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

Your host, Debbie (owner of Playtime Paws), 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. SEP 17

    Why Not to Give a Puppy as a Holiday Gift

    The holiday season is a popular time to bring a new puppy into the family.  But how we do it can make a big difference in the well being of all involved. Now before I totally burst your bubble, I'm not saying you shouldn't get a puppy this time of year (though there are things to consider while making that decision).    What I'm going to talk about here is why you shouldn't surprise someone (kids or adult) with the actual puppy on a specific day - Christmas morning, for example. We think of it as a special magical moment where a puppy comes out of a box and our kids or family member is overwhelmed with joy.  But the reality is, this can be a stressful experience for a puppy who is also meeting their new family for the first time. If you're considering getting a puppy around the holidays, this episode will help you keep the time special while making sure it's a joyful and stress free experience for both humans and puppies!Enjoy!In this episode I talk about:* What to think about when giving a puppy as a gift.* Why you shouldn't plan a surprise with an actual puppy. * The importance of building trust with your puppy during the first few days home.* The importance of preparing your family before bringing a puppy home.* Alternative ways to make the holiday special without surprising someone with an actual puppy.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:YNP #060: Kids and PuppiesThe 3 Phases to Bringing Your New Puppy Home - Video seriesBook a virtual session with DebbieYOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies into well-mannered, happy dogs. a class="synved-...

    17 min
  2. AUG 16

    Why Your Dog Isn't Listening

    Why your dog isn't listening depends on a bunch of factors including what your asking them to do, where they are, what you've taught them previously, and more.It's one of the most common questions I get but it's also one of the hardest to answer.  I usually need ALOT more information.  From my experience, I've narrowed it down to 5 reasons.  They are not mutually exclusive.  In fact, chances are it's a blend of a few reasons.  The five reasons are:* You haven't taught them what you're asking for.* You skipped some steps in their training.* You haven't practiced in this environment.* They've already learned they don't have to listen.* Today is just not the day. Once we can pinpoint the reason (or reasons) we can start to figure out what to do next. Enjoy!In this episode I talk about:* Expectations you should have for puppies.* The five reasons your dog is not listening. * Examples of each reason.* How to tell which reason your dog isn't listening.* What your next step is.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:YNP #057: How to Teach Your Dog to Listen With DistractionsYNP #064: The Downside of a Fenced-in YardYNP #080: Why I Don't Teach "Off"YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies. a class="synved-social-button synved-social-button-share synved-social-size-24 synved-social-resolution-single synved-social-provider-pinterest nolightbox" data-provider="pinterest" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="Pin it with Pinterest" href="https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.playtimepaws.com%2Fepisode98%2F&media=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.playtimepaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F08%2Fyou-new-...

    15 min
  3. JUL 12

    Hot Weather Activities for Your Dog

    Just about every dog is going to have some trouble with the hot weather.  For some dogs even a slight elevation in temperature will find them seeking out the shade and wanting shorter walks. The heat itself can be tiring for a dog so it tends to shorten walks and activity.  This will result in us having to find creative ways to entertain our dog and burn some energy. For this episode I reached right into my Enrichment Database (available with YOUR Perfect Puppy) to find some activities that are perfect for a hot day.  I have you covered if you want to play with water, sit in the shade with a frozen treat, or stay inside and avoid the heat altogether.Enjoy! In this episode I talk about:* Dogs that are sensitive to the heat.* How to recognize heat stroke in a dog. * Different types of water activities to try with your pup.* Different types of frozen treats to make for your pup.* Indoor activities to avoid the heat all together.Press play and enjoy!Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:Articles on heat stroke in dogs:* https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/heat-stroke-in-dogs* https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/heatstroke-in-dogs/Rover Round Robin:  A fun family recall game you can turn into hide and seek (request the step by step directions)YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies. a class="synved-social-button synved-social-button-share synved-social-size-24 synved-social-resolution-single synved-social-provider-pinterest nolightbox" data-provider="pinterest" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="Pin it with Pinterest" href="https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.playtimepaws.

    15 min
  4. JUN 5

    Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

    Pet insurance isn't the most interesting topic I've ever talked about but it is important.Most often I get the question "is pet insurance worth it?"  And I think this is the wrong question.We most often compare it to our own health insurance.  But there are key differences that mean we have to think about pet insurance in a different way. Is it going to save you money?  Maybe, maybe not.  Is it going to protect you and your pet? Hmm, now we're getting closer!My goal with this episode is to help you decide if pet insurance is right for you.  And if it is, where to go next.I also go into why I don't have pet insurance right now, but it is something I would think about in the future.   In this episode I talk about:* The key differences between our health insurance and pet insurance.* How to think about the question "is pet insurance right for me?" * How insurance works in general.* The different components that affect the cost of pet insurance.* Where to go next if you want to research pet insurance further.Press play and enjoy!Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:Pet Insurance University: a wealth of knowledge from a veterinarian about what to look for with pet insurance. Forbes.com: A place to compare pet insurance quotesYOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies. a class="synved-social-button synved-social-button-share synved-social-size-24 synved-social-resolution-single synved-social-provider-pinterest nolightbox" data-provider="pinterest" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="Pin it with Pinterest" href="https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.playtimepaws.

  5. MAY 13

    When Things Go Wrong Between the Kids and Dog: With Justine Schuurmans

    What do you do when things go wrong between the kids and your dog?  Something that isn't talked about enough is how the relationship between kids and dogs isn't always as magical as we imagined.  It's very common for the kids to get annoyed with the jumpy puppy and their sharp teeth.  It's just as common for the dog to avoid or get defensive with the kissy, fast moving kids.Well lucky for you (and me) Justine Schuurmans, the expert on families, kids, and dogs,  is back to help us out.Justine is the founder of The Family Dog and the creator of The Dial Method.  Her work with families has greatly impacted how I work with kids and puppies to this day.  Missed part one?  Justine helps us answer the questions are your kids ready for a dog and how do you prepare your kids for a dog. Check out part one in episode 94.In this episode we talk about:* How things can go wrong between kids and dogs.* The four zone of The Dial and how they can help.* Specific strategies to help kids feel more comfortable around a jumpy puppy with sharp teeth.* The three types of kids personalities that dogs have trouble with. * How to use the individual personalities of the kids and dog to create a happy relationship.* What is The Dial Method and who can benefit from it. Press play and enjoy!More information on The Dial Method:There are three different ways to experience The Dial Method:* (Self Study) Get the book and workbook right from Amazon.com.** (Self Study) Get the 40 minute animated video (which provides the same information as the book) and e-workbook through The Family Dog (get 10% off with this link).*(Personalized Guidance) Work with Debbie who is a Certified Dial Guide in a 4 week virtual workshop where we'll walk through the video and workbook (included) and learn how to apply it to your family.  Find more information and sign up here.*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.  Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:The Family Dog resources:  This page includes the resources both Justine and I talked about inside the interview including the video that I think EVERY parent should watch along with the Pet, Pat, Pause flyer. YNP Episode #094: Are Your Kids Ready for a Dog? With Justine Schuurmans (Part 01)YOUR Perfect Puppy's course:  A 4 week course to build the foundation of you and your new puppy's life together. More about Justine: Justine is a former Nickelodeon and MTV producer and dog trainer for over 20 years, specializing in working with young families. Her mission is to help parents, kids and dogs understand each other better and live safely and happily together.  She's the founder of The Family Dog, STOP THE 77 and the creator of The Dial Method. The Dial Method WorkshopReserve your spot now (limit 5 families per workshop) LEARN MORE a class="synved-social-button synved-social-button-share synved-social-s...

    31 min
  6. MAY 9

    Are Your Kids Ready for a Dog? With Justine Schuurmans

    If you're a parent, how do you know if your kids are ready for a dog?  And if they are, how do you prepare them for bringing that new dog home?Well lucky for you (and me) Justine Schuurmans, the expert on families, kids, and dogs,  is going to answer those questions.Justine is the founder of The Family Dog and the creator of The Dial Method.  Her work with families has greatly impacted how I work with kids and puppies to this day.  The best part?  This is part one of a two part series.  Stay tuned for part two where she talks about what to do when the your kids and the dog aren't BFFs like you planned.In this episode we talk about:* Are your kids ready for a dog?* Are you ready for a new dog? * How much can you depend on the kids help?* Why younger kids shouldn't be in charge of walking the dog. * Picking the right dog for your family's lifestyle.* How to prepare your kids for when the dog comes home.Press play and enjoy!Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:The Family Dog resources:  This page includes the resources both Justine and I talked about inside the interview including the video that I think EVERY parent should watch along with the Pet, Pat, Pause flyer. YNP Episode #002: Which Type of Dog is Right for You?YNP Episode #095: When Things Go Wrong Between the Kids and Dog? With Justine Schuurmans (Part Two)YOUR Perfect Puppy's course:  A 4 week course to build the foundation of you and your new puppy's life together. More about Justine: Justine is a former Nickelodeon and MTV producer and dog trainer for over 20 years, specializing in working with young families. Her mission is to help parents, kids and dogs understand each other better and live safely and happily together.  She's the founder of The Family Dog, STOP THE 77 and the creator of The Dial Method. a class="synved-social-button synved-social-button-share synved-social-size-24 synved-social-resolution-single synved-social-provider-reddit nolightbox" data-provider="reddit" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="Share on Reddit" href="https:...

    28 min
  7. APR 19

    Dog Fitness: Keeping Your Puppy Fit and Safe with Brittni

    What is dog fitness?  Brittni of Potential Unleased Idaho has joined me to answer that question and then some.Brittni talks to us about dog fitness and how it can prevents injuries, builds confidence, and work both body and mind. Of course, we also talked a lot about puppies and how to keep our their muscles and joints safe and happy while their little bodies are growing.I had to take my own notes during this interview!  To learn more from Brittni, check out her resources below. In this episode we talk about:* What is dog fitness?* How much exercise should our puppies get? * How to keep our puppy's joints and muscles safe as they grow.* Some safe and fun exercises for puppies.* How to adjust exercises for different breeds and sizes.* Tips for aging dogs.Press play and enjoy!Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:Potential Unleashed Idaho:  Brittni's website with all her services and blog posts to learn more information about her and dog fitness. Potential Unleashed Idaho on FacebookPotential Unleashed Idaho on InstagramYOUR Perfect Puppy's course:  A 4 week course to build the foundation of you and your new puppy's life together.  a class="synved-social-button synved-social-button-share synved-social-size-24 synved-social-resolution-single synved-social-provider-pinterest nolightbox" data-provider="pinterest" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="Pin it with Pinterest" href="https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.playtimepaws.com%2Fepisode93%2F&media=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.playtimepaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F04%2Fyour-new-puppy-podcast-dog-fitness.

    36 min
  8. FEB 7

    Why Not to Punish Puppy Potty Accidents

    It can be counter intuitive but when your puppy has a potty accident, we shouldn't punish them.You may feel that you need to do something to let them know "this is wrong".  Or maybe you know that you're not supposed to punish your puppy's potty accidents but you're not sure why.In general, I discourage using punishment as a form of teaching your puppy anything.  But this question comes up a lot around potty training. In Episode #10: (Complete Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy), I talk about what to do when your puppy has an accident.  Punishment is never part of it.  In this episode, I'm going to talk about why that is. In this episode I talk about:* Why I get this question around potty training.* What I mean by "punishment". * What we are supposed to do with potty accidents.* Why dogs learn better when told what to do (instead of what not to do).* How puppies don't know going potty inside is wrong (yet!).Press play and enjoy!Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:YNP #010:  Complete Guide to Potty Training Your PuppyYNP #039:  The Most Common Potty AccidentsYNP #079:  Are You Still Struggling With Potty Training?Playtime Paws Academy:  A membership for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey. a class="synved-social-button synved-social-button-share synved-social-size-24 synved-social-resolution-single synved-social-provider-pinterest nolightbox" data-provider="pinterest" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="Pin it with Pinterest" href="https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.playtimepaws.com%2Fepisode92%2F&media=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.playtimepaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F02%2FWhy-not-to-punish-pup...

    13 min
4.8
out of 5
831 Ratings

About

Your host, Debbie (owner of Playtime Paws), 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.

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada