The Dog People Podcast

Imagine winning the lottery, no reason to get out of bed, nothing to work towards, everything handed to you. Sounds great, right? For most people, it's actually a fast track to boredom, anxiety, and a total loss of purpose. Your dog is no different. In this episode, we talk about why giving your dog everything could be the worst thing you do for them, and how making them work for it, using their brain and their instincts, could transform their behaviour and wellbeing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nobody warns you about the teenage phase. One day your dog is responsive, engaged, and making you feel like the world's greatest trainer and then something shifts.

Expert dog trainer Max O'Neil and Jack talk having a teenager! Max explains the science and behaviour behind this challenging developmental window, what your dog is actually experiencing, and the strategies that work when nothing else seems to.

We share real world examples form our own experiences with teenagers and what you can do to navigate this really tricky time!!

If you're in the thick of it right now or you have a puppy who is 'perfect', this one's for you.
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Quick note for parents – this one's all about dog breeding, so younger ears might lead to some fun dinner table conversations!

Yes, really. Professional dog trainer Max O'Neil recently purchased preserved semen from the bloodline of his working Rottweiler Nelson – and honestly, once he explains it, it makes complete sense. Jack and Max get into the why, the how, the cost, and the wider world of canine genetic preservation. It's more fascinating than you'd think, and a genuine insight into what serious working dog breeding actually involves.
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Disclaimer: The advice shared in this episode is general in nature and is intended as a starting point for understanding resource guarding in dogs.

Resource guarding is one of the most misunderstood behaviours in dogs — and one of the most common. Trainer Max O'Neil sits down to explain exactly what's going on when your dog growls, snaps or stiffens over food, toys or spaces. The key insight? Your dog has figured out that this behaviour gets results. Max shares the five areas he targets when working on guarding: relationship dynamics, rewiring your dog's thought process around success, teaching dogs to trade and give up resources willingly, exploring whether manageable conflict can actually be mentally stimulating, and why gun dogs in particular may need a legitimate outlet for their deep-seated drive to possess. Practical, honest and refreshingly clear.

Disclaimer: The advice shared in this episode is general in nature and is intended as a starting point for understanding resource guarding in dogs. Every dog is different, and guarding behaviour can vary greatly in intensity and cause. We always recommend seeking the guidance of a qualified professional dog trainer or animal behaviourist before attempting to address resource guarding at home, particularly in cases involving aggression or where children or vulnerable people are present.
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Is your dog turning their nose up at dinner? In this episode, Jack shares how his dog Kira suddenly refused to eat — and how a well-meaning fix with sardines may have accidentally created a fussy eater. Dog trainer Max O'Neil breaks down why dogs learn to hold out for something better, the psychology behind picky eating behaviour, and what you should (and shouldn't) do when your dog skips a meal. If you've ever wondered whether your dog is manipulating you at mealtimes, this one's for you.

⚠️ Important: A dog going off their food can sometimes indicate an underlying medical issue. If your dog stops eating, please consult your veterinarian to rule out any health concerns before assuming it's behavioural.
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