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 confident yourself
 
👉 Tune in and learn how to build trust, prevent problems, and create a dog who sees you as the source of all good things.

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 for calm before giving your dog what they want
 
Crate train early – build calmness, potty training habits, and flexibility for life
 
 
Whether you’ve just brought your new pup home or you’re trying to fix early mistakes, this episode will give you a clear roadmap to start strong.
 
📖 Read the full blog: safehousek9.ca
🐾 Follow me on Instagram & Facebook: @safehousek9

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 have your back in real life.
 
Whether you're a working dog enthusiast, a Cane Corso owner, or just curious about what it takes to build a protection dog from the ground up, this episode offers a grounded, honest look at the real requirements—and the real risks.
 
💡 What you’ll learn:
 
Why stable temperament and genetics matter more than size or breed
 
How your home environment affects your dog’s suitability for protection work
 
What level of obedience and leadership is required before bite work
 
Why protection training is not a shortcut—and what to do instead
 
 
📝 Read the full blog version at safehousek9.ca
📲 Follow on Instagram: @safehousek9

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 curious owner, this is a behind-the-scenes look at the split-second decisions, emotional aftermath, and leadership dynamics that go into real-world aggression cases.
 
Mentioned in this episode:
– Coaching reactive dog handlers in real time
– When not handling the dog is the right call
– Building handler confidence under pressure
– Personal reflections on risk, fear, and growth

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 trainer reflecting on how far you've come, this episode is a reminder that failure isn't the end—it’s the beginning of better leadership.
 
Mentioned in this episode:
– The difference between calm and control
– Working with your dog’s natural motivators
– Why obedience isn’t a fix for everything
– The training concept she wishes she’d used from day one
 
Full blog post available at: https://safehousek9.ca
 
📸 Follow the journey on Instagram: @safehousek9