In this episode, Kati Peppe breaks down the critical difference between teaching a cue and changing behavior. She explains why even the snappiest “sit” fails when a reactive dog meets a squirrel, and she walks listeners through her two-step formula: (1) teach the skill with rewards, then (2) add a meaningful consequence for blowing it off. Expect real-world examples—door dashes, food-bowl frenzy, sock chewing—and practical leash-and-e-collar tips that rewire a dog’s default from “act first” to “wait for permission.” Minute-by-Minute

Kati Peppe tackles one of the biggest mindset traps in dog ownership: confusing arousal with happiness. She explains why a tail-up, tongue-flapping dog is often just overstimulated, how that state sabotages listening, and why teaching calm is kinder than letting chaos reign. You’ll learn her step-by-step fix for compulsive sock-chewers, why dog-park high-jinks create “cocaine-dog” habits, and how to embed on/off switches into every game so your dog stays safe, sane, and reliable. Minute-by-Minute Breakdown Episode transcript Read the full

In this straight-shooting solo episode, Kati Peppe breaks down regression—the back-slides owners see after a board-and-train or during DIY work. She explains why a few sloppy moments are totally normal, the specific “red flags” that signal deeper trouble, and the daily micro-boundaries that keep a dog’s state of mind from unraveling. Minute-by-Minute Breakdown Episode transcript Read the full conversation below. Scroll through the transcript to follow along. 00:00 — Kati returns after a podcast pause caused by being buried in

In this episode, Kati Peppe dives into the social pressure many owners feel when they use tools beyond treats in their training. She debunks the “positive-only” myth, explains why reliable behavior always needs a consequence the dog wishes to avoid, and shares practical strategies for shutting down critics—from well-meaning relatives to random strangers at the park. Listeners come away with mindset shifts, boundary-setting scripts, and renewed confidence that doing what works for their dog is nothing to apologize for. Minute-by-Minute

In this episode, Kati Peppe, owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine, tackles one of the most common and frustrating challenges faced by dog owners—how to handle encounters with off-leash dogs. Kati explains why these situations are not just inconvenient but potentially dangerous, especially when the other dog is untrained or its intentions are unknown. She shares practical strategies, clear boundaries, and assertive responses dog owners can use to protect their dogs and themselves during these unpredictable interactions.

In this episode, Kati Peppe from Diamond K9 Dog Training explains the essentials of board and train programs and the critical role of accountability when teaching commands like “place.” She also discusses the limits of short training periods and stresses the need for consistent, structured practice to ensure skills transfer and lead to a reliable dog in home settings. Episode Highlights This concise episode delivers practical tips on building dependable obedience through structure, supervision, and clear accountability. Contact Kati Peppe

In this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, Kati Peppe—owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training—dives deep into the nature of dog anxiety, and explains why your dog is so anxious! With her trademark blend of expertise and candid, real-life anecdotes, Kati explains how clear structure and consistent training can transform anxious behaviors into confidence. Listeners get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Kati’s raw, unfiltered approach to tackling everything from mild unease to severe behavioral issues. Episode Highlights Join Kati for an

In this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, Kati Peppe, owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine, tackles one of the most common frustrations of dog owners: that pesky 5% of unwanted behaviors that seem impossible to fix. From jumping and barking to resource guarding and reactivity, Kati explains why addressing these issues head-on and learning to effectively use correction is crucial for both the owner’s sanity and the dog’s well-being. She debunks the myths surrounding punishment in

In this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, Kati Peppe of Diamond K9 Dog Training breaks down the crucial differences between training puppies vs. adult dogs. With the recent addition of her own 9-week-old puppy, Kati shares insights into puppy training fundamentals, explaining why it’s a completely different process than training an adult dog. Many new owners expect their puppy to walk nicely on a leash, obey commands, and avoid bad behaviors—but Kati emphasizes that puppy training is about foundation-building,

In this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, Kati Peppe, owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine, tackles an important yet often misunderstood topic: how much of a dog’s behavior is shaped by training versus genetics? Many dog owners believe that any dog can be trained to behave perfectly if raised correctly. Kati debunks this myth by explaining that while training is powerful, it cannot override genetics. A dog’s temperament, tendencies, and natural drives are hardwired into their