In this episode of The Dog People Podcast, we tackle a topic that can stir up strong opinions—buying from breeders. While we absolutely recognise that many people are passionate advocates for adoption, we also know that some individuals choose to buy from breeders for personal, practical, or breed-specific reasons.Our goal? To make sure that if you do go down the breeder path, you’re equipped with the knowledge to do it responsibly. We break down what ethical breeding looks like, how to spot red flags, and the questions you must ask before bringing a pup home. Whether you're a first-time buyer or just curious, this episode is all about making informed, welfare-focused decisions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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24:17
My Dog’s Obsessed with the Cat! Plus: Cobberdog Enrichment Tips
In this episode of The Dog People Podcast, Max and Jack dive into your listener questions! First up, we explore the best outlets and breed-specific enrichment ideas for the high-energy, intelligent Cobberdog—what does this unique breed really need to stay balanced and fulfilled? Then, we tackle a tricky situation involving a dog who’s become just a little too interested in the flatmate’s cat. From management to training solutions, we share practical tips to redirect fixation and create a calmer household for everyone—human, canine, and feline. Tune in for real questions, honest answers, and actionable advice you can use today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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14:10
Why Every Dog Needs a Job
In this episode of The Dog People Podcast, we explore one of the most overlooked keys to a calm, happy, and well-behaved dog—giving them a job. Whether you’ve got a high-drive working breed or a chilled-out family companion, every dog benefits from mental stimulation and purpose.Trainer Max O’Neil breaks down what it actually means to “give your dog a job”—and no, it doesn’t mean sending them to the office. From basic obedience roles to enrichment tasks and breed-specific games, we cover why purposeful activity helps drain your dog’s mental battery, reduce anxiety, and prevent behavioural issues before they even start.Learn how to bring out your dog’s natural instincts in a healthy, productive way—so they feel fulfilled, focused, and content.✅ Key topics: dog enrichment, breed-specific needs, mental stimulation, behaviour management, daily routines, fulfilling instincts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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11:38
Positive vs Negative Reinforcement: What’s the Difference?
In this episode of The Dog People Podcast, we break down two of the most essential and misunderstood terms in dog training: positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement. If you’ve ever wondered why your dog keeps repeating certain behaviours—or why your rewards aren’t working—this one’s for you.Trainer Max O’Neil joins us to demystify the four quadrants of operant conditioning and explain how dogs learn through consequence and clarity. We explore how both positive and negative reinforcement can be used ethically, humanely, and effectively to shape behaviour—and why knowing the difference between the two could be the key to unlocking better communication with your dog.Learn how to reinforce the behaviours you want and avoid accidentally encouraging the ones you don’t. Clear, practical, and myth-busting—this episode is essential listening for dog owners at any stage of the journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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15:56
The Truth About Punishment: Why It’s Not a Dirty Word
In this episode of The Dog People Podcast, we tackle one of the most misunderstood concepts in dog training: punishment. For many, the word brings to mind shouting, harsh corrections, or outdated discipline methods. But real, ethical punishment in dog training is none of those things.Together with professional dog trainer Max O’Neil, we unpack what punishment actually means—clear communication and boundary-setting—not fear, pain, or frustration. We explore how to help our dogs understand the difference between behaviours we want to reinforce and those we don’t, using safe, calm, and effective strategies.This episode is a must-listen for anyone confused by conflicting dog training advice, or those looking to strike a balance between kindness and clarity when raising a well-behaved, confident pup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A no-nonsense approach to dog training, so you never have to yell, "It's OK, he's friendly!"In this show, hosts Jack Laurence (dog owner and training enthusiast) and Max O'Neil (accredited dog trainer and behaviour expert) from Down Under Dog Trainer discuss everything about the world of dogs and dog training.When you open social media today, you can’t go far without finding a ‘dog trainer’—and everyone has their own strong opinions on what is ‘right’ and what is ‘wrong’. In this podcast, we take a balanced approach to the subject, looking at training methods from both sides of the fence and giving you the right tools to have the perfect companion you've always dreamed of.Whats veen better is the only fluff here is from the dogs! as we get straight to point on all the important topics that matter to you!Got a question, an issue or just need some advice? jump on our provate FB group and ask your question now! www.facebook.com/groups/dogpeoplepodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
New Zealand