Archives

In this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, Kati Peppe, owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine, tackles an important yet often misunderstood topic: how much of a dog’s behavior is shaped by training versus genetics? Many dog owners believe that any dog can be trained to behave perfectly if raised correctly. Kati debunks this myth by explaining that while training is powerful, it cannot override genetics. A dog’s temperament, tendencies, and natural drives are hardwired into their

In this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, Kati Peppe, owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine, dives into the critical role of clarity and consistency in dog training. Many dog owners focus on fixing specific problem behaviors, such as difficulty clipping nails, leash pulling, or reactivity, without realizing that these are often symptoms of a bigger issue: a lack of clearly enforced rules and expectations. Kati shares insights from a recent group training class, where a dog

In this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, Kati Peppe, owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine, dives into puppy training essentials. While many dog owners expect their young puppies to master commands like recall, leash walking, and stay, Kati explains why that’s unrealistic—and what you should focus on instead. The key to successful puppy training? Controlling outcomes. Puppies don’t need to be off-leash reliable yet—they need guidance, structured reinforcement, and consistent management. Kati covers practical strategies like

Welcome back to Off Leash and Unfiltered with Kati Peppe, owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine. In this episode, Kati breaks down the crucial balance between training and management in dog behavior. Many dog owners focus heavily on training while overlooking the role of management—structured oversight that helps guide a dog’s behavior. Every dog requires a mix of both, but the exact ratio varies based on the dog’s temperament, training progress, and household dynamics. Key Takeaways: Kati

Join Kati Peppe of Diamond K9 in Biddeford, ME, as she debates E-Collar vs. positive reinforcement training. She highlights effective methods for reactive and aggressive dogs. Welcome to another episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, where Kati Peppe of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine. Kati serves up the unvarnished truth about dog training—no sugarcoating, just good old-fashioned facts with a dash of dry humor. In this spirited episode, Kati dives into the hotly contested arena of E-Collar (aversive)

Welcome to this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, hosted by Kati Peppe of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine. In this episode, Kati delves into the core of dog training challenges—controlling your dog’s arousal levels. She explains how a dog’s excitement and stress directly impact their behavior. This makes it essential to manage arousal to achieve successful off-leash obedience and effective behavior modification. Kati shares expert strategies for identifying signs of high arousal, such as raised ears, tense

In this episode, Kati explores the crucial role that a handler’s mindset plays in effective dog training. She emphasizes how your confidence and assertiveness directly influence your dog’s behavior, especially when dealing with reactive dogs. Kati shares real-life examples, including handling two highly reactive English Bulldogs, to illustrate how a confident approach can transform challenging situations. She discusses the importance of shifting from a passive leash handling style to a leader-follower dynamic. These ensure you maintain control and set clear

Kati discussing balanced dog training, and addresses a critical misconception in the dog training community. Specifically, the overreliance on positive reinforcement without incorporating necessary negative consequences. Kati passionately critiques the prevalent dog training advice found online and on social media. She highlights how many popular trainers advocate solely for rewarding desired behaviors while neglecting to address unwanted actions effectively. She emphasizes that successful behavior modification requires a balanced approach. This includes both positive reinforcement and constructive consequences to motivate dogs

In this episode of “Off Leash and Unfiltered,” Kati Peppe, owner of Diamond K9 in Biddeford, Maine, tackles the intense debate within the dog training community between aversive methods, specifically E-Collar training, and purely positive reinforcement approaches. Kati highlights the growing backlash she encounters on social media from advocates of non-aversive training, emphasizing the critical role that consistent and appropriate corrections play in effectively modifying dog behavior. She explains that while positive reinforcement is a powerful tool, it may not

In this episode of “Off Leash and Unfiltered,” Kati Peppe, owner of Diamond K9 in Biddeford, Maine, delves into common mistakes in dog training, particularly the improper use of consequences to modify behavior. Kati emphasizes the importance of applying consistent and appropriate corrections to ensure dogs understand and adhere to desired behaviors. She highlights that while many owners excel at rewarding their dogs with treats, they often struggle with effectively using consequences to eliminate unwanted actions such as reactivity, aggression,