The Puppy Training Podcast

Hosted by BAXTER & Bella Puppy Training

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Episodes

278

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Amy Jensen is a professional puppy trainer, service dog trainer and creator of BAXTER & Bella, the Online Puppy School. She spends her free time training dogs to be calm, well-mannered household members as well as service & therapy dogs. After receiving many requests to train dogs for people, Amy decided to roll out a comprehensive how-to online training program to help you train your own dog. On this podcast, she shares training tips aimed at helping you be successful on your own puppy training journey. #baxterandbellapuppytraining #theonlinepuppyschool

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 11, 2026Episode 27813 min

Episode #278 Alone Time Training

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.Support the showFollow us on social mediaInstagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBellaSubscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources!Join our membership here.

June 4, 2026Episode 27714 min

Episode #277 Sound Sensitivity & Noise Desensitization

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.Support the showFollow us on social mediaInstagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBellaSubscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources!Join our membership here.

May 28, 2026Episode 27614 min

Episode #276 The Teenage Puppy: Surviving Adolescent Regression (6–18 Months)

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.Support the showFollow us on social mediaInstagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBellaSubscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources!Join our membership here.

May 21, 2026Episode 27513 min

Episode #275 Training the Human: Expectations, Consistency & Why Your Puppy Isn’t the Problem

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.Support the showFollow us on social mediaInstagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBellaSubscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources!Join our membership here.

May 7, 2026Episode 27411 min

Episode #274 Mental Enrichment vs. Physical Exercise: What Your Puppy Really Needs

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 dogHow mental stimulation tires puppies out faster and more effectivelySimple, practical enrichment ideas you can start using todayHow to create a balanced daily routine for a calmer, happier puppyIf 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!Support the showFollow us on social mediaInstagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBellaSubscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources!Join our membership here.

April 30, 2026Episode 2739 min

Episode #273 Training Around Resources – Preventing Guarding & Building Trust

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.Support the showFollow us on social mediaInstagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBellaSubscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources!Join our membership here.

April 23, 2026Episode 27210 min

Episode #272 When Your Puppy Won't Take Treats

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 showFollow us on social mediaInstagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBellaSubscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources!Join our membership here.

April 16, 2026Episode 27116 min

Episode #271 Speaking Dog: A Clear Guide To Body Language

What do fear and stress actually look like in your puppy? In this education-packed episode, Amy gives you the foundation every puppy parent needs: how to read your dog’s body language.Learn the clusters of signals that tell you if your puppy is relaxed, worried, or over threshold. We’ll cover soft eyes vs. whale eye, loose bodies vs. freezing, and why a wagging tail doesn’t always mean happy. Then we’ll dig into the early stress signals most people miss, like lip licks, yawns, shake-offs, and head turns.You’ll walk away knowing exactly what to watch for and what to do in the moment to help your puppy feel safe. Because a puppy who feels safe is a puppy who can learn.In this episode:How to read your puppy’s eyes, mouth, ears, posture, and tailThe 10-step Canine Ladder of Stress and where to interveneCommon scenarios where stress signals get missedSimple ways to reduce stress and build confidencePerfect for: New puppy parents, anyone struggling with socialization, or dog owners who want to advocate for their dog better.Support the showFollow us on social mediaInstagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBellaSubscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources!Join our membership here.

April 9, 2026Episode 27012 min

Episode #270 Doorway & Boundary Skills

Doorway chaos, leash pulling the second you open the door, and dogs that treat every threshold like a starting line—sound familiar? In this episode, we break down Doorway & Boundary Skills as a complete system, not just a quick fix. You’ll learn why dogs struggle with thresholds, how to stop door dashing, and how to teach your dog to pause and wait—without relying on physical barriers. We also share a real-life example with Amy's dog Baxter, who calmly waits at street corners until released. If you want a safer, calmer, and more thoughtful dog in everyday situations, this episode gives you the step-by-step approach to get there.Support the showFollow us on social mediaInstagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBellaSubscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources!Join our membership here.

April 2, 2026Episode 26910 min

Episode #269 Leave It & Drop It: Teaching the Skills That Could Save Your Dog’s Life

“Leave it” and “drop it” aren’t just nice tricks—they’re essential safety skills every dog needs. In this episode, we break down how to teach both cues clearly, effectively, and without conflict. You’ll learn how to build reliability, prevent resource guarding, and understand when to use “drop it” versus trading for something better. Whether your dog grabs socks, snacks, or something dangerous on a walk, this episode will give you the tools to handle it with confidence.Support the showFollow us on social mediaInstagram @BAXTERandBella Facebook @TheOnlinePuppySchool YouTube @BAXTERandBellaSubscribe to our site for FREE weekly training tips! Check out our FREE resources!Join our membership here.