Consultation Files: I Have A Reactive Power breed Puppy, And I’m Getting Another
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In this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, Kati Peppe—owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine—walks through a phone consult with a future two-Doberman household. She explains why breed tendencies matter, which early behaviors are red flags (like “protective” displays at 4 months), and why owners—not just dogs—must learn tools and accountability. Board & train isn’t a magic button; the prong collar gives leash communication, the e-collar gives off-leash reliability, and your follow-through is what makes it stick.
Episode Highlights
- Two puppies + power breeds = high stakes: Plan leadership, structure, and accountability from day one.
- Breed tendencies are the point of breeds: Profile likely traits (guarding, defensiveness, arousal) so you can coach them well.
- Early “protective” behavior (at 3–4 mo) is a flag: Start addressing state of mind now, don’t wait for adolescence.
- Resource guarding in very young pups: Treat as genetically driven; build safe, reliable behavior early.
- Owner training is mandatory: Dogs may “know it” at the trainer’s but won’t perform without your consistent accountability.
- Prong = leash communication: Quiet, directional guidance and relevant corrections beat shouting from a flat collar/harness.
- E-collar = real-world reliability: Pattern the association; over time it becomes a safety net, not a crutch—accountability remains for life.
- Board & train isn’t fairy dust: Two weeks jump-starts skills; you cement them at home with the same tools and standards.
Minute-by-Minute Breakdown
- 01:14 – Why “truth” is hard to find online; simple behaviors vs. reliable behavior under distraction.
- 02:03 – Today’s case: soon-to-be two Dobermans; proactive owner with great questions.
- 03:26 – Two puppies is “a lot”; add power-breed tendencies and the stakes rise.
- 04:40 – Breed profiling explained (that’s why breeds exist); wanted & unwanted tendencies.
- 05:47 – Example tendencies: goldens and defensiveness; pit bulls and dog-dog history.
- 07:35 – Don’t assume the next dog will be as easy as your last—plan for leadership.
- 08:28 – Big, strong, possibly guarding dog? Prioritize relationship, recalls, and boundary enforcement.
- 09:33 – Four-month-old showing “protective” behavior: treat this as a serious early signal.
- 10:28 – Red-flag example: 12-week Corgi with true resource guarding; genetics can surface early.
- 11:47 – Training programs overview: on-leash puppy vs. off-leash e-collar work.
- 13:20 – Owner mindset: there’s no “magic button”—results require human follow-through.
- 14:12 – Puppy program is a foundation; off-leash reliability needs an e-collar program.
- 15:21 – Tools 101: prong collar and e-collar; why we introduce prong even with puppies.
- 16:10 – It is involved—most owners can do it with coaching; nerves and overthinking are common.
- 17:16 – “Do I have to do all that?” Yes—the program trains dogs and people, with support.
- 17:59 – Why dogs “won’t do it at home”: they test for the same rules and accountability.
- 18:50 – Prong = silent leash engagement; flat collars/harnesses teach tuning you out.
- 20:30 – Two-week board & train jump-starts patterns; you’ll finish the cementing phase.
- 21:39 – Every dog and owner is different—cookie cutters don’t work at advanced stages.
- 24:27 – Prong specifics: pressure, pops, and keeping the walk handler-relevant.
- 27:10 – Gentle leader vs. prong; why prong is preferred here for versatility.
- 28:29 – Why prong for a puppy: prevent tuning out; build attention from day one.
- 30:02 – E-collar lacks directional info; pattern it deliberately for off-leash control.
- 33:13 – Accountability must exist forever; reliance on the e-collar usually fades to “safety net.”
- 34:16 – Even “easy” dogs can fail without recourse; tools give humane, scalable communication.
- 35:24 – Example success: “Milo” goes home and achieves off-leash heel with owner.
- 36:43 – Transfer matters: we “install the software,” but you must know how to run it.
- 40:18 – Best-case future: reliable, distraction-proof dog; e-collar stays on for insurance.
- 41:33 – Stop rushing to “take it off”; keep the tool that protects your dog and the public.
- 42:30 – If tools feel intimidating, ask questions and learn—this is the path to the dog you want.
- 44:51 – Wrap: send topics and questions to Kati; embrace the process for big wins.