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Puppy Talk

Dale Buchanan

Puppy Talk offers advice and training tips for new puppy owners. We cover topics such as potty training, play biting, basic commands, behavior problems, and leash training. Dale has trained thousands of puppies, as well as raising several of his own own. If you enjoy this podcast, please follow. Be sure to check out our website at http://puppytalkpodcast.com. This podcast is sponsored by http://www.topgundogtraining.com

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  • 28 episodes
  • Avg 11 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • #134
    February 28 · 14 min

    What Calm Looks Like in a Dog (And Why Most Owners Miss It)

    Most dog owners think calm means a dog that is tired or doing nothing, but real calmness is something different. In this episode of Puppy Talk, we talk about what calm behavior actually looks like, why many dogs never learn how to settle, and how owners often encourage excitement without realizing it. You’ll learn how to recognize true calmness in your dog and simple ways to help your dog relax and behave better at home. 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.

  • #133
    February 16 · 8 min

    Should You Teach Your Puppy Tricks?

    Many people get a new puppy and immediately start teaching it to shake, high-five, and roll over. In this episode of Puppy Talk, I am going to explain the advantages and disadvantages of teaching your puppy tricks before they learn obedience. 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.

  • #132
    February 9 · 14 min

    Is Your Dog Confused or Disobedient?

    Most owners think their dog is being stubborn, ignoring them, or choosing not to listen. But in many cases, the dog is not being disobedient at all. The dog is confused. In this episode of Puppy Talk, we will discuss the following: Why confusion happens What confusion looks like in real life What real disobedience actually looks like How to reduce confusion 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.

  • #130
    January 26 · 10 min

    Three Habits To Begin With Your New Puppy on Day One

    Most of us focus on the cute parts of bringing home a puppy. Cuddling, playing, and taking lots of photos. What if we focused on the habits that prevent behavior issues from forming? This episode is taken from an Instagram post of Canyon Creek Aussies. Link to their page in the show notes. https://www.instagram.com/canyoncreekaussies?igsh=MXJxYW5uaHgxbDd3YQ== Here are some habits to begin day one with your new puppy. Use a house line from day one. I suggest a skip lead. Daily socialization done the right way. A predictable schedule - every single day. Build these three habits from day one, and you will raise a puppy who grows into a steady, adaptable, well-mannered adult 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.

  • #129
    January 24 · 17 min

    More Than Sit and Stay: What Dog Training Is Really About

    Dog training is about more than teaching sit and stay. In this episode of Puppy Talk, we break down what real dog training actually looks like in everyday life. We talk about why commands alone fall short, how understanding your dog changes everything, and the simple tools families need to create calmer, more confident dogs at home. If training feels frustrating or confusing, this episode will help reframe what really works. Episode Outline Why dog training is more than obedience commands The gap between training sessions and real-life behavior How understanding your dog’s mindset improves results Why owner education is a key part of training success Practical tools that help in everyday situations Redefining what success in dog training really means 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.

  • #128
    January 16 · 8 min

    How to Practice Obedience Training With Your Puppy

    I’ve done several episodes recently on the responsibility of raising a puppy. The main thing to remember once you take ownership of a puppy is that they need obedience training, and you have to practice with them. Follow the guidelines below to improve your practice sessions and the predictability of the puppy's learning of obedience skills. Daily practice is essential. Practicing once in a while will not work. You have to practice correctly, the way a professional dog trainer has taught you. Short training sessions several times a day are better than a single long session. 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.

  • #127
    January 1 · 12 min

    More Potty Training Tips

    People call me to discuss puppy training, and their entire focus is on potty training. This happens a lot. The goal of this episode is to shift new puppy owners' focus to the bigger picture of raising a puppy beyond potty training and crate training. A dog trainer can only provide tips on potty training, crate training, play biting, and other issues because we don’t live with the dog. Most of the unwanted behavior stems from the environment and from the owners' lack of leadership. The bigger picture includes: Setting rules and boundaries, Creating a structured schedule Obedience training Leash training Socialization It’s impossible to potty train a puppy without all of these elements of raising a puppy. Work on everything at once, and you will spend very little time on potty training. Two things in particular help with potty training: 1) when a puppy can stay in one place, and 2) when your puppy is tired. The main thing you need to do for effective potty training is to control the puppies' space inside the house and NEVER take your eyes off of them unless they are in a crate just big enough for them to lie down. Above all, get rid of pee pads. PRO TIP: Monitor their water intake by giving them 1 ounce per pound of body weight. If your puppy weighs 10 lbs, give them 10 oz of water throughout the day. That means about 2 ounces of water five times a day. After they take a drink, they will need to go potty 2-3 times within the next hour. 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.

  • #126
    Dec 24, 2025 · 8 min

    How Much Does it Cost to Own a Dog?

    My dog Dixie has been diagnosed with heart disease after a routine checkup before teeth cleaning. They found a heart murmur, then, from an X-ray, found an enlarged heart and congestion in her lungs. I have created a GoFundMe account link in the show notes with more details. Start-Up Fees: Including adoption or breeder fees, initial vet visit, microchip, supplies, and training. $2000-$8000 Monthly Expenses: Food Medication (heartworm, flea, and tick prevention) Daycare Dog Walker Grooming Treats and toys Pet Insurance For Dixie, this is about $700/month Annual Expenses: Vet visits Shots (rabies, distemper, parvovirus, etc.) Bloodwork Boarding (when out of town) For Dixie, this is about $500/year Unexpected Expenses: Heart disease Cancer Parvo, distemper, flu Parasites and worms Ear infections Heartworm Injuries such as broken bones or joint problems It can cost anywhere from $500 to $10,000 or more. Resources: https://bowwowinsurance.com.au/pet-community/pet-talk/top-10-most-common-health-problems-for-dogs/ 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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