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

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!

Send us a text Travelling with your dog shouldn’t feel like a gamble. In this episode, we break your holiday prep into simple, stress-proof steps that work in real cottages, hotels, rentals, and road trips across the UK and beyond. You’ll learn how to rehearse car comfort before you ever start the engine, teach toileting on cue in new environments, and set up your holiday cottage so your dog walks in and instantly knows what to do. We even share the story of a dog who arrived car-sick and anxious and left confident, settled, and ready for adventure, plus the exact routines that created the shift. We get practical fast: • The packing list that actually matters (triple-duty towels, gut-settling paste, electrolytes, chews, long lines, and a whistle that cuts through chaos) • How to transition food safely—even when you buy locally • The arrival formula that replaces zoomies and counter-surfing with calm, clear boundaries • The barking plan that works anywhere (settle cues, enrichment, bed/crate placement, and simple management) • The travel must-haves for UK trips and abroad: vet paperwork, safe transport setups, ID checks, hydration, and pop-up crates that create a “bedroom” on the go These strategies aren’t theory: they’re field-tested with thousands of travelling dog owners. A few smart choices turn “stressful holiday” into “best trip yet.” Want the cheat sheet? Happy Travels with Your Dog: An action-packed book full of tips, tricks and hacks for an amazing holiday with your dog! https://www.devondogs.co.uk/happy-travels-guide/ and book a stay at our purpose-built dog-friendly cottages. Mention the podcast for 15% off your stay. If this episode helped, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone planning their next adventure with their 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 Flyball is loud. Barking. Gates slamming. Paws pounding turf. Behind it all - pure skill. In this episode, Nicole - a force-free flyball trainer and vet - breaks down how elite teams turn raw arousal into laser-focused speed and rock-solid safety, even under the pressure of Crufts. What We Cover (Fast + Clear): • How to fix box turns without frying your dog’s brain • When food beats toys for technical flyball work • Why the fixed nine-inch Crufts jump changes stride planning • How to prep for loud crowds, benched halls, and high-energy lanes • The real mechanics behind a 3.33-second singles run • Rabbit-skin balls: useful tool or training trap? • Why her team runs indoor-only on springy rubber for long-term safety • How to know when a dog needs to retire—even if they love to run New to Flyball? We map out UKFL, BFA, and the new outdoor-only league, plus exactly what to look for in a great team: their training choices, warm-ups, cooldowns, and culture. If you care about speed, kindness, and teamwork, this conversation gives you practical takeaways you can use in your next session. 🎧 CListen now, hit “Follow,” and share this episode with someone who loves a fast dog and thoughtful training. Then ask yourself: What’s one thing 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 Vet days don’t have to feel like a battle. We break down a calmer, smarter way to get great care for your dog by preparing the right evidence, shaping the environment, and training simple skills that pay off when it matters. From short videos of movement and wound healing to clear photos of stool or vomit, we show how to brief your vet with exactly what they need to see so a ten-minute consult becomes targeted, not rushed. You’ll hear how waiting in the car, asking for outdoor consults, and timing drop-offs can transform stress levels for everyone. We also tackle the moments where speed saves lives. Pyometra can look like “just a tummy bug” until it’s not; we explain the signs, the urgency, and how to advocate for scans when your gut says something’s wrong. Alongside that, we talk through positive muzzle training as a crucial life skill, not a stigma. Done well, a muzzle becomes a cue for rewards and calm handling, useful for pain exams, travel rules, or breed legislation, and a safety net that protects vets, techs, and your dog. To round it out, we share practical first aid steps and why a simple kit plus a printed quick-reference guide can steady your decisions when adrenaline spikes. Add in a handful of “vet games” that build consent, optimism, and mat settling, and you’ve got a playbook for kinder care and faster diagnoses. If this conversation helps you or your vet team, pass it on. Subscribe for more real-world training wins, share with a dog-loving friend, and leave a review to help others find the show. 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 A normal training day. A happy cocker spaniel. Then a sudden shift - arched back, tucked tail, fever, vomiting - and a rush into a world of labs, ultrasound, and impossible choices. We sit with Debbie as she relives Marley’s final hours, from the first quiet signs to an emergency diagnosis of gallbladder mucocele, a condition that often hides. Beyond medicine lies the heart. Debbie names the shock few dare to say out loud: when a heart dog dies young, grief can break the body. We talk broken heart syndrome, anxiety spikes, and the odd, floating hours after the phone rings. Lauren shares the tools that helped ... therapy, journaling, structure, and a focus on gratitude that doesn’t erase pain but gives it shape. There’s no single right way to mourn. Some people wait before welcoming a new dog; others need a lead in hand. Both paths honour love. Threaded through the sorrow is Marley’s legacy: tricks that sparked laughter, dance routines that built confidence, and games-based training that turned optimism into a daily habit. Debbie explains why she left aversive methods for kind, reward-based work and how better mechanics ... fading lures, clean reinforcement, simple setups ... made progress stick. At 72, she’s drafting a book, dreaming up a small online venture, and exploring a future with another American cocker, not to replace Marley, but to carry forward the joy he started. If you’ve ever faced a sudden, devastating diagnosis ... or you want to be ready if it comes ... this conversation offers practical guidance and gentle company. Listen, share Marley’s name, and, if you need it, reach for help. Subscribe, leave a review to support the show, and tell us what legacy your dog left you. 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 Grief is heavy; choice is heavier. We open the door to a conversation many avoid: how to make humane, timely end-of-life decisions for our dogs and other animals without surrendering dignity to fear or delay. Through real stories—a goat with Johne’s disease, a Labrador remembered with regret, a joyful dog named Eazy whose last morning was full of play ... we map the emotional terrain and the practical steps that lead to a kinder farewell. We talk about the hard calls that vets present and what they mean in real life: failed vein access, prolonged sedation, and invasive procedures that add risk without improving outcomes. You’ll hear why “a day early rather than a day late” can prevent traumatic endings like haemorrhage, suffocation, or frantic final car rides. We share how to plan a peaceful goodbye at home, in a place your dog loves ... the training arena, the garden, a sunny bed ... with familiar voices, favourite games, and last suppers that say “you’re safe.” Presence matters; calm touch and routine reduce fear, and those final moments become a gentle memory instead of a lifelong scar. We also challenge treatment norms. Not every surgery, MRI, or chemo protocol serves the animal when the prognosis is poor. We walk through the questions that bring clarity: What does recovery look like? What comfort will this buy? What risks are certain? Alongside honest talk about limits, we cover supportive care ... nutrition upgrades, raw diets when appropriate, targeted supplements, and low-stress routines—that can boost wellbeing without false hope. The through line is stewardship: asking tough questions, choosing compassion over delay, and trusting yourself to act before suffering eclipses joy. If you’re bracing for a hard decision or carrying the weight of one that has passed, this conversation offers language, frameworks, and courage for the moments that matter most. Subscribe, share with someone who needs it, and leave a review with the one question you’d ask your vet before making the call. Join us for AD Live & Unleashed, a *FREE* Naughty but Nice Dog 2-Day Event held 8-9 November 2025. Tickets are limited, grab your ticket today + bring a friend! https://absolutedogs.me/unleashed 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 Responsibility isn’t a vibe—it’s a skill set that protects your dog, your community, and your peace of mind. We open with a frank look at UK law and why “friendly” doesn’t matter if someone feels scared, especially when your dog is big and loud. Then we share Bonnie’s transformation from high-stakes history to steady, social companion, using practical tools any owner can apply: games-based training, thoughtful management, and stepwise freedom. We break down the real difference size and arousal make in public spaces and how to lower risk with clear choices. You’ll hear simple ways to turn chaos into calm: teaching a rock-solid recall and proximity, introducing a positive muzzle for safety, and making off-lead time a gradual, low-pressure progression rather than an all-or-nothing leap. At the vet, we show how planning ahead—videos, car waiting, cooperative care—can prevent panic and protect everyone. At home, we talk countersurfing prevention, guest setups, pens and gates, and how tiny tweaks stop big mistakes from ever happening. Bonnie’s “ding dong dash” routine for deliveries shows how boundaries create freedom. With selective play, capped arousal, and careful dog-to-dog intros, progress sticks and stress stays low. Games turn training into emotion change, not just obedience; management buys safety while those new habits bed in. If you’ve wondered how to juggle kindness with control, or how to move from fear of mistakes to confident, everyday wins, this is your guide to becoming your dog’s best advocate and safest leader. If this helped you rethink responsibility, share it with someone who needs a clearer plan. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us your non‑negotiable safety habit ... we’d love to hear it. Join us for AD Live & Unleashed, a *FREE* Naughty but Nice Dog 2-Day Event held 8-9 November 2025. Tickets are limited, grab your ticket today + bring a friend! https://absolutedogs.me/unleashed 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 Some animals step into the arena and you can feel it—the spark, the “cue me now” readiness, the sense that they want to win with you. We bring that feeling into focus with international dressage rider and team manager Beth Bainbridge, comparing notes across horses and high-drive dogs to show how trust, routines, and basics turn talent into stable, repeatable results. Beth takes us from the highs of elite competition—national anthems, big stages, and stallions who light up—to the quiet work that makes it possible: building security on fundamentals, respecting individual preferences, and designing environments that lower friction. We dig into welfare checklists for “behaviour” problems (teeth, saddle fit, backs, vet, forage), why continuity of routine matters for older or rehomed animals, and how a calm, predictable setup protects performance. You’ll hear practical competition strategies too: filmed run-throughs, targeted training blocks, clear day-of schedules, ring walks, visualisation, and the crucial rule that the calmest handler takes over when nerves spike. Teaching gets a playful spotlight as Beth explains how to make dressage irresistible for kids by pairing precise asks with joyful releases. We compare “hot” and cooler types—how sensitive athletes often settle with more consistent contact, and how thoughtful, steadier horses become quicker by rewarding smaller aids. Expect honest personality talk (DJ Loki vs accountant Reef), transferable routines for travelling dogs, and the shared principle that basics win under pressure. If you care about advanced dog training, dressage performance, equine welfare, or simply building better partnerships with animals, this conversation is a blueprint. Listen, borrow what fits your world, and tell us what you’ll change in your routine today. Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the show. Join us for AD Live & Unleashed, a *FREE* Naughty but Nice Dog 2-Day Event held 8-9 November 2025. Tickets are limited, grab your ticket today + bring a friend! https://absolutedogs.me/unleashed 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 We challenge the tired story that Huskies are untrainable and show how early game‑based work, smart reinforcement, and flexible routines create calm, reliable dogs. From recalls around deer to safe outlets for the full predatory chain, we share what works and what to skip. • starting early with games to prevent bad rehearsal • building motivation with ditch‑the‑bowl and animated rewards • reframing stubbornness as perseverance and independence • delaying cues until behaviour is reliable • managing deer, bears and high arousal with distance and lines • safe outlets for the predatory sequence at home • ditching routine to reduce anticipation and arousal • exercise myths, decompression days and mental work • agility, canicross and variety for fitness and focus • who Huskies suit and how to set standards Share this podcast far and wide, it's a much needed episode that sheds light on the stereotypes around Huskies! Join us for AD Live & Unleashed, a *FREE* Naughty but Nice Dog 2-Day Event held 8-9 November 2025. Tickets are limited, grab your ticket today + bring a friend! https://absolutedogs.me/unleashed 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 The words “no pressure” can make you feel all the pressure. We pull back the curtain on how stress sneaks into training and competition, how it leaks down the lead, and what it takes to build a team that holds together when the stakes feel high. From a near‑perfect run that unravelled at the last jump to the quiet wins in everyday pet training, we share what we’ve learned about mindset, arousal, and the stories we tell ourselves. We discuss the difference between healthy pressure that boosts performance and harmful pressure that stifles curiosity. You’ll hear simple language shifts—swapping but for and, adding yet to can’t - that reshape belief and behaviour. We break down the real‑world signs your dog is overloaded: sniffing and looking away, random behaviours, shutdown, vocalising, or trying to leave. You’ll learn how to tailor pressure to the dog in front of you, manage your own arousal so your cues land, and set crisp session boundaries so engagement doesn’t bleed into chatter. We also explore group dynamics, why comparison is the thief of joy, and how good coaching protects both people and dogs - especially when life baggage walks into training with us. If you’re chasing red ribbons or just hoping for calmer walks, this conversation provides a practical path: clear criteria, small steps, honest expectations, and a plan you can trust. Flow isn’t magic; it’s the result of meeting your dog where they are and managing yourself first. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a gentler grip on goals, and leave a review to tell us which mindset shift you’ll try this week. Join us for AD Live & Unleashed, a *FREE* Naughty but Nice Dog 2-Day Event held 8-9 November 2025. Tickets are limited, grab your ticket today + bring a friend! https://absolutedogs.me/unleashed 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!