Episode 308: How To Train A Dog From Day One: Avoid Common Puppy Mistakes Through Games & Enrichment

Wondering how to train a puppy or dog from day one or avoid the most common mistakes? It’s easy to hope things will just work out, but that approach often leads to frustration and unwanted behaviors. I’m sharing how games, enrichment, and simple structure can help you raise a confident, connected dog right from the start. The big thing to remember is that all behavior is communication, and whether you have a brand-new puppy, a rescue dog or even dealing with unwanted behavior from your current dog, you’ll get clear, actionable strategies to set them up for lifelong success.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Why many common puppy and rescue dog problems are completely preventable.
Why “positive is not permissive” in dog training.
How all behavior is communication and how to understand what your puppy is telling you.
How to prevent rehearsals of unwanted behaviors.
What happens when you hope for “a good one” instead of planning for success.
How games turn curious puppies into eager learners.
The role of enrichment and why letting dogs choose their own can backfire.
What to do when your puppy rehearses something unwanted.
What being “the gatekeeper” is and how it helps with recall, greetings, and impulse control.
How small time investments now shape your puppy’s future.
Real-life examples of how access to reinforcement shapes behavior.
How small early investments in training lead to massive long-term results.

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