Off Leash & Unfiltered

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.

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Browse the latest episodes below for discussions, Q&As, training advice, and deeper dives into common dog behavior and training challenges.

It’s No Wonder (Your Dog Still Doesn’t Respect You)..

In this episode Even after training some folks continue to struggle with their dog's behavioral issues. And sometimes that is because some dogs are more challenging. It pays to remember that all of your dog's behaviors are tied together in some way. Even after training some folks continue to struggle with their dog’s behavioral issues. And sometimes that is because some dogs are more challenging. We are, after all, dealing with the nervous system. All dogs are wired uniquely. But

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OMG! My Dog Hates Doggy Daycare!

In this episode Doggy daycare and dog parks carry a high level of risk and a very low level of benefit. And that is often post training because your dog is now used to being in environments where dogs are under control and someone is advocating for them. Doggy daycare and dog parks carry a high level of risk and a very low level of benefit. What has become obvious to me over the years is that a lot of

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The Place Command For Dummies—Get The Most Out Of Your Dog Training

In this episode Does your dog go crazy when people come over? How do you use the place command to help your dog get better at relaxing and be less of a menace? Well, we are going to tell you how to turn your dog into the best version of themselves leveraging… Does your dog go crazy when people come over? Do they beg when you’re eating? Or maybe they are always getting into stuff or stealing socks out of

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Is Your Dog Extremely “Sensitive” or “Dramatic”? Here’s What It Means.

In this episode Some dogs can be super big babies. Big dogs and small dogs alike can fall into this category. People with these types of dogs struggle sometimes because number one it's embarrassing, and number 2 they think they are hurting their dog. Some dogs can be super big babies. Big dogs and small dogs alike can fall into this category. People with these types of dogs struggle sometimes because number one it’s embarrassing, and number 2 they think

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Consultation Files—My Child And The Dog Hate Each Other

In this episode In this episode we are talking about a common household issue—kids not getting along with the dog! As a parent it is your job to advocate for both parties and set and enforce appropriate rules. How do we help people with this issue? In this episode we are talking about a common household issue—kids not getting along with the dog! As a parent it is your job to advocate for both parties and set and enforce appropriate

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People Who Expect Magic Wands, Fairy Dust, And Easy Buttons Need Not Apply

In this episode This is the number one biggest challenge any dog trainer will face. In this episode I am talking about the reality of going through a training program and not getting the results. People are concerned that their goals aren't actually achievable for their dog. We love helping people! But… some folks just can’t be helped. This is the number one biggest challenge any dog trainer will face. Our clients are amazing! But every now and then we

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Dog Obsessions, Addictions, Fixations… Oh My!

In this episode In this Off Leash and Unfiltered episode, Kati Peppe—owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine—tackles dogs who are stuck in obsessive, addictive loops: reactivity like a “drug,” shadow/light chasing, water or ball fixation, and destructive chewing. Structure ≠ robot: Crate, place, threshold rules, calm leash starts reduce arousal and anxiety so dogs can choose calm. In this Off Leash and Unfiltered episode, Kati Peppe—owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine—tackles dogs who are

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End the “Unless/Until” Dog: What a Trained Dog Really Is (and How to Get There)

In this episode In this Off Leash and Unfiltered episode, Kati Peppe—owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine—defines what “trained” actually means: first-time compliance, even with distractions. If your dog is “good… unless” (squirrels, people, dogs), you’re not finished. Train it safely: Rehearse with a 15–50 ft long line so you can guide, follow through, and avoid off-leash “teaching” mistakes. In this Off Leash and Unfiltered episode, Kati Peppe—owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine—defines what

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The Top 7 Phrases Kati Hates Hearing in Dog Training

In this episode In this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, Kati Peppe—owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine—counts down seven common phrases that quietly sabotage training and safety. #7 “I don’t mind that.” Small allowances (door barking, casual jumping) often fuel the very reactivity you want to stop. Train recall/heel; control your dog’s access to people and dogs. In this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, Kati Peppe—owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine—counts down

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Reactive Dog, Tough Neighborhood: A Plan for Accountability, Safety, and Real Change

In this episode In this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, Kati Peppe—owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine—walks through a real consult: a recently divorced owner, a new trailer-park setting full of small off-leash “yappy” dogs, and an older, anxious German Shepherd who’s now reacting to daily triggers. In this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, Kati Peppe—owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine—walks through a real consult: a recently divorced owner, a new trailer-park

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Need Help With Your Dog?

Listening can give you a better understanding of what’s happening, but some problems are much easier to solve with individualized help.

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.