The Dog People Podcast
Episodes
What Is Assistance Dog Puppy Raising — And Should You Do It?
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Before you commit to a dog of your own, there's a way to get the full experience, with expert support, a clear endpoint, and the knowledge that you're...
Single Event Learning in Dogs Explained: The One-Time Experiences That Shape Behaviour
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know your dog can learn something permanently from a single experience? Jack and Max dig into single event learning — what it is, why dogs a...
The Lottery Winner Problem: Why Your Dog Needs to Earn It
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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'...
Your Dog Isn't Broken — They're a Teenager
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 some...
We Bought Dog Semen, here's Why.
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Quick note for parents – this one's all about dog breeding, so younger ears might lead to some fun dinner table conversations! Yes, really. Professi...
hy Dogs Resource Guard and 5 steps to address it.
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Disclaimer: The advice shared in this episode is general in nature and is intended as a starting point for understanding resource guarding in dogs. Re...
Why Your Dog Suddenly Won't Eat (And What to Do About Fussy Eaters)
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
First Generation Cross Breeds beware
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Thinking of buying a Groodle or Cavoodle? Dog behaviourist Max Oneil reveals the red flags first-generation mixed breed buyers need to watch for.In pa...
Are we over medicating our dogs?
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Is medication the answer for your dog's anxiety, aggression or behaviour problems? Or is it being over-prescribed? In this essential episode, hosts Ja...
Should You Desex Your Dog? Expert Vet & Trainer Reveal Pros, Cons & Timing
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Thinking about desexing your dog? This episode delivers the answers you need from two leading experts who break down the science, myths, and real-worl...
Pick Your Battles: What Actually Matters in Dog Training
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Perfection doesn’t exist in dog training and chasing it can suck the fun out of life with your dog.In this episode, Jack and professional trainer Ma...
“My Dog Is Just Protecting Me” Why That’s Almost Never True
01 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
One of the most common things dog trainers hear is: “He’s not aggressive, he’s just protecting me.”In this episode, Max O’Neill explains why...
Top Chew Toys for Power Chewer Dogs (Trainer Picks)
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Looking for chew toys that can survive a power chewer? Professional dog trainer Max O’Neill lists his top 6 chew options for dogs that love to chew ...
Man Trailing - Get your dog using its nose
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we jump back into our series on dog sports and sit down with Dr Ingrid Groeger-Stone from Creature Connections to talk all things mantrailing. I...
Crossbreeding Done Right
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Thinking about getting a mixed-breed dog? In this episode, Max and Jack break down the real science and ethics behind crossbreeding and why not all br...
Changing Your Dog’s Name: Will It Confuse Them or Help Them?
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Got a rescue dog with a name you don’t love or a dog whose name just doesn’t feel right? A lot of owners worry that changing a dog’s name will c...
Help! my dog is resource gaurding - Q&A
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re back to our regular programming and diving straight into your questions. Today, Max breaks down dog-food aggression, resource-guarding behavio...
IGP Training Explained
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is another episode in our dog sports series where we are trying to convince more people to do cool things with their dogs! and IGP is certianly o...
From Movie Tigers to Protection Sports
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this extra long Dog pod episode, Jack and Max sit down with Casey from Big Show PSA — a trainer with one of the wildest origin stories you’ll e...
Making a Splash: Discovering Dock Diving with Barn Dogs Australia
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jack and Max are joined once again by the team from Barn Dogs Australia — but this time, they’re heading to the pool! The crew di...
Barn Search: The Dog Sport Anyone Can Try – with Barn Dogs Australia
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Dog People Podcast, Jack and Max are joined by the team from Barn Dogs Australia to uncover one of the most exciting and access...
ANKC Obedience Sports with Jamie the Dog Trainer: How to Get Started and Level Up
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jack and Max are joined by Jamie the Dog Trainer to dive into the world of ANKC obedience — one of the fastest-growing dog sports around. Jamie bre...
Dog Sports for Everyone: Fun, Accessible Activities to Build a Better Bond with Your Dog
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this new mini-series, Jack and Max dive into the world of dog sports that anyone can get involved in — no elite training required. From dock divi...
From Triathlete to Top Dog Trainer: Jamie The Dog trainer’s Journey
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What makes someone leave a career as a professional triathlete to become one of Victoria’s most respected dog trainers? In this episode, Max and Jac...
Training Goals vs Reality: What’s Fair to Expect from Your Dog
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can we accidentally set our dogs up to fail by expecting too much? Jack sits down with Max to talk honestly about his cattle cross rescue, Kira, and w...
Desensitisation vs Counter-Conditioning: The Dog Trainer’s Guide to Changing Behaviour
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dog trainer Max O’Neill breaks down two of the most misunderstood techniques in dog behaviour — desensitisation and counter-conditioning. Learn th...
When Failure Helps Your Dog learn
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Dog People Pod, Jack puts a big question to trainer Max O’Neil: are we contradicting ourselves when we say we shouldn’t let...
Dog Ownership License: Brilliant Idea or Too Much Red Tape?
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Dog People Pod, Jack and professional trainer Max O’Neil tackle a controversial question: should people need a license to own...
Question time: Night-Time Toilet Troubles & Are Dog Beaches the New Dog Parks?
28 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Dog People Pod, Jack and professional trainer Max O’Neil dive into audience questions from the Facebook group. First up: what...
Dog Training Showdown: Jack Challenges Zac George’s ‘Opt Out’ Method
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Dog People Pod, Jack and professional trainer Max O’Neil dive into a recent video from well-known trainer Zac George, who arg...
Fixing the Why, Not Just the What
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Max and Jack dive into one of the most important lessons in dog training: don’t just stop a behaviour, understand why it’s happen...
Dog Training Standards: Do We Need Laws or Just Better Trainers?
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dog training is an unregulated industry but should it stay that way? In this episode, Jack takes the side of regulation after seeing firsthand the har...
Why Puppy School Isn’t Enough to Train Your Dog
14 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A four-week puppy school might be a great start, but it’s not the finish line. In this episode, Max explains the real role of puppy school, why it s...
Bringing Home a Second Dog? Be prepared to be a leader
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bringing home a second dog isn’t just about doubling the fun, it means doubling the responsibility. Max explains why “letting the dogs sort it out...
Punishing the act not the aftermath
07 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When Max woke up to find his dog Nelson had shredded a cushion, he didn’t just get frustrated he used it as a training opportunity. In this episode,...
Nature vs Nurture in Dogs: Are Behaviour Problems Born or Made?
10 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is your dog’s behaviour shaped by its breed and genetics—or by how it's raised? In this episode of The Dog People Podcast, professional dog traine...
The Truth About Anti-Bark Devices: Why Ultrasonic Gadgets Don’t Work
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are ultrasonic anti-bark devices really the magic solution they claim to be? In this episode of The Dog People Podcast, professional dog trainer Max O...
Large Dog Breeds That Can Be Too Much for First-Time Owners: Big Dogs, Big Demands
03 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the final episode of our breed guidance series for new dog owners, Jack and expert trainer Max O’Neil explore the large dog breeds that might not...
Medium Dog Breeds That May Challenge First-Time Owners: High Drive, High Maintenance
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Dog People Podcast, Jack and professional trainer Max O’Neil continue their honest look at breed suitability for new owners—...
Small Dog Breeds That May Be Too Much for First-Time Owners: What to Know Before You Choose
27 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Not every adorable small dog is an easy fit for first-time owners. In this honest and informative episode of The Dog People Podcast, Jack and dog trai...
Best Large Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners: Gentle Giants
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the final instalment of our breed recommendation series on The Dog People Podcast, Jack and professional trainer Max O’Neil tackle the best large...
Top Medium-Sized Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners: Balanced, Friendly, and Just Right
20 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In part two of our first-time dog owner series on The Dog People Podcast, Jack and expert trainer Max O’Neil turn their attention to medium-sized do...
Best Small Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners: Your Perfect Pup Starts Here
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Dog People Podcast, Jack and professional dog trainer Max O’Neil kick off a brand-new series designed to help first-time dog ...
Reinforcement Schedules Explained: Why Unpredictable Rewards Create Addicted Learners
13 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Dog People Podcast, Max and Jack unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of dog training — how often you should be rewardi...
Dog People Q&A: Daycare Advice, Vagus Nerve Facts & Fetch Troubles
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Jack and Max as they field your questions in this dog-packed episode: uncover the realities of modern doggie daycare, debunk the vagus nerve “c...
Responsible Rehoming: Why It Isn’t Always a Failure
06 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rehoming a dog is one of the hardest decisions a person can make — and one of the most judged. In this honest conversation, we break down the stigma...
How to Build a Healthy Relationship With Your Dog
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Want a dog who loves working with you but can also chill on their own? In this episode, we’ll teach you how to build a healthy relationship with you...
Dogs Learn from Dogs: Choosing the Right Social Circle
29 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every interaction your dog has shapes them — so what are they picking up from their "friends"? This episode dives into how dogs influence each other...
The Dog Park Debate: Social Playground or Behavioural Minefield?
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dog parks are everywhere — but are they really the best place for your dog? In this episode, we dive into the pros, cons, and common misconceptions ...
The Second Dog Checklist: Are You and Your Dog Really Ready?
22 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bringing home a second dog is a major life change — not just for you, but for your current dog too. In this episode, we dive into everything you nee...
Are You Training or Managing? How to Know What Mode You’re In
15 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Max breaks down one of the most important distinctions in dog behaviour: training vs management. You should always be in one of these...
From Panic to Peace: Managing Your Dog’s Noise Phobia
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Loud bangs, flashing lights, and rolling thunder — while we know it’s just weather or a celebration, for many dogs it’s terrifying. In this epis...
Reactivity, Redemption, and Real Lessons with Canines on Cue’s Seb Lemaire
08 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Dog People Podcast, we sit down with Sebastian Lemaire from Canines on Cue to hear the honest, inspiring story of how his own d...
Dogs & Kids: Preparing for a Safe and Happy Home
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Dog People Podcast, it’s all about kids and canines—and how to help them live together safely and harmoniously.Jack is joined by ...
Threshold Training could save your dogs life
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Dog People Podcast, Jack opens up about a recent scare with Kira running through open doors left ajar by tradies—a potentiall...
Buying from a Breeder? Here’s How to Do It Right
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
My Dog’s Obsessed with the Cat! Plus: Cobberdog Enrichment Tips
25 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 en...
Why Every Dog Needs a Job
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. Whet...
Positive vs Negative Reinforcement: What’s the Difference?
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Truth About Punishment: Why It’s Not a Dirty Word
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Recall That Works: The 4 Levels of Freedom Explained
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recall isn’t just about your dog coming when called—it’s about trust, timing, and proof. In this episode, Max breaks down his Four Levels of Fre...
Why Is My Dog Barking? Understanding the Noise Before the Fix
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Barking is one of the most common frustrations for dog owners—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood behaviours. In this episode of The Dog P...
Teach It, Train It, Proof It, Keep It: The Full Dog Training Cycle
04 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Your dog listens at home, but ignores you at the park? You might be stuck between stages. This week, Max explains the four stages of learning every do...
At the Gate: Threshold Training That Could Save Your Dog’s Life
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After a few too many incidents with Kira wondering off—thanks to tradies leaving gates open—Jack realised something had to change. In this episode...
When to Hire a Dog Trainer: Setting You & Your Dog Up for Success
27 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every dog is different, and while some owners can tackle training on their own, others might need a little expert guidance. But how do you know when i...
Jealous Dogs and Harness Hiccups: Listener Q&A
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re opening the inbox and answering your dog dilemmas! First, Max tackles a case of sibling rivalry—one listener’s young dog is acting out wit...
Unlocking Your Dog’s Motivation: Finding your dogs currency
20 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If your dog isn’t responding to training, you might be using the wrong currency. In this episode, Jack and Max O’Neil explain how to identify what...
So you want to be a dog trainer?
13 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Turning a passion for dogs into a full-time career is a dream for many, but where do you start? In this episode, Max shares his blueprint for becoming...
Walking Your Dog, Not Flying a Kite
06 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If your dog’s leash skills make you feel like you’re hang-gliding instead of walking, this episode is for you. Jack and Max O’Neil sit down to a...
Finding the Right Dog Trainer – What to Look For and What to Avoid
30 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With so many different training methods and philosophies out there, finding the right dog trainer can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we break dow...
The crate debate!
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Crate training is one of the most divisive topics in the dog world—some swear by it, while others strongly oppose it. In this episode, we take a bal...
Engagement – Becoming the Centre of Your Dog’s World
16 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How tuned in is your dog to you? In new environments, does your dog check in with you or run off in search of something more exciting—chasing birds,...
Outlets – Giving Your Dog a Purpose
16 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"You never want a working dog that's out of work!"A bored dog is a destructive dog! We dive into the importance of mental and physical outlets, from s...
Socialisation – More Than Just Saying Hello
16 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Socialisation isn’t just about meeting other dogs—it’s about building confidence in all areas of your dog’s life. In this episode, we break do...
Structure – The Key to a Balanced Dog
16 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Much like us humans dogs thrive on routine, but what does a structured life really look like? We discuss how to create healthy boundaries, set realist...
The Five Pillars of a Well-Balanced Dog
16 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Before we dive into the details, this episode sets the stage for our series by exploring the five key elements every dog owner needs to understand: so...
Who are we!?
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...