The Puppy Training Podcast

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 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: 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 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 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 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 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 Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

Bringing home a new puppy? 🐶 The first few days can feel exciting, overwhelming, and a little exhausting — all at once. In this episode, Amy walks you through exactly what to focus on (and what not to stress about) during those critical early days. You’ll learn how to: Amy shares simple, practical tips you can implement immediately — including hand-feeding for connection, the 5-minute potty rule, and the 10-second crate-building method. If you want calmer days, fewer accidents, and a puppy who sees you as their safe place, this episode is your step-by-step starter guide. Whether you're on Day One or Week One, this is the foundation that sets everything else up for success. Hit play and start strong. 🐾 Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

What if the “stubborn” dog at your feet is actually curious, independent, or just overwhelmed? We break down the Big Five puppy personality traits—sociability, confidence, biddability, resilience, and independence—and show how each one changes the way training should look, feel, and progress. Instead of forcing a one-size plan, we share how to read the dog in front of you and tailor sessions that build trust, reduce stress, and get results. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

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: 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. 🐾 Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

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. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

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. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

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. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

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: If your puppy suddenly feels like a teenager with opinions, this episode will help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

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. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

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. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

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. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

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. My Favorite Products Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

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. 🧡🐾 Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

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. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.

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. Support the show Follow us on social media Instagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBella Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources! Join our membership here.