Sexier Than A Squirrel: Dog Training That Gets Real Life Results

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too! This week, Lauren is joined by the brilliant Linda to tackle a challenge so many dog owners know all too well: window barking. That moment your dog launches at the glass, noise levels skyrocket, and suddenly the whole house feels tense, chaotic, and on edge. It’s frustrating, it’s exhausting, and for many, it feels like a habit that’s impossible to break. In this episode, we dig into what’s really going on behind the barking. Because this isn’t about a “naughty” dog - it’s about a behaviour that’s been well practised and, in many cases, accidentally reinforced. With the perfect vantage point and a constant stream of passers-by, your dog is essentially rehearsing the same high-arousal response again and again. Lauren and Linda walk through a real-life case study, sharing exactly how Linda turned things around for a dog who was making daily life stressful for the entire household. You’ll hear how small, practical changes - like adjusting the environment to reduce visual triggers - and simple, positive training techniques can make a huge difference. From using window film to limit rehearsal, to transforming a familiar “uh-uh” into a powerful, reward-based attention cue, this is all about changing the picture, not battling the behaviour. We also explore why telling your dog off often backfires, and what to do instead. By focusing on rewarding the behaviours you do want - like choosing to move away from the window and settle calmly - you can build habits that stick, without conflict or frustration. If you’re dealing with barking at windows, TVs, or anything that triggers that launch-and-lunge response, this episode will give you a clear, practical plan you can start straight away. Ready for solutions for every struggle - including barking? Grab the £1 Games Club trial and get started right now! https://absolutedogs.me/7daytrial Support the show If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27! Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club! https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog - Pro Dog Trainer Club! https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too! This week, Lauren is joined once again by the brilliant Justin Prust, and this time they’re diving into something that sits at the heart of everything we do – connection. We don’t always realise how much it matters until it’s missing, but when you really look at it, connection is the thing holding your life (and your relationships) together. Together, Lauren and Justin get real about what makes connection last: effort, consistency, and the courage to show up as your true self, even when it would be easier to stay polished and distant. From years of friendship to long-distance family life, they share honest stories that prove just how powerful a genuine “hello” can be. You’ll hear practical tips for building stronger relationships in your everyday life, from sending voice notes that actually feel like you, to handwritten letters which add a personal touch that can mean the world, especially in our fast, digital world. They also explore why the idea of being “self-made” is a myth, and how connection grows when you give first, show up without judgement, and let people see the real human behind it all. And because this is a dog training podcast, we bring it back to our dogs too. From the communities built around training and shared interests, to those unexpected, sometimes shocking moments (yes… even the rabbit-catching kind), we talk about how connection with your dog can wobble, grow, and ultimately become stronger through understanding, training, and trust. If you’ve been craving deeper relationships, a stronger sense of community, or a better connection with your dog, this episode will leave you thinking differently about the small things that really matter. Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, share it with someone you’d love to stay connected with, and leave us a review telling us the one connection habit you’re going to start today. Ready to connect with a community of like-minded dog owners and feel supported in your training journey? Grab the £1 Games Club trial and get started right now! https://absolutedogs.me/7daytrial Support the show If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27! Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club! https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog - Pro Dog Trainer Club! https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too! This week, Lauren is joined by the wonderful Sam for a refreshingly honest conversation about something many dog owners struggle with: walks that just don’t work. If your dog melts down on walks and you feel that knot of dread before you even pick up the lead, you are not alone - and you are not doing anything “wrong”. Together, Lauren and Sam unpack why the traditional daily walk can actually be the hardest possible exercise plan for some dogs, especially those who are reactive, worried, or easily tipped into over-arousal. When a dog is in a state of panic, learning simply isn’t possible, and busy environments can quickly become a daily rehearsal of stress for both you and your dog. So instead, we give ourselves permission to do it differently: think exercise, not walks This episode explores practical, flexible alternatives that meet dogs where they are. From strength-building and slow, intentional movement at home, to Cavaletti work, Confidence Circuits, and fun food-based games that burn energy quickly, Lauren and Sam share ideas that are both achievable and effective. They also talk about how to make outdoor exercise work for your dog, including choosing quieter locations, using enclosed fields, and understanding how timing and space can make all the difference. Along the way, they dive into the kinds of movement that really support behaviour change - including proprioception work and simple core exercises that help dogs feel more balanced and in control of their bodies. Support the show If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27! Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club! https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog - Pro Dog Trainer Club! https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too! This week, Lauren is joined by vet and Flyball competitor Nichol to chat about raising a sports dog. Barking dogs, busy ringsides, food on the floor - whether it’s agility, flyball or obedience, it’s a complex environment for any dog to navigate. Our starting point is simple: focus first. Because if you don’t have your dog’s attention, you don’t have training. Lauren and Nichol share the games and reinforcement strategies that help your dog choose you, even when the environment is full of distractions. From there, they get into arousal and overstimulation; why shorter sessions build more success, how to introduce busy environments without overwhelming your dog, and why sometimes the best decision you can make is two minutes of great work… then leave. They also talk about building strong foundations at home, where your puppy can win; developing play, building reliable tug, and creating skills you can take anywhere - especially when food isn’t enough in high-energy environments. You’ll hear how to proof behaviours in new places, prevent rehearsal of unwanted habits, and help your dog feel safe and confident around the realities of competition spaces. And finally, they touch on early retrieves, body awareness, and the mindset that keeps your training moving forward with every puppy you raise. If you’re building a future sports dog - or just want a dog who can stay with you when life gets busy - this episode is packed with practical ideas. Support the show If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27! Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club! https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog - Pro Dog Trainer Club! https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too! This week, we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood topics in dog training: food. Are you bribing your dog? Creating a treat monster? Or accidentally training the very behaviours you don’t want? At absoluteDogs, we believe something simple but powerful: every piece of food has a purpose. When you start using food with intention, everything changes. Your dog’s choices, your timing, and the results you see in real life. In this episode, we break down what’s really going on when you use food in training, and how to turn rewards into a tool that builds trust, clarity, and reliability - not dependency. We share practical, everyday training games that go way beyond “sit for a biscuit”. Think reinforcing proximity to supercharge your recall, paying for loose lead walking when the world is distracting, and creating positive associations with things like cars, visitors, and door knocks so they become a total non-event. Got more than one dog? We’ve got you covered there too. We chat about using food to move dogs smoothly from space to space, reducing chaos, ditching the chasing and negotiating, and building a calmer, more cooperative household. We also tackle noise reactivity and the realities of neighbourhood life, showing you how to use simple pairing strategies to reduce barking and help your dog settle. Plus, the easy calming setups we always have ready - think Kongs, lick mats, and smart crate routines. And finally, we head into cooperative care - grooming, handling, and vet visits - sharing how simple consent-based games like chin rests and stillness can transform these experiences from stressful to straightforward. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “doing food right”, this episode will change how you see every single treat you deliver. Ready to learn more? Grab the £1 Games Club trial, explore guided tracks - including Mouse Trap - and see how powerful games and food are when used purposefully and thoughtfully. https://absolutedogs.me/7daytrial New to Devon Dogs and want to take advantage of the introductory offer? http://www.devondogs.co.uk/product/20-introductory-lesson Support the show If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27! Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club! https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog - Pro Dog Trainer Club! https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too! This week, the wonderful Sam is back to chat to Lauren about a rather unusual training tool: a suitcase. Siri, Sam’s Jack Russell, used to find the outside world pretty overwhelming. Walks could quickly turn into moments of panic and reactivity. But a simple idea - a suitcase covered in unicorns - helped turn those tricky situations into something far more predictable and productive. The “magic suitcase” isn’t really magic at all. It’s a portable kit filled with games Siri already knows and loves. Over time, the suitcase itself became a cue: when it appears, it means “we’re about to play our games”. That sense of familiarity gives Siri something clear and positive to focus on, even when the environment around her feels challenging. Lauren and Sam talk through how Sam built this system step by step. It started at home with short, successful sessions, layering different games onto the same prop so Siri learned that the suitcase always means the same thing. From two paws up and wrap-arounds to boundary settles, scent searches, and even a noise box, each activity became part of the same predictable routine. It’s outside in the real world where the suitcase really comes into its own. When things feel a bit spicy - a busy street, a sudden distraction, a trigger appearing in the distance - the suitcase helps Siri switch from worry to work. Sometimes that means calm, nose-led activities; other times it’s more dynamic games that channel her energy in a helpful way. If you have a reactive, nervous, or easily over-aroused dog, this episode offers a simple, creative way to bring familiar training games with you wherever you go - helping your dog feel safer, calmer, and more able to make good choices. Ready to give it a go with your own dog? Sam would LOVE to see you and your dogs get creative with their own magic suitcases. Part of Games Club? We’ve added Siri’s Magic Suitcase to your library of games so you can see it in action. New to games and want to check it out? Grab the £1 Games Club trial and you can watch it right now. https://absolutedogs.me/7daytrial Support the show If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27! Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club! https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog - Pro Dog Trainer Club! https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send a text Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too! This week, we’re continuing our series of episodes exploring what concept training actually is and how it shows up in real life with your dog. We’ll be taking concepts you may have heard us talk about before, breaking them down, and making them practical, relatable, and easy to spot in your own training sessions and day-to-day interactions with your dog. This time, Alice is back to chat to Lauren about the king of all concepts: calmness. Calmness isn’t just a nice-to-have in dog training. For some dogs, it can be life changing - even life-saving! In this episode, you’ll hear more of the powerful story of Bonnie, a “mastiff mega mutt” with a difficult history and significant physical challenges, whose path forward depended on learning how to find calm in a world that once felt overwhelming. Listen in as Lauren and Alice chat about what a lack of calm actually looks like in real life - hyper-vigilance, barking, lunging, restless nights, and a nervous system constantly on high alert. When dogs are stuck in these states, learning becomes almost impossible. That’s why calmness isn’t just another training goal; it’s the foundation that makes everything else possible. You’ll hear how calm became the guiding principle behind every training decision for Alice and her partner Chris. From using simple techniques like DMT (Distraction, Mark, Treat) to build neutrality around triggers, to ditching the food bowl and investing every meal into reinforcing calm choices, Alice explains the practical steps that helped Bonnie move from chaos toward stability - and how, for Bonnie, that really was life-saving. Bonnie’s transformation didn’t happen overnight, but the path forward was built from simple, repeatable habits: noticing calm, marking it, reinforcing it, and gradually expanding her comfort zone. As Bonnie learned to settle, walk more peacefully, and rest deeply, something else shifted too - the humans changed. Because one of the most powerful truths in dog training is that our dogs borrow our state. If you’re struggling with barking, reactivity, or a dog who seems constantly on edge, this episode offers a hopeful and practical roadmap for building calmness - not as a trick, but as a lifestyle. Ready to learn more? Grab the £1 Games Club trial and borrow the confidence and support of a community that’s solved the Support the show If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27! Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club! https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog - Pro Dog Trainer Club! https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send a text Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too! Better performance and fewer injuries don’t start with fancy equipment. They start with the basics: a balanced stand, a square sit, and the patience to slow down. In this episode, Lauren sits down with canine physiotherapist and hydrotherapist Mel to talk about what really builds strong, capable dogs. They chat about why stillness is so important, how a steady stand builds strength, body awareness, and focus, and why those skills carry over to everything from agility to everyday handling. Mel explains the kinds of exercises she would typically start with in a physio setting and how those same foundations can be thoughtfully built into the fitness work you do at home. You'll hear how she uses forward focus to reduce fidgeting, how she builds a true square sit, the value of small upward reaches to wake up the core, and the importance of coaching clean sit-to-stand transitions without shuffling feet or dipping spines. Mel also explains how she picks the right starting point for the dog in front of her - often core control before paw perfection - and why it’s so important to set both dog and owner up for success. Lauren admits she was surprised to learn how long muscle really takes to build (typically six weeks before you see proper, measurable development) and Mel highlights the other key piece of the puzzle: fuel. If you’re asking your dog to grow muscle while keeping calories the same, it simply won’t happen. Strength takes time, consistency, and enough nutrition to support the work. If you’re fascinated about canine physiotherapy or curious about safe, simple foundation exercises you can build into your dog’s routine, this episode is a must listen. Support the show If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27! Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club! https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog - Pro Dog Trainer Club! https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send a text Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too! Ever felt like your dog’s reactivity is a life sentence you didn’t sign up for? Lauren and Linda chat frankly about the things owners rarely say out loud - relief when the pressure lifts, embarrassment on tricky walks, and the guilt that often comes with owning a challenging dog - and replace them with a manageable plan built on acceptance, management, and smarter reinforcement. We discuss what progress really looks like for anxious and sensitive dogs and how strategies like DMT (Distraction Mark Treat) and scatter feeding help turn triggers into calmness. You’ll hear how small, consistent choices can help lower arousal at home - window film, crates, room rotations, stair gates - and how those choices pay off outside with calmer walks and fewer reactions. We also get practical about tools: head collars introduced with care, well-chosen flexi leads for safe environments, and hip belts that free your hands so you can feed fast and move with purpose. The tool isn’t the point; it’s all about the outcome - no bad rehearsal. Lauren and Linda also share their own experience of multi-dog households, especially when there’s one or more Naughty But Nice dogs in the mix. They chat about how tension can ripple through a group, why pairings and fast interruptions matter, and how to diffuse stare-downs without drama. You’ll also hear why “your house, your rules” is a training superpower: no forced greetings, no visitors grabbing your dogs, and no apologies for safeguarding your dog’s experiences. When setbacks happen, we ask the only question that moves you forward: what needs changing in setup, timing, or criteria? This is a conversation about trading perfection for progress you can feel. Management is training, distance is often your friend, and the word “yet” keeps you moving. If you’re ready to swap shame for strategy and work with the dog in front of you - even on the tough days - hit play, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to help more owners find support. Support the show If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27! Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club! https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog - Pro Dog Trainer Club! https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send a text Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too! This week, we’re continuing our new series of episodes exploring what concept training actually is and how it shows up in real life with your dog. We’ll be taking concepts you may have heard us talk about before, breaking them down, and making them practical, relatable, and easy to spot in your own training sessions and day-to-day interactions with your dog. This time, Lauren is joined by the amazing Sam to explore one of the most important - and often overlooked - skills in dog training: disengagement. Ever felt your dog vanish into a distraction - locked on a squirrel, snout glued to fox scent, or bee-lining toward a picnic? Listen in as we chat about the missing skill that is at the root of all those struggles: disengagement - the ability to turn away from temptation and choose you instead. Using simple, relatable analogies - like the cake you keep nibbling or the spider you can’t stop thinking about - we show how fixation works in both humans and dogs, then translate that into practical training you can start today. Lauren and Sam consider why some dogs struggle more, whether it’s lack of education or innate wiring, and how to meet each dog where they’re at. Sam also shares one of her all time favourite games - Disengagement Pattern - a clear, repeatable game that pays your dog generously for orienting back to you. Toss one treat toward mild interest, then deliver a small jackpot for the turn-away to anchor a new value system: outside temptations are single coins; you are the bank. We explain how to adapt reinforcement - by amount or quality - to keep the contrast clear without overfeeding, and how to manage distance like a volume dial so your dog can think rather than tip into frenzy. From pheasants bursting from hedges to food scraps in city parks, we chat real-life scenarios and show how to reset, create space, and reinforce better choices. You’ll hear how to chain quick wins, when to pivot to other games, and how practice at home makes walks smoother and calmer. This is a blueprint for building recall-like reliability without constant cueing, because the best behaviour is the one your dog chooses. Ready to try it yourself? Grab the £1 Games Club trial, explore guided tracks, and borrow the confidence of a community that’s solved the same struggles. Support the show If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27! Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club! https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog - Pro Dog Trainer Club! https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send a text Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too! This week, Lauren is joined once again by the amazing Alice, to kick off a new series of episodes where we’re exploring what concept training actually is and how it applies to real life with your dog. We’ll be taking concepts you may have heard us talk about before, breaking them down, and making them practical, relatable, and easy to spot in your own training sessions and day-to-day interactions with your dog. And we’re starting with optimism. What if your dog’s “reactivity” is really a pessimistic prediction about the world - one you could rewrite it with play? We share how teaching optimism through simple, structured games turned Bonnie, a large mastiff mix with explosive dog-to-dog reactions, into a calm, confident dog who can enjoy off‑lead time with friends and settle peacefully at home. Listen in as Lauren and Alice break down optimism as a practical training concept: when a dog learns to expect good outcomes from ambiguous situations, barking, lunging and hiding give way to curiosity and choice. You’ll hear how short, rewarding games reshape neural pathways, why ditching the bowl fuels learning, and how to build habits of calm disengagement around big triggers like cyclists, fireworks and vet handling. Alice shares one of her favourite and most accessible games for boosting optimism with any dog - Noise Box - using everyday items to make novelty safe and fun. This is a story of real change grounded in games-based training, management and community support. We talk measurable wins - faster recovery, softer body language, easier check-ins - and the difference optimism makes beyond reactivity: smoother grooming, kinder vet visits and a shared sense of confidence at both ends of the lead. If you’re tired of bracing for the next meltdown, this approach gives you a roadmap that feels kind, achievable and effective. Ready to try it yourself? Grab the £1 Games Club trial, explore guided tracks, and borrow the confidence of a community that’s solved the same struggles. https://absolutedogs.me/7daytrial Support the show If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27! Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club! https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog - Pro Dog Trainer Club! https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send a text Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too! This week, Lauren is joined by the brilliant Rosanne Calabrese for a conversation that switches the spotlight from our dogs back onto us. Together, they explore what happens when dog people put everyone else first – and why our own health and wellbeing is just as important. From food, energy, gut health, stress, and genetics, to the simple daily habits that shape how we feel, move, think, and show up for our dogs, this episode is a powerful reminder that you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you’ve ever been meticulous about what your dog eats, how they’re exercised, and how their environment is set up – while barely giving yourself a second thought – this one’s for you. Rosanne shares practical, no-nonsense insights into nutrition without counting, weighing, or obsessing (no monkey measures here!) including why hydration matters, how environment can switch genes on or off, and why eating more simply can lead to more energy, clarity, and resilience. Lauren also opens up about her own recent health wake-up call, making this a refreshingly honest and relatable conversation. This episode isn’t about perfection, restriction, or giving everything up. It’s about easy wins, sustainable changes, and doing something for yourself – so you can keep showing up as the human your dog needs at the end of the lead. If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll look after myself later”, consider this your nudge to start now. Keen to learn more? Join “the Blondie and the Brunette” for the ultimate Health & Wellness Retreat from 13th to 20th March 2026 at Bowerland - the home of absoluteDogs. Online and in person options available. https://www.devondogs.co.uk/product/health-retreat-13-mar-26/ Support the show If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27! Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club! https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog - Pro Dog Trainer Club! https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send us a text Watch a mindset shift in real time as we explore how purpose-bred sports mixes are changing flyball and agility. We dive into the why and how behind crosses like the border whippet and kelpie–whippet, pairing racing-line sprint genetics with collie-style responsiveness to create dogs that explode down the lane, turn cleanly, and still curl up on the sofa by eight. If you’ve ever wondered whether speed and an off switch can live in the same dog, this is your tour through the evidence. Nicole joins us to unpack the profile of a great sport mix: explosive acceleration, confident turn mechanics, quick recovery, and a temperament that’s easier to live with than many high-octane purebreds. We share real-world insights from Party the border whippet and Tonic the kelpie–whippet, including training feel, coat practicality, height and size considerations, and what “fast-twitch” actually looks like in daily routines. We also trace the scene’s roots in North America, where racing whippets have long influenced performance breeding, and examine why the UK flyball world has embraced these crosses over the last decade. Breeding ethics and health come front and centre. We walk through responsible screening for both sides of the pedigree, from genetic panels to spinal imaging and orthopaedic checks, and explain how F1 versus F2 choices affect coat and build. With the rise in demand, we also flag the risks of untested litters marketed as sport-ready and share how to find trusted breeders who are active in the ring and transparent with results. Along the way, we compare other mixes—from border paps to staffy-infused lines—and talk honestly about living with collies versus mixes, training bandwidth, and the reality of “ease of life.” If high performance with low drama is your goal, you’ll come away with a clear picture of what these dogs can offer and how to choose wisely. Enjoy the episode, share it with a friend who loves dog sport, and if it sparked new ideas, follow the show, leave a quick review, and tell us which mix you’d pick for your next run. Support the show If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27! Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club! https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog - Pro Dog Trainer Club! https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send us a text What if changing what’s on your plate could change how you feel, think, and even how you train your dog? We dive into a candid journey from a daunting fibroid diagnosis and surgery-first advice to a practical, food-first plan built around whole ingredients, simple prep, and flavour that sticks. Along the way, we talk about the 25% reduction that showed up on a scan, the meals that kept us going, and the mindset shifts that made healthy choices sustainable through packed training days. We get specific about what worked: ditching ultra‑processed foods in favour of vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and natural fats; building quick wins like a 20‑minute lentil curry finished with lime; blending a blueberry‑coconut chia breakfast that sets up the morning; and keeping freezer-ready energy balls for the afternoon slump. Batch habits make the difference: slow‑cooker chilli loaded with greens, a soup maker that turns prepped veg bags into grab‑and‑go lunches, and simple hydration cues to separate thirst from hunger. For treats, we keep the joy without the crash—cauliflower nachos with guacamole, citrus‑coconut dessert bites, sweet potato fries, and a cashew‑based Caesar that tastes like the classic. Beyond recipes, we share why health upgrades translate to better dog training—more patience, cleaner timing, steadier energy, and clearer communication. Travel tips, sourcing strategies, and UK‑friendly healthy finds round out a plan that’s realistic, affordable, and family‑proof, even for picky teens. If you’ve been on the fence about shifting your diet or wondered how to fuel long training days without relying on packets and powders, this is your blueprint. Ready to feel better and train better? Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a nudge, and message us your first swap—what whole‑food habit are you starting this week? Support the show If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27! Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club! https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog - Pro Dog Trainer Club! https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send us a text Ever felt that jolt of panic when two dogs square up at a doorway, over the sofa, or as they leap into the van? We’ve been there. Today we open the curtain on real-world scuffles in multi-dog homes and share the clear-headed systems that prevent fights, lower arousal, and protect relationships without relying on punishment or wishful thinking. We start with honest case studies: Orla, a brilliantly trained collie who still snipes when tense; Venture, a spaniel who turns fiery when startled at close range; and a tiny toy poodle who guards people like treasure. These stories reveal how genetics, arousal, and space can stack the deck. We map the true flashpoints—stairs, doorways, narrow gates, and high-energy van entries—then show how to defuse them with crates, baby gates, tethers, and smart traffic flow. You’ll learn why “sleep pods” beat chaos, how to place resources so they don’t spark clashes, and how to rotate dogs through calm states so nobody rehearses bad habits. When conflict breaks, speed and precision matter. We explain safe breakup tactics, from sharp startle cues to quick physical separation, and why staying calm prevents escalation. We also dig into the big mindset shift: punishment after a fight damages trust and rarely fixes the pattern. Instead, we teach alternate behaviours, interrupt early, and design the room so better choices are easy. By the end, you’ll have a practical blueprint for keeping dogs together: staggered movement, separate feeding, defined rest spaces, and routines that hold steady even when excitement spikes. If you’re juggling collies, spaniels, or any mix with big feelings, this is your guide to a safer, saner household. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs fresh strategies, and leave a review to tell us which tip you’ll try first. Support the show If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27! Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club! https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog - Pro Dog Trainer Club! https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send us a text Think rehab is just rest and painkillers? We dig into the real toolkit—laser, PEMF, ultrasound, and shockwave—and map out exactly when each one helps, when it hinders, and how to blend them into a plan your dog actually enjoys. With Mel, an experienced canine physiotherapist, we unpack the science in plain English and keep the focus on results you can see: smoother movement, fewer flare-ups, and calmer sessions. We start with the essentials: inflammation isn’t the enemy if it’s moving through the proper stages, and shockwave can be a smart reset for chronic, stuck injuries. From there, we compare laser and PEMF. Laser uses light to boost circulation, reduce pain, and free up trigger points—great for tight backs, overworked shoulders, and compensations after spinal issues. PEMF works at the cellular level by helping damaged membranes repolarise, often delivering surprisingly fast relief and better range. We also cover where ultrasound shines with tendons and ligaments, and why technique, gel, and constant motion matter more than the machine’s screen. Safety runs through everything. We clarify contraindications like active infection, cancer, and pregnancy; explain why class 4 lasers demand respect; and share practical fixes like shielding eyes and managing heat. Timing is the secret sauce: place electrotherapies at day’s end or pair with quiet time so a pain-free, high-drive dog doesn’t sprint into a setback. When used before controlled work, keep the focus on quality movement, not intensity. What ties it together is cooperative care and a strong team. We show how inviting consent leads to better outcomes, and how layering therapies with lifestyle changes, hydrotherapy, and progressive strength beats any single gadget. Expect clear takeaways you can use today: how to choose the right modality, how to time sessions around training, and how to advocate for your dog if a setting or approach doesn’t feel right. If this helped you rethink your dog’s recovery, tap follow, share the episode with a fellow dog person, and leave a quick review. Tell us: which therapy are you most curious to try next? Support the show If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27! Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club! https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog - Pro Dog Trainer Club! https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send us a text Holidays shouldn’t feel like a gauntlet of barking, lunging, and white-knuckle car rides. We dig into the real reasons dogs struggle when routines change and show how a clear plan, games-based training, and smart logistics turn stressful trips into confident adventures. From the first few minutes at a new training centre to that important “second time in” when food finally starts to matter, we break down simple steps that lower arousal and build focus where it counts. We walk through transport challenges with options for every situation—train routes and easy taxi hops, supportive pick-ups, and the comfort of dog-friendly cottages right on site. If your dog hates the car, you’ll get a practical progression: feed near the vehicle, reinforce calm in the parked car, introduce engine noise, and layer in tiny drives. We add body-confidence games like wobble boards and skateboards to help motion-sensitive dogs learn that movement can be predictable and safe. Safety gets its own spotlight: crates, fitted bedding, secure harnessing, and daily short trips that make travel normal instead of a big event. Hands-on coaching can reveal what video misses. Subtle tells—shoulders dropping, weight shifts, scanning—guide the choice of games that change behaviour fast. We share real cases, including a reactive collie whose “big show” was really uncertainty, and how giving her a clear job flipped the script. Food logistics are solvable too: arrange raw deliveries from local suppliers, stock high-value rewards, and use your cottage as a training lab to rehearse visitor protocols and calm settles that transfer home. Whether you’re travelling with a reactive Frenchie or flying in to sharpen your skills with a demo dog, the theme is possibility. Age isn’t a barrier, and neither is past struggle. Want to make your next trip easier? Start small, stack the wins, and build momentum. If you’re ready for support, grab the £1 Games Club trial for full course access or book the £20 Watch One consult to map your plan. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs hope, and tell us where you’re headed next—what’s the one change you’ll try this week? Support the show If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27! Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club! https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog - Pro Dog Trainer Club! https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send us a text What if the keys to calmer, clearer dog training are hiding in a muddy field at dawn? In this episode, we sit down with a farm-animal vet who swapped spotless theatres for open skies and on-call chaos. She walks us through the reality of rural practice - live calves at sunrise, emergency lambings, tea-stop triage, and the quiet skill of handling animals without force or fear. From those stories come the lessons every dog owner needs: • How reading body language becomes second nature • Why space is a cue and how stepping ahead or behind a shoulder can turn movement on like a switch • How pen size, positioning, and calm energy make handling safer and more effective • Why one well-trained dog can steady nervous sheep better than three people • How preparation and restraint change outcomes - whether it’s a surgical success or the weight of a loss under anaesthesia Then we connect the dots. Reluctant horses become blueprints for confidence games. Herding principles translate directly into agility handling, leash work, recall, and settling in busy environments. Working collies, kelpies, and huntaways show what clarity, timing, and resilience look like in motion and how the same principles transform everyday pet training. By the end, you’ll understand why “stock sense” isn’t just for farmers. It’s a universal animal language - one that takes the chaos out of training and replaces it with calm, connection, and confidence. If this sparks ideas for your own training, share the episode, hit follow, and drop a quick review. Support the show If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27! Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club! https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog - Pro Dog Trainer Club! https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send us a text What if one of your most effective training sessions happens on a chair? In this episode, we dig into “glass of wine” games: short, calm, indoor training sessions that turn bad weather, busy days, pain flare-ups, or limited mobility into genuine progress. Anchoring yourself in a chair strips out all the noise. No over-helping. No micromanaging. Just clear information, steady reinforcement, and a dog who suddenly understands exactly what you mean. That simplicity builds confidence fast and strengthens your relationship in a way a muddy sprint never will. We break down practical indoor training you can use tonight: • Retrieve-from-a-chair (precision without pressure) • Strong hand targets and chin rests for calmer handling • Verbal cue discrimination so your words actually matter • Living-room scent searches that grow optimism and reliable returns • Confidence circuits—tiny, customisable routes for puppies and sensitive dogs Movement fans get a full toolkit, too: • Cavalletti rails for rhythm, balance, and clean trot lines • Balanced stands for core strength and stillness • Position changes—sit/down/stand, bow, “look forward”—for tighter focus and better body awareness Every idea has the same goal: repeatable wins in close proximity that build trust, clarity, and better behaviour. When you do step outside again, you’ll walk out with cleaner cues, more control, and a dog who sees you as the most exciting thing in the room. Ready for a five-minute chair session tonight? Hit play, grab a handful of treats, and tell us which indoor game your dog loved most. If this episode helped, follow the show, leave a quick review, and share it with a friend stuck indoors with an energetic dog. Support the show If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27! Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club! https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog - Pro Dog Trainer Club! https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send us a text In this episode, Lauren Langman and Bill break down practical, real-world ways to create more joy on busy, messy, unpredictable days… and how that same mindset transforms your dog training. You’ll learn how tiny resets shift everything: a five-minute step outside, noticing the birds, watching the rain, opening that letter you’ve been avoiding, or running one short training game. Small wins compound fast - and they change the tone of your day, the energy you bring to your dog, and the bond you build together. We dig into: • Why the people around you shape your joy levels • How variety builds resilience in both humans and dogs • Gratitude as a stabiliser—especially around competitions and big goals • The reinforcement balance that keeps dogs motivated and healthy • Emotional hygiene: venting safely, writing the unsent email, and reclaiming your energy • How to control the controllables and stop spiralling into what-ifs Dogs model this beautifully. They don’t analyse yesterday or pre-worry tomorrow - they meet the moment. And when we practise that skill too, joy becomes easier to access, easier to repeat, and easier to build into every part of our life with dogs. If big joy feels out of reach, scale it right down: tea with honey by the sea, a ridiculous cat on a turquoise lead, a spaniel delighted by seaweed. Size doesn’t matter - pattern does. Listen in, try one tiny joy reset today, and tell us: what’s the strangest thing that brings your dog joy? Subscribe to the show, share this episode with someone who needs a lift, and leave a review to help more dog lovers find us. Support the show If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27! Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club! https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog - Pro Dog Trainer Club! https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!