Ep 74: Crate Training & Comfort for Doodles: Why It Matters Beyond Puppyhood with Malena DeMartini (Part 1)

This listener-favorite episode is back because it answers the grooming questions every Doodle parent has but doesn’t always know how to ask. I’m joined by grooming industry expert River Lee, and together we shine a gentle light on what’s really happening behind the grooming table — the challenges, the pressure, the heart, and the deep desire groomers have to do right by your dog.This conversation is all about teamwork, understanding, and helping your Doodle feel safe, confident, and cared for.💡 You’ll learn:• Why grooming costs are rising and why salons are booked solid • What’s behind the nationwide grooming shortage • How often your Doodle actually needs a full groom • Why groomers sometimes must shave a severely matted coat • How to prepare your Doodle for calmer, easier grooming days • The well-meaning habits that unintentionally make grooming harder • The simple at-home routines that help your groomer say “yes!” instead of “I had to shave”If you’ve ever left the groomer confused, frustrated, or unsure what happened… this episode will bring clarity, compassion, and real solutions.✨ For brushing help before your next appointmentCatch Episode #6: How to Brush Your Doodle the Right Way for step-by-step guidance designed specifically for Doodle coats.🎁 Complimentary Resources for Doodle Parents• Doodle Coat Must-Haves Cheat Sheet The go-to list of the exact brushing tools I recommend to all Doodle parents. Download: https://thedoodlepro.com/musthaves/• Brushing Guide: What Groomers Wish You Knew Your inside scoop on avoiding painful matting and making grooming a kinder experience. Download: https://thedoodlepro.com/brushing🐾 Stay ConnectedBehind-the-scenes tips, reels, and Doodle joy: Instagram.com/thedoodlepro Facebook.com/thedoodleproGrooming expert River Lee: Instagram.com/thesavvygroomer YouTube.com/c/SavvyGroomerDo you want help keeping track of all the sights, sounds, textures, places, and people that your doodle needs positive, ongoing, and quality exposures to? Don't try to keep track of it all in your mind by using my free Doodle Puppy Socialization Checklist! Download it for free now at https://thedoodlepro.com/socialization. Test your Doodle Body Language knowledge with our FREE quiz!https://thedoodlepro.com/body

Helping Your Doodle Through Daylight Saving Time — Without the Chaos🎁 Grab your complimentary Doodle Morning Flow™ Blueprint:👉 thedoodlepro.com/morningflowI created this free guide to help you gently reset your Doodle’s morning routine after daylight saving time. Inside, you’ll find a printable plan and the same 3-day, step-by-step schedule I walk through in today’s episode.When the clocks change, our Doodles don’t get the memo. Suddenly breakfast feels late, bedtime feels early, and those peaceful mornings can turn into mayhem.In this episode, I’m sharing science-based, real-world strategies for helping your Doodle smoothly adjust to daylight saving time—and other routine shakeups like travel, back-to-school transitions, or holiday chaos.These tips come straight from my bestselling book, Your Doodle’s Daily Schedule Blueprint™, especially the section on Adapting to Life and Seasonal Changes. You’ll learn how to shift your Doodle’s routine without stress, why anchor cues matter more than the clock, and how to bring calm back lickity-split.🎧 You’ll learn:Why Doodles struggle with daylight saving and time changesHow to use a 3-day, 15-minute shift plan to realign routinesThe role of calm enrichment vs. overexercisingWhy consistency and predictability reduce stress📘 Mentioned in this episode:Your Doodle’s Daily Schedule Blueprint™ — available now on AmazonDoodle Morning Flow™ Blueprint — Download it hereDo you want help keeping track of all the sights, sounds, textures, places, and people that your doodle needs positive, ongoing, and quality exposures to? Don't try to keep track of it all in your mind by using my free Doodle Puppy Socialization Checklist! Download it for free now at https://thedoodlepro.com/socialization.

Is life with your Doodle more chaotic than calm—and you’ve started wondering if adding another might help?Before you double the fluff, let’s talk timing, introductions, and what to do if things don’t go quite as planned.In this episode of The Doodle Pro® Podcast, I’m joined by Lisa Lyle Waggoner, author of Rocket Recall™, and her husband and co-trainer Brad Waggoner, both faculty at the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Between them, they’ve introduced puppies to dogs at every life stage—from busy adolescents to sweet seniors—and they’re sharing what really works (and what to avoid).Here’s what you’ll learn:🐾 The best (and worst) timing for adding a second dog 🚪 The exact first-day protocol—from outdoor greetings to inside management 💬 How to read body language and prevent scuffles before they start 🎯 Why “let them work it out” is risky—and what to do instead ❤️ What to do if your current dog just isn’t warming up to the new puppy 🌟 When rehoming can be a loving choice—not a failureWhether you’re planning for puppy number two or trying to bring peace back to your home, this episode gives you the calm, clear path every Doodle parent deserves.Links Mentioned:Lisa Lyle Waggoner’s Rocket Recall™Cold Nose CollegeThe Doodle Pro® Blog: Should You Add a Second Dog?The Doodle Pro® Academy🎙 Want to teach your Doodle to actually settle and listen—even with a new puppy in the mix? Try my Relaxation Protocol for Distractable Doodles™—just 5–15 minutes a day to bring more calm to your pack. 👉 Get Instant AccessDo you want help keeping track of all the sights, sounds, textures, places, and people that your doodle needs positive, ongoing, and quality exposures to? Don't try to keep track of it all in your mind by using my free Doodle Puppy Socialization Checklist! Download it for free now at https://thedoodlepro.com/socialization. Test your Doodle Body Language knowledge with our FREE quiz!https://thedoodlepro.com/body

I missed you last week — but for the best reason! I was busy loving on more than 150 Doodle parents inside my Doodle Parent Challenge: Motivation Edition. We spent the week talking about how to break the “Trust Fund Puppy” cycle and what really motivates our Doodles to listen. And wow… the breakthroughs were incredible! In today’s episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my signature program, Zoomies to Zen™ — the only Doodle-specific training course designed to transform chaos into calm without fear, frustration, or force. You’ll hear exactly what we do inside the six-week experience — from teaching Doodles to stop jumping and calm down on cue, to building focus, impulse control, and connection that lasts a lifetime. I’m also sharing real success stories from Doodle parents like Rebecca, Nancy, and Anna who turned their wild, overstimulated doodles into calm, confident companions. If you’ve ever thought, “I’ve tried everything and nothing works for my Doodle,” this episode is for you. ✨ Doors to Zoomies to Zen™ close at midnight EST on October 16th, and won’t open again for another 6 months! Join me now at thedoodlepro.com/zoomiestozen — I’d love to personally guide you and your Doodle from zoomies… to zen. 🐾 

JOIN THE CHALLENGE (complimentary): https://thedoodlepro.com/parentchallenge Take the 2-minute Trust Fund Puppy Quiz: https://thedoodlepro.com/trustfundpuppyDo you secretly live with a “Trust Fund Puppy”—a super-social, super-smart Doodle who gets VIP access to people, places, and perks without offering even a tiny “please” first? In this episode, I explain what a Trust Fund Puppy is, why Doodles drift there, the real costs of letting it ride, and 10 red flags so you can spot the pattern fast. No fixes here—the how happens together inside the Doodle Parent Challenge — Motivation Edition (complimentary, starts Mon, Sept 30; birthday-week $500+ in prizes). Join the Doodle Parent Challenge — Motivation Edition (complimentary) • Kickoff: Mon, Sept 30 • Where: Private Facebook group (doors open now) Optional: Take the 2-minute Trust Fund Puppy Quiz and bring your result to Day 1.WHAT IS A “TRUST FUND PUPPY”? A friendly, much-loved dog who’s learned that access just… happens—doors open, guests pet, toys fly, walks proceed, couches include—without first offering a tiny bit of “please.” Benefits on tap; responsibilities, not so much. Zero-blame lens: your Doodle isn’t misbehaving—they’re following the pattern we accidentally taught.THE 10 RED FLAGS (SELF-CHECK)Greets first; never checks inThreshold turbo at doorsWalks = you’re the passengerBall/tug resumes after jump-bark-spinCouch/bed is self-serveFood bowl lands while whining/pawing“He knows it”—but only when he feels like itGuests get love-bombed while you apologizePushback (whine/paw) works—you caveEmpty hands = low voice valueKEEP IN MIND • Feeling called out by #1 or #8 = good data, not shame • Friendly can still be unsafe (door dashing, automatic greetings) • You didn’t fail—you reinforced enthusiasm without guardrailsWHY DOODLES DRIFT HERE Bright + bouncy + people-loving = lightning-fast “access happens” learning; we reward charisma because it’s adorable; adolescence hardens patterns.WHAT HAPPENS NEXT There’s one simple, kind lever that flips “does what he wants” into “checks in first.” We’ll put it in your hand—and practice it—inside the Challenge.JOIN THE CHALLENGE (complimentary): https://thedoodlepro.com/parentchallenge Take the 2-minute Quiz: https://thedoodlepro.com/trustfundpuppy Book mentioned: https://thedoodlepro.com/bookDo you want help keeping track of all the sights, sounds, textures, places, and people that your doodle needs positive, ongoing, and quality exposures to? Don't try to keep track of it all in your mind by using my free Doodle Puppy Socialization Checklist! Download it for free now at https://thedoodlepro.com/socialization.

Does your Doodle bark at leaves, lunge on leash, or spook at everyday noises? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Doodle Pro® Podcast, certified trainer Corinne Gearhart talks with Dr. Zazie Todd, author of Bark: The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, and Reactive Dog, about why Doodles are prone to anxiety and reactivity—and how you can help.You’ll learn the difference between fear and anxiety, why positive reinforcement builds optimism, and how relaxation protocols can transform daily life with your pup. 🐾 Stay tuned until the end for an exclusive $20 off my Relaxation Protocol for Distractable Doodles™.✨ More from Dr. Todd: Companion Animal Psychology blog🎧 Listen now and set your Doodle up for calmer, happier days!Do you want help keeping track of all the sights, sounds, textures, places, and people that your doodle needs positive, ongoing, and quality exposures to? Don't try to keep track of it all in your mind by using my free Doodle Puppy Socialization Checklist! Download it for free now at https://thedoodlepro.com/socialization. Test your Doodle Body Language knowledge with our FREE quiz!https://thedoodlepro.com/body

Does your Doodle cry in the crate—or avoid going in altogether? In part two of my conversation with world-renowned separation anxiety expert Malena DeMartini Price, we explore gentle, science-based ways to help your puppy or adult Doodle feel truly comfortable in their crate.We break down how to tell the difference between protest and distress, when to use shaping vs. luring, and why crates should predict good things (not just you leaving).And because timing matters, I’ll share how the crate comfort schedules inside Your Doodle’s Daily Schedule Blueprint™ show you exactly how long and when to use the crate by age—so you’re not guessing or pushing too fast.💡 This episode is perfect if:You’ve tried “cry it out” and it backfiredYou’re juggling crate training with house trainingYou want your Doodle to settle happily at night and during the dayYou’re tired of chaos and want calm routinesKey Takeaways ✅ Why forcing crate training can harm long-term comfort ✅ Puppy vs. adult strategies for introducing the crate ✅ How to use meals, toys, and naps to create positive associations ✅ How to spot distress vs. normal protest barking ✅ The Daily Schedule Blueprint™ crate schedules for building predictable routines🎁 Exclusive Listener Discount: 🖥 Get $75 off Malena’s Self-Paced Online Course, Mission Possible👉 Sign up here: thedoodlepro.com/missionpossible💰 Use code doodleSA at checkout to claim your discount!This course is a step-by-step, science-based program designed to help dogs overcome separation anxiety at their own pace — using Malena’s proven protocol.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “We followed Corinne’s crate comfort schedule from the Blueprint and the whining stopped in days. Total game-changer.”👉 Want results like this? Grab Your Doodle’s Daily Schedule Blueprint™ now.Do you want help keeping track of all the sights, sounds, textures, places, and people that your doodle needs positive, ongoing, and quality exposures to? Don't try to keep track of it all in your mind by using my free Doodle Puppy Socialization Checklist! Download it for free now at https://thedoodlepro.com/socialization. Test your Doodle Body Language knowledge with our FREE quiz!https://thedoodlepro.com/body

Is crate training only for housebreaking puppies? Or does it play a much bigger role in your Doodle’s comfort, safety, and confidence throughout life?In this episode of The Doodle Pro® Podcast, I’m joined by world-renowned separation anxiety expert Malena DeMartini to dig into the surprising benefits of crate training — long after the puppy stage.We cover:Why many puppies become “little land sharks” without a crate to help them decompress 🦈How crates can prevent over-arousal and support better sleep habitsWhy ditching the crate too soon can make emergencies, vet visits, and grooming far more stressfulHow to protect your dog’s crate as their safe space (and teach kids to respect it)The truth about the “dogs are den animals” myth💡 Want a ready-to-use crate and alone-time schedule designed just for Doodles? Grab your copy of Your Doodle’s Daily Schedule Blueprint™ here: thedoodlepro.com/book🎁 Exclusive Listener Discount: 🖥 Get $75 off Malena’s Self-Paced Online Course, Mission Possible 👉 Sign up here: thedoodlepro.com/missionpossible 💰 Use code doodleSA at checkout to claim your discount!This course is a step-by-step, science-based program designed to help dogs overcome separation anxiety at their own pace — using Malena’s proven protocol.This is Part 1 of our conversation. Be sure to follow the podcast now so you don’t miss Part 2, where we’ll dive into exactly how to make crate comfort training a joy for both you and your Doodle.🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy your shows.Do you want help keeping track of all the sights, sounds, textures, places, and people that your doodle needs positive, ongoing, and quality exposures to? Don't try to keep track of it all in your mind by using my free Doodle Puppy Socialization Checklist! Download it for free now at https://thedoodlepro.com/socialization.

Think you need to keep your puppy home until all their shots are done? Think again!In Ep 73, Puppy Culture founder Jane Messineo Lindquist busts the biggest puppy socialization myth, shares the #1 thing breeders should do before puppies go home, and gives hope for rescue and adult dogs too. This episode could change your puppy’s future.💡 You’ll Learn: ✔️ How to safely socialize your puppy before all vaccines are complete ✔️ The #1 thing Jane wishes every breeder would do before sending a puppy home ✔️ Why adult and rescue dogs can still make big strides ✔️ How socialization impacts your Doodle’s confidence, health & behavior long-term📘 Special Note: Jane contributed to my bestselling book Your Doodle’s Daily Schedule Blueprint. Inside, you’ll also find my exclusive day-by-day Socialization Schedule to guide you through this critical period. Get your copy at DoodleBlueprint.com.Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:🐾Doodle Pro Socialization Checklist📘 Your Doodle’s Daily Schedule Blueprint (with Jane as a contributor!) → Get it here🐾 Puppy Culture programs & products → Explore hereAVSAB Humane Training Statement📖 Jane’s book When Pigs Fly: Training Success with Impossible Dogs → Grab it here📖 Jean Donaldson’s book Mine! (resource guarding “bible”) → Check it out🎧 Jane’s podcast Madcap Radio → Listen hereDo you want help keeping track of all the sights, sounds, textures, places, and people that your doodle needs positive, ongoing, and quality exposures to? Don't try to keep track of it all in your mind by using my free Doodle Puppy Socialization Checklist! Download it for free now at https://thedoodlepro.com/socialization.

Want to raise a confident, resilient Doodle from the very start? In this first half of my conversation with Jane Messineo Lindquist, creator of Puppy Culture, we dive into the protocols that set puppies—and their people—up for success from day one.Jane shares the origin story of Puppy Culture, why genetics are only part of the picture, and the enrichment and communication tools that create confident, optimistic dogs. We unpack what “manding” really means (and why it’s not just “sit for petting”), explore active vs. passive enrichment, and take a hard look at the ENS buzzword versus simulated maternal stimulation.💡 What You’ll Learn in Part 1: ✔️ How Puppy Culture began and why it’s become a global movement ✔️ The difference between active and passive enrichment—and why both matter ✔️ How manding builds communication and reduces frustration in dogs of any age ✔️ ENS vs. simulated maternal stimulation (SMS) and what the science really says ✔️ The key protocols to look for when choosing a responsible Doodle breeder📘 Want more support raising your puppy? Jane also shares insights inside my book, Your Doodle’s Daily Schedule Blueprint → Get at DoodleBlueprint.com🎧 Catch Part Two in Episode 73 → where we break down the #1 socialization myth, what every breeder should do before puppies go home, and how even rescue and adult dogs can benefit.Resources & Links:Puppy Culture websiteJane’s book: When Pigs Fly! Training Success with Impossible DogsArticle: “Rethinking ENS” on Madcap UniversityThe Doodle Pro® Podcast on Apple PodcastsDo you want help keeping track of all the sights, sounds, textures, places, and people that your doodle needs positive, ongoing, and quality exposures to? Don't try to keep track of it all in your mind by using my free Doodle Puppy Socialization Checklist! Download it for free now at https://thedoodlepro.com/socialization. Test your Doodle Body Language knowledge with our FREE quiz!https://thedoodlepro.com/body