In this episode of The Well-Mannered Mutt, I'm sharing the importance of helping your fearful puppy feel safe and eight actionable steps you can take right now to build confidence and connection through desensitization dog training. If your walks feel more stressful than joyful, or your puppy freezes, hides, or pulls toward home, this episode will give you the tools to rebuild trust and turn those moments into progress. You'll learn exactly how to build trust with your dog so you can help your fearful puppy grow into a calm, confident dog. Some of the things I cover in this episode are:

• Spot early signs of a fearful puppy and how to respond with calm support
• Use gentle desensitization dog training to help your pup relax and explore
• Create predictable routines that grow a confident dog
• Strengthen your bond and understand how to build trust with your dog

Every puppy deserves to feel safe in their world, and every owner deserves a plan that works. With kindness, consistency, and science-based desensitization dog training, you can help your fearful puppy become a curious, confident dog ready to explore the world beside you. Thank you for taking the time to help your dog become a more well-mannered mutt! Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive more training tips, canine wellness advice, and fun activities for dogs and their owners. If you have questions about today's episode, or if there's a topic you want to learn more about, come connect with me on Facebook and Instagram at @mannersformutts. If you enjoyed this podcast, head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a review. I'd love to hear what's been helpful for you and your canine friends. Talk to you next time! Resources mentioned in this episode: Easy Pee-sy Puppy Potty Training HELP! My Puppy Is Biting Me! But, My Puppy's Not Fully Vaccinated! Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence Program WAIT! Come Back! Rapid Fire Recall Connect with Staci Lemke:

• Website - www.mannersformutts.com
• Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts

Does your dog turn every walk into a tug of war? You're not alone. In this episode, I'm sharing exactly how to stop leash pulling using the same positive reinforcement training methods I teach my clients every day. You'll learn the simple steps to create calm, enjoyable walks through consistent loose leash walking practice. If you've ever wondered how to stop leash pulling without using harsh corrections, this episode is for you. We'll talk about why dogs pull, what they're really communicating, and how positive reinforcement training helps your dog learn faster while keeping walks stress-free. You'll also hear how I approach loose leash walking with both new puppies and adult dogs who have never learned how to walk politely. Some of the things I cover in this episode are:

• The real reason your dog pulls and how to change it through positive reinforcement training
• Step-by-step guidance on loose leash walking that fits into your daily routine
• Clear answers to the most common questions about how to stop leash pulling
• Tools and treats that make loose leash walking easier and more fun
• Why consistency and kindness matter most in positive reinforcement training

By the end of this episode, you'll know how to stop leash pulling the kind, effective way and feel confident using positive reinforcement training to turn every walk into a calm, connected experience through loose leash walking. Resources mentioned in this episode: Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence Program Connect with Staci Lemke: Website - www.mannersformutts.com Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts

Halloween might be fun for us, but for dogs on Halloween it can feel like the world has gone a little wild. Between doorbells, Halloween dog costumes, and glowing decorations, even confident pups can get overwhelmed. In this episode, I'm breaking down everything you need to know about Halloween pet safety so your dog stays calm, happy, and out of trouble. I'll share my favorite ways to prepare for puppy Halloween, introduce Halloween dog costumes the right way, and make sure dogs on Halloween have the confidence they need to enjoy the fun instead of fearing it. Here's what we'll cover:

• The biggest Halloween pet safety mistakes most owners don't realize they're making
• How to make Halloween dog costumes comfortable, positive, and stress-free
• My simple steps for introducing spooky sights and sounds during puppy Halloween prep
• How to manage dogs on Halloween night so they feel safe and secure
• Ways to protect your puppy's confidence while still joining in the celebration

If you're planning your first puppy Halloween or just want to brush up on Halloween pet safety, this episode gives you everything you need to make the night calm, safe, and fun for everyone. Tune in and learn how to enjoy dogs on Halloween without the stress - just treats, training, and trust. Resources mentioned in this episode: Download our free guide – Preparing Your Dog for Halloween But, My Puppy's Not Fully Vaccinated! Connect with Staci Lemke: Website - www.mannersformutts.com Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts

People ask me all the time: what is small dog syndrome? Maybe you've seen a Chihuahua who barks at everything or a Yorkie that charges at bigger dogs. Too often, these little pups get labeled as a "small mean dog" – but that reputation isn't the full story. In this episode, I explain exactly what is small dog syndrome, why it happens, and most importantly, how to train small dogs so they're confident instead of cranky. With the right approach, you can prevent those common frustrations and enjoy life with a calm, cooperative companion. Here's what I'll cover:

• Why small dog syndrome shows up more often in toy breeds than in larger dogs
• The truth behind the "small mean dog" label and how to rewrite the story
• Everyday strategies for building confidence and independence in little dogs
• Smart socialization techniques that prevent small dog syndrome before it starts
• Proven tips on how to train small dogs so they thrive in the real world

By the end, you'll not only know what is small dog syndrome, you'll also have clear steps on how to train small dogs with positive reinforcement so they grow into calm, capable adults. 👉 Listen now and see why no dog – not even a so-called "small mean dog" – is destined to struggle with behavior if they're trained the right way. Resources mentioned in this episode: Group Dog Training Classes WAIT! Come Back! Rapid Fire Recall Connect with Staci Lemke: Website - www.mannersformutts.com Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts

Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting puppy training tips? You're not alone - and you're definitely not doing anything wrong. In this episode, I'm helping you cut through the noise so you can feel confident, calm, and clear when it comes to training your puppy. As a professional dog trainer and registered vet tech with over 20 years of experience, I know how frustrating it can be to hear 10 different puppy training tip in one day - and not know which to follow. You just want to do what's best for your dog, and that's exactly what we're diving into. In this episode, I break down why there's so much conflicting advice online and offline, how to evaluate it, and how to know which puppy training tip are worth your time - and which ones to ignore. Whether you're brand new to puppy training or knee-deep in chewed-up shoes and midnight potty breaks, this episode will help you feel more empowered, educated, and connected to your pup. Here's what we'll cover in this episode:

• Why everyone - from your vet to your neighbor to TikTok - is giving you different puppy training tip (and how to know who to trust)
• The surprising danger of trying too many methods at once when you're training your puppy
• How to recognize red flags vs. green flags in advice, especially when it comes to the puppy basics you truly need to know
• Why the best puppy training tips always come from science-backed, relationship-focused methods - and how to spot them
• A 5-question filter you can use to instantly sort good advice from bad when it comes to puppy training.

Whether your puppy is 8 weeks old or heading into their teenage phase, this episode is packed with the best puppy training tips to help you avoid overwhelm and focus on what really works. Because the truth is, training your puppy doesn't have to be chaotic. With the right guidance, clear puppy basics, and some well-chosen puppy training tip, you can enjoy a calmer, more rewarding relationship with your dog. Resources mentioned in this episode: Easy Pee-sy Puppy Potty Training HELP! My Puppy Is Biting Me! But, My Puppy's Not Fully Vaccinated! Connect with Staci Lemke: Website - www.mannersformutts.com Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts

If your puppy won't listen unless you've got a treat in hand, you're in the right place. I'm diving into one of the most common concerns I hear from dog owners: the frustration of feeling stuck in endless treat training puppy mode. You'll learn why your pup might ignore you unless food is in sight - and what to do about it. We'll cover what happens when your dog becomes "treat dependent", how to get treats out of your hand without losing progress, and how to make dog training more reliable, even when you're empty-handed. You'll also get a simple 14-day step-by-step plan to start making the transition to dog training without treats - in a way that works and keeps things fun for both of you. By the end of this episode, you'll feel way more confident about reward training for dogs, understand how your puppy's brain works, and finally know how to ditch the treats without losing their attention. Here's what we'll explore in this episode:

• Why your puppy won't listen unless there's food around - and what it really means about your training process
• How to use the "slot machine" method to make treat training puppy more effective
• When it's safe to start dog training without treats - and when doing it too soon could cause your training to backfire
• Why reward training for dogs is about so much more than food - and how to use toys, play, and praise as powerful motivators
• My 14-day plan for reward training for dogs that takes you from treat-every-time to real-life rewards that last

Knowing how to shift from treat training puppy mode to solid, reliable behaviors is a game changer. If your puppy wont listen, don't worry. I've helped hundreds of dog owners work through this, and with the right strategy, you can too. Listen now and grab your 14-day treat fading plan to start transforming your dog training without treats journey today. Resources mentioned in this episode: 14 Day Treat Fading Plan Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence Program Connect with Staci Lemke:

Website - www.mannersformutts.com

Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts

Does your puppy turn into a wild chaos gremlin at night - zooming, barking, and biting everything in sight? You're probably dealing with an overstimulated puppy - and I'm here to help you make sense of it all. In this episode, I'm diving deep into what puppy overstimulation really looks like. I'll explain how to recognize the early signs of an overstimulated puppy, reasons why your puppy is hyper and biting at night, and most importantly, how to calm an overstimulated puppy before things spiral into a full-blown meltdown. Because understanding puppy overstimulation is key to smoother training, less stress, and a better relationship with your dog. In this episode, we'll cover:

• The top 3 signs of an overstimulated puppy - and why your dog's "bad behavior" is actually a cry for help
• What causes puppy to be hyper and biting at night - and why evenings are the most common time for meltdowns
• How to calm an overstimulated puppy using simple, practical strategies that actually work
• The surprising truth about how much activity puppies really need - and why more stimulation isn't always better
• Why rest is the secret weapon for training success - and how to set up the perfect wind-down routine

The good news? Puppy overstimulation isn't permanent. Once you learn how to spot it and manage it, things get better fast - for you and your pup. Ready to ditch the evening zoomies and biting? Hit play now to learn how to spot the signs of an overstimulated puppy and calm the chaos before it starts. Resources mentioned in this episode: Easy Pee-sy Puppy Potty Training HELP! My Puppy Is Biting Me! Connect with Staci Lemke: Website - www.mannersformutts.com Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts

What if you could understand what's going on in your puppy's brain - week by week? In this episode, I'm breaking down puppy milestones so you know exactly what to expect at every stage of your pup's first year. We'll walk through puppy milestones by week, explore what's happening developmentally inside that little fuzzy head, and talk about how you can best support them during their most sensitive stages - including the puppy critical socialization period. I'll help you understand puppy development like never before - because when you know better, you do better. And knowing these stages? It's a total game-changer for your relationship. Here's what we cover in this episode:

• What really happens during the puppy critical socialization period - and why missing it can have long-term effects.
• The truth about those early weeks: what puppy milestones matter most in shaping a confident, resilient adult dog.
• Why asking your breeder about puppy development practices isn't overkill - it's essential.
• When is the best time to start training and socializing your puppy? (Hint: it's earlier than you think!)
• What surprises you can expect during adolescent stages, and how knowing puppy milestones by week helps you stay sane through it all.

Whether you're in the newborn snuggle stage or the teenage chaos phase, this episode will give you the tools - and the mindset - to navigate puppy development with more clarity, compassion, and confidence. What's one piece of advice about puppy development that you've ditched or reconsidered? Head over to Instagram @mannersformutts and DM me your story or tag me in your post. Resources mentioned in this episode: But, My Puppy's Not Fully Vaccinated! Easy Pee-sy Puppy Potty Training Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence Program WAIT! Come Back! Rapid Fire Recall Connect with Staci Lemke: Website - www.mannersformutts.com Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts

Ever found yourself asking, "Why does my puppy act this way?" If someone told you that your pup is a blank slate and it's all in how you raise them - this episode is going to challenge that idea in a big way. Today, we're digging deep into puppy behavior , and how understanding your dog's nature can change everything about how you train and connect with them. The truth is, puppy behavior is shaped by more than just training - there are powerful influences like genetics, temperament, and early life experiences at play. That's where getting dog behavior explained through the lens of both nature and nurture makes all the difference. In this episode, I break down what's really going on beneath the surface and how you can adjust your training mindset to build a more connected, successful relationship with your dog. Because when we get dog behavior explained with clarity and compassion, everything changes for the better. Here's what you'll learn in this episode:

• The truth behind the blank slate myth - and why asking "Why does my puppy do that?" might have a more complex answer than you think
• The role genetics, temperament, and even prenatal stress play in shaping puppy behavior before they even come home
• Why one-size-fits-all training advice often fails—and how understanding your pup's background helps you tailor your approach
• Real-life examples of dog behavior explained, from herding breeds to retrievers and everything in between
• What is actually under your control—and how you can support your puppy's growth in a way that feels good for both of you

Whether you're raising your first puppy or still asking "Why does my puppy act so differently than others I've known," this episode will give you the insight you need to train with more empathy and effectiveness. So if you're ready to have dog behavior explained in a way that actually makes sense - and feels encouraging rather than overwhelming - tune in now! Resources mentioned in this episode: HELP! My Puppy Is Biting Me! Connect with Staci Lemke:

• Website - www.mannersformutts.com
• Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts

Has your sweet, snuggly puppy ever turned into a little growling gremlin when you reached for their favorite toy? If so, you've had a front-row seat to resource guarding - and you're not alone. In this episode, we're digging into resource guarding in puppies, why it happens, how to prevent it, and most importantly, how to stop resource guarding in puppies without fear, punishment, or power struggles. Whether you're dealing with full-on growling or just subtle signs of discomfort, this episode will help you understand the why behind puppy resource guarding - and what to do next. Using positive reinforcement and proactive techniques, I'll share exactly how to build trust and stop resource guarding before it becomes a habit. We'll cover:

• Why resource guarding in puppies is more common than you think - and how early life experiences play a big role.
• The red flags of puppy resource guarding that are easy to miss (and what they mean for your dog's comfort level).
• What to do instead of grabbing things from your puppy's mouth - and the trade game that can make your dog want to give things up.
• How to prevent resource guarding from ever starting, with simple daily habits that build trust and confidence.
• When to reach out for help - and why resource guarding in puppies is totally fixable with the right approach.

Whether you're seeing early signs or just want to get ahead of things, this episode is packed with practical tools and reassuring insight. If you've ever Googled how to stop resource guarding in puppies, this one's for you. Listen now and learn how to build a more trusting, respectful relationship with your pup - and keep the peace around the food bowl, the toy bin, and beyond. What's a piece of advice you were told about resource guarding that you've since ditched? Head over to Instagram at @mannersformutts and let me know! Resources mentioned in this episode: Easy Pee-sy Puppy Potty Training HELP! My Puppy Is Biting Me! Connect with Staci Lemke: Website - www.mannersformutts.com Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts