Is your dog’s behaviour shaped by its breed and genetics—or by how it's raised? In this episode of The Dog People Podcast, professional dog trainer Max O’Neil dives deep into the age-old debate of nature vs nurture in dogs, breaking down how much of your dog’s personality and behaviour is inherited versus influenced by environment, training, and lifestyle.

Max shares real-world examples from years of training dogs across all breeds, explains why understanding your dog’s natural instincts is just as important as the way you raise them, and offers practical tips for shaping balanced behaviour. Whether you're raising a new puppy, struggling with a rescue dog, or curious about the role of breeding and early socialisation, this episode gives you the tools to better understand what really drives your dog’s behaviour.

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Are ultrasonic anti-bark devices really the magic solution they claim to be? In this episode of The Dog People Podcast, professional dog trainer Max O’Neil exposes the truth behind the viral social media ads promoting ultrasonic bark control gadgets. With more and more frustrated dog owners turning to these so-called “miracle” devices, Max breaks down why these tools not only fail to fix barking but can actually make behavioural issues worse.

We explore the science (or lack thereof) behind ultrasonic bark deterrents, what’s really happening when your dog barks, and how proper training and understanding your dog’s needs are far more effective—and humane. Whether you're dealing with excessive barking at home, wondering if bark collars or sonic deterrents are worth the money, or just want to separate fact from fiction, this episode has you covered.

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In the final episode of our breed guidance series for new dog owners, Jack and expert trainer Max O’Neil explore the large dog breeds that might not be the best fit for first-timers. These dogs may look impressive—and often are loyal, intelligent, and deeply rewarding companions—but some come with big physical and behavioural needs that can overwhelm novice owners.

From powerful working breeds to independent protectors with strong instincts, Max explains which large breeds require experienced handling, consistent training, and environments that many first-time owners may not be ready to provide. These aren’t “bad” dogs by any stretch—they're just a better match for those with prior experience or a specific lifestyle.

If you’re dreaming of a large breed as your first dog, this episode is a must-listen. We’ll help you avoid common pitfalls, understand the realities of raising and living with a big dog, and steer you toward making a decision that benefits both you and your future four-legged friend.

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In this episode of The Dog People Podcast, Jack and professional trainer Max O’Neil continue their honest look at breed suitability for new owners—this time focusing on medium-sized dog breeds that might be a bit too much for beginners.

Medium dogs often strike the perfect balance for many households, but that doesn’t mean every breed in this category is beginner-friendly. Some medium dogs come with high working drive, strong instincts, or intense training and stimulation needs that can quickly overwhelm new owners who aren’t prepared for the commitment.

Max walks us through several breeds that, while incredible in the right hands, might prove frustrating for novices without the time, structure, or lifestyle to match. From famously clever but demanding breeds to those with deep-rooted guarding or herding instincts, we explain why these dogs aren’t “bad”—they’re just not always the best first match.

If you’re considering a medium-sized dog as your first pup, don’t miss this essential guide to avoiding common mismatches and setting yourself (and your dog) up for a happy, balanced life.

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Not every adorable small dog is an easy fit for first-time owners. In this honest and informative episode of The Dog People Podcast, Jack and dog trainer Max O’Neil shift gears to look at small dog breeds that might be more challenging for beginners.

We’re not here to bad-mouth any breed—every dog is amazing in the right hands. But the reality is that some small breeds come with big personalities, high energy, or quirks that require more time, experience, or structure than many new dog owners may be ready for.

Max shares insights into which small dogs might demand more training, socialisation, or stimulation than a novice expects, and why picking the wrong breed for your lifestyle can lead to frustration for both dog and owner. From feisty terriers to stubborn charmers, we explain what makes these breeds so special—but also what makes them a bit more complex to manage for someone just starting out.

If you're a new dog owner and want to set yourself—and your future pup—up for success, this episode is essential listening.

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In the final instalment of our breed recommendation series on The Dog People Podcast, Jack and professional trainer Max O’Neil tackle the best large dog breeds for first-time owners. While big dogs can seem intimidating at first glance, many are surprisingly gentle, affectionate, and easygoing—making them a fantastic choice for new dog parents.

Max breaks down which large breeds are beginner-friendly, diving into their personalities, training needs, energy levels, and whether they’re suited for family life, solo owners, or first-timers with space to spare. From the famously calm to the loyal protectors with soft hearts, we shine a light on the breeds that prove bigger can definitely be better—as long as you’re prepared.

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a large dog but weren’t sure where to start, this episode will help you make an informed, confident choice. Don’t miss this thoughtful and practical guide to choosing your very own gentle giant.

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In part two of our first-time dog owner series on The Dog People Podcast, Jack and expert trainer Max O’Neil turn their attention to medium-sized dog breeds—those lovable middleweights that offer the perfect blend of size, smarts, and personality.

If small breeds feel a bit too dainty, and large dogs seem like too much to handle, this episode is for you. Max shares his top picks for medium-sized dogs that are ideal for new owners, breaking down their temperament, exercise needs, grooming requirements, and overall suitability for different lifestyles. From family-friendly favourites to eager-to-please working breeds, we cover the dogs that strike the sweet spot between energy and ease.

Whether you’re looking for a playful companion, a chilled-out couch buddy, or a dog that’s up for weekend adventures, we’ve got you covered. Tune in to discover which medium-sized breeds might be your perfect match—and stay with us for the final part of the series where we explore large breeds for first-time dog owners.

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In this episode of The Dog People Podcast, Jack and professional dog trainer Max O’Neil kick off a brand-new series designed to help first-time dog owners find the perfect canine companion. Whether you're living in an apartment or just want a pup with a little less size and a lot of personality, this episode is all about small dog breeds that are ideal for beginners.

From easygoing lapdogs to spunky little adventurers, we explore which breeds offer the right mix of temperament, trainability, and lifestyle fit for those just starting their dog ownership journey. Max breaks down the pros and cons of popular small breeds, shares insights from his years of hands-on experience, and gives honest, practical advice on what to expect from each.

If you’re thinking about bringing home your first pup—or know someone who is—this episode is your guide to getting it right from the very start. Stay tuned as we continue the series with medium and large breeds in upcoming episodes!

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