The Safehouse K9 Podcast

Food aggression is one of those issues most dog owners don’t think about—until it’s already a problem. But the truth is, prevention is not only possible, it’s far easier (and safer) than fixing the behaviour after it shows up.In this episode, I share 5 practical, proven strategies you can start using today to help your dog stay calm and confident around food: ✅ Hand feeding from day one ✅ Teaching calm before meals ✅ Building trust at the bowl ✅ Using “leave it” to trade up ✅ Staying calm and

Someone recently asked me for a few quick puppy training tips—and my first thought was, how do I sum up puppy training in just a few points?After a moment, I realized it’s actually pretty straightforward. Not always easy—but clear. In this episode, I break down the four foundational principles I teach every new puppy owner: Be the leader – create structure and clarity for your pup Communicate clearly – use body language, leash cues, and verbal commands consistently Teach calmness – wait

Ever thought your dog would make a great personal protection dog? Before you buy a bite sleeve or start training for defense, this episode is a must-listen. Anna from Safehouse K9 breaks down what most people don’t realize about protection work—from the rare genetics required to the level of leadership and obedience needed before bite work even begins. You’ll learn why most dogs—and handlers—aren’t ready for this type of work yet, and what to focus on instead if you want a dog who can confidently

In this bonus debrief episode, I unpack a recent session with a high-drive Malinois that pushed right up to the edge of what I was willing to handle hands-on. The dog didn’t break skin—but came close—and the handler absolutely rose to the occasion. I talk about why I chose to stay off the leash despite the dog’s intensity, how I coached the handler through the process, and how I navigate the fine line between fear and healthy self-preservation as a trainer. Whether you’re a fellow trainer or a

Let’s be real—nobody gets it all right with their first dog. In this episode, Anna shares the honest truth about the mistakes she made with her working line German Shepherd, Koda… and what she’d do differently now. From overlooking calmness to suppressing curiosity, trying the wrong methods, and skipping essential desensitization—this is a vulnerable look at the learning curve that shaped her as a trainer. Whether you're in the thick of it with your first reactive or high-drive dog, or you're a