The Dog People Podcast

How close can your dog get to their trigger before they tip over the edge? That distance is called threshold, and understanding it might be the single most useful thing you can learn about your reactive dog.In episode two of our Reactivity Unpacked mini-series, Max explains exactly what threshold means and breaks down his approach to working with it, using his method of green, yellow and red zones. He walks through each zone in detail, what it means for your dog, and the signs you can watch for to work out exactly where your dog's zones sit.From there, Max covers controlled exposure and how to use it to make real progress. Why repeatedly pushing your dog into the red zone sets your training back, but also why keeping them permanently tucked away in the green zone means they never learn to cope at all. The sweet spot is somewhere in between, and this episode shows you how to find it.Whether your dog barks and lunges at other dogs, people, bikes or anything else, this one will help you read the signs earlier and set your dog up to succeed.

Is your dog hitting the roof at the sight of another dog, a passing car, or an unexpected sound? You're not alone. In this mini-series, we're pulling back the curtain on canine reactivity - exploring what it really is, where it comes from, when it shows up, and most importantly, what you can do about it.Join Max and me as we dig into the nitty gritty of reactivity in all its forms. Whether your dog is a leash-reactive lunger, a noise-sensitive nervous wreck, or something in between, this series will give you the tools and understanding to make real changes.Episode 1: Trigger Stacking - Why Your Dog Loses It (And It's Probably Not What You Think)Your dog was fine five minutes ago. So why did they absolutely lose it at that squirrel? The answer might be trigger stacking - and it's one of the most misunderstood concepts in dog behaviour.In this episode, Max breaks down what trigger stacking actually is, how to spot the signs that it's building in your dog, and practical strategies to prevent and manage it. Understanding this one concept could be the missing piece in your reactivity puzzle.

With Jack away on Holiday Max is flying solo this episode and taking you through his origin story. How he found himself as the highest rated dog trainer on the Gold Coast! so grab a coffee, tea or you're favourite bevvy sit back and get ready for story time!

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!