Why Is My Dog So Anxious

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

Read more

Correction: The Key to Lasting Behavior Change

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

Read more

The Training Contrast: Training Puppies Versus Adult Dogs

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,

Read more

Genetics vs. Training: “It’s All In How You Raise Them,” right?

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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

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)

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more