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 differentWhether 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.