Dog Training That Works: Maria Ryan on Positivity, Puppies, and Patience

In this episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni Shelaske is joined by Maria Ryan, founder of Dog Gone Positive Dog Training, for a candid and often hilarious conversation about dog behavior, training philosophy, and the ups and downs of raising a puppy. Maria shares her journey in the industry since the 1990s, her shift away from aversive techniques, and her firm belief in evidence-based, force-free training.

They discuss everything from bite inhibition and socialization windows to crate training, chew safety, surfaces, and the importance of ongoing enrichment. Maria shares the story of adopting her new puppy Tony—who overcame a traumatic jaw injury—and what it’s like to manage teething, training, and building trust from day one.

The episode also digs into real-world examples of behavior challenges, the role of medication in behavior cases, and why training is about teaching people just as much as their dogs. It’s a fun, grounded reminder that dog training isn’t a phase—it’s a lifelong journey built on communication, patience, and mutual respect.