Real conversations about dog training, behavior, relationships, and what it takes to create lasting change.
Off Leash & Unfiltered is the dog training podcast from Kati Peppe, owner and head trainer of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine.
Kati takes a practical look at the questions dog owners actually struggle with: reactivity, anxiety, aggression, obedience, boundaries, e-collar training, puppy raising, problem behaviors, and the often-overlooked relationship between a dog and its owner.
There is no single technique that explains every dog or every behavior. The podcast explores the reasoning behind training decisions, why certain approaches work for some dogs and situations but not others, and how clearer communication and consistent expectations can help dogs succeed in the real world.
Whether you’re working through a difficult behavior, raising a new puppy, or simply want a better understanding of how dogs learn, Off Leash & Unfiltered offers practical advice drawn from Kati’s experience training dogs and coaching their owners.
Listen to Off Leash & Unfiltered
Browse the latest episodes below for discussions, Q&As, training advice, and deeper dives into common dog behavior and training challenges.
You’re Focusing On The Symptom And Ignoring The Problem
In this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, Kati Peppe, owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine, dives into the critical role of clarity and consistency in dog training. Many dog owners focus on fixing specific problem behaviors, such as difficulty clipping nails, leash pulling, or reactivity, without realizing that these are often symptoms of a bigger issue: a lack of clearly enforced rules and expectations. Kati shares insights from a recent group training class, where a dog
The First Few Months Of Puppy Training—Focus On What Matters!
In this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, Kati Peppe, owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine, dives into puppy training essentials. While many dog owners expect their young puppies to master commands like recall, leash walking, and stay, Kati explains why that’s unrealistic—and what you should focus on instead. The key to successful puppy training? Controlling outcomes. Puppies don’t need to be off-leash reliable yet—they need guidance, structured reinforcement, and consistent management. Kati covers practical strategies like
Management—Good Or Bad?
Welcome back to Off Leash and Unfiltered with Kati Peppe, owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine. In this episode, Kati breaks down the crucial balance between training and management in dog behavior. Many dog owners focus heavily on training while overlooking the role of management—structured oversight that helps guide a dog’s behavior. Every dog requires a mix of both, but the exact ratio varies based on the dog’s temperament, training progress, and household dynamics. Key Takeaways: Kati
A Comedic Comparison (E-Collar vs. Positive Only)
Join Kati Peppe of Diamond K9 in Biddeford, ME, as she debates E-Collar vs. positive reinforcement training. She highlights effective methods for reactive and aggressive dogs. Welcome to another episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, where Kati Peppe of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine. Kati serves up the unvarnished truth about dog training—no sugarcoating, just good old-fashioned facts with a dash of dry humor. In this spirited episode, Kati dives into the hotly contested arena of E-Collar (aversive)
Is Your Dog A Little “Extra” Sometimes? The Missing Magic Ingredient.
Welcome to this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, hosted by Kati Peppe of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine. In this episode, Kati delves into the core of dog training challenges—controlling your dog’s arousal levels. She explains how a dog’s excitement and stress directly impact their behavior. This makes it essential to manage arousal to achieve successful off-leash obedience and effective behavior modification. Kati shares expert strategies for identifying signs of high arousal, such as raised ears, tense
More Confidence More Wins
In this episode, Kati explores the crucial role that a handler’s mindset plays in effective dog training. She emphasizes how your confidence and assertiveness directly influence your dog’s behavior, especially when dealing with reactive dogs. Kati shares real-life examples, including handling two highly reactive English Bulldogs, to illustrate how a confident approach can transform challenging situations. She discusses the importance of shifting from a passive leash handling style to a leader-follower dynamic. These ensure you maintain control and set clear
How’s That Workin’ For You? Why Balanced Dog Training Works
Kati discussing balanced dog training, and addresses a critical misconception in the dog training community. Specifically, the overreliance on positive reinforcement without incorporating necessary negative consequences. Kati passionately critiques the prevalent dog training advice found online and on social media. She highlights how many popular trainers advocate solely for rewarding desired behaviors while neglecting to address unwanted actions effectively. She emphasizes that successful behavior modification requires a balanced approach. This includes both positive reinforcement and constructive consequences to motivate dogs
Positively Shitty (E-Collar vs. Positive Reinforcement)
In this episode of “Off Leash and Unfiltered,” Kati Peppe, owner of Diamond K9 in Biddeford, Maine, tackles the intense debate within the dog training community between aversive methods, specifically E-Collar training, and purely positive reinforcement approaches. Kati highlights the growing backlash she encounters on social media from advocates of non-aversive training, emphasizing the critical role that consistent and appropriate corrections play in effectively modifying dog behavior. She explains that while positive reinforcement is a powerful tool, it may not
If You Like Staying Stuck Use Threats And Bribes
In this episode of “Off Leash and Unfiltered,” Kati Peppe, owner of Diamond K9 in Biddeford, Maine, delves into common mistakes in dog training, particularly the improper use of consequences to modify behavior. Kati emphasizes the importance of applying consistent and appropriate corrections to ensure dogs understand and adhere to desired behaviors. She highlights that while many owners excel at rewarding their dogs with treats, they often struggle with effectively using consequences to eliminate unwanted actions such as reactivity, aggression,
Small Moments Lead To Big Change—No Feedback = Continued Issues
In this episode of “Off Leash and Unfiltered,” Kati Peppe, owner of Diamond Canine Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine, discusses the superiority of E-Collar training through their board and train programs compared to private training sessions. Specializing in off-leash obedience and behavior modification, Kati addresses a range of issues including reactivity, resource guarding, separation anxiety, and common problems like jumping and leash pulling. Kati emphasizes that board and train programs are more effective because they provide comprehensive control and consistent
Need Help With Your Dog?
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Diamond K9 offers private training, behavior modification, board-and-train programs, puppy training, and other options for dog owners in Biddeford and throughout Southern Maine.