In this episode, Anna shares expert insights on how to raise a confident and happy puppy from day one. She walks us through the critical stages of puppy development, including how to navigate socialization and fear periods with confidence and care. From mastering potty training to understanding the ups and downs of adolescence, Anna offers practical, compassionate advice for new puppy parents. She also emphasizes the power of reinforcers in training—why teaching your puppy what motivates them is one of the most important tools you’ll have. Whether you’re bringing home a new pup or just want to brush up on the basics, this episode is packed with tips to set you and your puppy up for success.

In the immortal words of Jimi Hendrix, are you experienced..........dog owner, that is? What breeds require an experienced dog owner? What does that even mean; experienced dog owner? Connie takes a stab at defining experienced dog ownership, what happens if you aren't as experienced as you thought, and how can you become experienced. 

Anna dives into the touchy subject of walking your dog off leash. Should you do it? How does walking your dog off leash affect other dogs. Should you even care? We think so and Anna will discuss the pros and cons of going off leash! Even dog trainers from different backgrounds and methods agree on this one.  Fair Use Act use of the following sound bites: @vigothetoller https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Cb7Y0R7RdhI @HaileeAnd.HerDogs https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VoRcOf-5MtA Tom Davis Dog Training https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJulTzp4Lw4 @willathertoncaninetraining https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dRqYqsZzK0I @zakgeorge https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Xx2lZcPFhsg Koko Garcia | Rescue Dog Training https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqDNyFQcE90 Dogs That https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiygnLThS6Y      

Yes, we covered reactivity before! But this episode gets into tips and strategies to help you right now with your reactive dog. Even if you are not actively training your dog. Connie adds her personal feelings about reactivity training and the different methods to "fix" reactive behavior in dogs. 

What exactly is cooperative care, how do you use it, and why? Listen in as Anna talks about the ins and outs of this relatively new training that gives dogs a voice in their care and grooming.    Anna also drops a few resources where you can learn more both online, in books and in person. 

What is reactivity in dogs, why does it happen and how can we fix it? Connie dives into the troublesome behavior of barking and lunging. She also briefly  covers the most common technique to fix it. Connie reveals the most commonly overlooked piece to fixing reactivity and without it, no amount of training will work! 

What are you using for dog training, rewards or reinforcers? What is the difference? It's more than you might think. Connie talks not only about the differences but how to figure out which one you're using, why it's important and the benefits of using the right one. Raise your dog training to the next level for sports, pet training and even behavior modification.    

Let's talk about retractable leashes. This is such a challenging topic for so many people. Connie dives into the pros and cons. Is there a place for retractable leashes in a dog owners life?    She breaks down if and when along with a list of rules, to help guide you, the dog owner, on appropriate use of this controversial piece of dog equipment.

If you have a puppy, this podcast is for you! Typically you pick-up your puppy from a rescue or breeder around 8 - 9 weeks old. But did you know the clock is already ticking on socializing that puppy? What does that even mean?  Connie goes through puppy socialization, the dos and don'ts and the sometimes still controversial puppy class versus vaccinations.     SHOW NOTES: UC Davis, Veterinary Medicine https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk491/files/inline-files/Puppy_Socialization.pdf   American Veterinary Society of Animal Medicine Position Statements, Puppy Socialization https://avsab.org/resources/position-statements/   San Diego Humane Society, Puppy Socialization Checklist https://resources.sdhumane.org/Resource_Center/Behavior_and_Training/Dogs_and_Puppies/Adopting%3A_Puppies/Puppy_Socialization_Checklist   Welcoming Your Puppy From Planet Dog, by Kathy Callahan https://www.amazon.com/s?k=welcoming+your+puppy+from+planet+dog+book&crid=654QD1Z3FUYO&sprefix=book+welcoming+your+p%2Caps%2C98&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_21      

Connie sits down and delves into reinforcers in dog training. She answers the questions What are they? How do you use them correctly? When can you stop using them? She breaks them down into three groups and one of them you probably know but never thought of as a reinforcer!

Positive reinforcement sometimes gets a bad rap for being permissive. Well, listen up! Positive reinforcement is not permissive. In fact, we encourage leadership for your dog. Listen in as Connie talks about what leadership means and how to apply it to your dog. Using leadership can keep you and your dog out of trouble in life and sports!

This podcast episode discusses the importance of both management and training for dogs. It explains how these two approaches work together to prevent unwanted behaviors and teach desired ones. This episode highlights the benefits of combining these methods for a well-behaved canine companion.

Yes! Maybe a bit unconventional? But we don't think people should pet your dog and what you should do instead and why. We all love to see dogs when we are out and about. There's something so inviting and dogs often hit that soft spot in us. But there's a good reason why we should ignore dogs in public.  We have a simple tip you can do so you don't break a little kid's heart because you have to tell them no, don't pet the dog. 

In this episode of the R+K9 podcasts, we dive into the question: When does training end? Anna discusses the four stages of learning, the importance of ongoing training, and the human dog relationship. Discover why training is a lifelong journey and how to maintain your dog’s skills for a fulfilling partnership.

In this episode, Connie talks about leash walking training and the use of food. She’ll go through why you should carry food, the best foods to carry while training your dog to walk on a leash, how to carry the food, and how to deliver the food effectively to your dog during the walk.

Join Anna for a brief discussion to learn about the many ways a service dog can impact your life and what considerations you may want to have before embarking on this journey. 

In this episode, Connie talks about our expectations about our pet dogs as well as how and why some of us have certain expectations. She also discusses ideas you can implement for the top three most requested behaviors people want for their dogs.