Barks to Basics

Jamie Diaz

Do you have a new puppy, adolescent or senior dog with issues from potty training to major behavioral issues? Welcome to barks to basics. The ultimate podcast for dog lovers and aspiring trainers alike. I am Jamie Diaz, a certified professional dog trainer who have been dog training for 17 years. Each episode of this show will dive into essential training techniques, expert advice and practical tips to help you transform your furry friend into a well behaved companion. Join us for engaging discussions success stories and actionable insights that will make your dog training journey both effective and enjoyable. Join us now.

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30 episodes
weekly
Avg 18 min
English

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June 2 · 9 min
Ep. 91 - Top Ten Fun Summer Activites For Your Dog
On this episode, Jamie Diaz shares creative and practical ways to keep your dog happy, active, and mentally stimulated during the summer months. From swimming, beach trips, and hiking to frozen treats, scent games, and backyard activities, Jamie explains how enrichment and exercise help prevent boredom and strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners. She also shares important summer safety tips, including avoiding peak heat and keeping dogs hydrated. A fun, helpful episode for any dog parent looking to make summer more exciting for their pup! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
May 26 · 38 min
Ep. 90 - Babies, Kids & Dogs with Dr. Megan Petroff
On this episode of Barks to Basics, Jamie Diaz sits down with Dr. Megan Petroff for an informative conversation covering all things babies, kids, and dogs. Together, they discuss how to safely introduce dogs to growing families, common behavioral changes pets may experience around infants and young children, and how parents can create a calm, positive environment for both kids and pets. Dr. Petroff shares expert insight on reading dog body language, preventing stress and anxiety in the home, teaching children respectful interactions with animals, and recognizing warning signs before problems arise. Jamie and Dr. Petroff also dive into practical training tips, safety boundaries, routines, and ways to build confidence and trust between dogs and children at every stage of development. This episode is packed with real-life advice for pet parents preparing for a new baby, raising toddlers around dogs, or simply wanting a safer, happier relationship between their children and pets. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
May 19 · 20 min
Ep. 89 - The Ultimate Breed Selection Checklist
On this episode of Barks To Basics, Jamie Diaz breaks down the ultimate breed checklist and what every future dog owner should consider before choosing the right breed. Jamie explains why selecting a dog should go far beyond looks or popularity and instead be based on lifestyle, temperament, energy level, drive, grooming needs, health predispositions, and long-term compatibility. Throughout the episode, Jamie walks listeners through the key factors that should shape breed selection, including activity level, trainability, household dynamics, space requirements, shedding, working instincts, and whether a breed’s natural traits realistically align with your daily life. She also covers common mistakes people make when choosing a breed and why picking the wrong dog for your lifestyle often leads to frustration for both owner and dog. Whether you are deciding on your first dog, choosing a family companion, or looking for a working prospect, this episode gives listeners a practical checklist to help them choose the right breed with confidence and make a smarter long-term decision. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
May 12 · 17 min
Ep. 88 - When Is The Right Time To Get A Dog?
On this episode of Barks To Basics, Jamie Diaz dives into one of the most important questions future dog owners can ask: when is the right time to get a dog? Jamie breaks down what people should realistically consider before bringing a dog home, including lifestyle, schedule, finances, living arrangements, travel, and whether you truly have the time and consistency a dog needs to thrive. Throughout the episode, Jamie explains why getting a dog should be based on readiness—not emotion, convenience, or impulse. She discusses the importance of choosing the right season of life to take on the responsibility, how to know if your household is prepared, and what signs indicate you are genuinely ready for the commitment of training, structure, and long-term care. Whether you are thinking about your first dog or adding another to your home, this episode helps listeners evaluate if now is truly the right time, what to consider before making the leap, and how to set both yourself and your future dog up for success. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
May 5 · 20 min
Ep. 87 - Pros & Cons Of Adopting From A Shelter
On this episode of Barks To Basics, Jamie Diaz explores the pros and cons of adopting from a shelter and what potential dog owners should realistically expect when bringing home a rescue. While adoption can be an incredibly rewarding experience, Jamie breaks down why it is important to understand both the benefits and the challenges before making the commitment. Throughout the episode, Jamie discusses the positives of shelter adoption, including giving a dog a second chance, supporting rescue efforts, and often finding incredible companions in need of stable homes. She also covers the potential challenges adopters should be prepared for, such as unknown history, behavioral baggage, medical surprises, and the adjustment period many shelter dogs need to decompress and settle into a new environment. Jamie explains how to set realistic expectations, what questions to ask before adopting, and how to choose a shelter dog that fits your lifestyle, experience level, and home environment. Whether you are considering your first dog or adding another to your pack, this episode offers honest insight into the realities of shelter adoption so listeners can make informed, responsible decisions.
April 28 · 16 min
Ep. 86 - Why Choose A Breeder & What Questions To Ask
On this episode of Barks To Basics, Jamie Diaz breaks down the often misunderstood topic of choosing a breeder and why finding the right one matters more than most people realize. Jamie explains how a responsible breeder can set the foundation for a dog’s health, temperament, and long-term success, while also helping future owners avoid common behavioral and medical issues that often come from poor breeding practices. Throughout the episode, Jamie covers the key differences between ethical breeders and backyard breeders, what responsible breeding should actually look like, and why doing your homework before bringing home a puppy is one of the most important decisions you can make. She also shares the essential questions every potential dog owner should ask before committing—covering health testing, temperament, lineage, early socialization, living conditions, and breeder support after adoption. Whether you’re looking for a family companion, a working dog, or your next training prospect, this episode gives listeners the tools to ask smarter questions, spot red flags, and make informed decisions when choosing the right breeder and the right puppy.
April 21 · 45 min
Ep. 85 - Talking All Things Behavior with Dr Megan Petroff, DVM
On this insightful episode, Jamie welcomes Dr. Megan Petroff, a veterinary behaviorist, for an honest conversation about the science behind your dog’s behavior. Together, they break down common issues like anxiety, reactivity, aggression, and fear—explaining what’s really going on beneath the surface. Dr. Petroff shares expert guidance on when behavior is more than just training, how medical factors can play a role, and what owners can do to better support their dogs both mentally and emotionally. If you’ve ever wondered why your dog behaves a certain way—and not just how to fix it—this episode delivers real answers, practical advice, and a deeper understanding of your pup!
April 14 · 31 min
Ep. 84 - Ask The Dog Trainer!
On this interactive live Q&A episode, professional dog trainer Jamie Diaz goes live on TikTok to answer real-time questions from dog owners. From puppy training basics to behavior challenges like leash pulling, barking, and anxiety, Jamie shares practical, easy-to-follow advice you can start using immediately. Listeners will learn how to build better communication with their dogs, set clear boundaries, and use positive, consistent training methods that actually work in everyday life. Whether you’re raising a new puppy or working through behavioral issues, this episode is packed with relatable scenarios and expert guidance. Tune in for honest answers, real solutions, and training tips that help you create a calmer, more confident dog!
April 7 · 17 min
Ep. 83 - Training Puppies vs Adult Dogs: The Real Differences
On this episode of Barks to Basics, Jamie breaks down the key differences between training a puppy and working with an adult dog—and why they require completely different approaches. Puppies are a blank slate. It’s all about building structure, creating clear communication, and setting expectations from day one. Adult dogs, on the other hand, often come with established habits—good or bad—which means training becomes more about reshaping behavior, building trust, and undoing patterns that have been reinforced over time. Jamie dives into: • Why timing and consistency matter more with puppies • The challenges of retraining adult dogs with history • Common mistakes owners make when treating both the same • How to set realistic expectations based on age and experience • Why it’s never “too late” to train—but it is different Whether you’re raising a new puppy or trying to improve an adult dog’s behavior, this episode gives a clear, no-nonsense understanding of what actually works—and why.
March 31 · 19 min
Ep. 82 - Throw Out Your Shock Collars!
On this episode of Barks to Basics, Jamie Diaz is saying it loud and clear—it’s time to throw out your shock collars. Jamie breaks down why aversive tools can do more harm than good, how they impact your dog’s behavior and trust, and what many owners don’t realize when using them. She explains the science behind behavior, the risks of fear-based training, and why punishment doesn’t create long-term results. Instead, Jamie shares more effective, humane training methods that actually build a stronger bond between you and your dog. If you’re serious about training your dog the right way and creating lasting behavior change, this is a must listen.

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