Is medication the answer for your dog's anxiety, aggression or behaviour problems? Or is it being over-prescribed? In this essential episode, hosts Jack Laurence and renowned Australian dog trainer Max O'Neil sit down with Dr Ingrid Groeger-Stone, a Behaviour Vet from Creature Connections, to discuss everything pet owners need to know about medicating dogs.

We explore when behaviour medication genuinely helps dogs, when it might not be necessary, and how it can work effectively alongside training programmes. Dr Groeger-Stone shares her professional insights on the pros and cons of medication, the growing concern about over-prescribed pets, and we talk about a practical checklist of things to consider before starting your dog on medication.

Whether you're dealing with separation anxiety, fear-based aggression, or other behavioural challenges, this conversation will help you make informed decisions about your dog's mental health and wellbeing.

IMPORTANT MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian before making any decisions about medicating your dog. Never make medication decisions based solely on podcast advice. Your vet can provide personalised guidance based on your dog's specific health history and needs.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thinking about desexing your dog? This episode delivers the answers you need from two leading experts who break down the science, myths, and real-world impacts of neutering and spaying.

Join podcast host Jack alongside renowned dog trainer Max O'Neil and veterinary behaviorist Ingrid from Creature Connections for an in-depth conversation about one of the most common, yet widely misunderstood, decisions dog owners face.

What you'll discover:

• The medical pros and cons of desexing at different life stages
• How neutering affects behavior, aggression, and anxiety in male and female dogs
• Timing considerations: early desexing vs. waiting until maturity
• Breed-specific factors that influence the decision
• Common myths debunked by veterinary science

Whether you're a new puppy parent or reconsidering desexing for your adult dog, this expert-led discussion cuts through the confusion with evidence-based insights and practical advice.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Perfection doesn’t exist in dog training and chasing it can suck the fun out of life with your dog.

In this episode, Jack and professional trainer Max talk about the importance of picking your battles. Not every behaviour needs fixing, and not every rule needs to be enforced. The real work is figuring out what actually matters to you.

It's important to break behaviours down into three simple categories:

• Non-negotiables
• Nice to haves
• Doesn’t matter

Jack shares his long-running (and eventually abandoned) battle with Kira jumping on the furniture, while Max talks about living with Nelson and his sneaky licking. Together, they unpack why trying to control every detail often leads to frustration, for both the human and the dog.

The goal isn’t a perfect dog.

It’s a functional, enjoyable life together.

If training has started to feel like a constant fight, this episode will help you step back, reset your priorities, and remember why you got a dog in the first place.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.