The Dog People Podcast

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.

Is your dog turning their nose up at dinner? In this episode, Jack shares how his dog Kira suddenly refused to eat — and how a well-meaning fix with sardines may have accidentally created a fussy eater. Dog trainer Max O'Neil breaks down why dogs learn to hold out for something better, the psychology behind picky eating behaviour, and what you should (and shouldn't) do when your dog skips a meal. If you've ever wondered whether your dog is manipulating you at mealtimes, this one's for you.⚠️ Important: A dog going off their food can sometimes indicate an underlying medical issue. If your dog stops eating, please consult your veterinarian to rule out any health concerns before assuming it's behavioural.

Thinking of buying a Groodle or Cavoodle? Dog behaviourist Max Oneil reveals the red flags first-generation mixed breed buyers need to watch for.In part two of our ethical dog breeding series, hosts Jack Laurence and renowned Australian dog trainer and behaviourist Max Oneil from Down Under Dog Trainer talk about the hidden risks of first-generation mixed breeds.Groodles, Cavoodles, and other designer crossbreeds have exploded in popularity across Australia and the UK, but Max warns that first-generation mixes come with unique challenges many buyers don't anticipate. Unlike established breeds with predictable traits, F1 crosses can inherit unpredictable combinations of characteristics from both parent breeds, sometimes getting the worst of both worlds rather than the best.In this episode, Max covers:Why first-generation mixed breeds are genetic wildcardsBreeder red flags, Warning signs in breeder behaviour and practicesQuestions every potential buyer should ask before committingWhether you're considering a Labradoodle, Spoodle, Cavoodle, or any poodle cross, this episode arms you with the expert knowledge needed to make an informed decision and avoid costly mistakes, both financially and emotionally.Max Oneil brings decades of professional dog training experience to help listeners understand what ethical breeding truly looks like.