 coaching, weekly group Q&A calls, and more!

Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips!

Check out our FREE resources!

Join our membership here.