The Dog People Podcast

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.

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.

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 :)

"Adopt don't shop" is one of the most repeated phrases in the dog world. But what if it's part of the problem?In this episode, Max makes an argument that will surprise, and possibly frustrate, some of our listeners. As a dog trainer and behavioural expert, he believes that if everyone bought their dog from a reputable, ethical breeder, we would actually see fewer dogs ending up in shelters and fewer dogs being put down. It's a viewpoint plenty of people won't like, and Max knows it, but in this episode he lays out exactly why he thinks this way.Jack, who has always adopted his dogs from rescues puts to Max the questions that many listeners who disagree with this position will be shouting at their speakers, from puppy farms and backyard breeders to the dogs already sitting in shelters right now waiting for a home.Whichever side of the debate you're on, this one might make you think.

If every person did these, 99% of dog trainers would be out of work!Recently Max listed 15 simple things you can do for your dog that can solve 99% of Behavioural issues. In this episode we tackle the rest of Max's list, talking off leash freedom, having rules in the home, using thier nose and more!

If every person did these, 99% of dog trainers would be out of work!Recently Max listed 15 simple things you can do for your dog that can solve 99% of Behavioural issues. In this episode we tackle the first seven of them. Number 1 may suprise you.

If your dog lunges at other dogs on lead, barks at the postie, or loses the plot at the sight of a skateboard, you're not alone, and your dog isn't bad. They're reactive, and that's a very different thing.In this episode, Jack and Max unpack one of the most misunderstood behaviours in dog ownership. Max walks through the different types of reactivity, from fear-based and frustration-based to leash reactivity, barrier reactivity, and over-arousal, explaining what each one actually looks like and why dogs end up there in the first place.You'll learn how to spot the early warning signs before your dog tips over threshold, the common triggers most owners overlook, and why punishment usually makes things worse. Whether you're living with a reactive dog or just want to understand what's happening when you see one on the street, this episode will give you the tools to look at reactive behaviour with fresh eyes, and a lot more empathy.Need help? reach out to Max and his team today.

Living with a reactive dog can be exhausting. Walks become stressful, unexpected triggers create anxiety, and over time it can start to impact the relationship you have with your dog.In this episode of The Dog People Podcast, Jack Laurence and Max O’Neil dive deep into one of the most common challenges dog owners face, reactivity.With Max recently launching his new training program, Reactivity Rewire, this conversation focuses on the exact checks, protocols, and first steps he uses with clients dealing with reactive dogs every day.If your dog barks, lunges, overreacts to people, dogs, or the environment around them, this episode will help you understand why it’s happening and more importantly, what you can start doing about it.The goal? Less stress, more confidence, and building the relationship with your dog you’ve always wanted.This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au. ssued byPacific International Insurance.

A wagging tail means a happy dog, right? Not quite. In this episode, Jack and Max bust one of the most widespread myths in dog ownership and explain why misreading the tail can put you, your kids, or another dog in a tricky spot.Max breaks down what different tail positions, heights, speeds, and movements actually communicate, from the loose full-body wag of a genuinely relaxed dog to the high, stiff flag that signals arousal or warning. He covers the subtle signs owners often miss, what to watch for when dogs meet, and the red flags that suggest your dog isn't as comfortable as you think.Whether you've got a new puppy, a rescue settling in, or a dog you've lived with for years, this episode will change the way you read your dog. Because once you know what the tail is really telling you, you can step in before a situation escalates, and build a stronger bond with your dog along the way.