The Dog People Podcast

Looking for chew toys that can survive a power chewer?

Professional dog trainer Max O’Neill lists his top 6 chew options for dogs that love to chew hard.

This episode is all about:

• Stronger, longer-lasting chews

• Practical buying recommendations

• What works for serious chewers

Simple, useful, and to the point.

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Today we jump back into our series on dog sports and sit down with Dr Ingrid Groeger-Stone from Creature Connections to talk all things mantrailing. Ingrid is a Mantrailing Global Head Instructor and walks us through this fascinating, highly accessible sport for anyone curious to give it a try.

We discuss who the sport is suited to, which dogs tend to thrive in it, and, most importantly, the many positive benefits dogs can gain from taking part.

Check out Dr Ingrid Groeger-Stone and see all about mantrailing by finding her on instagram @creature...

Thinking about getting a mixed-breed dog? In this episode, Max and Jack break down the real science and ethics behind crossbreeding and why not all breed combinations are created equal.

We talk about how physical structure, temperament, and genetic compatibility matter far more than trendy names like “Golden Shepheard” or “designer dog.” When two breeds are mismatched, such as a pug and a Rottweiler, the result can be a dog facing major health, breathing, mobility, and behavioural challenges.

If you’re a rescue owner, breeder, or simply thinking about bringing home a mixed-breed pup, this...

Got a rescue dog with a name you don’t love or a dog whose name just doesn’t feel right? A lot of owners worry that changing a dog’s name will confuse them or damage the bond.

In this episode of The Dog People Podcast, Jack and Max O’Neil answer one simple question: can you change your dog’s name… and should you? Max explains how dogs actually understand their names, why they don’t attach the same meaning to names that we do, and how a new name can even become a positive fresh...

We’re back to our regular programming and diving straight into your questions. Today, Max breaks down dog-food aggression, resource-guarding behaviours around toys, and the crucial difference between true punishment and unintentionally postive reinforcing of a behaviour.

Got a question for us? Join The Dog People Podcast Facebook group and get involved.

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This is another episode in our dog sports series where we are trying to convince more people to do cool things with their dogs! and IGP is certianly one of those sports. It takes dedication and time but can be incredibly rewarding for you and your dog and more importantly FUN!!

In this episode we sit down with Sharonkia Williamson, founder of Clear Canine and one of Australia’s most respected IGP trainers, for a clear and practical look into the world of the working-dog sport.

Sharonkia breaks down the fundamentals of IGP’s th...

In this extra long Dog pod episode, Jack and Max sit down with Casey from Big Show PSA — a trainer with one of the wildest origin stories you’ll ever hear. Casey has spent years working with animals of all sizes, and his path into dog training and PSA protection sports began in the most unexpected place: training tigers for a movie. When COVID hit and the industry shut down overnight, Casey pivoted and found his purpose in the world of working dogs.

He talks us through PSA protection sport, why he loves it so much and...

In this episode, Jack and Max are joined once again by the team from Barn Dogs Australia — but this time, they’re heading to the pool! The crew dives into the fast-growing sport of dock diving, a high-energy activity that’s as fun for owners as it is for dogs. From the basics of getting started to training tips, safety, and competition insights, this episode covers everything you need to know to help your dog take the leap. Whether your pup’s a natural swimmer or just loves chasing a toy, dock diving could be their new favourite outlet.

In this episode of The Dog People Podcast, Jack and Max are joined by the team from Barn Dogs Australia to uncover one of the most exciting and accessible dog sports around — Barn Search!

Learn how this scent-based game taps into your dog’s natural instincts, builds confidence, and strengthens your bond. Whether you’ve got a working breed or a couch companion, Barn Search offers a fun, low-pressure way to engage your dog’s nose and mind. Discover how to get started, what you’ll need, and why this fast-growing sport is perfect for everyday dog owners...

Jack and Max are joined by Jamie the Dog Trainer to dive into the world of ANKC obedience — one of the fastest-growing dog sports around. Jamie breaks down the structure of obedience competitions, explains how ANKC works, what makes it unique, and how everyday owners can get involved. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your dog’s obedience skills or step into the exciting world of ANKC sport, this episode is packed with insights on training, structure, and community.

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In this new mini-series, Jack and Max dive into the world of dog sports that anyone can get involved in — no elite training required. From dock diving to barn search and obedience competitions, these sports aren’t just great fun, they’re an incredible way to build a stronger relationship with your dog. Whether you’ve got a high-energy pup or a more laid-back companion, there’s a sport out there for you. Discover how to get started, what’s involved, and why these activities are booming in popularity.

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What makes someone leave a career as a professional triathlete to become one of Victoria’s most respected dog trainers? In this episode, Max and Jack sit down with Jamie, a trainer who started out teaching puppy school classes before helping Petstock build their national puppy program. He shares how he turned his passion into a thriving business, grew a loyal social media following, and the training philosophies that shape his work today.

If you’ve ever thought about turning your love for dogs into a career, this one’s for you.

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Can we accidentally set our dogs up to fail by expecting too much? Jack sits down with Max to talk honestly about his cattle cross rescue, Kira, and whether his training expectations match her personality. A powerful discussion on meeting dogs where they’re at, managing frustration, and celebrating progress instead of perfection.

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Dog trainer Max O’Neill breaks down two of the most misunderstood techniques in dog behaviour — desensitisation and counter-conditioning. Learn the difference between the two, how to tell which one your dog actually needs, and why getting it wrong could make behaviour worse. From nail grinders and fireworks to doorbells and car rides, Max explains how to reshape your dog’s emotional response the right way.

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In this episode of The Dog People Pod, Jack puts a big question to trainer Max O’Neil: are we contradicting ourselves when we say we shouldn’t let our dogs fail, but also talk about “setting them up for failure”? Max breaks down what these two concepts really mean, why both approaches exist in training, and how to use them in the right context.

Together, Jack and Max explore when failure can actually be a teaching tool, when it can damage trust, and how owners can strike the balance to help their dogs learn safely and effe...

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...

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...

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 n...

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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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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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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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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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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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 shapin...

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 understa...

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”...

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 throu...

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 sh...

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 h...

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 work...

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 br...

In this episode of The Dog People Podcast, Max and Jack unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of dog training — how often you should be rewarding your dog. Max breaks down the science of reinforcement schedules and explains why not knowing when a reward is coming can actually supercharge your dog’s motivation. If you're always handing out treats, you might be doing more harm than good — but get too stingy, and you'll lose your dog's interest altogether. This is essential listening for anyone looking to boost engagement and drive in their pup.

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Join Jack and Max as they field your questions in this dog-packed episode: uncover the realities of modern doggie daycare, debunk the vagus nerve “calming hack,” and Jack puts his big boy pants on for his first bit of advice on a deep-dive into a listener’s Kelpie problem but will Max agree with his tips?

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Rehoming a dog is one of the hardest decisions a person can make — and one of the most judged. In this honest conversation, we break down the stigma around rehoming and explain why, sometimes, it is truly the kindest, most responsible choice for both the dog and the owner. Jack shares his own personal story of rehoming a dog and how it still weighs on his mind, even though it was the right thing to do at the time. We’ll also discuss how to make rehoming safe, ethical, and in your dog’s best interests if life circumstances change. Join u...

Want a dog who loves working with you but can also chill on their own? In this episode, we’ll teach you how to build a healthy relationship with your dog, encourage engagement and focus, and prevent separation anxiety. Professional trainer Max O’Neil breaks down practical training steps to help your dog feel confident, balanced, and happy — whether you’re together or apart. Learn how to avoid creating an overly dependent “Velcro dog” while still having a strong, joyful bond.

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Every interaction your dog has shapes them — so what are they picking up from their "friends"? This episode dives into how dogs influence each other’s behaviour, why you might need to limit certain playmates, and how to use structured social time to your advantage. It’s not about isolation — it’s about intentional influence.

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Dog parks are everywhere — but are they really the best place for your dog? In this episode, we dive into the pros, cons, and common misconceptions around dog parks. Max and Jack break down when dog parks can help, when they can harm, and why not every dog is suited to that kind of social environment. Plus alternative ways to meet your dog’s social needs without stepping inside the gate.

If you’ve ever felt unsure standing at the gate, this one’s for you.

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Bringing home a second dog is a major life change — not just for you, but for your current dog too. In this episode, we dive into everything you need to consider before taking the plunge. From energy levels and personalities to time, space, and budget, we help you make an informed, confident decision — plus some tips on how to trial a second dog before committing.

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In this episode, Max breaks down one of the most important distinctions in dog behaviour: training vs management. You should always be in one of these modes — but knowing which one you’re in, and why, is the key to long-term success with your dog. We discuss real-world examples and how to switch between modes to set your dog up for success.

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Loud bangs, flashing lights, and rolling thunder — while we know it’s just weather or a celebration, for many dogs it’s terrifying. In this episode, we unpack practical ways to help your dog cope with the stress of thunderstorms and fireworks. From training techniques and calming aids to long-term desensitisation strategies, we share what works and what to avoid.

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