Chinwag Dog Podcast

In this episode, Carla and Kim dive into one of the most underrated yet powerful training tools available to dog owners: scent work.

They share their own experiences of introducing scent work into training and behaviour cases, highlighting how simple it is to start — and how transformative it can be. From using smelly treats and easy beginner hides to gradually progressing to more complex searches, they break down exactly how to get started at home.

But this conversation goes beyond enrichment.

Carla and Kim explore how scent work taps into a dog’s natural abilities, promoting calm, focus, and confidence. They discuss its role in pre-MAC training, gundog foundations, and how it can be used strategically to support reactive or easily overwhelmed dogs.

If you’re looking for an activity that strengthens your bond, builds regulation, and works with your dog’s biology instead of against it — this episode is for you.

Grab some smelly treats and let them sniff.

In this episode, Carla and Kim unpack one of the most common — and most misunderstood — questions in dog training: how do you tell the difference between anxiety and excitement when the behaviours look the same?

Using real-world scenarios such as lead walking, social greetings, eating, and everyday outings, they explore the subtle body language cues and contextual clues that help distinguish an anxious dog from an over-excited one. From pulling on the lead to jumping, mouthing, avoidance, and hyper-alertness, they explain why what a dog is doing isn’t enough — context is everything.

The conversation also dives into practical management strategies for anxious and reactive dogs, including creating space, adjusting walking routes, using home management tools like gates, and knowing when to keep walks short rather than trying to “train everything at once.” Carla and Kim highlight why anxiety-based behaviours often take longer to resolve than excitement-based reactions and why early recognition and intervention, especially in puppies, is so important.

In this episode, Kim and Carla dive into the often-overlooked reality of supporting the human behind the dog. They explore the emotional weight carried by owners of dogs with challenging behaviours — including guilt, embarrassment, fear, and isolation — and why these feelings can be just as important to address as the behaviour itself.

The conversation looks at how trust, empathy, and open communication form the foundation of effective dog training, whether through agility, behaviour modification, or everyday management strategies. Kim and Carla discuss how personal circumstances, relationship dynamics, and confidence levels between owners can influence training outcomes, and why validating emotions while setting realistic expectations is key.

They also unpack the harm caused by outdated concepts like “alpha” and “pack leader”, the pressure of social media comparisons, and the importance of normalising common (but often misunderstood) dog behaviours. Throughout the episode, they highlight the power of checking in, celebrating small wins, and creating safe spaces for owners to voice fears they may feel ashamed to admit.

This episode is a reminder that good dog training is as much about people as it is about dogs — and that compassion, science, and support go hand in hand.

In this episode, Kim and Carla unpack one of the most misunderstood tools in dog training: management. Far from being a shortcut or a sign that training has failed, management is explored as a strategic, science-backed approach that prevents unwanted behaviours before they happen and sets dogs up for long-term success.

The conversation dives into real-world applications, from dog walking and door greetings to managing reactivity and high-arousal moments. Kim and Carla discuss risk assessment, environmental control, and why preventing rehearsal of unwanted behaviours is often the most ethical and effective choice. They also explore practical tools such as baby gates, harnesses, snuffle mats, and licky mats, alongside the importance of adapting human behaviour to reduce stress for dogs.

Whether it’s handling unexpected Amazon deliveries, choosing the right walking environment, or planning ahead for unfamiliar situations, this episode highlights how thoughtful management supports training, improves welfare, and creates calmer, safer outcomes for both dogs and their people.

In this episode, Kim and Carla dive deep into the challenges of preventing and managing separation anxiety in dogs—a condition affecting around 60% of pets, and increasingly common since lockdown. They discuss the early signs of anxiety, breed predispositions, and the subtle behavioral changes owners often overlook.

Kim shares her evidence-based training strategies, including gradual desensitization, scent associations, safe environments, and the use of cameras to monitor stress. They also explore the importance of tailoring training plans to each dog’s needs, supporting owners to stay consistent without burnout, and encouraging independence in both dogs and their humans.

Along the way, Kim and Carla touch on personal wellbeing, from the impact of coffee habits on daily routines to finding motivation and community through exercise—reminding us that caring for dogs starts with caring for ourselves. Whether you’re a dog owner, trainer, or behaviorist, this episode is packed with practical tips, real-life examples, and strategies to build confident, happy, and stress-free pups.

Have you ever felt like your dog has forgotten everything they once knew?

In this episode, Kim and Carla unpack one of the most common—and misunderstood—issues dog owners face: behaviour regression. From puppies who suddenly stop recalling, to adolescent dogs who appear to “lose” their training, to adult and senior dogs whose behaviour changes seemingly overnight, this conversation breaks down why regression happens and how to respond without panic or punishment.

We explore:

• Why adolescence is a peak time for training setbacks (and why this is completely normal)

• How hormones, brain development, stress, and environmental changes affect behaviour

• Why training that works at home often falls apart in the real world

• The role of health, pain, and sensory changes in sudden behaviour shifts

• Why using tools like long lines or going back to basics is smart training—not failure

• How early recall training and real-world exposure can future-proof your dog

• When behaviour change is a training issue—and when it’s time to call the vet

This episode is essential listening for dog owners feeling frustrated, trainers supporting adolescent dogs, and anyone worried that they’ve “done something wrong.” Spoiler: you haven’t.

If your dog feels unpredictable right now, this conversation will help you understand what’s really going on—and how to support them through it.

In this episode of Kim and Carla’s Chinwag, Kim and Carla unpack why so many dogs are labelled as “naughty” — and why that label rarely helps anyone.

They explore how behaviour looks very different when viewed from the dog’s perspective, and share three simple but powerful questions every owner (and professional) should ask:

What is my dog feeling right now?

What have they learned from similar situations before?

What support does my dog need in this moment?

The conversation covers practical tools like video analysis, the ABCs of behaviour (antecedents, behaviour, consequences), and why adolescence can be such a challenging — and misunderstood — stage of a dog’s development. Kim and Carla also touch on the importance of ongoing support for owners, especially when progress feels messy or nonlinear.

A thoughtful, honest discussion for anyone who wants to move away from blame and towards better understanding, welfare, and realistic expectations.

Start the year off right with realistic, meaningful goals for your dog! In this episode, we discuss how to set achievable behaviour and training objectives that fit your dog’s personality, lifestyle, and emotional wellbeing. From small daily habits to long-term milestones, Kim and Carla share practical tips for planning a positive, stress-free year that strengthens your bond and supports your dog’s growth.

In this festive episode, Kim and Carla dive into everything you need to know about keeping your dog safe, calm, and happy during the Christmas season.

They start with the centrepiece of most homes this time of year—the Christmas tree. From introducing a bare tree first, to using baby gates and lucky mats, they share practical strategies to prevent curious paws from causing chaos. They also explore how emotionally overwhelming the holiday prep can be, and why being present with our pets makes such a difference.

Moving on to decorations, Kim and Carla discuss how to create a beautiful but dog-safe tree. They cover the risks of breakable ornaments, toxic baubles containing antifreeze, and the hidden dangers of edible gifts left under the tree. Kim even shares a few personal stories about her own dogs’ cheeky interactions with decorations and food, reminding us that dogs will always keep us on our toes!

Finally, they tackle Christmas dinner. From foods to avoid (like onions, fatty meats and salty leftovers) to how to manage mealtimes in busy homes, this episode is packed with guidance to help you navigate the big day safely. Kim’s story about a Christmas-day dog escape offers a lighthearted yet important reminder: even well-trained dogs can surprise us.

Whether you’re hosting, travelling, or keeping things low-key this year, this episode will leave you feeling confident, prepared, and ready to create a calm, dog-friendly Christmas for the whole family.

In this episode, Kim and Carla dive into one of the most common challenges new puppy owners face — puppy biting. They unpack the real reasons behind those needle-sharp nips, with Kim highlighting the number one cause that often gets overlooked: lack of sleep.

Together, they explore how overtired puppies struggle to regulate themselves, why proper rest is essential for emotional stability, and how simple management tools like pens and baby gates can support both puppies with separation anxiety and overwhelmed owners.

Kim and Carla also discuss practical, positive solutions for redirecting biting, including natural chew options like frozen carrots and soaked rope toys, breed-appropriate outlets, and the importance of meeting a puppy’s nutritional needs. Kim explains why underfeeding — or relying too rigidly on packaging feeding guides — can increase biting behaviours in growing puppies.

Throughout the episode, they emphasise positive reinforcement, understanding breed traits, and steering clear of punishment.

They wrap up by teasing their next topic: How to prepare your puppy for the Christmas season.

Perfect for new puppy parents and trainers looking for science-based, compassionate guidance.