Is your dog nervous, reactive, or just unsure around new people? You're not alone — and this episode is for you! In today’s show, Amy walks you through why some dogs struggle with strangers and what you can do to help them feel safe and confident using positive reinforcement and force-free training methods.

Whether your dog is fine out and about but struggles at home, or they just don’t like being touched by people they don’t know, you’ll learn:

✅ The common causes behind fear of strangers
✅ What NOT to do (and why forcing it can make things worse)
✅ How to change your dog’s emotional response using simple, trust-building exercises
✅ Practical training games like Look & Treat, Stranger Toss, and Pattern Games
✅ Tips for in-home guest setups, managing space, and setting your dog up for success

Join us as we replace fear with confidence — one treat, one step, and one success at a time.

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In this episode, Amanda, a professional trainer here at BAXTER & Bella, coaches a client through a powerful behavior-changing technique known as the 10-1 rule. If your dog struggles with things like car rides, leash walks, harnesses, crates, baths, or nail trims, this episode is for you. Amanda breaks down how to shift your dog’s emotional response to these common stressors by creating more positive associations and building trust over time. Learn how to apply this simple yet effective strategy to help your dog feel more confident, calm, and cooperative.

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In this eye-opening episode, we’re tackling one of the most controversial topics in dog training: shock collars and invisible fences. Are these tools truly effective—or are they causing more harm than good?

Join us as we uncover:
⚠️ The rise of electronic collars and containment systems
🌍 Global bans and why many countries are saying no
🧠 The physical and psychological risks to your dog
🏡 Why physical fences are a safer solution
🐾 The power of positive reinforcement training

Whether you’re considering training tools or simply want to understand the science and ethics behind them, this episode will empower you to make informed, compassionate choices for your pup.

Listen in and reflect—because a well-trained dog starts with trust, not fear.

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Looking for ways to make the most of the sunny season with your dog? We’ve got you covered with a guide full of exciting, safe, and fun-filled activities—from mountain hikes to beachside play.

In this episode, we’ll explore:
🥾 How to prep for dog-friendly hikes
🛶 Tips for kayaking with your pup
🐕‍🦺 Fun dog sports to try this summer
🌳 Park visits & more
🚗 Road trip and beach safety
🧊 Smart ways to beat the heat

Whether you’re an outdoor explorer or a weekend wanderer, this episode is packed with practical tips to make this summer unforgettable for you and your dog.

Grab the leash, pack some treats, and let’s get ready to play! 🐾

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Today we're diving into one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—chapters of puppy parenthood: the first week at home.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to lay the foundation for a trusting, loving bond with your new dog. We’ll cover:

🐾 Building a Bond – Simple ways to help your puppy feel safe, secure, and connected to you from day one.
🛏️ Crate Training 101 – How to make the crate a calm, comforting place your puppy will love.
🚶‍♂️ Teaching Independence – Step-by-step tips to ease your puppy into being alone without fear.
🧸 Keeping Them Engaged – Toys, routines, and smart strategies to channel that puppy energy.
😴 Managing Expectations – Why patience, flexibility, and a sense of humor go a long way.

Whether you’re a first-time puppy parent or just need a refresher, this episode is packed with practical, professional advice to help you and your pup start off on the right paw.

💡 Bonus: Here's a link to our in-depth Crate Training class and THE FIRST WEEK TOGETHER learning module.

https://www.baxterandbella.com/the-crate-class

https://www.baxterandbella.com/step-by-step-programs

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Every puppy parent faces the same challenge: balancing freedom with safety. That delicate dance between letting your puppy explore their world while protecting them (and your home) from potential disasters. What if there was a simple solution that creates harmony for both you and your growing puppy?

Playpens are the unsung heroes of puppy raising. Far from being a "cage" or prison, a properly introduced playpen serves as your puppy's personal apartment - their safe haven where they can relax, play with appropriate toys, and learn crucial life skills. As trainers Amy Jensen and Amanda explain, this management tool creates the perfect environment for your puppy to thrive while preventing unwanted behaviors from developing in the first place.

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Have you ever noticed your dog jumping on you, then quickly told them to sit and rewarded them with a treat? You might be inadvertently teaching them that jumping is the first step in getting what they want.

On the Puppy Training Podcast, dog trainer and therapist Amanda Crosland introduces us to the jump-sit-treat theory—a fascinating insight into how dogs learn patterns and how we often accidentally reinforce the very behaviors we're trying to eliminate. Dogs don't analyze our intentions; they simply recognize cause and effect. When jumping consistently leads to interaction followed by rewards, the jumping behavior becomes cemented as part of their successful strategy.

The solution lies in becoming proactive rather than reactive trainers. By anticipating situations where your dog might display unwanted behaviors and preemptively redirecting them, you can break these cycles. Amanda draws compelling parallels between these canine learning patterns and similar cycles in human behavior—like how we procrastinate, panic, succeed, and then repeat the pattern because the reward reinforced the entire sequence.

Perhaps most importantly, Amanda reminds us that dogs are emotional mirrors, reflecting our energy and states back to us. "If we're anxious, they get anxious. If we're calm, they settle into calm." This insight shifts the training focus from simple obedience to a deeper understanding of emotional regulation and mindfulness from both ends of the leash.

Ready to break unwanted behavior cycles with your dog? Subscribe to the Puppy Training Podcast for more insights, and visit BAXTER and Bella online for additional training resources to help you build the relationship you want with your canine companion.

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Is your puppy a social butterfly who wants to greet every dog and human on walks—but not every encounter goes smoothly? In this episode, we dive into the reality of socializing your puppy around neighborhood dogs, especially when some dogs aren’t as friendly or welcoming. You’ll learn how to handle tricky walk-by situations, what to do when other dogs react poorly, and how to help your puppy develop calm, confident social skills. We’ll also share simple training exercises you can do at home to prepare your pup for successful outings. Socialization isn’t just about play—it’s about building a dog who’s socially savvy. Let’s talk about how to do it right.

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