Puppies and kids can be the best of friends—but only when adults provide the guidance and structure both need to succeed.

In this updated version of one of our most popular early episodes, we revisit puppy-and-child interactions using today's best practices in dog training and canine behavior. You'll learn why supervision matters, how to teach children the "Be a Tree" technique, when and how to use consent tests before petting, and simple handling exercises that help puppies feel comfortable with human touch.

We'll also share practical family rules, common mistakes to avoid, and easy parent coaching scripts that help children learn to respect canine communication and boundaries.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The four safe play rules every family should follow
• How to teach children to respond when puppies become too excited
• Why consent tests can improve safety and trust
• Positive handling exercises for paws, ears, collars, and grooming
• Early signs a puppy may need space
• Parent-friendly language that encourages safe interactions

A few simple habits can help create a lifelong bond between your puppy and the children in your life. Tune in to learn how.

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Many handlers assume that once a puppy is comfortable in a crate, they've mastered alone-time training. In reality, crate training and independence training are two different skills. In this episode, we explore how to prevent separation-related issues before they begin by teaching graduated absences, confidence-building independence exercises, and practical enrichment strategies that fit real family schedules.

You'll learn how to recognize early signs of distress, and how to help your puppy develop the emotional resilience needed to stay calm and relaxed when home alone. Whether you work from home, have a busy household, or simply want to raise a confident companion, this episode provides a step-by-step approach to building healthy independence from the start.

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Thunderstorms. Fireworks. Vacuums. Traffic. Construction. The world is full of sounds that can frighten a puppy if they aren't introduced carefully and positively.

In this episode, we dive into proactive sound exposure. While many handlers focus on meeting people and seeing new places, sound experiences often get neglected until a puppy suddenly develops fear.

You'll learn how puppies process sound, why early positive exposure matters, the science behind counterconditioning, and a step-by-step protocol for introducing potentially scary noises before fear takes hold. We'll also discuss common mistakes people make and how to build confidence without overwhelming your puppy.

Whether you're raising a brand-new puppy or helping an older dog become more resilient, this episode gives you practical tools to create positive associations with everyday sounds and prevent noise phobias before they start.

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Your puppy was doing so well… and then suddenly they stopped listening.

In this episode, we break down one of the most frustrating — and completely normal — stages of dog development: adolescence. Between 6 and 18 months, many puppies begin testing boundaries, ignoring cues, losing focus, and acting as if all previous training disappeared overnight.

We cover:

• Why adolescent regression happens
• Boundary testing and reinforcement history
• Why most handlers accidentally raise expectations too quickly
• How to reset training without starting over
• Practical strategies for rebuilding consistency and reliability

If your once-sweet puppy has entered their chaotic teenage phase, this episode will help you understand what’s normal, what’s not, and how to get through it without losing progress — or your sanity.

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Why does puppy training sometimes feel inconsistent—even when you’re trying your best?

In this episode of The Puppy Training Podcast, Amy Jensen dives into one of the most overlooked parts of dog training: training the humans. Your puppy is constantly learning from patterns, routines, and reinforcement, which means unclear expectations and inconsistent responses can create confusion fast.

You’ll learn:

• Why consistency is so difficult in real life
• How to create family training plans that actually work
• Common reasons training seems to “stop working”
• How to set realistic expectations for puppies
• Why management and routines matter just as much as commands
• Simple ways to improve communication with your dog

Whether you’re struggling with jumping, barking, leash pulling, potty training, or simply feeling frustrated with progress, this episode will help you refocus on clear communication, patience, and practical consistency.

Because successful puppy training isn’t about perfection—it’s about building understanding and trust together.

Listen now and learn how small changes in human behavior can create big improvements in your puppy’s behavior.

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Is your puppy full of endless energy no matter how much exercise they get? You’re not alone—and the solution might surprise you.

In this episode of The Puppy Training Podcast, we break down the key differences between physical exercise and mental enrichment, and why more activity isn’t always the answer to a hyper or misbehaving puppy.

You’ll learn:

• Why too much exercise can actually create a more energetic dog
• How mental stimulation tires puppies out faster and more effectively
• Simple, practical enrichment ideas you can start using today
• How to create a balanced daily routine for a calmer, happier puppy

If you’ve ever wondered why your puppy still seems “wired” after a long walk, this episode will give you a whole new perspective—and actionable tools to help your puppy thrive.

Tune in and start working smarter, not harder, when it comes to your puppy’s energy needs!

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Resource guarding is one of the most common—and preventable—behavior challenges in dogs. In this episode, we break down how everyday interactions around food, toys, and valued items shape your dog’s behavior.

Learn how to prevent resource guarding before it starts, why taking things away can actually make the problem worse, and how to build trust through simple techniques like trading and adding value. We also cover food bowl manners, toy possession during play, and how to create a calm, cooperative relationship with your dog around the things they love most.

Whether you’re raising a new puppy or working with an older dog, this episode will give you practical, positive strategies to set your dog up for long-term success.

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Struggling with a puppy who isn’t motivated by food? You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck. In this episode, Amy from BAXTER & Bella breaks down why food motivation can vary, especially during the early days of bringing a new puppy home when stress levels are high. You’ll learn how to use your puppy’s regular food as an effective training tool, safely introduce higher-value rewards without upsetting their stomach, and avoid the common mistake of relying on too many treats too quickly.

Amy also shares how to tap into alternative reinforcers like play, plus step-by-step guidance on fading treats the right way so your puppy listens with or without food. Whether your puppy is picky, distracted, or just getting settled, this episode will give you practical, easy-to-implement strategies to build motivation and create a positive training experience.

Support the show

Follow us on social media

Instagram @BAXTERandBella
Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool
YouTube @BAXTERandBella

Subscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips!

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Join our membership here.