Dog Works Radio® · November 12, 2026 · 19 min

Do Dog Trainers Struggle With Their Own Puppies? The Reality of Raising a Puppy

Do professional dog trainers struggle with raising their own puppies? Absolutely. In this episode of The Daily Dog on Dog Works Radio, host Nicole Forto shares an honest look at life with her new German Shepherd puppy. Even with years of professional dog training experience, she's dealing with the same challenges that frustrate new puppy owners: potty accidents, biting, jumping, crate training, and the daily demands of raising a young dog. Nicole explains why knowing how to train dogs doesn't mean your puppy will behave perfectly. She shares how she's building positive crate associations, managing frequent potty breaks, establishing boundaries around jumping and mouthing, and adjusting her expectations to match her puppy's development. You'll learn why consistency matters more than perfection, how managing your puppy's environment can prevent unwanted behaviors, and why every puppy needs an individualized approach to training. Whether you've just brought home your first puppy or you're preparing for one, this episode offers practical advice and a realistic perspective on what successful puppy training actually looks like. Need help training your puppy? Visit AlaskaDogWorks.com to explore professional puppy training programs. Use promo code DOGWORKS to save 20% on your training program at booking. Subscribe to Dog Works Radio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Other Episodes You Will Love · How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training Support the Show This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II Like this episode? Share it with your dog training friends! Love this episode? Say thanks in true dog training podcasting style by leaving a review. FREE! Grab our 7-Day Real-World Dog Training Plan Take our Understanding Drive Behaviors quiz to see exactly what drive your dog is in and how to begin to train for it. Join the On-Air Dog Training Coaching waitlist for a chance to be coached on the air by Dr. Robert or Michele Forto and get your dog training questions answered in real time. Sign up now for 20% off our Group Coaching Program and learn how to build the best possible relationship with your dog. Take your dog training to the next level with our Peak Performance membership . Follow Dog Works Radio for more dog training tips: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn ©2009-2026 by Dog Works Training Company® All Rights Reserved.