Internet Inquiries: “How Do I Get My Dog To…?”
/
RSS Feed
In this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, Kati Peppe—owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine—opens a browser, types “How do I get my dog to…,” and tackles the internet’s top autocomplete questions. From service-dog laws and ESA myths to ending barking and poop-eating, feeding and drinking worries, and even teaching a potty cue, Kati explains what’s true, what’s noise, and what actually works.
Episode Highlights
- Service dog reality: No legal certification needed; public access hinges on disability + trained task and a well-behaved dog.
- ESA & therapy dog myths: Registries/certifications don’t grant public access; individual facilities may set their own visit policies.
- Stop barking: Pair a clear “No” with a meaningful consequence (e.g., towel bonk) and always follow through.
- End poop-eating: Intervene at interest (“No”) and deliver a consequence strong enough that it’s not worth checking out poop again.
- Feeding sanity: Appetite often drops at 5–10 months; avoid bribing. 15-minute mealtime rule, adjust portions, vet only if other illness signs.
- Water intake: Raw-fed dogs drink less—normal. Provide water; don’t force it unless there are health red flags.
- Potty on cue: Use motion or a short-leash standstill, then pair a word right as the dog starts to go; reinforce to build a reliable command.
Minute-by-Minute Breakdown
- 01:38 – The plan: type “How do I get my dog to…” and answer the top 8 prompts.
- 02:30 – Q1: “Get my dog certified service dog”—why certification isn’t legally required; what actually defines a service dog.
- 03:37–07:59 – Temperament & training matter most; breeding programs and “washouts”; public access requires good behavior.
- 09:43–12:03 – The two legal criteria: diagnosed disability + task-trained assistance; certification doesn’t change that.
- 12:48 – Q2: Stop barking—say “No” first, then a tangible correction (e.g., rolled cotton towel bonk); teach what “No” predicts.
- 14:32–19:07 – Don’t skip the correction if the dog pauses; “No” lowers arousal once it’s paired to a consequence.
- 20:58 – Q3: Stop eating poop—correct at the interest stage; ignore pumpkin/pineapple myths; test occasionally for backsliding.
- 25:47 – Q4: ESA certification—no public access rights; certifications are feel-good, not legally meaningful.
- 27:00–33:45 – Q5: Get my dog to eat—normal appetite shifts; ditch bribes; 15-minute rule; avoid obesity; see vet only with other symptoms.
- 35:34 – Q6: Drink more water—raw diets reduce thirst; just provide fresh water.
- 36:26–40:34 – Q7: Poop—motion helps; or stand still on a short leash to induce circling; pair a potty cue right as the dog starts.
- 40:34–47:58 – Q8: Register as an ESA—registries are numerous and meaningless legally; therapy-dog fit matters; facilities may set their own requirements; service-dog limits under law.
- Wrap – Send questions to [email protected].