Puppy Talk

As a professional dog trainer, I have never been asked to help make a puppy more hyper, but almost every new puppy owner requests some training on how to make their puppy more calm. To achieve the goal of puppy calmness, it’s mostly about trimming the fat…or eliminating things you are doing that overstimulate the puppy. In addition, most new puppy owners unconsciously create and reinforce the unwanted hyper puppy behavior. Calming hyper behavior in your puppy is about down less, not more. Here are 3 tips to help make your puppy calm Talk low, talk slow, and don’t say much.” FREE GIFT: Download the chart below to help identify unwanted minor puppy behaviors and teach a replacement behavior. Download the chart here https://www.puppytraining.dog/bemod-chart RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://topgundogtraining.com Sponsor Website: http://puppytraining.dog Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

The goal of raising a puppy is to prevent unwanted behaviors from developing so that you can live harmoniously with your puppy. Most new puppy owners allow most unwanted behavior to develop, even reinforcing the behaviors in the puppy. The behaviors I get called the most to help “fix” are play biting, jumping, barking, chewing, and pulling on the leash. Once the puppy has associated the unwanted behavior with something that’s ok for them to do, they will keep doing it. It only takes 1-2 times for the puppy to rehearse an unwanted behavior, such as play biting, jumping, barking, or chewing furniture, for the behavior to be programmed into their software (brain). How to prevent unwanted behaviors: FREE GIFT: Download the chart below to help identify unwanted minor puppy behaviors and teach a replacement behavior. Download the chart here https://www.puppytraining.dog/bemod-chart RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://topgundogtraining.com Sponsor Website: http://puppytraining.dog Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

Focusing on your puppy being calm in the crate lets you create a list of ways to achieve this goal. I will help you get started with this list. It is up to you to expand on this list and follow through. Help your puppy develop a positive association with the crateHelp your puppy learn to relax in the crate and that it’s not a torture device.Help your puppy learn that it’s not the end of the world when you leave.Help your puppy desensitize to departure cues,These are just a few things you can do to help your puppy not bark or cry in the crate. Here is a great article from the ASPCA about separation anxiety. This is not my expertise. I am only here to pass on some useful resources to you. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/separation-anxiety FREE GIFT: Download the chart below to help identify unwanted minor puppy behaviors and teach a replacement behavior. Download the chart here https://www.puppytraining.dog/bemod-chart RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://topgundogtraining.com Sponsor Website: http://puppytraining.dog Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

This is a great question. In this podcast episode, I will discuss why so many puppies are being rehomed and how to prevent this from happening to your puppy. Why Are So Many Puppies Being Rehomed? How to prevent rehoming your puppy Use this website https://dogtime.com/ to look up breed characteristics before getting a puppy. FREE GIFT: Download the chart below to help identify unwanted minor puppy behaviors and teach a replacement behavior. Download the chart here https://www.puppytraining.dog/bemod-chart RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://topgundogtraining.com Sponsor Website: http://puppytraining.dog Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

Here is the List of some Essential Equipment for New Puppies: Dog Bed Play Toys Kong®LickiMat®Dog PuzzlesBully SticksDear Antler Nylabone® Puppy Starter Kit6” Snap LeashCollarLong LineFront Clip HarnessRear Clip HarnessCratePlaypenBaby GatesTraining TreatsDog Clicker FREE GIFT: Download the chart below to help identify unwanted minor puppy behaviors and teach a replacement behavior. Download the chart here https://www.puppytraining.dog/bemod-chart RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://topgundogtraining.com Sponsor Website: http://puppytraining.dog Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

Isolating your puppy in the house and yard during their critical socialization period of 4-16 weeks is a big mistake. Lack of puppy socialization during the critical period of their life is the number one reason they develop serious behavior problems as adult dogs. Here is the link to a resource on the importance of puppy socialization from Robert K Anderson, DVM http://trainyourdogmonth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/APDT_TYDMRKLetter.pdf Here are some great places to take your dog for socializing, enrichment, and practicing obedience commands with distractions. These stores require your dog to be on a leash, but also consider parks and other outdoor places to socialize off-leash. This is just a short list of indoor socialization stores where you can bring your dog or puppy. Be sure to contact the store in your area before going, as individual locations may have specific dog rules. FREE GIFT: Download the chart below to help identify unwanted minor puppy behaviors and teach a replacement behavior. Download the chart here https://www.puppytraining.dog/bemod-chart RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://topgundogtraining.com Sponsor Website: http://puppytraining.dog Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

Every puppy has different needs. Below are the ingredients, and it’s up to you as the puppies owner to determine the exact recipe. This list is presented in order of importance for creating a happy, healthy, and obedient puppy. At the very end is affection. Don’t substitute affection for any of the other components listed above. Use affection as a “life reward” for the puppy doing things well and following your rules, boundaries, training, etc. FREE GIFT: Download the chart below to help identify unwanted minor puppy behaviors and teach a replacement behavior. Download the chart here https://www.puppytraining.dog/bemod-chart RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://topgundogtraining.com Sponsor Website: http://puppytraining.dog Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

Mental stimulation is often referred to as enrichment and covers a wide variety of activities. They often appear to be fun games or clever ways to feed snacks, but they're really so much more than that! You can read the full article here. Here are 4 reasons why your dog must have mental stimulation. FREE GIFT: Download the chart below to help identify unwanted minor puppy behaviors and teach a replacement behavior. Download the chart here https://www.puppytraining.dog/bemod-chart RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://topgundogtraining.com Sponsor Website: http://puppytraining.dog Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

This is a great exercise to build the relationship between the handler and the puppy. We start this in the house with no distractions, then move it outside with distractions so she can get focused back on me when she has reactivity to other dogs or people. Here is the video teaching my puppy Dixie the Watch Me command: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4RVPIfmXPs FREE GIFT: Download the chart below to help identify unwanted minor puppy behaviors and teach a replacement behavior. Download the chart here https://www.puppytraining.dog/bemod-chart RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://topgundogtraining.com Sponsor Website: http://puppytraining.dog Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

I found this post on another dog trainer Olivia Mergl of Mannered Mutts Dog Training on Instagram. Below is her post text. The image that goes with the post will be placed on a blog post here. No is not a cue!! No is not a behavior, it’s not something your dog can perform. You might mean one thing like stop, come here, stand still, lie down, drop it, down but it’s likely very unclear to your dog what you want. Stop telling your dog no and start asking for a behavior they know instead, tell them exactly what is it you would like them to do. Set your dog up to succeed!! FREE GIFT: Download the chart below to help identify unwanted minor puppy behaviors and teach a replacement behavior. Download the chart here https://www.puppytraining.dog/bemod-chart RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://topgundogtraining.com Sponsor Website: http://puppytraining.dog Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

There are two ways to be more patient with your puppy, and I will discuss both in this episode. Patience will go a long way when raising a puppy. Give your puppy time to learn and adapt to your lifestyle. FREE GIFT: Download the chart below to help identify unwanted minor puppy behaviors and teach a replacement behavior. Download the chart here https://www.puppytraining.dog/bemod-chart RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://topgundogtraining.com Sponsor Website: http://puppytraining.dog Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

In this episode, I discuss the pros and cons of having your puppy sleep with you in your bed. Remember, that is my opinion, and the opinions of other dog trainers and vets will vary. The Complete Puppy Training Manual is now available on Amazon. FREE GIFT: Download the chart below to help identify unwanted minor puppy behaviors and teach a replacement behavior. Download the chart here https://www.puppytraining.dog/bemod-chart RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://topgundogtraining.com Sponsor Website: http://puppytraining.dog Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

In this episode, I share what I did during my dog Dixie's First Day Home on May 5, 2020. I immediately taught Dixie her name, leash acclimation, and set boundaries in the apartment. Notice my tone, words, and leadership skills when I communicate to Dixie in this video https://youtu.be/f-qA1fYUp40. Here is a link to the podcast episode, The First 5 Things to Teach Your New Puppy. View my new book, The Complete Puppy Training Manual. FREE GIFT: Download the chart below to help identify unwanted minor puppy behaviors and teach a replacement behavior. Download the chart here https://www.puppytraining.dog/bemod-chart RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://topgundogtraining.com Sponsor Website: http://puppytraining.dog Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

I use three types of walks for puppies that I train. Each of these walks is unique and can be combined to achieve multiple goals in one outing. Roughly 40% of your walks will be potty breaks, 40% will be training walks (loose leash walking), and 20% will be enrichment walks. FREE GIFT: Download the chart below to help identify unwanted minor puppy behaviors and teach a replacement behavior. Practice reinforcing the replacement behaviors without reinforcing the unwanted behaviors. Download the chart here https://www.puppytraining.dog/bemod-chart FREE GIFT: Download the chart below to help identify unwanted minor puppy behaviors and teach a replacement behavior. Download the chart here https://www.puppytraining.dog/bemod-chart RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://topgundogtraining.com Sponsor Website: http://puppytraining.dog Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

The top 3 reasons why your puppy's behavior is not improving: Use this FREE chart below to help identify unwanted minor puppy behaviors and teach a replacement behavior. Practice reinforcing the replacement behaviors without reinforcing the unwanted behaviors. Download the chart here https://www.puppytraining.dog/bemod-chart FREE GIFT: Download the chart below to help identify unwanted minor puppy behaviors and teach a replacement behavior. Download the chart here https://www.puppytraining.dog/bemod-chart RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://topgundogtraining.com Sponsor Website: http://puppytraining.dog Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

In this episode, I discuss one of the chapters of my new book, Leash Training Your Puppy, which will be available by the end of February 2023. To get on my mailing list for updates on the book release date, go to PuppyTraining.dog. The most important tip for starting the loose leash walking journey with your puppy is to stay in the moment. Learn to be connected to your puppy through the leash. Don’t let personal distractions get in the way of a stress-free walk. Put the phone away and focus on your puppy. This is the proper mindset. (this is the first paragraph from my new book, Leash Training Your Puppy, which will be available by the end of February 2023. ) To get on my mailing list for updates on the book release date, go to PuppyTraining.dog. FREE GIFT: Download the chart below to help identify unwanted minor puppy behaviors and teach a replacement behavior. Download the chart here https://www.puppytraining.dog/bemod-chart RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://topgundogtraining.com Sponsor Website: http://puppytraining.dog Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

Use this FREE chart below to help identify unwanted minor puppy behaviors and teach a replacement behavior. Practice reinforcing the replacement behaviors without reinforcing the unwanted behaviors. Download the chart here https://www.puppytraining.dog/bemod-chart FREE GIFT: Download the chart below to help identify unwanted minor puppy behaviors and teach a replacement behavior. Download the chart here https://www.puppytraining.dog/bemod-chart RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://topgundogtraining.com Sponsor Website: http://puppytraining.dog Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

I recently received an email from Dr. Leslie Brooks DVM, MPH, and a Vet Advisor for Betterpet. She sent me some information on a new tool that she helped create called The Dog Age Calculator. She went on to say that many pet owners don't always know how old their dog actually is and how they should be caring for their furry friend. If pet parents know their dog's exact stage of life, they can make better decisions about their diet, nutrition, exercise, and health. That’s why my team decided to make a resource like this free and accessible to the public. Here is the link to the Dog Age Calculator https://betterpet.com/dog-age-calculator/ Visit our website at https://www.puppytalkpodcast.com/ Dale's dog training website is https://topgundogtraining.com/ FREE GIFT: Download the chart below to help identify unwanted minor puppy behaviors and teach a replacement behavior. Download the chart here https://www.puppytraining.dog/bemod-chart RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://topgundogtraining.com Sponsor Website: http://puppytraining.dog Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

Can You Take Your Puppy Outside Before it is Fully Vaccinated? This is a great question that was a comment on one of my YouTube videos. The short answer is "Yes, But Follow These Rules To Stay Safe." Links to supporting articles and Podcasts: https://www.pawsgeek.com/can-i-take-my-puppy-outside-before-it-is-vaccinated/https://www.thepamperedpup.com/when-can-puppies-go-outside/http://trainyourdogmonth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/APDT_TYDMRKLetter.pdfhttps://www.puppytalkpodcast.com/an-alternative-to-pee-pads/ Dale's dog training website is https://topgundogtraining.com/ Visit the show's website at http://puppytalkpodcast.com Visit this website http://puppytraining.dog to join our mailing list for updates on the release of my new book The Complete Puppy Training Manual. FREE GIFT: Download the chart below to help identify unwanted minor puppy behaviors and teach a replacement behavior. Download the chart here https://www.puppytraining.dog/bemod-chart RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://topgundogtraining.com Sponsor Website: http://puppytraining.dog Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

Our most popular episode has been #3 from January 12, 2021, on How to Potty Train Your Puppy. I continue to receive comments on social media posts and daily emails from local clients of Top Gun Dog Training who are having trouble potty training their puppy. In this episode, I share the top 3 reasons why your puppy is not properly catching on to potty training. I have also linked several related articles and videos to help you potty train your puppy. 6 Potty Training Tips: https://topgundogtraining.com/blog/f/6-potty-training-tips Why Pee Pads Are a Bad Idea: https://topgundogtraining.com/blog/f/why-pee-pads-are-a-bad-idea How I Potty Trained Dixie in One Day: https://youtu.be/KumQMZt90lE An alternative to pee pads: https://www.puppytalkpodcast.com/an-alternative-to-pee-pads/ FREE GIFT: Download the chart below to help identify unwanted minor puppy behaviors and teach a replacement behavior. Download the chart here https://www.puppytraining.dog/bemod-chart RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://topgundogtraining.com Sponsor Website: http://puppytraining.dog Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan