Claim OwnershipThe Dog People Podcast
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© Jack Laurence
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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 enthusiast) and Max O'Neil (accredited dog trainer and behaviour expert) from Down Under Dog Trainer discuss everything about the world of dogs and dog training.
When you open social media today, you can’t go far without finding a ‘dog trainer’—and everyone has their own strong opinions on what is ‘right’ and what is ‘wrong’. In this podcast, we take a balanced approach to the subject, looking at training methods from both sides of the fence and giving you the right tools to have the perfect companion you've always dreamed of.
Whats veen better is the only fluff here is from the dogs! as we get straight to point on all the important topics that matter to you!
Got a question, an issue or just need some advice? jump on our provate FB group and ask your question now!
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59 Episodes
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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 ever hear. Casey has spent years working with animals of all sizes, and his path into dog training and PSA protection sports began in the most unexpected place: training tigers for a movie. When COVID hit and the industry shut down overnight, Casey pivoted and found his purpose in the world of working dogs.He talks us through PSA protection sport, why he loves it so much and how you can get into it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 dives into the fast-growing sport of dock diving, a high-energy activity that’s as fun for owners as it is for dogs. From the basics of getting started to training tips, safety, and competition insights, this episode covers everything you need to know to help your dog take the leap. Whether your pup’s a natural swimmer or just loves chasing a toy, dock diving could be their new favourite outlet.BARN DOGS AUSTRALIA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 accessible dog sports around — Barn Search! Learn how this scent-based game taps into your dog’s natural instincts, builds confidence, and strengthens your bond. Whether you’ve got a working breed or a couch companion, Barn Search offers a fun, low-pressure way to engage your dog’s nose and mind. Discover how to get started, what you’ll need, and why this fast-growing sport is perfect for everyday dog owners. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 breaks down the structure of obedience competitions, explains how ANKC works, what makes it unique, and how everyday owners can get involved. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your dog’s obedience skills or step into the exciting world of ANKC sport, this episode is packed with insights on training, structure, and community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 diving to barn search and obedience competitions, these sports aren’t just great fun, they’re an incredible way to build a stronger relationship with your dog. Whether you’ve got a high-energy pup or a more laid-back companion, there’s a sport out there for you. Discover how to get started, what’s involved, and why these activities are booming in popularity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Jack sit down with Jamie, a trainer who started out teaching puppy school classes before helping Petstock build their national puppy program. He shares how he turned his passion into a thriving business, grew a loyal social media following, and the training philosophies that shape his work today. If you’ve ever thought about turning your love for dogs into a career, this one’s for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 whether his training expectations match her personality. A powerful discussion on meeting dogs where they’re at, managing frustration, and celebrating progress instead of perfection. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dog trainer Max O’Neill breaks down two of the most misunderstood techniques in dog behaviour — desensitisation and counter-conditioning. Learn the difference between the two, how to tell which one your dog actually needs, and why getting it wrong could make behaviour worse. From nail grinders and fireworks to doorbells and car rides, Max explains how to reshape your dog’s emotional response the right way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 our dogs fail, but also talk about “setting them up for failure”? Max breaks down what these two concepts really mean, why both approaches exist in training, and how to use them in the right context. Together, Jack and Max explore when failure can actually be a teaching tool, when it can damage trust, and how owners can strike the balance to help their dogs learn safely and effectively. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 a dog? With shelters overflowing and cases of neglect still too common, some argue that adding barriers to entry could weed out those who aren’t truly committed to responsible dog ownership. Others worry it might create unnecessary red tape and punish good owners. Jack and Max dig into both sides of the debate, exploring whether licensing could protect dogs, raise standards, and ensure only serious, dedicated people take on the responsibility of a pet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 to do when your dog won’t hold their bladder overnight, cries to be taken outside, and refuses to pee before bed. Then, the guys tackle a hot topic, dog beaches. Are they as chaotic and risky as dog parks, or can they be a safe, enriching outlet for your dog? Tune in for practical tips, honest debate, and a few laughs along the way and we round it out with a question from Jack over his own training with Kira. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 argues that dogs should be free to “opt out” of training sessions to build stronger trust and bonds. Jack raised an important question: what happens when your dog decides to opt out in a real-world situation, like chasing a rabbit, deer, or cat? Zac responded, but the conversation sparked a bigger debate. Together, Jack and Max explore the balance between trust, choice, and safety, agreeing that while dogs need the chance to step back, it’s critical that opting out happens with the handler’s permission, not on the dog’s whim. This episode unpacks why structure matters, how to keep your dog safe in everyday life, and what “choice in training” really looks like.See the video here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 happening in the first place. From digging to barking to chewing, tackling the root cause can stop unwanted habits from simply shifting into new ones. And when all the possible whys have been explored? That’s when it’s time to step in and deal directly with the behaviour itself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 harm caused by bad advice, while Max argues that passion, skill, and results matter more than government rules and talks about the damage that regulation could cause to the industry. Together they explore the pros, cons, and possible consequences of regulating the dog training world and could the answer simply be Do We Need Laws or Just Better Trainers? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 should be seen as the foundation rather than the solution, and how ongoing structure and consistency at home are what truly shape a well-behaved dog. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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” is a dangerous myth, and how clear leadership from you is the key to avoiding conflict and creating harmony. If you’re living with more than one dog, this episode is essential listening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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, Max explains how to uncover the real reasons behind destructive behaviour, why correcting your dog after the fact never works, and how to set up scenarios that let you catch unwanted actions in the moment. Perfect listening for anyone dealing with chewed cushions, shoes, furniture or any behaviours that happen when you're not arround. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 trainer Max O’Neil dives deep into the age-old debate of nature vs nurture in dogs, breaking down how much of your dog’s personality and behaviour is inherited versus influenced by environment, training, and lifestyle.Max shares real-world examples from years of training dogs across all breeds, explains why understanding your dog’s natural instincts is just as important as the way you raise them, and offers practical tips for shaping balanced behaviour. Whether you're raising a new puppy, struggling with a rescue dog, or curious about the role of breeding and early socialisation, this episode gives you the tools to better understand what really drives your dog’s behaviour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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’Neil exposes the truth behind the viral social media ads promoting ultrasonic bark control gadgets. With more and more frustrated dog owners turning to these so-called “miracle” devices, Max breaks down why these tools not only fail to fix barking but can actually make behavioural issues worse.We explore the science (or lack thereof) behind ultrasonic bark deterrents, what’s really happening when your dog barks, and how proper training and understanding your dog’s needs are far more effective—and humane. Whether you're dealing with excessive barking at home, wondering if bark collars or sonic deterrents are worth the money, or just want to separate fact from fiction, this episode has you covered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 be the best fit for first-timers. These dogs may look impressive—and often are loyal, intelligent, and deeply rewarding companions—but some come with big physical and behavioural needs that can overwhelm novice owners.From powerful working breeds to independent protectors with strong instincts, Max explains which large breeds require experienced handling, consistent training, and environments that many first-time owners may not be ready to provide. These aren’t “bad” dogs by any stretch—they're just a better match for those with prior experience or a specific lifestyle.If you’re dreaming of a large breed as your first dog, this episode is a must-listen. We’ll help you avoid common pitfalls, understand the realities of raising and living with a big dog, and steer you toward making a decision that benefits both you and your future four-legged friend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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