In this engaging podcast episode, Laura shares her journey as a professional dog trainer, discussing her experiences in agility training and training animals for film. She emphasises the importance of communication, trust, and motivation in dog training, while also addressing common misconceptions about the ease of training. Laura provides valuable insights into the complexities of training dogs in high-pressure environments and the role of genetics in a dog's performance. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the joy and rewards of working with dogs, encouraging listeners to find fun and engaging ways to train their pets.

Cat playing the piano: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQkByOMiPrX/ 

Find out more about Waggy Mama:

Instagram: 

@thewaggymama

@waggymamasagility

Website: waggymamasagility.com

Find out more about Ruby Reese:

Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial

Website: www.ruby-reese.com

Find out more about dognutrition.ie:

Instagram: @dognutrition.ie

Website: dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dog Training Journey

04:29 From Horses to Dogs: The Early Years

07:32 The Transition to Agility Training

10:27 Breaking into Film and Television

13:20 The Complexity of On-Set Training

16:27 Communication and Trust in Training

19:27 Differences Between Film, TV, and Advertising

22:38 Keeping Training Fun and Rewarding

25:21 The Joy of Training and Rehabilitation

27:38 Motivating Dogs Under Pressure

30:29 Talent vs. Training in Dog Sports

32:24 Finding the Right Dog Sport

33:04 The Art of Trick Training

35:09 Skills for Human Trainers

38:26 Getting Started with Dog Training

41:09 Misconceptions in Dog Training

44:12 The Rewards of Working with Dogs