What if your reactive dog didn’t need to be fixed—just understood?

In this episode of How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, I’m talking about reactive dogs—those who bark, lunge, or struggle around others—and why trying to turn them into "normal" dogs often does more harm than good. I believe reactive dogs deserve lives that are adapted to their needs, not shaped around our expectations.

You’ll hear the story of Orla, a senior rescue dog who came to live with me while I was running a daycare centre. I initially thought she’d be an easy fit—until she decompressed and her dog reactivity became clear. Rather than force her into environments she couldn’t cope with, I made changes to support her version of a happy life. That meant private walks, distance from unknown dogs, trick training at home, and a strong bond built through trust and communication—not pressure.

I also share why I don’t feel guilty for leaving certain dogs at home, like Mungo, when we go on family holidays. A peaceful dog isn’t one who’s doing all the things we want—it’s one who’s not doing the things that cause them stress.

If you’re parenting a reactive dog, this episode is a reminder that your dog isn’t broken. You’ll learn how to read their signals, respond with compassion, and use enrichment and trick training to meet their needs—without expecting them to enjoy busy parks, group walks, or chaotic social outings.

I’m Laura Carter—dog trainer, author of The Vet Says Rest (available now on Amazon), and founder of Wags Without Walks. You can find out more, join our online community, or explore training programmes like Reliable Recall, Pulling to Perfect, and Smart Puppy at www.lauracartercanines.com.

Follow along on social media @lauracartercanines and @wags_without_walks—and if this episode helped you see your dog in a new light, please share it with someone else who needs to hear that it's okay not to fix everything.

In this powerful second episode of How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, I’m sharing the story that had to come first—Mungo’s.Mungo is a working cocker spaniel who came into my life with a long list of challenges: reactivity, guarding, zero recall, and a history that included multiple homes and even a near miss with euthanasia. On paper, he was a dog who needed more walks, more exercise, more "wearing out." But the truth turned out to be the opposite.I’m Laura Carter—dog trainer, founder of Wags Without Walks, and author of The Vet Says Rest (available on Amazon). In this episode, I talk openly about what it’s really like to live with a dog like Mungo. From our early days together to our move to rural Scotland, you’ll hear how trying to force him into the “ideal pet dog” mould only made things harder—and how giving him space, structure, and meaningful enrichment changed everything.This episode is for anyone struggling with a dog who seems too much. If you’ve ever felt like more exercise only winds your dog up, or like walks are making behaviour worse instead of better, Mungo’s story will hit home.You’ll also hear about the tools that helped him thrive, like scent work, trick training, and having a safe space of his own. Because the answer to a happy, balanced dog isn’t always a longer walk—it’s the right kind of support.To find out more, join my online community, or sign up for courses like Smart Puppy, Reliable Recall, and Pulling to Perfect, visit www.lauracartercanines.com.And don’t forget to follow along on Instagram and Facebook @lauracartercanines and @wags_without_walks. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone else who needs to hear that there is another way.

What if skipping your daily dog walk didn’t make you a bad owner—but actually made your dog happier?

Welcome to the very first episode of How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk. I’m Laura Carter—dog trainer, author of The Vet Says Rest (available now on Amazon), and mum to five amazing dogs. In this introductory episode, I’m sharing my story, my journey into dog training, and how I discovered a completely different way to raise calm, connected dogs—without relying on daily walks.

You’ll get to know my dogs Siri, Mungo, Emba, Dexter, and Kody, and hear how each of them has helped shape the way I train and live with dogs today. I also talk about my big move from Kent to rural Scotland, the dream training space we’ve built here, and how I created Wags Without Walks—my online community for owners who want something better than stressful lead walks and guilt-fuelled routines.

If you’ve ever felt like walking your dog is more of a struggle than a joy, or wondered if there’s another way, this podcast is for you. I’ll be offering advice, sharing stories, and giving you fun, practical ideas to build a better relationship with your dog—right at home.

Find out more, sign up for my online training programmes like Smart Puppy, Reliable Recall, and Pulling to Perfect, and join the community at www.lauracartercanines.com.

And come say hi on social media @lauracartercanines and @wags_without_walks. Let’s change the way we think about walking our dogs—and start building calmer, happier lives together.

Ever feel like you’re in a tug-of-war with your dog on walks? You’re not alone! Loose lead walking is one of the hardest skills to teach, and today, we’re breaking down why it’s so challenging—and what you can do to fix it.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:✅ Why pulling on the lead is completely natural for dogs (and how to work with, not against, their instincts).✅ The biggest mistake most owners make when training loose lead walking—and how to avoid it.✅ What an extinction burst is and why things get worse before they get better.✅ Why stopping walks altogether (temporarily!) can actually speed up your progress.✅ Real-life success stories, including how I transformed my Spaniel, Mungo, from a nightmare puller to a joy to walk.Exercise of the Week: 'Nose Down, Head Up'This simple game helps shift your dog’s focus back to you without constant reminders. Drop a treat on the ground, let your dog sniff it out, and wait—when they naturally look up at you, drop another treat. Over time, they learn that checking in with you is more rewarding than pulling ahead!Need More Help?If you’re struggling with loose lead walking, check out my Pulling to Perfect programme—available as an online course or in-person training near Johnshaven, Montrose, Scotland. Get all the details here: www.lauracartercanines.com🔔 Subscribe & Share! If you found this episode helpful, send it to a friend who’s battling loose lead walking too. And don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Welcome to How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk! In this episode, we’re diving into the importance of a reliable recall, even if your dog is friendly and just wants to say hello. Many owners assume that a social dog doesn’t need strong recall skills, but that’s not the case! A dog running up to others uninvited can cause stress, create risky situations, and even put your dog in danger.

I’ll be sharing real-life examples, including how my own Pomchi, Emba, became fearful of other dogs after one overwhelming encounter. Plus, I’ll walk you through practical training techniques, like using a long line, fun recall games, and my favourite “Let’s Party” method to make recall irresistible for your dog.

We’ll also talk about my Reliable Recall Course, now available online, to help you build a recall that works in real-life situations. Whether your dog is just learning or needs fine-tuning, this episode will give you actionable tips to get started today.

🎙 Tune in now and learn how to make recall your dog’s favourite game!

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Join the Reliable Recall Course (online & in-person) 👉 www.lauracartercanines.com
• Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more training videos 👉 Laura Carter Canines
• Follow me on social media for training tips & updates 👉 Laura Carter Canines

#DogTraining #ReliableRecall #RecallTraining #HappyDog #DogBehaviour

Does your dog come back when called—or do they decide you’re not interesting enough? Have you ever felt frustrated watching them run in the opposite direction, ignoring your recall cue completely? In this episode of How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, we’re breaking down why recall is so much more than just calling your dog’s name and hoping for the best.

Many owners focus on teaching a recall command, but true recall starts long before you even call your dog. If they’re chasing sheep, jumping on other dogs, or disappearing out of sight, you’ve already lost that invisible connection. Recall isn’t just about bringing your dog back—it’s about keeping them engaged, safe, and wanting to stay close in the first place.

🐾 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why having a recall cue is pointless if your dog ignores you the rest of the time
✅ How to build a connection so your dog naturally checks in with you
✅ The dangers of letting your dog out of sight (even in familiar areas!)
✅ Why walks should be a shared experience, not just independent exercise
✅ How to make recall fun so your dog actually wants to come back

🎾 Activity of the Week: Middle!
Want a recall that’s fast, fun, and reliable? Teach your dog ‘Middle’! This brilliant game gets your dog running straight to you and into position between your legs, making recall exciting and rewarding. Tune in to learn how to teach it and why it’s a game-changer for recall training.

🐶 Exciting News!
🚀 The Reliable Recall online course is launching on 28th February! If you want to stop stressing about your dog running off and start enjoying off-lead time with confidence, this course is for you. Designed with fun, game-based training, it teaches your dog to love staying close and checking in with you—without boring obedience drills.

📢 Sign up now for 50% off before the pre-launch discount expires! Head to the website to grab your spot.

🔗 Links & Resources:
👉 Reliable Recall Online Course –https://lauracartercanines.com/reliable-recall
👉 Wags Without Walks Membership –https://lauracartercanines.com/wags-without-walks

🎧 Subscribe & Review!
Love the podcast? Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you found this episode helpful, leave a review—it helps more dog owners discover how to build a better recall and a stronger bond with their dogs!

#DogTraining #RecallTraining #HowToTrainYourDog #WagsWithoutWalks #HappyDog #ScentWork #DogEnrichment

Does your dog ignore you when you call them back? Have you ever found yourself shouting their name while they disappear into the distance? In this episode of How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, we’re diving into the common mistakes that ruin recall—often without owners even realising it!

Many owners believe recall is just about training a cue, but the truth is, it’s about building a strong bond. If your dog sees the environment as more exciting than you, they’ll struggle to respond. From accidentally punishing your dog when they finally return to forgetting to reward them, this episode breaks down the biggest recall mistakes and how to fix them.

🐾 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The #1 reason dogs ignore recall (hint: it’s not stubbornness!)
✅ Why daily walks might be making your recall worse
✅ How to stop your dog from learning that running away is more fun than coming back
✅ The secret to making recall a rewarding, exciting choice for your dog
✅ Why engagement is more important than exercise

🎾 Activity of the Week: Sausage Tree!
Want to make yourself the most interesting thing on your dog’s walk? Try the Sausage Tree game! This simple scent-based activity taps into your dog’s natural foraging instincts, keeps them focused on you, and strengthens recall in a fun and rewarding way.

🐶 Exciting News!
🚀 The Busy Life, Happy Dog mini-course has officially launched, and the response has been amazing! This course is perfect for busy owners who want to fit effective training into their everyday routine—without needing extra hours in the day.
📢 Coming soon: Reliable Recall! This brand-new course will help you teach your dog to come back every time, no matter what distractions are around. Available in both online and in-person formats in Montrose, Scotland.

🔗 Links & Resources:

🎧 Subscribe & Review!
Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you found this episode helpful, leave a review—it helps more dog owners discover the podcast!

#DogTraining #RecallTraining #HowToTrainYourDog #WagsWithoutWalks #HappyDog #ScentWork #DogEnrichment

Mornings can feel chaotic, but they don’t have to be—for you or your dog! In this episode, we’re tackling Mastering the Morning Rush with practical strategies to create a calmer, structured routine. From adjusting your dog’s expectations to using quick enrichment activities, these small changes can make mornings run more smoothly.

Plus, I’m sharing why my dogs don’t get breakfast and why that actually helps keep them calm! Stick with me—I promise it’s not as crazy as it sounds.

What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to set realistic expectations for your dog’s mornings
✅ Simple 5-minute activities to keep them engaged
✅ Why overexcitement happens—and how to prevent it
✅ The power of starting your day first

Activity of the Week: Scatter Feeding
This week, try scatter feeding to keep your dog busy and engaged while you manage the morning rush.

Final Day! ‘Busy Life, Happy Dog’ at 50% Off!
Want more quick, effective ways to keep your dog happy when life is hectic? My mini course Busy Life, Happy Dog is full of 5-minute activities designed for busy owners.

🚨 Today’s the last chance to grab it for just £9.99—50% off!
After midnight, the price goes up, so don’t miss out!

🔗

Coming Up in February: Recall!
Next month, we’re diving into Reliable Recall—with a brand-new mini course and podcast episodes dedicated to improving your dog’s recall through fun games and activities. Stay tuned!

🎧 Subscribe & Review!
Enjoyed today’s episode? Leave a review, subscribe, and follow me on Instagram / Facebook @LauraCarterCanines for daily tips and updates.

See you next week for more ways to keep your dog happy—no long walks required!

This week on How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, we’re exploring Dog Days and Night Shifts, diving into how to balance your dog’s needs around unpredictable or demanding schedules. Whether you’re a shift worker or just navigating a hectic life, this episode is packed with tips and insights to help you keep your dog happy and engaged, no matter what your day—or night—looks like.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Exciting News!
There’s just one week left until the launch of my brand-new mini-course, Busy Life, Happy Dog! Designed for busy dog owners, this course offers simple, five-minute games and activities to keep your dog happy and mentally stimulated. Sign up before 31st January to take advantage of the 50% pre-launch discount. Visit lauracartercanines.com to learn more.

Watch the Podcast on YouTube
Prefer video? This episode is now available on YouTube! Search for Laura Carter Canines to watch the video version.

Connect with Me

Thank you for listening! Let’s make life easier and more fulfilling for you and your dog. See you next week!