The Dog People Podcast

Oreo and Tommy have lived together for over a decade. Two dogs, one home, one kennel, one sofa -- and for years, not a problem in sight. Then something shifted. Oreo, a 13-year-old cocker spaniel, started showing aggression toward Tommy, a 12-year-old beagle, around food, in their shared kennel, and over the sofa they had spent years sleeping on side by side. Their owners were confused, worried, and didn't know where to turn.
Professional dog trainer Max O'Neil did.

In this episode, Max takes Jack through a recent client session with Oreo and Tommy, breaking down why senior dogs can undergo real personality and behavioural changes as they age, why resource guarding can emerge or intensify in their later years, and what he is actually doing -- step by step -- to help these two old friends find their way back to each other. From managing feeding routines to rethinking shared spaces, Max walks us through the practical strategies he is putting in place and why patience, structure, and understanding what is happening inside an ageing dog's world makes all the difference.

Because getting older is hard. For all of us.
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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 changing someone's life. Raising an assistance puppy is one of the most rewarding things a dog lover can do, and the benefits go far beyond the obvious. It's the ultimate test drive for first-time dog owners, a brilliant way to figure out if your household is ready for a second dog, and an education in raising a well-rounded animal that most pet owners never get. Max and Jack break down everything you need to know about becoming a puppy raiser, what it involves, what you get out of it, and why more dog people should seriously consider it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 are wired for it, and how it affects everything from fear and phobias to fast, reliable training. Whether you're dealing with a reactive dog or just want to raise a confident one, this episode is essential listening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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's actually a fast track to boredom, anxiety, and a total loss of purpose. Your dog is no different. In this episode, we talk about why giving your dog everything could be the worst thing you do for them, and how making them work for it, using their brain and their instincts, could transform their behaviour and wellbeing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 something shifts.

Expert dog trainer Max O'Neil and Jack talk having a teenager! Max explains the science and behaviour behind this challenging developmental window, what your dog is actually experiencing, and the strategies that work when nothing else seems to.

We share real world examples form our own experiences with teenagers and what you can do to navigate this really tricky time!!

If you're in the thick of it right now or you have a puppy who is 'perfect', this one's for you.
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