The Dog People Podcast

Is your dog hitting the roof at the sight of another dog, a passing car, or an unexpected sound? You're not alone. In this mini-series, we're pulling back the curtain on canine reactivity - exploring what it really is, where it comes from, when it shows up, and most importantly, what you can do about it.
Join Max and me as we dig into the nitty gritty of reactivity in all its forms. Whether your dog is a leash-reactive lunger, a noise-sensitive nervous wreck, or something in between, this series will give you the tools and understanding to make real changes.

Episode 1: Trigger Stacking - Why Your Dog Loses It (And It's Probably Not What You Think)
Your dog was fine five minutes ago. So why did they absolutely lose it at that squirrel? The answer might be trigger stacking - and it's one of the most misunderstood concepts in dog behaviour.

In this episode, Max breaks down what trigger stacking actually is, how to spot the signs that it's building in your dog, and practical strategies to prevent and manage it. Understanding this one concept could be the missing piece in your reactivity puzzle.
Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com

This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au. ssued by
Pacific International Insurance.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Jack away on Holiday Max is flying solo this episode and taking you through his origin story. How he found himself as the highest rated dog trainer on the Gold Coast! so grab a coffee, tea or you're favourite bevvy sit back and get ready for story time!
Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com

This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au. ssued by
Pacific International Insurance.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Walk into any pet shop and you will find walls of leashes, harnesses and gadgets all promising to fix your dog's walking woes. But do you actually know what any of it was designed to do?

In this episode, Max breaks down the world of dog equipment and the original purpose behind the tools we clip onto our dogs every day. We take a close look at harnesses, what they should and should not be used for, and how clever marketing has convinced so many owners that a harness will stop their dog pulling, when in reality it was designed to do the complete opposite.

Max also shares how he approaches equipment as a trainer: starting with the least aversive tool and working up until he finds the right fit for each individual dog. Because not every piece of equipment suits every dog, and choosing the wrong one can do real damage to the relationship you share.

This is not a deep dive into any single tool. It is a big picture chat to help you understand what equipment is built for, how dogs tolerate different tools, and how to make better choices for your own dog, with a particular focus on the different types of leashes. In upcoming episodes we will dig into individual tools one by one.
Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com

This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au. ssued by
Pacific International Insurance.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI is everywhere, and now it's coming for dog training.

In this episode, Max reveals a project he's been working on: an AI version of himself. Built on his own ideas and training techniques, it even sounds like him. It's designed as a helpful tool for his clients, meaning if Max isn't immediately available, they can still get guidance that's true to his methods rather than turning to random and often conflicting advice online.

But before you hand your dog's training over to a chatbot, there's an important conversation to be had. Jack and Max dig into the pros and cons of AI in dog training, and Max is clear about one thing: this technology should never replace a real trainer who can see your dog, read their body language and understand what's actually driving their behaviour. AI can be another tool in the bag. It should never be the whole toolbox.

Whether you're excited about this technology or sceptical of it, this episode will help you understand where AI can genuinely help with your dog, and where it absolutely can't.
Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com

This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au. ssued by
Pacific International Insurance.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today is a BONUS Q&A episode thanks to the legends and KNOSE Pet insurance, It's time to open the inbox, because this week Jack and Max are answering your questions.

First up, a dog whose world has been turned upside down by a house move. Since arriving in the new home seven months ago, this pup can't cope with being left alone, and the separation anxiety is getting worse.

Max explains why a change of environment can rattle even a previously settled dog, and lays out the potentiaal ways in which to combat the issue of seperation anxiety.

Then, a tougher one. A working dog has started showing signs of aggression and resource guarding, and the owner is understandably worried about where this is heading.

Max breaks down what's really driving this behaviour and what needs to happen right now before it escalates any further.

If you've got a question for a future Q&A episode, get in touch, your dog dilemma could be next. Join the facebook group now :)
Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com

This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au. ssued by
Pacific International Insurance.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.