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

Big Dog Reactivity & How Playing Games Save Lives


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What makes the difference between a failed rescue adoption and a success story? Alice joins us to share her journey with Bonnie, a 40-kilo German Shepherd-Cane Corso-Mastiff mix with a troubled past involving another dog's death. This powerful conversation reveals how games-based training transformed their relationship and could save countless rescue dogs from becoming part of the heartbreaking 50% failure statistic.

When Alice first brought Bonnie home, she faced what many rescue adopters experience – the gradual emergence of serious behavioral issues including reactivity and separation anxiety that made daily life challenging. Rather than giving up, Alice discovered a different approach through Absolute Dogs that focused on building relationship rather than using traditional correction-based methods often recommended for large, powerful breeds.

The transformation in Bonnie didn't happen overnight, but through consistent games that built calmness, trust, and communication, this once-concerning dog became a trusted companion. As Alice explains, "I'm five foot three, under 50 kilos, and I have this sleeping, snoring giant breed dog that I can walk safely on my own – not through force, but because she wants to move with me." Her story demonstrates that even dogs with serious incidents in their past can become treasured family members with the right approach.

Are you considering adopting a rescue dog or struggling with one already? We're offering completely free resources to rescue centers, volunteers, and adopters worldwide to help more dogs find and keep their forever homes. Reach out through absolute-dogs.com to access these materials and join our supportive community of rescue dog owners who understand your journey.

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!

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Sexier Than A Squirrel: Dog Training That Gets Real Life ResultsBy absoluteDogs

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