Episodes

  • Dog Ownership License: Brilliant Idea or Too Much Red Tape?

    Dog Ownership License: Brilliant Idea or Too Much Red Tape?
    Oct 2 2025
    In this episode of The Dog People Pod, Jack and professional trainer Max O’Neil tackle a controversial question: should people need a license to own a dog? With shelters overflowing and cases of neglect still too common, some argue that adding barriers to entry could weed out those who aren’t truly committed to responsible dog ownership. Others worry it might create unnecessary red tape and punish good owners. Jack and Max dig into both sides of the debate, exploring whether licensing could protect dogs, raise standards, and ensure only serious, dedicated people take on the responsibility of a pet.

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    16 mins
  • Question time: Night-Time Toilet Troubles & Are Dog Beaches the New Dog Parks?

    Question time: Night-Time Toilet Troubles & Are Dog Beaches the New Dog Parks?
    Sep 28 2025
    In this episode of The Dog People Pod, Jack and professional trainer Max O’Neil dive into audience questions from the Facebook group. First up: what to do when your dog won’t hold their bladder overnight, cries to be taken outside, and refuses to pee before bed. Then, the guys tackle a hot topic, dog beaches. Are they as chaotic and risky as dog parks, or can they be a safe, enriching outlet for your dog? Tune in for practical tips, honest debate, and a few laughs along the way and we round it out with a question from Jack over his own training with Kira.

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    21 mins
  • Dog Training Showdown: Jack Challenges Zac George’s ‘Opt Out’ Method

    Dog Training Showdown: Jack Challenges Zac George’s ‘Opt Out’ Method
    Sep 25 2025

    In this episode of The Dog People Pod, Jack and professional trainer Max O’Neil dive into a recent video from well-known trainer Zac George, who argues that dogs should be free to “opt out” of training sessions to build stronger trust and bonds.


    Jack raised an important question: what happens when your dog decides to opt out in a real-world situation, like chasing a rabbit, deer, or cat? Zac responded, but the conversation sparked a bigger debate.


    Together, Jack and Max explore the balance between trust, choice, and safety, agreeing that while dogs need the chance to step back, it’s critical that opting out happens with the handler’s permission, not on the dog’s whim. This episode unpacks why structure matters, how to keep your dog safe in everyday life, and what “choice in training” really looks like.


    See the video here

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    16 mins
  • Fixing the Why, Not Just the What

    Fixing the Why, Not Just the What
    Sep 18 2025
    In this episode, Max and Jack dive into one of the most important lessons in dog training: don’t just stop a behaviour, understand why it’s happening in the first place. From digging to barking to chewing, tackling the root cause can stop unwanted habits from simply shifting into new ones. And when all the possible whys have been explored? That’s when it’s time to step in and deal directly with the behaviour itself.

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    16 mins
  • Dog Training Standards: Do We Need Laws or Just Better Trainers?

    Dog Training Standards: Do We Need Laws or Just Better Trainers?
    Sep 18 2025
    Dog training is an unregulated industry but should it stay that way? In this episode, Jack takes the side of regulation after seeing firsthand the harm caused by bad advice, while Max argues that passion, skill, and results matter more than government rules and talks about the damage that regulation could cause to the industry. Together they explore the pros, cons, and possible consequences of regulating the dog training world and could the answer simply be Do We Need Laws or Just Better Trainers?

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    15 mins
  • Why Puppy School Isn’t Enough to Train Your Dog

    Why Puppy School Isn’t Enough to Train Your Dog
    Sep 14 2025
    A four-week puppy school might be a great start, but it’s not the finish line. In this episode, Max explains the real role of puppy school, why it should be seen as the foundation rather than the solution, and how ongoing structure and consistency at home are what truly shape a well-behaved dog.

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    15 mins
  • Bringing Home a Second Dog? Be prepared to be a leader

    Bringing Home a Second Dog? Be prepared to be a leader
    Sep 11 2025
    Bringing home a second dog isn’t just about doubling the fun, it means doubling the responsibility. Max explains why “letting the dogs sort it out” is a dangerous myth, and how clear leadership from you is the key to avoiding conflict and creating harmony. If you’re living with more than one dog, this episode is essential listening.

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    16 mins
  • Punishing the act not the aftermath

    Punishing the act not the aftermath
    Sep 7 2025

    When Max woke up to find his dog Nelson had shredded a cushion, he didn’t just get frustrated he used it as a training opportunity. In this episode, Max explains how to uncover the real reasons behind destructive behaviour, why correcting your dog after the fact never works, and how to set up scenarios that let you catch unwanted actions in the moment.


    Perfect listening for anyone dealing with chewed cushions, shoes, furniture or any behaviours that happen when you're not arround.

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    15 mins