The Dog People Podcast

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.

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.

Is medication the answer for your dog's anxiety, aggression or behaviour problems? Or is it being over-prescribed? In this essential episode, hosts Jack Laurence and renowned Australian dog trainer Max O'Neil sit down with Dr Ingrid Groeger-Stone, a Behaviour Vet from Creature Connections, to discuss everything pet owners need to know about medicating dogs.We explore when behaviour medication genuinely helps dogs, when it might not be necessary, and how it can work effectively alongside training programmes. Dr Groeger-Stone shares her professional insights on the pros and cons of medication, the growing concern about over-prescribed pets, and we talk about a practical checklist of things to consider before starting your dog on medication.Whether you're dealing with separation anxiety, fear-based aggression, or other behavioural challenges, this conversation will help you make informed decisions about your dog's mental health and wellbeing.IMPORTANT MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian before making any decisions about medicating your dog. Never make medication decisions based solely on podcast advice. Your vet can provide personalised guidance based on your dog's specific health history and needs.

Thinking about desexing your dog? This episode delivers the answers you need from two leading experts who break down the science, myths, and real-world impacts of neutering and spaying.Join podcast host Jack alongside renowned dog trainer Max O'Neil and veterinary behaviorist Ingrid from Creature Connections for an in-depth conversation about one of the most common, yet widely misunderstood, decisions dog owners face.What you'll discover:The medical pros and cons of desexing at different life stagesHow neutering affects behavior, aggression, and anxiety in male and female dogsTiming considerations: early desexing vs. waiting until maturityBreed-specific factors that influence the decisionCommon myths debunked by veterinary science Whether you're a new puppy parent or reconsidering desexing for your adult dog, this expert-led discussion cuts through the confusion with evidence-based insights and practical advice.