Listen Dog Training: The Walk & Talk

September isn’t just about back-to-school for the kids… it’s the perfect time for you and your dog to hit reset, refocus, and embrace the fresh-start energy of autumn. In this episode, I’ll show you how to turn gloomy walks and shorter days into an opportunity to transform your dog’s training. We’ll dive into the science of learning, why structure is so powerful for dogs, and how to set achievable training goals that actually stick. You’ll leave this episode with practical, science-backed strategies and simple homework ideas you can start today to bring more focus, calmness, and joy into your training journey. And if you’re ready to take things further, my 21-Day Engagement Training Course is the perfect back-to-school project for you and your dog! With daily, bite-sized lessons, you’ll build engagement step by step and create the kind of focus that makes recall, loose lead walking, and every other skill so much easier. 👉 Check it out here. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why September is the ideal time to reset your dog training routine The neuroscience behind structure, predictability, and learning in dogs A simple ‘Back-to-School’ framework to set achievable goals How small daily habits rewire your dog’s brain for lasting behaviour change The seasonal mindset shift that turns rainy autumn walks into training wins Why engagement is the cornerstone skill that makes all other training possible   💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com You can use code PODCAST10 for 10% off all my digital dog training packages, guides & courses! 📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining   🎧 If you found this episode helpful, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared it with a fellow dog lover; it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

In this week’s episode of The Walk & Talk, we take a deep dive into one of the most game-changing approaches in modern dog training: concept training. This method goes far beyond obedience and surface-level behaviour fixes… Instead, it teaches us how to shape the way our dog’s brain works - building the core concepts that drive lifelong emotional stability, focus, and resilience. Whether you’ve got a bouncy adolescent, a nervous rescue, or a reactive firecracker, this episode will give you a totally new lens on behaviour - and the science-backed tools to make lasting change from the inside out. In this episode, you’ll learn: What concept training really is and how it differs from traditional obedience methods The neuroscience behind behaviour: why your dog’s brain does what it does How core concepts like calmness, optimism, impulse control, and focus shape behaviour Why bad behaviour is often just a symptom of an underdeveloped skill How to use short, joyful games to reshape your dog’s mindset and emotions Why concept training is one of the most effective ways to create long-term transformation Practical tips to get started today - no fancy tools or long sessions required How this method builds connection, confidence, and clarity for both ends of the lead Grab all the exercises you need to start your concept training journey with my Design Your Own Dog Training Pack ⬇️ https://listendogtraining.com/product/dog-training-exercises/ 💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at: www.listendogtraining.com You can use code PODCAST10 for 10% off all my digital dog training packages, guides & courses! 📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining 🎧 If you found this episode helpful, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared it with a fellow dog lover—it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!  

Think your teenage dog is just a chaotic, cue-ignoring menace you have to survive? Think again. Today I’m flipping the narrative on canine adolescence—and showing you why this misunderstood phase is actually a once-in-a-lifetime training window. If your dog is between 6 months and 2 years old (ish) this is not the time to throw in the towel or cross your fingers and hope they grow out of it. It’s time to get strategic. Because biologically, behaviourally, and emotionally, your dog is primed for growth. You just need to know how to work with it. And if you're craving more focus, more connection, and more joy on your walks? This is also the perfect time to jump into my 21-Day Engagement Training course... a science-led step-by-step program to help you become the most rewarding and compelling thing in your dog’s world.  In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the “just survive adolescence” mindset is sabotaging your training What’s actually going on in your dog’s brain during this stage The 3 major neurological changes shaping your dog’s behaviour right now How to turn independence-seeking into a bonding opportunity Why adolescent dogs are more trainable than puppies in key ways How to use novelty, reward upgrades, and real-life reinforcement to boost your results Practical training tips to get better focus and cooperation—without the overwhelm How to lay the foundations now for an adult dog you’ll be proud of for life 💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work?  Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at: www.listendogtraining.com Or jump into my 21-day engagement training program at:  https://listendogtraining.com/product/21-day-engagement-training/ You can use code PODCAST10 for 10% off all my digital dog training packages, guides & courses! 📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining 🎧 If you found this episode helpful, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared it with a fellow dog lover—it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

If you’ve been working on your dog’s reactivity and it feels like nothing’s changing, this episode is for you. Because the truth is, most reactivity training skips the most important bit - the foundation work that actually sets your dog up for success before they’re anywhere near a trigger. In this episode, I’m sharing the essential, often-overlooked steps that make or break reactivity rehab. These are the pieces I teach every client, and they’re the difference between progress… and plateau. Whether your dog reacts to people, dogs, sounds, or everything in between, this episode will help you rethink what progress really looks like - and give you a clear, science-backed starting point to build lasting change. In this episode, you'll learn: Why desensitisation isn’t working (and what your dog actually needs first) The neuroscience behind emotional regulation and reactivity The 5 core skills every reactive dog should master before exposure work How calm patterned movement rewires your dog’s brain for safety and focus The difference between obedience and emotional availability—and which one matters most The missing piece that’s keeping your training stuck on repeat Practical ways to build focus, settle, and co-regulation without needing to tire your dog out Why foundational work makes your trigger training 100x easier The exact daily steps to start turning things around right now 🎓 Ready to train smarter, not harder? Explore my science-led dog training programs: 🔗 21-Day Engagement Training Course 🔗 Reactivity Training Program Use code PODCAST10 at checkout for 10% off any course or download! 💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com 📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram & TikTok →@listendogtraining 🎧 If you found this episode helpful, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared it with a fellow dog lover—it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

Is your dog the kind that turns their nose up at treats during training? Do you feel stuck because everyone says to ‘just use food’… but your dog couldn’t care less? In this deep-dive episode, I unpack one of the most misunderstood training challenges: food refusal. Because here’s the truth: your dog probably is food motivated. What’s actually getting in the way is often a mix of emotional state, stress chemistry, and misunderstood arousal. This episode will change the way you look at your dog’s behaviour, help you understand the real reasons they might not engage with food, and give you science-backed strategies to transform your training approach - without blame, frustration, or gimmicks. 🧠 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why ‘not food motivated’ is usually a symptom - not a trait How stress, arousal, and cortisol shut down appetite and engagement The neuroscience behind your dog’s shifting motivation What to do when your dog won’t take food outside The difference between high arousal and true engagement Simple, practical strategies to build food motivation from the ground up How to choose the right food for your dog’s emotional state Why food refusal is a powerful communication cue - not a training failure 💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com You can use code PODCAST10 for 10% off all my digital dog training packages, guides & courses! 📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining 🎧 If you found this episode helpful, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared it with a fellow dog lover—it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

Does your dog seem to forget everything you’ve taught them the moment you step outside? Are squirrels, smells, joggers, or birds stealing their focus — no matter how hard you try to get their attention? You’re not alone — and more importantly, you’re not doing anything wrong. In this eye-opening episode, I dive deep into the neuroscience of attention, arousal, and distraction, helping you understand what’s really going on inside your dog’s brain when they seem to ignore you outdoors. It’s not disobedience. It’s biology. And once you understand it, you can train around it, not against it. This episode is packed with juicy brain science, real-world examples, and practical strategies to help you compete with the chaos of the outside world and build strong, focused engagement — even when distractions are everywhere. 🧠 In this episode, you’ll learn: What attention really is — and why your dog literally can’t hear you when they’re overstimulated The science of saliency and why some distractions win your dog’s focus instantly How competing reinforcers hijack training (and what to do about it) What’s happening inside the adolescent dog brain, and why focus gets harder, not easier How to increase your value to your dog without bribing or begging Step-by-step strategies for building focus and engagement in distracting environments Simple training games and hacks to use movement, reinforcement, and patterning to your advantage Why your dog’s ‘stubbornness’ isn’t a personality flaw... it’s a nervous system in overload The biggest mindset shift that will change how you approach training forever 👉 This episode is a perfect companion to my best-selling 21-Day Engagement Training course - a transformational programme designed to help you become magnetic to your dog’s focus and build unshakable connection. ✨ Use code PODCAST10 for 10% off: https://listendogtraining.com/product/21-day-engagement-training/ 💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com 📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining 🎧 If you found this episode helpful, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared it with a fellow dog lover — it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

Do your beliefs shape your dog’s behaviour? In this powerful episode, we explore one of the most overlooked yet transformational aspects of dog training: your mindset. Whether you’re working through complex challenges like reactivity or just want to deepen your connection with your dog, how you think — and what you believe is possible — will directly shape your success. Want to know how your internal world is the foundation of your dog training journey? From growth mindset theory and nervous system regulation, to mental rehearsal and visualisation backed by neuroscience, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped to train with renewed belief and purpose. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why mindset is the missing piece in most dog training approaches How your beliefs shape your behaviour — and your dog’s The science of growth mindset and what it means for long-term success How to use visualisation to literally rewire your nervous system A quick, sensory experiment to prove how powerful your imagination really is Why your dog responds more to your energy than your technique How tools like intention-setting can elevate your training Practical daily habits to help you embody your next-level dog trainer identity If you’re ready to shift from frustration to clarity, from panic to purpose, and from doubt to results — this episode is your starting point. 💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Explore my digital training products, freebies, and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com 👉 This episode is a perfect companion to my best-selling 21-Day Engagement Training course — a transformational programme designed to help you become magnetic to your dog’s focus and build unshakable connection. ✨ Use code PODCAST10 for 10% off: https://listendogtraining.com/product/21-day-engagement-training/ 📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining 🎧 Found this episode helpful? I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared it with a fellow dog lover — it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

If your dog is constantly barking at every noise, every passerby, every movement outside the window—or even just at nothing at all—it’s not just annoying… it’s a message. In this episode, we dig deep beneath the barking to uncover what’s really going on inside your dog’s brain. Spoiler alert: the barking isn’t the real problem. It’s a symptom of something much deeper—nervous system dysregulation. Whether your dog is hyper-alert, always on edge, or struggling to settle at home, this episode will give you the science, the insight, and the practical tools to help them feel truly safe—and finally bring calm back to your household. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why barking becomes neurologically reinforced, even without 'training' it What the amygdala, HPA axis, and nervous system have to do with reactivity The signs your dog is stuck in a hypervigilant state (that aren’t just barking) Why popular 'quiet' cues or corrections often make things worse Three transformative strategies to help your dog feel safe enough to stop barking How to use decompression walks, environmental safety, and co-regulation Ways to build a calm baseline in your home that supports long-term change The mindset shift that helps you train with more clarity, compassion, and confidence This is the kind of episode that can change everything... not just for your dog, but for your relationship, too! 💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com You can use code PODCAST10 for 10% off all my digital dog training packages, guides & courses! 📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining 🎧 If you found this episode helpful, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared it with a fellow dog lover—it helps the podcast grow so that I can keep going, and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

Before you even say a word, your dog has already read your body like a book… and made a decision. In this juicy deep dive, we’re exploring the hidden power of movement, body language, spatial pressure, and proximity in dog training - and how understanding these subtle signals can completely transform your dog’s focus, behaviour, and emotional state. But that’s not all. We’re also pulling back the curtain on dopamine - the motivation molecule - and how it shapes your dog’s ability to learn, anticipate rewards, and stay engaged with you in even the most distracting environments. This episode is packed with insight, science, and real-world strategies to help you become magnetic to your dog… no treats required (well, not just treats 😉). In this episode, you’ll learn: How dogs read your body language with precision—and why it matters more than words The role of pressure and proximity in shaping canine behaviour What dopamine really is (spoiler: it's not just about pleasure) Why anticipation is more powerful than the reward itself How to build value in your presence through small, intentional changes Practical, science-backed strategies to gamify your life together and drive engagement How to become a walking cue for joy, safety, and reinforcement 💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com 🎉 Use code PODCAST10 for 10% off all my digital dog training packages, guides & courses! 📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining 🎧 If this episode gave you an “aha!” moment, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared the episode with a fellow dog lover—it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

If you’ve ever wondered why your dog sometimes seems to ‘forget’ things they definitely know… or why your training works great at home but falls apart in the real world — this episode is going to change the game. We’re diving deep into the actual mechanics of how dogs learn — not the myths, not the guesswork, but the real, science-backed strategies that help behaviours stick. Whether you’re brand new to dog training or you've been at it for years, this episode will help you sharpen your timing, truly understand feedback loops, and train in a way that actually works for your dog’s brain. In this episode, you'll learn: Why timing is EVERYTHING — and how to master it without overwhelm How clickers and marker words act like timestamps for your dog’s brain What a feedback loop is and how to use it to supercharge learning Why your dog doesn’t always repeat behaviours that get rewarded — and what to do about it The secret to creating lasting habits that don’t fall apart under pressure How to spot the missing link when a behaviour isn’t working Empowering mindset shifts that will make you a clearer, more confident trainer 💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com You can use code PODCAST10 for 10% off all my digital dog training packages, guides & courses! 📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining 🎧 If this episode gave you an “aha!” moment, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared the episode with a fellow dog lover — it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

Is your dog bored, hyper, reactive or destructive — even though you thought you were giving them enough exercise and attention? It might not be a behaviour problem... it might be an enrichment mismatch. In this jam-packed episode, I’m diving into one of the most transformative topics in dog training: breed-specific enrichment. We’ll explore how understanding your dog’s original working purpose can unlock a totally different level of calmness, connection, and trainability. This isn’t about generic food puzzles or 'wearing them out.' This is about using science, history, and smart training to give your dog the life their brain and body were designed for. Whether you live with a Labrador, a Dachshund, or a Staffy… this one’s for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why breed-specific enrichment is the missing link for many behaviour struggles How unmet instincts lead to frustration, reactivity, and training challenges The UK’s most popular dog breeds decoded — and what they really need How to create enriching activities that satisfy your dog’s brain and body The difference between enrichment and stimulation (and why it matters) How to turn everyday moments into powerful outlets for your dog’s natural drives The role of structured tasks in preventing over-arousal Practical enrichment ideas for Poodles, Labradors, Staffies, GSDs, Dachshunds, and more How to be the trainer your dog was bred to need 💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com You can use code PODCAST10 for 10% off all my digital dog training packages, guides & courses! 📱 Let’s connect! I’d love to hear how you’re using breed-specific enrichment in your own training: Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining 🎧 If this episode gave you an “aha!” moment, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared the episode with a fellow dog lover—it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

Is your dog tuned out when it matters most? Do they ignore your cues outside, even though they know it at home? You’re not alone — and the issue isn’t obedience... it’s engagement. In this value-packed episode, we’re digging into what engagement really means, why it’s the key to joyful, reliable training, and how to become the most reinforcing thing in your dog’s world — without nagging, bribing, or losing your cool. Whether you’re training a distracted adolescent, building confidence with a reactive dog, or just wanting to feel more connected, this episode is full of science-backed strategies and lightbulb moments to help you turn disconnection into partnership. 🧠 In this episode, you’ll learn: What engagement really is — and why it’s more important than obedience Why your dog might be ignoring you (and how to fix it) How dopamine shapes focus, motivation, and connection Three powerful exercises to boost your dog’s engagement right away How to reinforce proximity, attention, and commitment — every single day The mindset shift that turns training into teamwork 🎓 Ready to go deeper? Transform your dog’s attention, focus, and connection in just three weeks with my brand new 21-Day Engagement Training Course. It’s on sale until the end of June, and as a podcast listener you can use the code PODCAST10 for an extra 10% off! 💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com 📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining 🎧 If this episode gave you an “aha!” moment, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared the episode with a fellow dog lover — it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

In this powerful, science-backed episode, we dive deep into one of the most misunderstood challenges in dog training: stress. If your dog ‘knows it at home’ but forgets everything outside, or seems to shut down, bark, lunge, or completely ignore you in the real world — there’s likely something big happening under the surface. That ‘bad’ behaviour? It’s often the result of cortisol, the stress hormone that literally hijacks your dog’s brain. This episode is a game-changer if you want to stop feeling stuck, and start understanding your dog on a deeper level. In this episode, you’ll learn: What cortisol is and how it affects your dog’s brain and body The neuroscience behind why dogs zone out or stop listening How chronic stress erodes connection and blocks learning Real-life signs that your dog’s stress levels are too high Why exposure and pressure can actually backfire How to lower cortisol and support your dog’s nervous system Actionable strategies to build trust, resilience, and deeper connection Whether you're raising a reactive dog, supporting a nervous rescue, or just want to be the best possible human for your pup — this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and totally empowered. 🛒 Want more support, science-led training, or to work with me? Explore my courses, digital products, and freebies at: 🌐 www.listendogtraining.com 🐶 Follow me on social for daily training tips, behind-the-scenes, and all things connection: 📲 TikTok & Instagram: @listendogtraining   ✨ Don't forget to subscribe, rate & review the show — it really helps this podcast reach more brilliant dog people like you!

In this episode of The Walk & Talk, I’m diving deep into transforming your wild, chaotic dog into a calm, focused companion - using just three daily routine tweaks. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by endless pulling on the lead or overwhelming distractions on your walks, this episode is your blueprint for change. I reveal simple, science-backed methods that not only reshape how your dog behaves, but also strengthen your bond and make every walk a joyous adventure together. Whether you're a seasoned dog owner or just starting out, these actionable insights will empower you to reclaim control and enjoy a more fulfilling life with your canine companion. In this episode, you'll learn: The #1 mistake dog owners make during walks (and how to fix it) How to use your dog’s food to build engagement and focus right from the start of the walk The perfect 5-part walk routine that will set your dog up for success every time The boundary-setting techniques you need at home to stop unwanted behaviors Simple, actionable steps to bring calm and connection into your everyday routine 💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com You can use code PODCAST10 for 10% off all my digital dog training packages, guides & courses! 📱 Let’s connect! I’d love to hear how you’re using the dopamine trick in your own training: Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining 🎧 If this episode gave you an “aha!” moment, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared the episode with a fellow dog lover—it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

In this episode, we’ll dive deep into one of the most popular - and misunderstood - concepts in modern dog training: relationship-based training. Is it just another fluffy social media trend, or is it a powerful, science-backed training philosophy that can change your dog’s behaviour and your bond forever? In this episode, you’ll learn: What defines relationship-based training — and how it differs from other methods The neuroscience behind why your dog’s relationship with you matters more than you think How to use your bond as a training tool, not a reason to delay teaching Why boundaries and clarity are essential The difference between being present and actually engaging with your dog How to become more reinforcing than the environment, using smart training instead of just affection Five practical pillars to begin relationship-based training today — including engagement games, communication systems, and the power of play Whether you’re a seasoned trainer or just getting started, this episode will give you fresh clarity, new tools, and a recharged sense of purpose when it comes to your connection with your dog.   💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com You can use code PODCAST10 for 10% off all my digital dog training packages, guides & courses!   📱 Let’s connect! I’d love to hear how you’re using the dopamine trick in your own training: Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @‌listendogtraining 🎧 If this episode gave you an “aha!” moment, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared the episode with a fellow dog lover—it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

Thinking about whether or not to spay your female dog? Or when the right time might be? This episode of The Walk & Talk is here to guide you through the real facts... not the outdated one-size-fits-all advice, not the guilt trips, and definitely not the fear-mongering. We’ll explore the risks, the benefits, the behavioural impacts, and the hormonal picture, so you can make a decision that’s truly right for your individual dog. Whether you’re navigating your first ever season with your pup, wondering about long-term health effects, or feeling pressure from outdated advice, this episode will help you feel informed, calm, and confident. 🎧 In this episode, you'll learn: What the spay procedure actually involves and how it differs from neutering males How oestrogen affects your female dog’s development, brain, joints, and behaviour The potential behavioural changes that may occur after spaying Why timing really matters—and why early isn’t always better The risks of mammary cancer and how that risk increases over time What pyometra is, why it’s so serious, and how to spot it early What to expect during your dog’s seasons (if you delay or opt not to spay) How to weigh up the decision based on breed, behaviour, lifestyle, and health Why there is no one-size-fits-all answer—and how to make a choice that suits you 💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com You can use code PODCAST10 for 10% off all my digital dog training packages, guides & courses! 📱 Let’s connect! I’d love to hear how you’re using the dopamine trick in your own training: Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @‌listendogtraining 🎧 If this episode gave you an “aha!” moment, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared the episode with a fellow dog lover—it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

Ever wondered why your dog seems more interested in a leaf blowing down the street than your recall cue? Or why their ears perk up at the sound of the fridge but not your voice? It all comes down to one powerful brain chemical: dopamine. In this episode of The Walk & Talk, I’m diving deep into the science of dopamine and how you can use it to massively boost your training results, strengthen your bond, and finally become more reinforcing than literally everything else in your dog’s world. Whether you’re working on recall, loose lead walking, or just want to be your dog’s favourite thing again—this episode is packed with insight and practical tweaks you can start using today.   In this episode, you’ll learn: 💡What dopamine actually is—and how it affects your dog’s behaviour 💡Why anticipation is just as powerful as the reward itself 💡How to make your training more engaging and brain-boosting 💡Simple ways to create dopamine spikes using rewards, patterns and movement 💡How to use surprise, variety and play to make YOU the most exciting part of your dog’s day 💡Real-life examples of tweaks that create faster, more reliable results   💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com You can use code PODCAST10 for 10% off all my digital dog training packages, guides & courses!   📱 Let’s connect! I’d love to hear how you’re using the dopamine trick in your own training:  Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining 🎧 If this episode gave you an “aha!” moment, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared the episode with a fellow dog lover—it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

What if everything you were told about being your dog’s ‘alpha’ was built on a misinterpretation of stressed-out wolves in captivity? In this eye-opening episode of The Walk & Talk, I take you on a deep-dive through the shaky science behind dominance theory, the myth of the ‘alpha dog,’ and the long-lasting impact this outdated ideology still has on modern dog training. You'll learn:  🐾 The real story behind those infamous wolf studies 🐾 Why dominance-based training harms trust, learning, and safety 🐾 What leadership should look like in a healthy dog-human relationship 🐾 How to recognise stress-based behaviours and unmet needs in your dog 🐾 The empowering truth: your dog isn’t trying to rule you—they’re trying to connect with you If you’ve ever felt torn between harsh training advice and doing what feels kind and intuitive, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to lead your dog with compassion and structure. Let’s rewrite the rules—and reclaim the joy. 💡  Want to dive deeper? Explore my digital dog training courses designed to give you the exact tools to build connection, teach essential skills, and support a truly happy life with your dog—without the confusion or conflict.  Browse all courses at www.listendogtraining.com ✨  Free training tips, tutorials & support ⬇️  →  Instagram: @listendogtraining →  TikTok: @listendogtraining

In this episode of The Walk and Talk, we’re digging into why hyper-fixating on your dog’s surface-level behaviour problems — like pulling on lead or ignoring a recall — keeps you stuck in frustration. Real, lasting change doesn’t come from slapping a quick fix on the struggle you can see. It comes from identifying and addressing the bigger-picture concepts underneath — like focus, disengagement, impulse control, and proximity value. I’ll show you how thinking bigger and targeting these core skills transforms your dog's behaviour faster, more effectively, and for the long term — and why trying to "fix" the problem in isolation is usually a dead end. ✨ Want to start tackling the real causes behind your dog’s struggles? Check out my downloadable training plans and programmes at listendogtraining.com — whether you want a simple intro to concept training or a full design-your-own plan with all the exercises laid out for you, there’s something to get you moving forward! 💡 Follow for free tips and tutorials:  →  Instagram: @listendogtraining →  TikTok: @listendogtraining

You’re not just your dog’s food dispenser or walk provider—you’re their emotional anchor, communication partner, and literal brain-shaper. This episode dives into the science of that relationship, uncovering how dogs have evolved to thrive with humans—not other dogs—and why that changes everything about how we train, raise, and relate to them. We’re talking oxytocin spikes, brain scans, evolutionary theory, and why your dog’s wagging tail and floppy ears are hardwired evidence of thousands of years of co-evolution. 💡 Inside this episode you’ll learn: – Why dogs know we’re not dogs—and why that matters – How they’ve developed supercharged communication skills just for us – The hormone behind your dog’s devotion – Why socialising with random dogs isn’t as natural—or necessary—as you’ve been told 🎯  By the end, you’ll see your role in your dog’s life differently—and you’ll have real, practical insight to deepen your bond and supercharge your training. 🎓 Want more? → Explore online courses & shop training packs: www.listendogtraining.com → Follow @listendogtraining on IG & TikTok Whether you're a lifelong dog lover or just starting your journey, this episode will change the way you see your relationship—and leave you feeling even more in awe of your dog (if that’s possible?!)