Barks to Basics Podcast with Renee Patience

How To Create A Calm Puppy

Creating a Calm Puppy: Teaching the Skill That Changes EverythingEveryone wants a calm puppy, but calm is not something puppies magically grow into. It is a skill that must be intentionally taught, reinforced, and protected.In this episode of Barks to Basics, we break down what calm actually means from a behavioural and scientific perspective, and why many well meaning owners accidentally create overstimulated and overtired puppies by doing more instead of doing better.You will learn why calm is a nervous system state (not a personality trait), and how early experiences, sleep, routine, and reinforcement shape a puppy’s ability to regulate themselves long term.This episode covers: • What calm really is (and what it is not) • Why more exercise often makes puppy behaviour worse, not better • How sleep deprivation and overstimulation drive biting, zoomies, and meltdowns • The role of stress physiology and arousal in puppy behaviour • How to build calm through daily routines, decompression, and predictability • Practical training skills that teach puppies how to settle and self regulate • Capturing and reinforcing calm behaviour in real life • How to use mat training and structured relaxation to build an off switch • Socialisation done correctly (without overwhelm, flooding, or forced greetings) • Why observation based socialisation creates calmer, more resilient dogs • Real life examples of common puppy struggles and how to troubleshoot them • A full daily calm puppy blueprint you can implement immediatelyThis episode is grounded in modern canine learning science and behaviour research, with a strong focus on reward based methods, emotional regulation, and long term welfare (not quick fixes or suppression).Whether you are raising your first puppy or working with a young dog who struggles to settle, this episode will help you shift your focus from managing manic behaviours (biting, jumping up, zoomies etc) to teaching calm as a life skill.Because you do not need a perfect puppy. You need a puppy who is learning how to regulate in a busy world.

Episode 007 - Thanksgiving with Dogs: A Calm Guide to Safety and Celebration,

Thanksgiving is a time for family, warmth and good food, but for our dogs it can be a day filled with confusion, overstimulation and stress. In this episode of Barks to Basics, certified canine behaviourist Renee Patience, founder of Paws Academy, shares calm, practical ways to keep your dog safe, comfortable and included in the celebrations. Learn why sudden changes in routine affect your dog’s behaviour, how to spot early signs of stress, and what foods are safe to share from the Thanksgiving table. Renee explains the science behind calmness, gives real-life training examples, and shows how small adjustments in environment and energy can make all the difference. This episode is a must-listen for every dog owner who wants to understand their dog better and prevent holiday overwhelm before it starts. 💛 Free Guide: Download your free educational guide, Thanksgiving with Dogs: A Calm Guide to Safety and Celebration, filled with evidence-based tips and calm handling advice: 👉 https://www.thetrainingofdogs.com/product-page/free-thanksgiving-dog-safety-guide [https://www.thetrainingofdogs.com/product-page/free-thanksgiving-dog-safety-guide] At Paws Academy, we support dogs and owners globally, helping families create calm, confident relationships built on understanding and trust.

EPISODE 006 – BOOMS, BANGS AND SAFE SPACES: HELPING YOUR SOUND-SENSITIVE DOG

In this episode of Barks to Basics, Renee explores the world of canine sound sensitivity and asks: why do some dogs fear fireworks and storms, while others hardly react at all? Is sound sensitivity something dogs are born with, or can it develop later in life through stress, pain or negative experiences? Drawing on behavioural science, real-life cases and years of hands-on experience, Renee breaks down the difference between primary sensitivity, where dogs are naturally more reactive to sound, and secondary sensitivity, where fear is learned through association. She explains why fireworks and thunderstorms are such powerful triggers, how the canine brain processes fear, and why these experiences can have such a lasting impact. You will hear practical advice on recognising the signs of sound sensitivity, how to create safe spaces and routines that help your dog feel secure, and which training methods and support options can make the biggest difference. Whether your dog trembles at every bang or simply shows unease during noisy events, this episode offers understanding, compassion and science-backed strategies to help them cope. By the end, you will see that sound sensitivity is not a one-size-fits-all problem. With choice, safety and the right support, every dog can feel calmer and more secure, even when the sky is lit up with fireworks.

Episode 005 - Inside Your Dogs Emotional Radar

In this episode of Barks to Basics, Renee dives into the emotional world of dogs and asks: What really happens when we cry in front of our pets? Do dogs understand sadness? Are they trying to comfort us, or are they simply reacting to change? Through real-life stories, behavioural insight, and years of hands-on experience, Renee explores the many ways dogs respond to human emotion, whether it’s licking your face, pacing the room, or quietly walking away. You’ll hear relatable examples (with names and details changed to protect privacy) that shed light on how individual temperament, history, and human interaction all play a role in shaping a dog’s reaction. Whether your dog is a full-on cuddler or keeps their distance during tough moments, this episode helps you see their behaviour with fresh understanding and compassion.

How Choice & Safety Change Behaviours - Barks to Basics Episode 004

Does your dog seem unsure around new people, freeze when approached, or react suddenly in situations that feel unpredictable?  Maybe they are not being difficult. Maybe their brain is simply trying to stay safe. In this episode, we are looking inside the canine nervous system to explore why fear-based behaviours happen, and how a method we developed at Paws Academy, called Trust Step, can help. This approach is grounded in neuroscience but designed for real life. You will learn what is really going on when dogs bark, bolt or avoid, why control is often the missing piece in training plans, and how to use clear, consistent patterns to help your dog feel safe enough to choose connection instead of retreat. We will walk you through how Trust Step works, what makes it different from common techniques like luring or exposure, and how to avoid mistakes that can make progress slower. We will also share real stories of dogs who moved from shutdown to confident, not by being pushed, but by being given a choice. If you live with a dog who is fearful, sensitive or reactive, or if you support clients who do, this episode is for you. It is practical, thoughtful and built on real experience. No complicated routines. Just one step at a time, led by what the dog is ready for. Tune in and explore a new way of thinking about behaviour, trust and choice.