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The Well-Mannered Mutt Podcast

The Well-Mannered Mutt Podcast

Written by: Staci Lemke
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About this listen

 Welcome to The Well-Mannered Mutt Podcast, the show for dog owners looking to improve their relationship with their canine friends. This podcast is designed to both train dogs and teach people, so there can be success and happiness at both ends of the leash. Your host, Staci Lemke is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, retired Registered Veterinary Technician, and owner of Manners for Mutts Dog Training. With over 20 years of experience working with dogs and their people, Staci is the perfect guide to help you navigate the ups and downs of life with a dog. So, whether you're a new dog owner or a seasoned pro, be sure to join Staci for each episode as she shares practical training tips, fun doggy adventures, and simple things you can do to strengthen the bond between you and your four-legged friend. Connect with Staci: Website - www.mannersformutts.com Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts2023
Episodes
  • Choosing Puppy Classes That Support Safe Puppy Socialization

    Choosing Puppy Classes That Support Safe Puppy Socialization
    Jan 27 2026
    If you're wondering whether puppy classes are really necessary or feeling unsure about how to start training a puppy the right way, you're not alone. Choosing the wrong environment can make puppy socialization stressful or overwhelming, while the right class can shape your puppy's confidence for life. In this episode of The Well-Mannered Mutt, I'm sharing the importance of choosing puppy classes that truly support safe, intentional puppy socialization and walking you through eight actionable steps you can take right now to confidently choose group puppy training that helps your puppy feel calm, secure, and successful.

    Some of the things I cover in this episode are:
    • How puppy classes shape emotional development, not just basic skills
    • What safe puppy socialization actually looks like in a well-run group puppy training
    • Key questions to ask when deciding how to start training a puppy
    • Red flags that signal a poor fit in puppy classes before you enroll
    • Why early, structured group puppy training builds confidence instead of chaos
    Choosing the right puppy classes is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a new puppy parent. When puppy socialization is done thoughtfully, your puppy learns how to feel safe, curious, and confident in the world. This episode will help you understand how to start training a puppy with clarity, avoid common mistakes, and choose group puppy training that supports lifelong success instead of short-term compliance. Resources mentioned in this episode: Easy Pee-sy Puppy Potty Training Connect with Staci Lemke: Website - www.mannersformutts.com Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts
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    14 mins
  • When Puppies Need a Pause: Using Time-Outs the Right Way

    When Puppies Need a Pause: Using Time-Outs the Right Way
    Jan 13 2026
    If you've ever wondered whether puppy timeouts are helpful or harmful, or felt unsure if you're doing puppy discipline the right way, you're not alone. Timeouts are one of the most misunderstood tools in positive puppy training, especially when you're dealing with an overstimulated puppy who seems unable to settle. In this episode of The Well-Mannered Mutt, I'm sharing the importance of understanding how puppy timeouts actually work and seven actionable steps you can take right now to use positive puppy training strategies that support calm behavior, emotional regulation, and clear puppy discipline without fear or confusion. Some of the things I cover in this episode are:
    • When puppy timeouts can support an overstimulated puppy instead of making behavior worse
    • The difference between punishment and clear, fair puppy discipline
    • Why positive puppy training focuses on regulation, not control
    • Which behaviors warrant puppy timeouts and which ones do not
    • Common mistakes that turn puppy discipline into frustration for both you and your puppy
    When used correctly, puppy timeouts are not about punishment or isolation. They are a calm reset for an overstimulated puppy who needs help regulating their emotions. With clear expectations, short breaks, and consistent positive puppy training, you can create puppy discipline that feels fair, predictable, and supportive. This episode will help you feel confident using puppy timeouts as one small tool in a thoughtful, humane training approach. Resources mentioned in this episode:

    Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence Program

    Connect with Staci Lemke: Website - www.mannersformutts.com Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts
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    17 mins
  • End of the Year Recap: Puppy Behavior Myths We're Leaving Behind

    End of the Year Recap: Puppy Behavior Myths We're Leaving Behind
    Dec 30 2025
    As we close out the year, it's time to take a breath, look back at how far you and your puppy have come, and let go of the puppy training myths that made puppy behavior feel more confusing and stressful than it needed to be. This end-of-year recap is about clarity, encouragement, and dog behavior explained in a way that actually makes sense for real puppy parents. In this episode of The Well-Mannered Mutt, I'm sharing the importance of understanding puppy behavior through a kinder, more realistic lens and breaking down five common training myths we're leaving behind so you can head into the new year with confidence, clarity, and trust in positive reinforcement training.

    Some of the things I cover in this episode are:
    • dog behavior explained without blame, shame, or outdated labels
    • Why positive reinforcement training is communication, not bribery
    • How common myths quietly interfere with how to build confidence in dogs
    • What puppy parents are already doing right when it comes to puppy behavior
    • Why understanding dog behavior explained through science changes everything
    You've done more than you realize. Your puppy has learned more than you think. When we understand dog behavior explained through kindness and science, training gets easier and relationships get stronger. By letting go of pressure, perfection, and outdated advice, you create space for calmer homes, better puppy behavior, and real progress built through positive reinforcement training. This end-of-year recap is also a reminder that learning how to build confidence in dogs starts with trust, patience, and realistic expectations, and you are already well on your way. Resources mentioned in this episode: HELP! My Puppy Is Biting Me! Connect with Staci Lemke: Website - www.mannersformutts.com Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts
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    10 mins
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