Your New Puppy: Dog Training and Dog Behavior Lessons to Help You Turn Your New Puppy into a Well-Behaved Dog

Debbie Cilento: Dog Trainer | Dog Behavior Consultant | Owner of Playtime Paws | Belly Rub Specialist
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Your host, Debbie, is a positive trainer with a passion for dogs, their behavior and helping you create a well behaved dog. This is a dog training and behavior podcast that with help you and your new puppy build good healthy habits right from the start. It will also help you understand your dog’s behavior and build a strong, fulfilling, and fun relationship for years to come.

  1. Jun 17

    YNP #110: Let's Talk Puppy Witching Hour

    It’s been a great day. Your puppy has been an angel. And then out of nowhere, your puppy flips a switch.  The biting gets more intense. They stop responding to anything you say. They’re lunging, they’re frantic, and for a second, you actually wonder if something is wrong with them. Or with you. This is puppy witching hour. And it is so much more common than you think. It usually hits in the evening, right when you’re tired, and your patience is running low. And if your puppy had a full, active day, that might actually be exactly why it’s happening. This is not a sign that your puppy is aggressive, out of control, or that you’re doing something wrong. This is a normal developmental phase, and once you understand what’s driving it, you’ll know exactly what to do and what to skip. In this episode, I talk about: What puppy witching hour actually looks like and why it’s so disorienting Why overstimulation and exhaustion trigger this kind of frantic behavior The toddler tantrum connection and what it tells us about puppy emotional development Why this is NOT the moment to discipline, redirect, or try and teach your puppy anything What your puppy actually needs in these moments (hint: it’s not more exercise) How the habits you’re building outside of these episodes will make them less frequent over time Enjoying this podcast?  Please rate and review it wherever you listen.  This helps other puppy parents find it. Other resources mentioned and related to this episode: Your New Puppy’s Podcast: YNP #046: Puppy Biting and Why You Might Still be Struggling Your New Puppy’s Podcast: YNP #078: Games to Play With a Nipping Puppy Your New Puppy’s Podcast: YNP #060: Kids and Puppies YOUR Perfect Puppy: If you’re looking for ongoing guidance with situations like this, this episode is also a great example of the kind of real-life problem-solving we do inside YOUR Perfect Puppy, where I help you turn everyday chaos into manageable routines that work for your household.

    8 min

  2. Feb 11

    YNP #109: Three Things I Wish Every Puppy Parent Knew Week One

    Your New Puppy: Dog Training and Dog Behavior Lessons to Help You Turn Your New Puppy into a Well-Behaved Dog

    10 min

  3. Jan 28

    YNP #108: What It Means to Prepare for Your New Puppy

    You’ve prepared for your puppy. You did the research.You bought the supplies.You read the books and checked all the boxes. So why does it still feel overwhelming when your puppy finally comes home? You did everything right, but you forgot one key part of puppy preparation: you. Good preparation doesn’t eliminate the chaos of bringing a puppy home. It prepares you to handle it when it shows up. In this episode, I talk about: Why feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you did something wrong How preparation helps you recover faster when things go sideways Why “mistakes” are not only normal, they’re part of the process The connection between preparation and the puppy blues What realistic expectations actually look like in the early weeks If you’re preparing for a puppy, this episode will help you go in with clearer expectations.If you already have a puppy and are thinking, “I wish I heard this sooner,” also check out Episode #104: The Puppy Blues. Enjoying this podcast?  Please rate and review it wherever you listen.  This helps other puppy parents find it. Other resources mentioned and related to this episode: Free Video Series: The Three Phases to Bringing Your New Puppy Home Your New Puppy’s Podcast: YNP #104: The Puppy Blues Your New Puppy’s Podcast: YNP #084: My Favorite DIY Puzzle Feeders YOUR Perfect Puppy: If you’re looking for ongoing guidance with situations like this, this episode is also a great example of the kind of real-life problem-solving we do inside YOUR Perfect Puppy, where I help you turn everyday chaos into manageable routines that work for your household.

    8 min

  4. Jan 14

    YNP #107: Stop Dinnertime Chaos

    Dinner should be a chance to relax, not a nightly negotiation with your dog. In this episode of Your New Puppies Podcast, I’m breaking down one of the most common struggles I see with puppies and adult dogs: dogs begging, barking, or demanding attention while their humans are trying to eat. It does make sense that this happens. Besides the obvious food, everyone is gathered together, and there tends to be a lot of movement and chaos. Your dog just wants in. The good news is you don’t need to teach new cues, run training drills, or micromanage every meal to fix this. This is a perfect example of how we can train without training by using consistency, structure, and a predictable routine. In this episode, I talk about: Why dinner time is such a challenging moment for dogs Why attention (even negative attention) keeps the behavior going How to give your dog something better to do before begging starts When and how to remove access to the table altogether How to build a predictable dinner routine These are things you can start doing today. It may not be perfect immediately, but with consistency, most families see improvement within a week. Enjoying this podcast?  Please rate and review it wherever you listen.  This helps other puppy parents find it. Other resources mentioned and related to this episode: Your New Puppy’s Podcast: YNP #018: Ditch the Bowl and Make Mealtime an Event Your New Puppy’s Podcast: YNP #025: Is Human Food Good for Dogs? Your New Puppy’s Podcast: YNP #084: My Favorite DIY Puzzle Feeders YOUR Perfect Puppy: If you’re looking for ongoing guidance with situations like this, this episode is also a great example of the kind of real-life problem-solving we do inside YOUR Perfect Puppy, where I help you turn everyday chaos into manageable routines that work for your household.

    11 min

  5. 12/31/2025

    YNP #106: Three Ways to Upgrade Your Walk

    Potty training was going so well… until it suddenly wasn’t.   Let’s discuss why potty training regression is completely normal, what it actually means, and how to get back on track without feeling like you’ve failed your puppy. You have a stretch of good days, you start to feel confident, and then all of a sudden, the accidents are back. It feels like you’re back at square one, you start asking what you did wrong, and you might even wonder what’s wrong with your puppy. Here is the truth.Regression is normal. It doesn’t mean you failed. It doesn’t mean your puppy forgot everything. It means you are in the middle of the process. If this episode really resonates, I also recommend Episode 79: “Are You Still Struggling With Potty Training?” where I walk through the three key points I always cover with clients who are stuck. In this episode, I talk about: What potty training actually looks like (progress in NOT a straight line) The most common reason for potty training regression. Why regression seems to happen right at the end. How a small change in routine can have a big impact on your progress. The difference between a random accident and true regression. Enjoying this podcast?  Please rate and review it wherever you listen.  This helps other puppy parents find it. Other resources mentioned and related to this episode: Complete Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy: A free download that walks you through my complete process YNP #065:  YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies into well-mannered, happy dogs.  Includes live support from me so you don’t have to do this alone! Additional Potty Training Episodes: YNP #009: Why Indoor Pads Should Not Be Used When House Training Your Puppy YNP #010: Complete Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy YNP #039: Common Potty Accidents YNP #041: Raising a Puppy in an Apartment YNP #056: Potty Training for a Working Household YNP #072: Should You Use a Potty Bell? YNP #079: Are You Still Struggling With Potty Training? YNP #085: How to Handle Potty Training Overnight YNP #090: When Your Dog Hates the Rain YNP #092: Why Not to Punish Puppy Potty Accidents

    8 min

  6. 12/10/2025

    YNP #105: Potty Training Regression

    Potty training was going so well… until it suddenly wasn’t.   Let’s discuss why potty training regression is completely normal, what it actually means, and how to get back on track without feeling like you’ve failed your puppy. You have a stretch of good days, you start to feel confident, and then all of a sudden, the accidents are back. It feels like you’re back at square one, you start asking what you did wrong, and you might even wonder what’s wrong with your puppy. Here is the truth.Regression is normal. It doesn’t mean you failed. It doesn’t mean your puppy forgot everything. It means you are in the middle of the process. If this episode really resonates, I also recommend Episode 79: “Are You Still Struggling With Potty Training?” where I walk through the three key points I always cover with clients who are stuck. In this episode, I talk about: What potty training actually looks like (progress in NOT a straight line) The most common reason for potty training regression. Why regression seems to happen right at the end. How a small change in routine can have a big impact on your progress. The difference between a random accident and true regression. Enjoying this podcast?  Please rate and review it wherever you listen.  This helps other puppy parents find it. Other resources mentioned and related to this episode: Complete Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy: A free download that walks you through my complete process YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies into well-mannered, happy dogs.  Includes live support from me so you don’t have to do this alone! Additional Potty Training Episodes: YNP #009: Why Indoor Pads Should Not Be Used When House Training Your Puppy YNP #010: Complete Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy YNP #039: Common Potty Accidents YNP #041: Raising a Puppy in an Apartment YNP #056: Potty Training for a Working Household YNP #072: Should You Use a Potty Bell? YNP #079: Are You Still Struggling With Potty Training? YNP #085: How to Handle Potty Training Overnight YNP #090: When Your Dog Hates the Rain YNP #092: Why Not to Punish Puppy Potty Accidents What’s Next? Feeling a little unsure about what to do with your new puppy? You’re not alone!  You’re just a human trying to raise a dog. That’s exactly why I created YOUR Perfect Puppy — my digital program that gives you a clear plan to follow and direct support from me every step of the way. From potty training and basic cues to building trust and confidence, we’ll cover everything you need to raise your well-mannered dog with less stress and more joy. And because puppyhood doesn’t stop after four weeks, you’ll also get ongoing access to Playtime Paws Academy — my membership community with weekly live calls, a private forum, and an entire library of enrichment activities to help you navigate real-life challenges as they come up. Click here to check out YOUR Perfect Puppy.  I’d love to support you through this journey.

    12 min

  7. 09/30/2025

    YNP #104: The Puppy Blues are Real!

    Bringing a puppy home is a joyful time… except sometimes reality hits a bit harder. Welcome to the Puppy Blues. It’s common to underestimate the effect this big life change will have on our emotional well-being.   I’m doing this wrong?Why is this so hard?I feel like a failure.There’s something wrong with this dog.It’s not supposed to be this way. These are all normal things to think and feel when you bring your puppy home.  Feelings of anxiety, frustration, exhaustion, or even guilt are something that nearly every new puppy parent experiences. Yet we don’t seem to talk about it. In this episode, let’s discuss what the puppy blues are, why they happen, and most importantly, how to navigate them without feeling like you’re failing your puppy or yourself. You’ll learn why these feelings are normal, temporary, and something you can plan for, along with practical tips for finding your new rhythm with your puppy. Whether you’re preparing for a puppy or already in the thick of it, this episode will give you reassurance, strategies, and a roadmap to survive (and enjoy!) these early weeks. In this episode, I talk about: What the puppy blues are. Why just about every new puppy parent experiences them. Practical ways to minimize the overwhelm. How to find your new rhythm with your puppy. Where to find extra guidance. Enjoying this podcast?  Please rate and review it wherever you listen.  This helps other puppy parents find it. Other resources mentioned and related to this episode: Science Daily: A dog’s puppyhood can cause ‘puppy blues’ reminiscent of baby blues Your New Puppy’s Podcast: YNP #005: Crate Training: How and Why to Make Their Crate Your Dog’s Best Friend Your New Puppy’s Podcast: YNP #028: 5 Reasons to Use the Crate When You’re Home Your New Puppy’s Podcast: YNP #061: A Typical Puppy Schedule YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies into well-mannered, happy dogs.  Includes live support from me so you don’t have to do this alone! What’s Next? Feeling a little unsure about what to do with your new puppy? You’re not alone!  You’re just a human trying to raise a dog. That’s exactly why I created YOUR Perfect Puppy — my digital program that gives you a clear plan to follow and direct support from me every step of the way. From potty training and basic cues to building trust and confidence, we’ll cover everything you need to raise your well-mannered dog with less stress and more joy. And because puppyhood doesn’t stop after four weeks, you’ll also get ongoing access to Playtime Paws Academy — my membership community with weekly live calls, a private forum, and an entire library of enrichment activities to help you navigate real-life challenges as they come up. Click here to check out YOUR Perfect Puppy.  I’d love to support you through this journey.

    12 min

  8. 06/10/2025

    YNP #103: Your Puppy's First Night Home

    Wondering what to do on your puppy’s first night home? You’re bringing your new puppy home, you’re excited, you’ve got everything ready, and you already have great plans on how your new puppy will fit right into your family.  But wait, do I know what to do that first night?   Maybe you’re coming home late and don’t have much time to make them feel safe and comfortable before bedtime.   You’re probably wondering:Where should my puppy sleep that first night?Do I put them in the crate even if I haven’t introduced it yet?Is it okay not to use the crate? No worries, in this episode, I walk you through exactly what to do that very first night. Note: If you’ve watched my three part series: The 3 Phases to Bringing Your New Puppy Home, this episode fits into Phase 02: Settle In. Whether you’ve been preparing for weeks or just thought of it now (we’ve all been there!), you’ll leave this episode knowing exactly what to do, and what you don’t need to worry about (yet!). In this episode I talk about: What to expect for your puppy’s first night home. Where crate training and potty training fits in. Where your puppy should sleep that first night. What you can do to make them more comfortable without overwhelming them. What else you should be prepared for. Enjoying this podcast?  Please rate and review it wherever you listen.  This helps other puppy parents find it. Other resources mentioned and related to this episode: The 3 Phases to Bringing Your New Puppy Home: Getting a new puppy is exciting but overwhelming.  This free three part video series will help you know how to Prepare, how long to let your puppy Settle In, and when it’s time to Get to Work. Complete Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy: Know exactly what to do when to help potty training feel easier with quicker results. It includes a tracker to help you find patterns and prevent accidents.  YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies into well-mannered, happy dogs.  Includes live support from me so you don’t have to do this alone! What’s Next? Feeling a little unsure about what to do with your new puppy? You’re not alone!  You’re just a human trying to raise a dog. That’s exactly why I created YOUR Perfect Puppy — my digital program that gives you a clear plan to follow and direct support from me every step of the way. From potty training and basic cues to building trust and confidence, we’ll cover everything you need to raise your well-mannered dog with less stress and more joy. And because puppyhood doesn’t stop after four weeks, you’ll also get ongoing access to Playtime Paws Academy — my membership community with weekly live calls, a private forum, and an entire library of enrichment activities to help you navigate real-life challenges as they come up. Click here to check out YOUR Perfect Puppy.  I’d love to support you through this journey.

    8 min
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Your host, Debbie, is a positive trainer with a passion for dogs, their behavior and helping you create a well behaved dog. This is a dog training and behavior podcast that with help you and your new puppy build good healthy habits right from the start. It will also help you understand your dog’s behavior and build a strong, fulfilling, and fun relationship for years to come.

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