Many people assume that having a backyard is essential to raising a happy, well-behaved puppy. But the truth is, your puppy doesn't need a backyard to thrive. In this episode of Puppy Talk, we look at the pros and cons of having a backyard and why simply letting your puppy outside isn't a substitute for training, exercise, socialization, and spending quality time together. Whether you live in a house with a fenced yard or an apartment without one, you'll learn what your puppy really needs to gro

When your dog reacts to another dog or a person on leash, it can become very stressful, embarrassing, and exhausting. Many of the people I work with have leash-reactive dogs, and I have extensive experience addressing leash reactivity. It does take a long time to improve leash reactivity. It's not an overnight process. There's no quick fix. If your dog barks, lunges, freezes, growls, or completely loses their mind when they see another dog or a person, that is considered leash reactivity. If yo

Many people would love to have their dog walk beside them on a loose leash, never pulling or moving from side to side. Most dog owners never achieve this goal for a variety of reasons, including the wrong equipment, a lack of formal training, and bad habits formed early. USE THESE: Flat collar - buckle or snap PetSafe Easy Walk Harness 6” snap leash - Mendota Pet Slip lead in the house StarMark Pro-Training Collar for some dogs DO NOT USE: Rear clip harness Retractable leash Bungie leash

Waiting for the puppy to tell you they need to go outside is a mistake that can cause more accidents than almost anything else. New puppy owners often expect their puppy to bark at the door, scratch the door. whine, pace around, or sit and stare at them. Here is a scientific method that I learned from a vet a few years ago. It sets the puppy up for success by allowing them only a small amount of water at a time, and then taking them outside to go potty shortly afterward. Step 1: Give your pupp

Bringing home a puppy is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming when reality doesn't match your expectations. If you've ever wondered why your puppy won't listen, keeps biting, has accidents in the house, or seems to have endless energy, you're not alone. In this episode of Puppy Talk, Dale Buchanan discusses the biggest differences between what new puppy owners expect and what life with a puppy is really like. You'll learn why these behaviors are completely normal, how to adjust your expe...