Ever scroll through social media, see a perfectly trained 10-month-old dog, and feel a knot of pressure in your stomach? If you've ever felt behind, second-guessed your progress, or worried that you're "failing" your young dog, this episode is for you.

The pressure to rush our dogs from puppyhood to polished working partner is immense. But the truth is, your dog's development is a biological process, not a competition. Pushing them too fast, too soon, doesn't just create training problems—it can risk their long-term health and your partnership.

In this honest conversation, Jo, Claire, and Jemma pull back the curtain on the "working dog age race." We give you permission to slow down, ignore the noise, and become the most important advocate for your dog's unique timeline.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The hidden pressure of the "perfect" young dog on social media and how it fuels our self-doubt.
• Why your dog's physical and mental timeline is non-negotiable (and what's really happening with growth plates and hormones).
• Navigating the messy, unpredictable, and completely normal stage of adolescence—seeing it as a phase, not a failure.
• The crucial link between patience in their first two years and a longer, healthier working life for your dog.
• The real reason a shoot day is the worst place to train your dog, and how to prepare them for the real world without pressure.

Join the Conversation

If this conversation resonated with you, and you're ready to trade pressure and second-guessing for steady support, we'd love to welcome you into our community. The LWDG is a space for women handlers to share the real, messy moments of training, get expert guidance, and build unshakable confidence alongside their dogs.

• Join the LWDG Membership: www.thelwdg.com
• Find us on Instagram: @ladiesworkingdogs
• Follow us on Facebook: @ladiesworkingdoggroup

Thanks for joining us for this episode of Found It, Fetched It. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve got muddy boots and a seasoned dog by your side, we’re here to walk the journey with you. We’re all about real talk, practical tips, and celebrating every little win—because in this world, progress isn’t always perfect, but it’s always worth it.

💬 We’d love to hear from you

Got a story to share, a question to ask, or just fancy saying hi? Come chat with us on socials or pop over to the website.

📚 Want to go further with your training?

🐾 The Calm Dog Blueprint

Your first step to a calmer, more connected partnership with your dog.

🎓 The LWDG Society

Expert-led courses, community support, and the kind of training that actually makes sense.

📱 Stay connected with the pack:

Website: ladiesworkingdoggroup.com

Facebook: Ladies Working Dog Group

Instagram: @ladiesworkingdogs

✨ And remember… Every session, every stumble, every breakthrough, it all counts. You’re not just training a dog. You’re building trust, confidence, and a community that’s right behind you.

Keep going. We see you. 💛