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 being here.

If this episode gave you something, a laugh, a lightbulb, or just the feeling that someone gets it, that's exactly why we make it.

📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.

STOP WORRYING: Your gundog doesn’t need to hunt live game to be happy! Are you the devoted dog woman who constantly frets that you're not meeting your working breed’s full needs? You are absolutely not alone. This week on Found It, Fetched It, Jo and LWDG expert Claire Denyer demystify the pressure surrounding breed instincts and fieldwork. We dive into why it’s crucial to provide an outlet for your gundog’s natural drives (hello, ‘self-employed’ dogs!), and why tapping into those instincts in a controlled way actually leads to more control, not less. We talk about the "Pandora's Box" myth, the difference between letting your dog chase a squirrel and teaching true self-control, and why turning a naughty sock thief into a helpful laundry loader is the ultimate partnership goal.

This episode is packed with warmth and practical advice to help you build a stronger bond, prevent behavioural issues, and celebrate the incredible dog you have.Ready to stop worrying and start training with clarity? Join the thousands of women gaining confidence in their training journey! Click the link below to explore the LWDG Society membership and get a complete plan to follow.

➡️ Visit us: www.thelwdg.com

Thanks for being here.

If this episode gave you something, a laugh, a lightbulb, or just the feeling that someone gets it, that's exactly why we make it.

📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.

Ever found yourself totally confused by the conflicting training advice buzzing around online? It feels like you’re constantly being told to aim for this impossible ideal, a kind of training perfection, that just doesn't seem to work with your chaotic, high-drive gundog. You’re trying to be kind, but your dog is eating the doormat and ignoring your existence. I get it. We’ve been there. This week on Found It, Fetched It, Claire and I are laying it all out: the whole concept of "force free" as it's often peddled online cannot and does not exist in the real world. We champion kindness and reward-based training all day long, but we also live with real dogs who need real boundaries. We want you to feel safe, supported, and confident in saying, "Uhuh, no," when it matters most. Boundaries are not the opposite of kindness; they are the foundation of a safe, happy life for your dog.

Thanks for being here.

If this episode gave you something, a laugh, a lightbulb, or just the feeling that someone gets it, that's exactly why we make it.

📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.

Feeling the winter wobble with your gundog training? You are not alone. This episode is a warm hug for anyone feeling guilty that their dog (and their own motivation) has taken a seasonal dip. Join Jo as she explains why both dogs and handlers change in the winter, and how you can adapt your training to be shorter, calmer, and more connected. It’s time to stop fighting the season and start working with it. Listen to the full episode on your favourite podcast app and don't forget to subscribe for more real-life gundog chat!

FREE Workshop 18th Nov : From Mixed Messages to Magic Results

Thanks for being here.

If this episode gave you something, a laugh, a lightbulb, or just the feeling that someone gets it, that's exactly why we make it.

📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.

Have you ever watched a friend train their gundog and thought, “Why am I reacting like this, and they’re so calm about the exact same thing?” It’s easy to fall into the comparison trap, feeling like you’re doing it all wrong simply because your approach is different. But what if that difference wasn’t a weakness, but a key to unlocking your most effective training style?

We recently sat down with our brilliant LWDG mindset coach, Emma Liddell, a trained psychotherapist, who has noticed powerful patterns in the way we women handle and train our dogs. Her new framework, The Dog Handler Archetypes, is a self-awareness tool designed to help you understand your core drivers, work with your strengths, and finally soften the edges that might be holding you back. It’s a game-changer that goes beyond obedience and straight to the heart of why you train the way you do.

Thanks for being here.

If this episode gave you something, a laugh, a lightbulb, or just the feeling that someone gets it, that's exactly why we make it.

📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.

Ever found yourself peering at your dog's pedigree, trying to piece together a blueprint of who they are? Maybe you’ve felt that mysterious pull of their innate behaviours—that tiny puppy pointing at a feather, or the Springer Spaniel suddenly diving headfirst into a hedge. It can feel like pure voodoo, like trying to bake a perfect cake without truly knowing all the ingredients.

This episonde on the podcast, we’re peeling back the curtain on one of our seven lenses of dog behaviour: Genetics. We’re untangling the genes from the mittens with LWDG Mindset Coach, Emma Liddell, to bring you clarity and a huge dose of reassurance. Because here’s the truth we all need to hear: Genetics create potential, not certainty. Your dog’s behaviour is not their destiny, and understanding this is the key to letting go of the guilt and training smarter, not harder.

Thanks for being here.

If this episode gave you something, a laugh, a lightbulb, or just the feeling that someone gets it, that's exactly why we make it.

📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.

Ever wondered, "Is my gundog really allowed to be a gundog?" 🐾 This week, Jo and Vicki are diving into that very question, busting myths and sharing real talk! Hear Vicki's amazing journey with her golden retriever, Tully – from a wild teenager who ignored her, to a calm, confident companion who even rocked a working test! Discover how our LWDG community is a safe, supportive space for all gundog mums, no matter your dog's breed or background.

We'll chat about harnessing those natural instincts, building a rock-solid connection, and how our "Hot Mess Handler" course can truly transform your relationship with your dog. If you're a woman training a gundog and craving understanding, practical tips, and a bit of a warm hug, this episode is for you!

Hit that like button, tell us your biggest gundog challenge in the comments, and subscribe for more real, heartfelt advice!

Thanks for being here.

If this episode gave you something, a laugh, a lightbulb, or just the feeling that someone gets it, that's exactly why we make it.

📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.

In this live session, Jo explores the hidden comparison trap — and the emotional toll it can take when we measure our progress against snapshots on social media or polished training clips.

You’ll discover:

• Why calm isn’t a fixed personality trait but a skill you can train
• The unseen realities behind “perfect” dogs online and in classes
• How environments and routines shape behaviour more than you think
• Why your journey with your dog is meant to be your pace, your way

This live is part of the pre-challenge series leading up to the Switch Off & Settle Down Challenge, starting Monday 15th September — showing you how to help your dog move from wired to relaxed in real life.

👉 Join the challenge here: https://ladiesworkingdoggroup.com/switch-off-registration-page/

Thanks for being here.

If this episode gave you something, a laugh, a lightbulb, or just the feeling that someone gets it, that's exactly why we make it.

📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.

Understanding Your Gundog's Behavior: Arousal Stacking and Settling Challenges

Join Jo, the founder of the Ladies Working Dog Group, as she discusses common behavior struggles faced by gundog owners. In this live session, Jo explains the concepts of arousal stacking, post-walk rituals, and the difference between a tired body and a tired brain. 

Learn why your dog might be struggling to settle and how you can help them relax. This informative talk is in preparation for an upcoming challenge where experts will guide you on effective strategies to manage and improve your dog's behavior. 

Don't forget to join the Facebook group for more details and upcoming training sessions!

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:42 Introduction to the Challenge

01:02 Understanding Dog Behavior

04:10 Arousal Stacking Explained

04:21 Post-Walk Rituals and Settling Down

04:31 Tired Body vs. Tired Brain

16:39 Practical Tips and Member Experiences

22:48 Upcoming Challenge Details

24:31 Conclusion and Next Steps

Thanks for being here.

If this episode gave you something, a laugh, a lightbulb, or just the feeling that someone gets it, that's exactly why we make it.

📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.

In this episode, Jo Perrott, Founder of the Ladies Working Dog Group, discusses the challenges dog owners face in maintaining boundaries for their pets within a busy home. 

Jo explores the reasons why these boundaries often collapse and offers insights on how to reinforce them effectively. She emphasises the importance of consistent rules and the impact of different family members' behaviors on a dog's understanding of boundaries. 

Join Jo as she previews the upcoming 'Switch Off and Settle Down' challenge, a free program aimed at helping dog owners create a more harmonious relationship with their pets.

00:00 Introduction and Going Live

00:16 Understanding Boundaries with Dogs

00:53 Common Issues with Boundaries

02:17 Patterns and Signals in Dog Behavior

04:48 Managing Multiple Handlers

05:33 Invisible Rules and Micro Cues

08:59 Reinforcing Boundaries Consistently

13:45 Upcoming Challenge and Final Thoughts

This live is part of the pre-challenge series leading up to the Switch Off & Settle Down Challenge, starting Monday 15th September — showing you how to help your dog move from wired to relaxed in real life.

👉 Join the challenge here: https://ladiesworkingdoggroup.com/switch-off-registration-page/

Thanks for being here.

If this episode gave you something, a laugh, a lightbulb, or just the feeling that someone gets it, that's exactly why we make it.

📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.