The Dog People Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

Quick note for parents – this one's all about dog breeding, so younger ears might lead to some fun dinner table conversations! Yes, really. Professional dog trainer Max O'Neil recently purchased preserved semen from the bloodline of his working Rottweiler Nelson – and honestly, once he explains it, it makes complete sense. Jack and Max get into the why, the how, the cost, and the wider world of canine genetic preservation. It's more fascinating than you'd think, and a genuine insight into what serious working dog breeding actually involves.

Disclaimer: The advice shared in this episode is general in nature and is intended as a starting point for understanding resource guarding in dogs. Resource guarding is one of the most misunderstood behaviours in dogs — and one of the most common. Trainer Max O'Neil sits down to explain exactly what's going on when your dog growls, snaps or stiffens over food, toys or spaces. The key insight? Your dog has figured out that this behaviour gets results. Max shares the five areas he targets when working on guarding: relationship dynamics, rewiring your dog's thought process around success, teaching dogs to trade and give up resources willingly, exploring whether manageable conflict can actually be mentally stimulating, and why gun dogs in particular may need a legitimate outlet for their deep-seated drive to possess. Practical, honest and refreshingly clear.Disclaimer: The advice shared in this episode is general in nature and is intended as a starting point for understanding resource guarding in dogs. Every dog is different, and guarding behaviour can vary greatly in intensity and cause. We always recommend seeking the guidance of a qualified professional dog trainer or animal behaviourist before attempting to address resource guarding at home, particularly in cases involving aggression or where children or vulnerable people are present.