Thinking about bringing home a puppy, but not sure how it’ll go with your kids? You’re not alone! I get this question all the time: “Am i ready for a puppy?” And when kids are in the picture, the answer gets even more layered. In today’s episode, we’re diving into everything you need to know about the beautiful chaos of raising a puppy and kids under one roof. I’ll help you assess whether your family is ready for the responsibility of a new puppy, how to prep your home and your kids, and most importantly—how to spot the signs a dog is uncomfortable with a child so you can keep everyone safe and happy. With a little planning and a lot of patience, bringing home a puppy with young children can be a joyful and rewarding experience. In this episode, I cover: How to know if you’re truly ready to introduce a puppy and kids, and what signs to watch for if you're not quite there yet. How to prepare your home before bringing home a puppy, including the overlooked hazards and stress triggers that could derail your first week. The truth about raising a puppy and kids together—from building a bond to creating structure and avoiding chaos (and chewed furniture). What every parent needs to teach their child about puppy body language, plus key signs a dog is uncomfortable with a child—this can make or break the relationship. Age-appropriate tasks for your kids, so they can help with care and training while building empathy and confidence (and learning some lifelong lessons along the way). If you’ve been wondering “am i ready for a puppy?” and also navigating the whirlwind of parenting, this episode is for you. Whether you’re already bringing home a puppy or just daydreaming about it, knowing how to manage puppy and kids together is key to making this journey fun, safe, and successful for everyone involved. Resources mentioned in this episode: Easy Pee-sy Puppy Potty Training HELP! My Puppy Is Biting Me! But, My Puppy's Not Fully Vaccinated! Connect with Staci Lemke: Website - www.mannersformutts.com Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts
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13:29
When Can You Leave a Puppy Alone? A Step-by-Step Puppy Training Schedule by Age
Ever wondered when can you leave a puppy alone without supervision? Are you considering leaving dog out of crate while at work but aren’t sure if they’re ready? In this episode, I’ll walk you through a puppy training schedule by age to help you determine the right time to grant your pup more freedom. From training puppy to be alone for short periods to preventing a destructive dog, I cover everything you need to know about safely expanding your puppy’s world. I’ll cover: The biggest mistake puppy parents make when giving too much freedom too soon—and how to avoid it. When can you leave a puppy alone? How to tell if your puppy is ready for more freedom, based on their puppy training schedule by age. A step-by-step plan to transition from crate training to free-roam safely. Why training puppy to be alone properly is key to preventing a destructive dog. The common signs that your puppy may need more time before leaving dog out of crate while at work. Giving your puppy more freedom is an exciting milestone, but it needs to be done at the right pace. If you want to know when can you leave a puppy alone and set your puppy up for success and avoid accidents, destruction, or setbacks, tune in now! Thank you for taking the time to help your dog become a more well-mannered mutt! Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive more training tips, canine wellness advice and fun activities for dogs and their owners! If you have questions about today's episode, or if there's a topic you want to learn more about, come connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @mannersformutts. If you enjoyed this podcast, head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a review - I'd love to hear what's been helpful for you and your canine friends. Talk to you next time! Resources mentioned in this episode: Your puppy training schedule by age: Step-By-Step Plan for Giving Your Puppy More Freedom WAIT! Come Back! Rapid Fire Recall Connect with Staci Lemke: Website - www.mannersformutts.com Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts
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10:36
Overweight and Overlooked, Understanding Dog Obesity
Have you ever looked at your dog and wondered... is my dog overweight? You're not alone! In fact, dog obesity is a growing issue, with nearly 59% of dogs in the U.S. classified as overweight or obese. But how can you tell if you have an overweight dog, and more importantly, what can you do about it? In this episode, I break down everything you need to know about dog obesity—from recognizing the signs to taking action with an effective dog obesity treatment plan. We’ll dive into how to use a dog obesity chart to assess your dog’s weight, bust common myths (like "He's just fluffy!"), and I’ll walk you through simple, practical tips to help your dog shed those extra pounds and live a longer, happier life. In this episode, you’ll learn: The biggest dog obesity symptoms and how to tell if your dog is truly overweight How to use a dog obesity chart to determine if your pup is in a healthy weight range The top causes of an overweight dog—and why many pet parents don’t even realize their dog is overweight Dog obesity treatment strategies that actually work, from portion control to exercise adjustments The real impact of dog obesity on your pet's health and how it can lead to serious medical issues Understanding and addressing dog obesity is key to helping your pup live a longer, healthier life. Tune in to the full episode now to learn how to determine if you have an overweight dog and what steps you can take to keep them happy and healthy. Thank you for taking the time to help your dog become a more well-mannered mutt! Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive more training tips, canine wellness advice and fun activities for dogs and their owners! If you have questions about today's episode, or if there's a topic you want to learn more about, come connect with me on Facebook and Instagram at mannersformutts. If you enjoyed this podcast, head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a review - I'd love to hear what's been helpful for you and your canine friends. Talk to you next time! Resources mentioned in this episode: Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence Program Canine Body Condition Score Calculate Your Dog's Daily Caloric Requirement Connect with Staci Lemke: Website - www.mannersformutts.com Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts
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11:53
Is Online Dog Training Right For You?
Have you ever thought about online dog training but weren’t sure if it would actually work for your pup? With so many options available, from in-person classes to online dog training courses, it can be tough to decide what’s best for you and your dog. In this episode, I break down the pros and cons of online dog training, how it compares to in-person training, and what to look for in the best online dog training courses. If you’re dealing with common issues like leash pulling, potty training, or excessive barking, online dog training videos might be the perfect way to get expert guidance—without ever leaving your home. But is it really as effective as traditional training? I’ll help you figure out whether this modern approach to dog training is the right fit for you and your furry friend. In this episode, I cover: Why so many dog owners are turning to online dog training courses—and whether it’s the right fit for you The biggest advantages of online dog training, from flexibility to cost savings How to choose the best online dog training courses and avoid common pitfalls The key differences between in-person and online dog training videos—and which one works best for certain behaviors What to look for in a great training program—including credentials, support, and lesson structure If you’ve ever wondered whether online dog training could work for you, this episode will give you the answers you need! Whether you’re a busy pet parent looking for flexibility or someone struggling to find a good trainer in your area, I’ll walk you through the benefits of online dog training and help you make an informed decision. Thank you for taking the time to help your dog become a more well-mannered mutt! Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive more training tips, canine wellness advice and fun activities for dogs and their owners! If you have questions about today's episode, or if there's a topic you want to learn more about, come connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @mannersformutts. If you enjoyed this podcast, head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a review - I'd love to hear what's been helpful for you and your canine friends. Talk to you next time! Resources mentioned in this episode: Manners For Mutts Online Courses Easy Pee-sy Puppy Potty Training Connect with Staci Lemke: Website - www.mannersformutts.com Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts
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10:16
The 4 Stages of Dog Training
Ever wondered if your pet is truly a stubborn dog or simply not understanding what you're asking? In today’s episode, I dive deep into why your dog isn’t really a stubborn dog at all, but might just be struggling with clear communication. I’ll show you how to deal with a stubborn dog by shifting your perspective and refining your training techniques. I'll cover the four stages of dog training that every dog owner should know, and I’ll reveal how to communicate with your dog to lead to a stronger bond and more reliable behavior. What you'll learn in this episode: Why is my dog acting like a stubborn dog? Discover the hidden reasons behind what appears as defiance and learn why your pup might simply be confused or unmotivated. The 4 stages of dog training: What exactly are acquisition, fluency, generalization, and maintenance—and how can understanding these stages revolutionize your training approach? Struggling with obedience? Learn how to deal with a stubborn dog by using the stages of dog training to your advantage: I’ll share real-life examples and tips that help you overcome common challenges. Unlock the secret to how to communicate with your dog in any situation: From setting clear criteria to handling distractions, find out how to ensure your commands always hit the mark. Valentine’s Day bonus: I share some fun, heartwarming activities that will make this Valentine’s Day extra special for you and your dog. By the end of this episode, you'll understand the stages of dog training, and have a fresh perspective on training that replaces frustration with understanding, making every interaction a chance to build a deeper connection with your furry friend. If you’ve ever wondered how to communicate with your dog more effectively or how to deal with a stubborn dog, this episode is packed with the insights and tips you need. Thank you for taking the time to help your dog become a more well-mannered mutt! Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive more training tips, canine wellness advice and fun activities for dogs and their owners! If you have questions about today's episode, or if there's a topic you want to learn more about, come connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @mannersformutts. If you enjoyed this podcast, head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a review - I'd love to hear what's been helpful for you and your canine friends. Talk to you next time! Resources mentioned in this episode: But, My Puppy's Not Fully Vaccinated! Connect with Staci Lemke: Website - www.mannersformutts.com Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts
Welcome to The Well-Mannered Mutt Podcast, the show for dog owners looking to improve their relationship with their canine friends. This podcast is designed to both train dogs and teach people, so there can be success and happiness at both ends of the leash.
Your host, Staci Lemke is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, retired Registered Veterinary Technician, and owner of Manners for Mutts Dog Training. With over 20 years of experience working with dogs and their people, Staci is the perfect guide to help you navigate the ups and downs of life with a dog.
So, whether you're a new dog owner or a seasoned pro, be sure to join Staci for each episode as she shares practical training tips, fun doggy adventures, and simple things you can do to strengthen the bond between you and your four-legged friend.
Connect with Staci:
Website - www.mannersformutts.com
Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts