Puppy Talk

How to Help Your Dogs Handle the Fall Time Change

When Daylight Saving Time ends, your dog’s internal clock doesn’t automatically change. In this episode, we discuss how the time change can affect your dog’s feeding schedule, potty routine, sleep, walks, and behavior, plus simple ways to help your dog adjust to the new schedule. If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Potty Training Your Puppy: https://pottytrainingyourpuppy.com/ Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL.

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Why Your Puppy Behaves Worse at Night

Does your puppy seem to turn into a completely different dog at night? The biting, zoomies, barking, and wild behavior may not mean your puppy needs more exercise. They may actually be overtired or overstimulated. In this episode of Puppy Talk, we’ll look at why puppies often behave worse in the evening and how a simple wind-down routine can help your puppy settle, relax, and get the rest they need. If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Potty Training Your Puppy: https://pottytrainingyourpuppy.com/ Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL.

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How Decluttering Your Home Can Help Make Your Dog More Obedient

Could decluttering your home actually help improve your dog’s behavior? In this episode of Puppy Talk, we explore how reducing distractions, limiting access to tempting objects, and creating a more organized environment can make training easier and help your dog choose better. If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Potty Training Your Puppy: https://pottytrainingyourpuppy.com/ Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL.

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How Decluttering Your Home Can Help Make Your Dog More Obedient

Could decluttering your home actually help improve your dog’s behavior? In this episode of Puppy Talk, we explore how reducing distractions, limiting access to tempting objects, and creating a more organized environment can make training easier and help your dog make better choices. If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Potty Training Your Puppy: https://pottytrainingyourpuppy.com/ Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL.

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Does Your Puppy Really Need a Backyard?

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 grow into a happy, confident, well-adjusted dog. If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Potty Training Your Puppy: https://pottytrainingyourpuppy.com/ Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL.

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Why Your Dog Is Reactive on Leash and What to Do About It

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 you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Potty Training Your Puppy: https://pottytrainingyourpuppy.com/ Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL.

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The Best Leash Training Equipment for Your Puppy

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 Multi-handle leash Choke collar E-Collar (shock, vibrate, or tone) Watch some of the leash training videos on my YouTube channel and Instagram page for examples of good leash training technique. If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Potty Training Your Puppy: https://pottytrainingyourpuppy.com/ Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL.

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The Biggest Potty Training Mistake New Puppy Owners Make

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 puppy one ounce of water per lb of body weight per day. You will need a measuring cup to ensure they get the exact amount of water per day. Step 2: Divide the total amount of water into 4 or 5 servings. Step 3: Give your puppy one of those servings of water. Step 4: Take your puppy out to go potty 3 times within one hour after that serving of water. Example Your puppy weighs 8 lbs. They need 8 ounces of water per day. Give them a 2-ounce serving of water at 8 am, 11 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm. Take them out to pee every 20 minutes after drinking the serving of water: 8:20 am, 8:40 am, and 9:00 am. Repeat this schedule after each additional serving of water. They will get 16 potty breaks per day. References: AVSAB: Housetraining Tips: https://avsab.org/housetraining-tips/ AKC: Potty Training Timeline and Tips: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/puppy-potty-training-timeline/ PetMd: How to Potty Train a Puppy: https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/how-to-potty-train-a-puppy? VCA: House Training for Puppies and Dogs: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/house-training-your-puppy? ASPCA: House Training Your Dog or Puppy: https://www.aspca.org/news/house-training-your-dog-or-puppy? If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Potty Training Your Puppy: https://pottytrainingyourpuppy.com/ Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL.

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Puppy Expectations vs. Reality: What Every New Puppy Owner Needs to Know

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 expectations, and what you can do to help your puppy grow into a confident, well-behaved companion. Whether you're raising your first puppy or your fifth, this episode will help you trade frustration for understanding and remind you that progress, not perfection, is the key to successful puppy training. If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Potty Training Your Puppy: https://pottytrainingyourpuppy.com/ Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL.

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5 Easy Ways to Add Mental Stimulation to Your Puppy's Daily Routine

Raising a puppy is about more than exercise and play. Their growing brains need a workout too. In this episode of Puppy Talk, Dale Buchanan shares five simple and effective ways to add mental stimulation to your puppy's daily routine. You'll learn how easy activities like scent games, food puzzles, short training sessions, toy rotation, and problem-solving exercises can help reduce boredom, build confidence, and encourage better behavior. If you're looking for practical ideas to keep your puppy happy, engaged, and learning every day, this episode is for you. If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Potty Training Your Puppy: https://pottytrainingyourpuppy.com/ Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL.

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Are You Stressing Out Your Puppy Without Realizing It?

Could your own stress be making your puppy fearful or anxious? In this episode of Puppy Talk, we explore how puppies pick up on our emotions, common ways owners unintentionally create stress, and simple changes that help puppies feel safe, confident, and eager to learn. If you want to build a stronger relationship with your puppy while preventing fear and anxiety, this episode is for you. If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Potty Training Your Puppy: https://pottytrainingyourpuppy.com/ Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL.

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The Secret to a Well-Behaved Puppy: Build the Relationship First

A well-behaved puppy starts with a strong relationship. In this episode of Puppy Talk, we explore why trust and connection are the foundation of successful training. You'll learn simple, practical ways to strengthen your bond with your puppy through everyday interactions, play, training, and communication. Whether you've just brought home a new puppy or want to build an even better relationship with your dog, this episode will help you create a partnership that lasts a lifetime. If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Potty Training Your Puppy: https://pottytrainingyourpuppy.com/ Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL.

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Start Socializing Your Puppy Early

It's very important to start socializing your puppy as soon as you bring them home. They need to be introduced ot a variety of people, places, sights, and sounds. In this episode, I discuss why this is so important and the consequences of not socializing a puppy. If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Potty Training Your Puppy: https://pottytrainingyourpuppy.com/ Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL.

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Should Strangers Pet Your Dog in Public?

In this episode of Puppy Talk, I discuss whether or not you should allow people to pet your dog in public locations on field trips. The answer may surprise you. If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Potty Training Your Puppy: https://pottytrainingyourpuppy.com/ Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL.

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Why Punishing a Puppy Doesn't Work

Should you punish your puppy for accidents, chewing, biting, or jumping? In this episode of Puppy Talk Podcast, Dale Buchanan explains why punishment often creates confusion and fear instead of teaching puppies what we want them to do. You'll learn why puppies make mistakes, how they learn best, and practical positive reinforcement strategies that build trust, confidence, and better behavior. If you're raising a puppy and want effective, humane training methods, this episode is for you. If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Potty Training Your Puppy: https://pottytrainingyourpuppy.com/ Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL.

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Your Dog Is Not Giving You a Hard Time. Your Dog Is Having a Hard Time.

Many behavior problems are rooted in stress, confusion, fear, frustration, or overstimulation, not stubbornness or “bad” behavior. Owners often misread what their dogs are actually communicating. Dogs cannot explain emotions with words, so behavior becomes communication. If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Potty Training Your Puppy: https://pottytrainingyourpuppy.com/ Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL.

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Is Your Dog Bored?

Dogs need more than just food and shelter. They also require mental and physical stimulation. A bored dog might appear to be lazy or a troublemaker, but in many cases, it is boredom leading to frustration that gives rise to problem behavior. Spotting the signs early in that process and offering enriching activities prevents restlessness and keeps your dog healthier and happier. If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Potty Training Your Puppy: https://pottytrainingyourpuppy.com/ Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL.

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Keep Training Simple for Your Puppy

In this episode I talk about why and how to keep the training simple for your puppy early in their training program. Why it’s best to keep it simple. Focus on the foundational skills and make them perfect before attempting to add more commands, behaviors etc. What happens when you make training to complex too early. You would not try to get a kid in college at 10 years old. What a basic puppy program looks like. Intermediate program Advanced program If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Potty Training Your Puppy: https://pottytrainingyourpuppy.com/ Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL.

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22 Awesome Tips for New Puppy Owners

These are the same tips that we give all my clients when they hire me to help train their puppies. I suggest listening to this episode multiple times and reading the transcript if provided. If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Potty Training Your Puppy: https://pottytrainingyourpuppy.com/ Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL.

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How Dog Owners Teach Bad Habits Without Realizing It

In this episode of Puppy Talk, we talk about how many common dog behavior problems are accidentally taught by the owners themselves. Jumping, barking, leash pulling, and attention-seeking habits often continue because, from the dog’s perspective, the behavior works. Dogs repeat what gets a result, even when the owner is trying to stop it. We break down a few everyday situations where people unknowingly reinforce bad habits and explain how a simple shift in awareness can help owners start teaching the behaviors they actually want. If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources. Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog Training In-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com RESOURCES: Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan Potty Training Your Puppy: https://pottytrainingyourpuppy.com/ Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL.