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.

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

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.

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.

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.

If you are experiencing some behavior changes from regression to old behaviors to brand new ones popping up, this episode is for you.

Welcome to this special replay episode.  I’m wanted to bring back this important episodes for anyone with a puppy who’s entering adolescence.

If you’re feeling like your once sweet, well-behaved puppy is suddenly turning into a bit of a troublemaker—you’re not alone.

This is a super common struggle that many puppy owners face, and I’m here to help you navigate through it.

In this replay, we’re diving deep into behavior changes that happen as your puppy grows, specifically during adolescence (around 5 to 18 months). You might have thought the hardest part was the early puppyhood days, but trust me—adolescence can be even more challenging.

The behaviors that start cropping up during this phase—like jumping, counter surfing, barking in the crate, and more—can be frustrating, especially when you feel like you’ve just gotten things under control.

But don’t worry, it’s completely normal, and I’m here to reassure you that you haven’t done anything wrong.

In this episode I talk about:

• What behavior changes to expect as your puppy grows.
• Why these behavior changes are happening and what’s behind them.
• How to stay patient as your dog goes through this phase of development. 
• How to manage your puppy’s new energy levels.
• Why consistency is key!

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:

Not-So-New Puppy Behavior Workshop:  A 4-week virtual workshop designed for dogs aged 5-18 months, offering you expert guidance on those frustrating adolescent behaviors. Together, we’ll troubleshoot common challenges like barking, leash pulling, counter-surfing, impulse control, and more. 

YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies into well-mannered, happy dogs.

Tug of war is a game that dogs LOVE to play.  Yet I always get asked the question “Can I play tug of war with my dog?”

The short answer is YES!  It’s is great game for you and your pup.  It’s easy to play, they love it, it burns lots of energy and tires out those heavy chewing jaws and nipping puppy teeth. 

So why is this a question?  Well, there’s some misconceptions about tug of war that have been going around for a while. 

In this episode, I debunk the common myths, like the idea that it’s a dominance game or that you can’t let your dog win.

The vast majority of dogs can play tug of war with no problem.   There are some pups that need some rules to reduce any over stimulation or excitement.  

No worries, I walk you through what to watch for if this is your pup—like vocal escalation or raised hackles.

Plus, I’ve got a special video for you that shows how to use tug of war to teach your dog important skills like drop it and impulse control.

So, grab your dog’s favorite toy and tune in to find out how you can safely enjoy this fun game with your pup!

In this episode I talk about:

• Can you play tug of war with your dog?
• Why this is even a question.
• Signs to look for if you need to put rules in place. 
• How tug of war can benefit your dog.
• Free resource on how to teach your dog impulse control with a game of tug of war.

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 #087: Is Your Dog Trying to Dominate You? 

YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies into well-mannered, happy dogs.

Tug of war is a game that dogs LOVE to play.  Yet I always get asked the question “Can I play tug of war with my dog?”

The short answer is YES!  Tug of war is great game for you and your pup.  It’s easy to play, they love it, it burns lots of energy and tires out those heavy chewing jaws and nipping puppy teeth. 

So why is this a question?  Well, there’s some misconceptions about tug of war that have been going around for a while. 

In this episode, I debunk the common myths about tug of war, like the idea that it’s a dominance game or that you can’t let your dog win.

The vast majority of dogs can play tug of war with no problem.   There are some pups that need some rules to reduce any over stimulation or excitement (because tug of war is just so fun!). 

No worries, I walk you through what to watch for—like vocal escalation or raised hackles.

Plus, I’ve got a special video for you that shows how to use tug of war to teach your dog important skills like drop it and impulse control.

So, grab your dog’s favorite toy and tune in to find out how you can safely enjoy this fun game with your pup!

How to Use Tug of War toTeach Impulse Control

Tug of war is not only a fun game that your dog loves but you can use it to teach your dog to control their excitement (also known as impulse control). As a bonus, I also talk a little bit about “drop it”

It’s a two-minute video that will give you and your pup hours of fun!

In this episode I talk about:

• Can you play tug of war with your dog?
• Why this is even a question.
• Signs to look for if you need to put rules in place. 
• How tug of war can benefit your dog.
• Free resource on how to teach your dog impulse control with a game of tug of war.

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 #087: Is Your Dog Trying to Dominate You? 

YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies into well-mannered, happy dogs.

Welcome to Episode 100 of Your New Puppies Podcast! I’m thrilled to celebrate this milestone with you, my amazing listeners. 

As I reflect back, I started to think about what I’ve learned and the things I believed before I became a dog trainer.  

I wanted to share some key lessons with you because unless you’ve become a dog trainer yourself, you may believe these same things.

The three lessons I talk about:

• Even if you’ve lived with dogs before, being the one in charge of their well being and training is a very different experience.
• Puppies aren’t a blank slate.
• Dogs don’t inherently get along, just because their dogs.

In celebration of 100 episodes and to thank my listeners you will receive a free gift if you join one of my digital programs.

I’m offering two special promotions for a limited time!

1. If you join my signature course, YOUR Perfect Puppy, receive a complimentary one-on-one 45 minute video session.
2. Join 14 Days to a Stronger Recall program and receive 14 Days to a Stronger Leave It free!

YOUR Perfect Puppy is my signature 4 week puppy course designed to help raise your puppy into a happy, well mannered dog. You also get 6 months inside Playtime Paws Academy which is where you get direct access to me to support you through your puppy raising journey.

14 Days to a Stronger Recall is a mini program designed to teach you the foundation you need to teach your dog to come to you every time you call in any environment.  With 14 Days to a Stronger Leave It you’ll also learn how to teach your dog not to pick up everything on your walk!

Note: Both 14 Days to a Stronger Recall and 14 Days to a Stronger Leave It are inside of YOUR Perfect Puppy.  So, if you can’t decide, joining YOUR Perfect Puppy will get you all of the above!!

If you have a questions about any of these programs or offers feel free to email me [email protected]

Join me in this celebration as we embark on the next chapter together.

In this episode I talk about:

• How far the podcast has come.
• Why I love working with new puppy parents.
• Until we’re in it, we don’t fully understand what it’s like to raise a puppy. 
• Why who your dog becomes is a combination of nature and nurture.
• Socialization isn’t about your dog learning to love other dogs, it’s about learning how to communicate.
• Two free gifts to celebrate 100 episodes and thank you, my listeners.

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 #073: Does Your Dog’s Breed Matter? 

YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies into well-mannered, happy dogs.

14 Days to a Stronger Recall:  Learn how to have the freedom and peace of mind when your dog comes to you every time you call!

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 Puppies

The 3 Phases to Bringing Your New Puppy Home – Video series

Book a virtual session with Debbie

YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies into well-mannered, happy dogs.

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:

1. You haven’t taught them what you’re asking for.
2. You skipped some steps in their training.
3. You haven’t practiced in this environment.
4. They’ve already learned they don’t have to listen.
5. 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 Distractions

YNP #064: The Downside of a Fenced-in Yard

YNP #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.