Disclaimer: The advice shared in this episode is general in nature and is intended as a starting point for understanding resource guarding in dogs.

Resource guarding is one of the most misunderstood behaviours in dogs — and one of the most common. Trainer Max O'Neil sits down to explain exactly what's going on when your dog growls, snaps or stiffens over food, toys or spaces. The key insight? Your dog has figured out that this behaviour gets results. Max shares the five areas he targets when working on guarding: relationship dynamics, rewiring your dog's thought process around success, teaching dogs to trade and give up resources willingly, exploring whether manageable conflict can actually be mentally stimulating, and why gun dogs in particular may need a legitimate outlet for their deep-seated drive to possess. Practical, honest and refreshingly clear.

Disclaimer: The advice shared in this episode is general in nature and is intended as a starting point for understanding resource guarding in dogs. Every dog is different, and guarding behaviour can vary greatly in intensity and cause. We always recommend seeking the guidance of a qualified professional dog trainer or animal behaviourist before attempting to address resource guarding at home, particularly in cases involving aggression or where children or vulnerable people are present.

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Is your dog turning their nose up at dinner? In this episode, Jack shares how his dog Kira suddenly refused to eat — and how a well-meaning fix with sardines may have accidentally created a fussy eater. Dog trainer Max O'Neil breaks down why dogs learn to hold out for something better, the psychology behind picky eating behaviour, and what you should (and shouldn't) do when your dog skips a meal. If you've ever wondered whether your dog is manipulating you at mealtimes, this one's for you.

⚠️ Important: A dog going off their food can sometimes indicate an underlying medical issue. If your dog stops eating, please consult your veterinarian to rule out any health concerns before assuming it's behavioural.

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Thinking of buying a Groodle or Cavoodle? Dog behaviourist Max Oneil reveals the red flags first-generation mixed breed buyers need to watch for.

In part two of our ethical dog breeding series, hosts Jack Laurence and renowned Australian dog trainer and behaviourist Max Oneil from Down Under Dog Trainer talk about the hidden risks of first-generation mixed breeds.

Groodles, Cavoodles, and other designer crossbreeds have exploded in popularity across Australia and the UK, but Max warns that first-generation mixes come with unique challenges many buyers don't anticipate. Unlike established breeds with predictable traits, F1 crosses can inherit unpredictable combinations of characteristics from both parent breeds, sometimes getting the worst of both worlds rather than the best.

In this episode, Max covers:

• Why first-generation mixed breeds are genetic wildcards
• Breeder red flags, Warning signs in breeder behaviour and practices
• Questions every potential buyer should ask before committing

Whether you're considering a Labradoodle, Spoodle, Cavoodle, or any poodle cross, this episode arms you with the expert knowledge needed to make an informed decision and avoid costly mistakes, both financially and emotionally.

Max Oneil brings decades of professional dog training experience to help listeners understand what ethical breeding truly looks like.

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Is medication the answer for your dog's anxiety, aggression or behaviour problems? Or is it being over-prescribed? In this essential episode, hosts Jack Laurence and renowned Australian dog trainer Max O'Neil sit down with Dr Ingrid Groeger-Stone, a Behaviour Vet from Creature Connections, to discuss everything pet owners need to know about medicating dogs.

We explore when behaviour medication genuinely helps dogs, when it might not be necessary, and how it can work effectively alongside training programmes. Dr Groeger-Stone shares her professional insights on the pros and cons of medication, the growing concern about over-prescribed pets, and we talk about a practical checklist of things to consider before starting your dog on medication.

Whether you're dealing with separation anxiety, fear-based aggression, or other behavioural challenges, this conversation will help you make informed decisions about your dog's mental health and wellbeing.

IMPORTANT MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian before making any decisions about medicating your dog. Never make medication decisions based solely on podcast advice. Your vet can provide personalised guidance based on your dog's specific health history and needs.

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Thinking about desexing your dog? This episode delivers the answers you need from two leading experts who break down the science, myths, and real-world impacts of neutering and spaying.

Join podcast host Jack alongside renowned dog trainer Max O'Neil and veterinary behaviorist Ingrid from Creature Connections for an in-depth conversation about one of the most common, yet widely misunderstood, decisions dog owners face.

What you'll discover:

• The medical pros and cons of desexing at different life stages
• How neutering affects behavior, aggression, and anxiety in male and female dogs
• Timing considerations: early desexing vs. waiting until maturity
• Breed-specific factors that influence the decision
• Common myths debunked by veterinary science

Whether you're a new puppy parent or reconsidering desexing for your adult dog, this expert-led discussion cuts through the confusion with evidence-based insights and practical advice.

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Perfection doesn’t exist in dog training and chasing it can suck the fun out of life with your dog.

In this episode, Jack and professional trainer Max talk about the importance of picking your battles. Not every behaviour needs fixing, and not every rule needs to be enforced. The real work is figuring out what actually matters to you.

It's important to break behaviours down into three simple categories:

• Non-negotiables
• Nice to haves
• Doesn’t matter

Jack shares his long-running (and eventually abandoned) battle with Kira jumping on the furniture, while Max talks about living with Nelson and his sneaky licking. Together, they unpack why trying to control every detail often leads to frustration, for both the human and the dog.

The goal isn’t a perfect dog.

It’s a functional, enjoyable life together.

If training has started to feel like a constant fight, this episode will help you step back, reset your priorities, and remember why you got a dog in the first place.

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One of the most common things dog trainers hear is: “He’s not aggressive, he’s just protecting me.”

In this episode, Max O’Neill explains why that explanation is almost always incorrect.

We cover:

• Why dogs don’t “protect” owners the way people think

• How dogs can see owners as a resource, not someone to defend

• Why reactivity often shows up when people approach you

• The uncomfortable truth about what would likely happen in a real emergency

If your dog is reactive, understanding the real cause is the first step to actually helping them.

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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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