The Well-Mannered Mutt Podcast

As we close out the year, it's time to take a breath, look back at how far you and your puppy have come, and let go of the puppy training myths that made puppy behavior feel more confusing and stressful than it needed to be. This end-of-year recap is about clarity, encouragement, and dog behavior explained in a way that actually makes sense for real puppy parents.   In this episode of The Well-Mannered Mutt, I'm sharing the importance of understanding puppy behavior through a kinder, more realistic lens and breaking down five common training myths we're leaving behind so you can head into the new year with confidence, clarity, and trust in positive reinforcement training.   Some of the things I cover in this episode are: dog behavior explained without blame, shame, or outdated labels Why positive reinforcement training is communication, not bribery How common myths quietly interfere with how to build confidence in dogs What puppy parents are already doing right when it comes to puppy behavior Why understanding dog behavior explained through science changes everything You've done more than you realize. Your puppy has learned more than you think. When we understand dog behavior explained through kindness and science, training gets easier and relationships get stronger. By letting go of pressure, perfection, and outdated advice, you create space for calmer homes, better puppy behavior, and real progress built through positive reinforcement training. This end-of-year recap is also a reminder that learning how to build confidence in dogs starts with trust, patience, and realistic expectations, and you are already well on your way.   Resources mentioned in this episode: HELP! My Puppy Is Biting Me!   Connect with Staci Lemke: Website - www.mannersformutts.com Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts

Holiday excitement, visitors, noise, and unpredictable schedules can turn even the most well-behaved pup into an overstimulated puppy overnight. If your holiday puppy suddenly seems forgetful, chaotic, or overwhelmed, you are not alone. December creates the perfect storm for puppy regression, and most owners never see it coming.   In this episode of The Well-Mannered Mutt, I'm sharing the importance of why puppy regression Spikes During the Holidays and eight actionable steps you can take right now to reduce stress and get your puppy routines back on track.   Some of the things we cover in this episode are: Why puppy regression is normal and temporary during the holiday season How to help an overstimulated puppy settle when your home gets loud and busy Simple ways to stabilize your puppy routines even when your schedule changes What your holiday puppy needs most to stay calm, confident, and connected Regression is not failure. It is simply your puppy trying to navigate a chaotic season with a developing brain. With a few supportive changes, your holiday puppy can bounce back quickly, rebuild good habits, and head into the new year with confidence. You are doing better than you think, and your puppy is learning more than you realize.     Resources mentioned in this episode: WAIT! Come Back! Rapid Fire Recall   Connect with Staci Lemke: Website - www.mannersformutts.com Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts

Bringing home a Christmas puppy seems magical, but the reality often looks very different once the excitement fades. In this episode of The Well-Mannered Mutt, I'm sharing the importance of responsible dog ownership and how to prepare for a puppy, along with five actionable steps you can take right now to decide whether a puppy as a gift is truly the right choice for your family.   Some of the things we cover in this episode are:  Why the idea of a Christmas puppy can lead to overwhelm and stress What responsible dog ownership actually looks like during the holidays Clear guidance on how to prepare for a puppy before the big day arrives When a puppy as a gift can work and when it backfires Practical alternatives that give you the joy of a future dog without rushing the process A Christmas puppy can be a wonderful addition, but only when you approach it with intention, planning, and true responsible dog ownership. By the end of this episode, you'll know exactly how to prepare for a puppy and how to make the puppy as a gift decision with clarity and confidence.   Resources mentioned in this episode: HELP! My Puppy Is Biting Me! New Puppy Checklist   Connect with Staci Lemke: Website - www.mannersformutts.com Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts

In this episode of The Well-Mannered Mutt, I'm sharing the importance of helping your fearful puppy feel safe and eight actionable steps you can take right now to build confidence and connection through desensitization dog training.   If your walks feel more stressful than joyful, or your puppy freezes, hides, or pulls toward home, this episode will give you the tools to rebuild trust and turn those moments into progress. You'll learn exactly how to build trust with your dog so you can help your fearful puppy grow into a calm, confident dog.   Some of the things I cover in this episode are: Spot early signs of a fearful puppy and how to respond with calm support Use gentle desensitization dog training to help your pup relax and explore Create predictable routines that grow a confident dog Strengthen your bond and understand how to build trust with your dog Every puppy deserves to feel safe in their world, and every owner deserves a plan that works. With kindness, consistency, and science-based desensitization dog training, you can help your fearful puppy become a curious, confident dog ready to explore the world beside you.   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: Easy Pee-sy Puppy Potty Training HELP! My Puppy Is Biting Me! But, My Puppy's Not Fully Vaccinated! Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence Program WAIT! Come Back! Rapid Fire Recall   Connect with Staci Lemke: Website - www.mannersformutts.com Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts

Does your dog turn every walk into a tug of war? You're not alone. In this episode, I'm sharing exactly how to stop leash pulling using the same positive reinforcement training methods I teach my clients every day. You'll learn the simple steps to create calm, enjoyable walks through consistent loose leash walking practice. If you've ever wondered how to stop leash pulling without using harsh corrections, this episode is for you. We'll talk about why dogs pull, what they're really communicating, and how positive reinforcement training helps your dog learn faster while keeping walks stress-free. You'll also hear how I approach loose leash walking with both new puppies and adult dogs who have never learned how to walk politely.   Some of the things I cover in this episode are: The real reason your dog pulls and how to change it through positive reinforcement training Step-by-step guidance on loose leash walking that fits into your daily routine Clear answers to the most common questions about how to stop leash pulling Tools and treats that make loose leash walking easier and more fun Why consistency and kindness matter most in positive reinforcement training   By the end of this episode, you'll know how to stop leash pulling the kind, effective way and feel confident using positive reinforcement training to turn every walk into a calm, connected experience through loose leash walking.   Resources mentioned in this episode: Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence Program   Connect with Staci Lemke: Website - www.mannersformutts.com Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts