Spirit Dog Training Podcast

Spirit Dog Training brings you science-based, modern and effective dog training advice, explaining why your dog acts the way he acts, and how to approach training efficiently.

104. Your First Dog Needs You More Than You Need A New Puppy 12/16/2025

104. Your First Dog Needs You More Than You Need A New Puppy Before you add another dog, there’s a hard truth I want you to hear: your first dog may need you more than a new puppy ever could. In this episode, I talk about why adding a second or third dog too early often creates stress, behavior issues, and guilt, even when the decision comes from a place of love. I share what I see repeatedly as a trainer: dogs whose needs multiply, not disappear, when another dog is added, and households that tip into chaos before the first dog is truly stable. You’ll learn the clear signs that it’s not the right time yet, the signs that it is, and how waiting can protect the relationship you already have. Begin building calm, stability, and confidence with your dog at spiritdogtraining.com/free. /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/39391515

103. Why Rescue Dogs Are Not For Everyone 12/09/2025

103. Why Rescue Dogs Are Not For Everyone We talk a lot about “adopt, don’t shop,” but rarely about the unseen cost when a rescue dog’s needs exceed a family’s capacity. And that mismatch can break hearts on both sides. In this episode, I explore why rescue dogs with unknown backgrounds are not the right fit for every household, and why acknowledging that truth is an act of responsibility, not selfishness. I share the real patterns I’ve seen as a trainer: families drowning under unexpected behavior issues, dogs struggling in environments they can’t cope with, and the guilt and overwhelm that follow. Begin building confidence and clarity for your next dog at spiritdogtraining.com/free. /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/39335310

102. 7 Skills Every Reactive Dog Needs (+How to Teach Them!) 12/02/2025

102. 7 Skills Every Reactive Dog Needs (+How to Teach Them!) In today's episode I share the core skills that make reactivity training easier and safer, starting where your dog can succeed, not in the middle of a trigger storm. I explain why these foundations reduce stress, build patience, and set you up for faster progress around real-world triggers with step-by-step ideas you can apply today, and tips to avoid overwhelm. Take the first step toward calmer walks at spiritdogtraining.com/free. /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/39232395

101. 7 Shortcuts To Get The Most Out Of Dog Training 11/25/2025

101. 7 Shortcuts To Get The Most Out Of Dog Training In this episode, I share the seven most important shortcuts I’ve learned after coaching thousands of students, both online and in person, to help you get real results from the training you’re already paying for. You’ll hear why being honest with your trainer matters more than you think, how to stop getting stuck in “thinking instead of doing,” and why jumping from one quick fix to another slows progress. I’ll also explain how small, consistent action and open communication can transform your dog’s behavior faster than any tool, method, or product. Start getting more value out of every minute of training at spiritdogtraining.com/free. /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/39163445

100. The Confidence Myth 11/21/2025

100. The Confidence Myth If you’ve been told that “confidence-building games” at home will magically fix your dog’s fear or reactivity, this episode may change everything. I’m unpacking one of the most common misunderstandings in modern positive training: the idea that confidence works like experience points you can collect anywhere. I explain why emotional confidence is always context-specific, and how well-intentioned shortcuts can unintentionally stall progress and leave both dog and human frustrated, and what to do instead. Get your reactivity plan started for free at spiritdogtraining.com/free. /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/39106955

99. Why Relationship Alone Won’t Replace Training Your Dog 11/18/2025

99. Why Relationship Alone Won’t Replace Training Your Dog In this episode, I look closely at the growing claim that “dogs don’t need control, only connection,” and why it can unintentionally leave dogs confused and unprepared for real life. I talk about why love and relationship cannot replace teaching the actual skills our dogs need to stay safe and thrive in our human world, and why training when done kindly expands your dog’s freedom rather than taking anything away. By the end, you’ll understand how connection and training work together, and why your dog deserves both. Begin building focus and confidence with your dog at spiritdogtraining.com/free. /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/39071430

98. Motivation for Dog Training on the Days You’d Rather Watch Netflix 11/14/2025

98. Motivation for Dog Training on the Days You’d Rather Watch Netflix Some days, training your dog feels impossible, especially when the couch and a new Netflix episode is calling your name! In this episode, I talk about the simple mindset shift that makes it easier to show up on the days you’d rather not. I share how to reconnect with your “why,” and how small, low-effort sessions can keep you moving forward without overwhelm. By the end, you’ll know how to make training feel lighter, more sustainable, and more aligned with the life you want with your dog. Take the first step toward calmer, more reliable skills at spiritdogtraining.com/free. /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/39032700

97. The #1 Mistake in Multi Dog Households 11/11/2025

97. The #1 Mistake in Multi Dog Households Most multi-dog homes make the same mistake, trying to meet every dog’s needs with the same routine. In this episode, I share how to recognize and fulfill each dog’s unique needs, avoid frustration, and create harmony in your household. You’ll also hear how I balance life with my own very different dogs. Start building a calmer, happier multi-dog home at spiritdogtraining.com/free. /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/38990275

96. 3 Signs Your Dog Is Too Stressed To Train 11/07/2025

96. 3 Signs Your Dog Is Too Stressed To Train In this episode we talk about some common signs that your dog may be too stressed to get the most out of your training session. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/38935020

95. TV Reactivity: Management to Training Plan 11/04/2025

95. TV Reactivity: Management to Training Plan In this episode we discuss what is one of the most controllable types of reactivity in my opinion- as a matter of fact, you literally have a remote control for it! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/38905500

94. 5 Things That Make Reactivity Worse (Without You Realizing) 10/31/2025

94. 5 Things That Make Reactivity Worse (Without You Realizing) In this episode I talk about things that may be making your dog's reactivity worse, and you might be completely unaware! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/38856300

93. 10 Must-Haves Every Reactive Dog Owner Need 10/28/2025

93. 10 Must-Haves Every Reactive Dog Owner Need In today's episode I discuss ten things that I think are must-haves for all reactive dog owners to have as a part of their training toolkit to make both their and their dog's life easier and more fulfilled! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/38805300

92. How To Get 3x The Results From Your Next Training Session 10/24/2025

92. How To Get 3x The Results From Your Next Training Session In this episode I talk about how to get the most success out of your training sessions! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/38722350

91. 10 Subtle Signs Your Dog's Reactivity Is Improving 10/21/2025

91. 10 Subtle Signs Your Dog's Reactivity Is Improving Sometimes it can be hard for us to recognize when our dogs are, in fact, making progress in their reactivity training. In today's episode I highlight ten of the signs you may be missing that show your reactivity training is paying off! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/38722610

90. You Don't Need To End Training "On A High Note" 10/17/2025

90. You Don't Need To End Training "On A High Note" In this episode I discuss why ending training "On A High Note" may not be in the best interest of your dog or training. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/38615670

89. Six Causes of Reactivity Regression in Dogs 10/14/2025

89. Six Causes of Reactivity Regression in Dogs So often I have students reaching out confused because they feel that their dog has been regressing in their reactivity training. They've been doing everything right- so why does it feel like it's getting worse? In today's episode I dive into six of the main causes you may be seeing regression in your reactivity training. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/38574900

88. Should You Tire Your Dog Out Before You Train? 10/10/2025

88. Should You Tire Your Dog Out Before You Train? In this episode I discuss why we might not always want to tire our dogs out before a training session, and when it is appropriate to do so! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/38493180

87. My Reactive Dog Flipped Out- Now What? 10/07/2025

87. My Reactive Dog Flipped Out- Now What? Our students often ask what they should do once their dog is already 'flipping out'. Today we're going to look into exactly what you should do when your dog goes over threshold! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/38493305

86. Can Toys Replace Treats in Training? 10/03/2025

86. Can Toys Replace Treats in Training? In this episode I discuss when and how to use food and toys in training! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/38449385

85. My Dog is SO Distracted in Public 09/30/2025

85. My Dog is SO Distracted in Public Many people struggle with the fact their dog can do so well at home, but really struggle in public. Today we're diving into why distractions out in public can be so tricky and how to work through it! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/38375705

84. Do You Need Rest Days in Training? 09/26/2025

84. Do You Need Rest Days in Training? In this episode I discuss if we need to take rest or break days in reactivity training. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/38361000

83. Are You Overusing Food in Training? 09/23/2025

83. Are You Overusing Food in Training? Today we are going to talk about something that I see come up in +R training all the time- and that is actually OVERUSING food in training situations. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/38321795

82. Rating Common Reactivity Training Tools 09/18/2025

82. Rating Common Reactivity Training Tools In this episode I deep dive into my views on some of the most commonly used training tools when working with reactive dogs. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/38271390

81. 7 Reactivity Training Key Insights 09/17/2025

81. 7 Reactivity Training Key Insights After a break from podcasting I wanted to come back to discuss a topic that is always highly requested- Reactivity. As a trainer I share some of my top insights into successful reactivity training and discuss how you can adjust your set ups to make even more progress in your journey. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/38246430

80. My Dog Is Not Getting Better! 10/09/2024

80. My Dog Is Not Getting Better! Lack of progress in training is very frustrating for every dog. But do you even assess progress the right way? As a dog trainer, I evaluate progress through two key parameters. In this episode I share why it doesn't matter at all if your dog has a bad training session, how you need to help your dog succeed during every single moment of training, and what you should do to reflect on how far you have already come! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/33361787

79. 5 Reasons for Food Refusal in Training 10/02/2024

79. 5 Reasons for Food Refusal in Training Is your dog refusing food in training? Do they routinely turn their nose up on the most delicious treats? There are FIVE main reasons for this ... and they are NOT what you'd think! Today we dive into WHY your dog may be noping out of treat training - and how to help them appreciate food rewards Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/33280652

78. Reactivity Training For NON-Food-Motivated Dogs 09/25/2024

78. Reactivity Training For NON-Food-Motivated Dogs Using treats in reactivity training doesn't work for you because your dog refuses food completely around triggers? That is actually a very common issue ... with one easy, ingenious solution! In this episode I share the #1 question that will determine whether your dog can be trained with food - as well as how to do it! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/33169867

77. 4 Crucial Life Skills To Teach Your Dog 09/18/2024

77. 4 Crucial Life Skills To Teach Your Dog This week I discuss four non-negotiable life skills that EVERY dog owner needs to teach their dogs. These skills will set your dog up for success in situations that could otherwise be very stressful or even traumatizing! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/33047112

76. Socialization Lessons Part 3 - FAQ 09/11/2024

76. Socialization Lessons Part 3 - FAQ You sent me a lot of emails and this week I answer your questions about socialization! We discuss "over socialization", how to socialize young puppies, setbacks in socialization during the teenage stage, why you need "boring" dogs for socialization and much more. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/32976207

75. Socialization Lessons Part 2 09/04/2024

75. Socialization Lessons Part 2 In this episode I share actionable tips for socializing your dog! Starting at home ... and advancing all the way to the dog park. As you work through the 4 stages of socialization exercises, you will learn how to make sure your dog has a positive experience around all people and dogs. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit /episode/index/show/spiritdogtraining/id/32853932

Spirit Dog Training Podcast

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