Dog Works Radio® · November 13, 2026 · 10 min
Your Puppy Is Growing. Is Your Training Keeping Up?
Your puppy isn't the same dog you brought home a few months ago. So why are you still training them like they are? In this episode of The Daily Dog on Dog Works Radio, host Nicole Forto explains why puppy training needs to evolve as your dog grows. While short training sessions, basic commands, and positive experiences are essential in the beginning, raising a well-mannered adult dog requires much more. Nicole discusses how to gradually increase training expectations, introduce manageable distractions, and teach important life skills such as patience, impulse control, independence, and confidence. She also addresses a common mistake among puppy owners: relying on enrichment toys, chews, and constant entertainment instead of teaching puppies how to settle independently. Your puppy needs to learn that not every moment requires an activity, a treat, or your undivided attention. Sometimes being calm and doing nothing is exactly the behavior you want. In this episode, you'll learn how to move beyond basic obedience, build your puppy's ability to handle everyday situations, and develop the skills they'll need throughout adulthood. Whether you're raising a young puppy or working with an adolescent dog, this episode will help you understand when and how to adjust your training. Ready to take your puppy's training to the next level? Visit AlaskaDogWorks.com to explore professional dog training programs. Use promo code DOGWORKS to save 20% on your training program at booking. Subscribe to Dog Works Radio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Other Episodes You Will Love · How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training Support the Show This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II Like this episode? Share it with your dog training friends! Love this episode? Say thanks in true dog training podcasting style by leaving a review. FREE! Grab our 7-Day Real-World Dog Training Plan Take our Understanding Drive Behaviors quiz to see exactly what drive your dog is in and how to begin to train for it. Join the On-Air Dog Training Coaching waitlist for a chance to be coached on the air by Dr. Robert or Michele Forto and get your dog training questions answered in real time. Sign up now for 20% off our Group Coaching Program and learn how to build the best possible relationship with your dog. Take your dog training to the next level with our Peak Performance membership . Follow Dog Works Radio for more dog training tips: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn ©2009-2026 by Dog Works Training Company® All Rights Reserved.