The Dog People Podcast

Ever wonder why your dog is a perfect angel off-lead but transforms into a reactive nightmare the moment you clip on their collar? Or the opposite - fine when free but loses it on the lead? In this episode of Reactivity Unpacked, Max breaks down exactly what's happening: barrier frustration. What starts as simple excitement to greet other dogs can escalate into frustration and, if left unchecked, aggression. The culprit often lies in what happened during puppyhood. Too many leash greetings early on can wire a puppy's brain to expect and demand interaction at the end of that lead. But here's the thing - avoiding leash greetings altogether is part of the solution. And then there's the curveball most people miss: a bad doggie daycare experience can create the exact same problems when your dog comes home. We're diving into why these patterns develop, how they escalate, and crucially, what you can actually do about it. If your dog's behaviour changes depending on what's attached to their collar, this episode is for you. Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au . ssued by Pacific International Insurance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack's old mate, comedian Dave Hughes, posted a video of his rescue dog Ginger having a very determined go at his drywall - and we couldn't resist bringing it to the show. Turns out, there's a lot to unpack when a dog decides your house is their personal demolition site. In this bonus episode, we dig into why dogs become destructive in the first place, what's actually driving that behaviour, and practical stuff you can do to stop it before your walls become snacks. Max jumps in with some of the funniest (and most questionable) things he's seen dogs destroy across his years of training - and trust us, Ginger's drywall ambitions don't even crack the top five. If your dog is a destructive nightmare, or you just want to hear some absolute corkers about what dogs can do when nobody's watching - this one's worth a listen. Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au . ssued by Pacific International Insurance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've learned so much about giving our dogs enrichment and meeting their breed-specific needs - but have we gone too far the other way? Many dogs now live in a constant state of stimulation, always doing, always going, always needing more. In this episode, Jack and Max sit down with Sarah from @TheHumanandTheHellHound to explore one of the most overlooked skills in dog training: teaching your dog how to slow down, switch off, and do absolutely nothing. We dig into how your dog's nervous system works, why so much stimulation can actually create anxious, dysregulated dogs, and why teaching your dog to regulate isn't about restriction - it's about balance. Sarah walks us through real-world situations where you can start building this skill with your dog right now. If your dog is always in motion, always wanting more, or always looking for the next thing - this one's for you. Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au . ssued by Pacific International Insurance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we have a special guest in the Dog Pod HQ studio! Sarah from @TheHumanandTheHellHound is going to be hanging out with us for a couple of episodes to talk about her over 20 years of experience working with dogs, with many years of that experience going to working with RED ZONE dogs, the dogs that most of the world gives up on. Sarah loves nothing more than saving them from euthanasia. Sarah is so knowledgeable on so many subjects, including our dogs and their nervous system and why it's so important to help our dogs learn to regulate theirs. Do you have a dog that can't relax? Have a dog that won't switch off? Can't take your dog for a coffee or to lie on the beach and chill? Then these episodes are a MUST LISTEN! Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au . ssued by Pacific International Insurance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In todays episode we take your questions from the Dog People Podcast facebook group! We handle some issues with a Kelpie who's decided that the bedroom is the only place to train and we tackle the question on Dog food, whats good and whats worth skipping! Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au . ssued by Pacific International Insurance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au . ssued by Pacific International Insurance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au . ssued by Pacific International Insurance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au . ssued by Pacific International Insurance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au . ssued by Pacific International Insurance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au . ssued by Pacific International Insurance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 :) Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au . ssued by Pacific International Insurance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"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. Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au . ssued by Pacific International Insurance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au . ssued by Pacific International Insurance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au . ssued by Pacific International Insurance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au . ssued by Pacific International Insurance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 by Pacific International Insurance. Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au . ssued by Pacific International Insurance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au . ssued by Pacific International Insurance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rescues do incredible work, but the breed on the listing isn't always the dog you bring home. In this episode, Jack and Max unpack why so many rescue dogs get mislabelled, what that means for unprepared owners, and how a bit of homework before adoption can save everyone a lot of heartache. Max shares a jaw-dropping story from his own experience as a trainer, turning up to help a client with what was advertised as a French bulldog, only to be greeted by a 40kg dog at the door. It's a reminder that size, energy levels, and temperament can be wildly different from what you've been told. This isn't an attack on rescue organisations, who are doing some of the most important work in the dog world. It's a call for prospective owners to ask questions, meet the dog properly, observe behaviour, and be honest with themselves about what they can handle. Because the best outcome for a rescue dog is a home that stays its home. Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au . ssued by Pacific International Insurance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of our e-collar series, Jack and Max move past the theory and get into the real stories. Jack opens up about the day his own dog took off down a highway chasing a motorbike, and the decision that followed to put her on an e-collar. It wasn't a decision made lightly, and he walks through what changed, what didn't, and why he'd make the same call again. Max brings stories from his own clients. Owners who'd tried everything. Dogs whose lives were getting smaller by the week because they couldn't be trusted off lead, couldn't pass another dog without lunging, or couldn't be left alone with the family cat. Max shares what brought these owners to the e-collar, what the transition actually looked like, and how the tool reshaped not just the dogs' behaviour but the entire relationship between dog and owner. If you've spent the series wondering whether an e-collar could ever be right for your dog, this episode gives you the honest, lived-in answer that no training manual can. Real owners. Real dogs. Real change. Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au . ssued by Pacific International Insurance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of our e-collar series, Jack and Max get into the part most owners get wrong: introducing corrections. When is your dog actually ready? What does a fair correction look like? And how do you build the foundation that makes the tool work the way it should? We cover the prerequisite skills your dog needs before a correction ever enters the picture, how to layer the stim against a known command, the difference between a correction and a reaction, and the common mistakes that turn a useful tool into a confused dog. If you have ever wondered when to make that jump from conditioning to actual corrections, this one is for you. Need help with your four legged best friend? get intouch with Max at downunderdogtrainer.com This episode is brough to you by the team at knose Pet Insurance You can learn more at knose.com.au . ssued by Pacific International Insurance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.