Feel like the more you try to fix your dog’s behavior, the worse it gets?

If you’re dealing with barking, leash pulling, jumping, or flat-out ignoring commands, the problem might not be your dog: it might be what you’re accidentally reinforcing without realizing it.

In this episode, I’m joined by professional dog trainer and behavior consultant Bradley Phifer, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KSA, Executive Director, CCPDT to unpack the everyday mistakes that teach dogs to keep misbehaving, even when you're trying your best to stop it.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL FIND OUT:
• How unintentional habits like acting excited when you get home, high-pitched baby talk, or ignoring jumping up periodically can reinforce bad behavior
• Why “management” isn't a shortcut, it’s a critical part of lasting training
• What to do when your dog training tips fail and your dog’s behavior is taking over your life (and how to get it back) 

Whether you have a rescue dog or got a puppy from a reputable breeder, if your dog’s behavior is going from frustrating to unmanageable, and nothing you’ve tried is working, this episode will show you where things are breaking down and how to shift the pattern starting today.

CONNECT WITH BRADLEY PHIFER
WEBSITE | https://bradleyphifer.com/

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers: https://www.ccpdt.org/

LOOKING FOR A GREAT CRATE? I focused on benefits in this episode, but one of my top picks is Impact Dog Crates. They’re an investment, but built to last a lifetime of safety and security for your dog. 

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review so more can get the pet parent advice they need.

Please take our quick listener survey: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/ZbaTzF

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but this show delivers expert pet advice and solutions for real pet parenting struggles. Each week, we share pet care on a budget tips and pet saving hacks to help you stretch every dollar, whether it’s pet cost hacks for vet bills and pet food, or simple ways to make training and daily care easier. You’ll get dog training and behavior advice, cat care insights, and practical pet advice for everything from litter box issues to keeping multi-pet homes peaceful. We cover pet budgeting, managing pet behavior, stress-free vet visits, and home cleaning that actually works with pets. Follow for the support you need to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro