Worried about how your child and dog get along? You're not alone.

In this episode of Positive Playtime, we’re joined by Debby Lucken - dog trainer, educator, and founder of Kids Around Dogs (KAD) - to share expert insights on how families can create safe, positive bonds between children and dogs through the power of play.

Whether you're introducing a puppy to your little ones or navigating tricky interactions, this conversation is packed with practical advice, common myths, and simple play-based solutions.

 You’ll learn:

✔️ The biggest mistakes parents make with kids and dogs

✔️ How play builds trust and prevents problems

✔️ What toys and tools are safest and most effective

✔️ Tips for creating calm, positive routines at home

💡 Learn more about Debby’s work: https://kidsarounddogs.co.uk/ 

👉 Find out more on Debby’s YouTube channel: Kids Around Dogs

Explore more:

• Discover family-safe enrichment toys: https://tug-e-nuff.com

• Try our Power of Play free course

👍 Enjoyed this episode? Follow the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music, and leave us a review so more dog owners can discover the power of play!

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @tugenuff

Did you know letting your dog sniff is just as important as letting them run?

It’s true, and in this episode of Positive Playtime, we’re digging into the power of your dog’s nose.

We’re joined by Jamie and Gemma Pound from UK Sniffer Dogs, who’ve helped thousands of dogs and owners tap into the benefits of scentwork. Whether you have a high-energy dog who struggles to switch off or a nervous rescue looking for enrichment, this episode is full of practical ways to help them thrive.

No need to be a pro, you’ll learn how to bring scent-based games into everyday life, even if you’ve never tried scentwork before.

What you’ll learn:

✔️ Why sniffing supports your dog’s mental and emotional wellbeing

✔️ Easy scentwork games you can try at home

✔️ How scent-based play can help anxious or over-excited dogs

✔️ Real success stories that show the impact of sniffing

🐾 Learn more about UK Sniffer Dogs: uksnifferdogs.com  

🐶 Helpful Links:

• Download our FREE Games Ebook

• Find your dog’s perfect toy - Take the Toy Quest Quiz

• Explore training toys

  
  

👉 Want to dive deeper into the power of sniffing? Check out these great resources:

• Why sniffing is essential for your dog’s wellbeing
  

• Scent training for dogs: how to get started
  

• UK Sniffer Dogs courses for owners

  
  

👍 Enjoyed this episode? Follow the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music, and leave us a review so more dog owners can discover the power of play!

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @tugenuff

Got a reactive or anxious dog? You’re not alone.

In this episode of Positive Playtime, we’re joined by Sarah Jones - founder of My Anxious Dog and the #DogsInYellow campaign - to explore how visibility, enrichment, and designated calm spaces can help dogs feel safer and more confident.

We dive into the story behind the Dogs in Yellow movement, how Yellow Space Zones are creating safe havens at major events, and why tools like tug toys and snuffle mats can be powerful supports for anxious dogs - especially as we head into summer adventures.

What you’ll learn:

✔️ What Yellow Space Zones are and how they help

✔️ Why visibility cues like yellow leads matter for reactive dogs

✔️ Enrichment ideas that support calm behaviour in busy places

✔️ How to advocate for your dog when they need space

💛 Learn more: myanxiousdog.co.uk

Explore training toys: tug-e-nuff.com

Grab our Free Games Ebook: https://tug-e-nuff.com/pages/positive-playtime-podcast

Find your dog’s perfect toy: Toy Quest Quiz

🎧 Follow the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Amazon Music

👍 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review - it helps more dog owners discover the power of play!

 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @tugenuff

The Positive Playtime Podcast is back for Series 2 🎉

Join Tug-E-Nuff and expert guests as we explore how play can transform your dog’s training, confidence, and happiness.

Across six brand-new episodes, you’ll hear practical tips, real-life stories, and expert advice on topics like:

🐶 Helping reactive and anxious dogs feel safe

👧 Kids & dogs - how safe, structured play can prevent accidents and build positive bonds

🦴 Why sniffing is essential for your dog’s wellbeing

🎾 The science of play and how interactive games transform behaviour

🐕 Why muzzles can be a tool of responsible ownership

👉 Hit Follow now so you never miss an episode. First episode drops 27th August!

A fresh perspective on why “keeping dogs busy” might actually slow their progress.

In this episode of Positive Playtime, we’re joined by dog trainer, author, and IMDT founder Steve Mann to bust some of the biggest myths in dog training.

With over 30 years of experience, Steve shares surprising truths about what dogs really need - not just more activities, but more calm, connection, and clarity. If you’ve ever been told to just “keep your dog busy,” this one’s for you.

🎙️ In this episode, Steve reveals: 

• The #1 thing your dog needs more than training

• Why constant stimulation can actually cause more harm than good

• The secret release that helps raise calmer, more focused dogs

• What to do instead of always keeping your dog “busy”

• Why paying your dog by the hour (not the mileage!) changes everything

• The 3 keys to dog training progress: passion, empathy, and constant self-audit

PLUS: We’re giving away a copy of Steve’s book Another Day, Another Collar! Head to our Facebook page to enter.

Discover training games your dog will love: https://tinyurl.com/ymsnabk5

Take the Toy Quest Quiz: https://www.tug-e-nuff.com/pages/toy-picker

Buy the book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Another-Day-Collar-Life-Training/dp/1788705998 

🐾 What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? Let us know in the comments or leave us a review - we’d love to hear from you!

Eye-opening for owners of anxious dogs struggling with daily walks or overstimulation.

Does your anxious dog really need a walk? 🐾

In this episode of Positive Playtime, we sit down with bestselling author and award-winning dog trainer Niki French to explore a bold question: Are daily dog walks always the best thing for your dog?

Niki shares why skipping the daily walk might actually reduce anxiety and improve your dog’s well-being - and busts some of the most common myths about dog walking.

Whether your dog is anxious, excitable, or reactive, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you create a calmer, more connected daily routine.

In this episode, Niki reveals: 

✅ Why traditional walks might be stressing your dog out

✅ The truth behind dogs who return from walks more anxious

✅ Do you really need to walk your dog every day?

✅ How to swap stressful walks for enrichment & play

✅ What to do instead to keep your dog happy and fulfilled

✅ Why giving yourself permission to change the routine can be game-changing

“But you can’t just stop walking your dog… or can you?” Tune in to find out.

Helpful links:

🎮 Game ideas your dog will love: https://tinyurl.com/y4trt3ku

🐶 Niki’s favourite Tug-E-Nuff tuggy: https://www.tug-e-nuff.com/products/bright-fauxtastic

📖 Niki’s bestselling book Stop Walking Your Dog: https://go.puptalk.co.uk/stopwalkingyourdog/ 

🐾 What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? Let us know in the comments or leave us a review – we’d love to hear from you!

Especially valuable for Border Collie owners looking to improve recall, reduce obsession, and build balance.

Struggling with your Border Collie’s recall? Wondering how to manage their natural herding instincts?

In this episode of Positive Playtime, we’re joined by Martina Miradoli, renowned Border Collie trainer and founder of That’ll Do Academy. Martina shares her expertise on using play-based training methods to improve recall, manage high-drive behaviour, and curb ball obsession in Border Collies.

Key takeaways from this episode:

✔️ The crucial role of play in recall training

✔️ Understanding herding instincts in Border Collies

✔️ The truth about chasing behaviour in dogs

✔️ The best thing for your Collie to chase

✔️ How to recognise and prevent unwanted behaviours before they become bad habits

✔️ Alternatives to fetch that strengthen your bond and keep your dog happy & healthy

More resources & connect with our guest:

Get Martina’s expert training tips on Instagram: @bordercollie_geek

Check out That’ll Do Academy: thatlldoacademy.com

Find the perfect Tug-E-Nuff training toy for your dog: Toy Quest Quiz

🐾 What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? Let us know in the comments or leave us a review – we’d love to hear from you!

Essential for owners of chase-obsessed dogs or those navigating high prey drive behaviour.

Does your dog chase everything that moves? In this episode of Positive Playtime by Tug-E-Nuff, we sit down with expert dog trainer and behaviourist Tracey McLennan to talk all things prey drive in dogs - what it really is, where it comes from, and how you can manage it through play and training.

Tracey shares her personal experience living with high prey drive dogs, as well as science-backed insights from her research and work with hundreds of reactive, chase-obsessed pups.

You’ll learn:

• The #1 myth about prey drive most owners believe

• The 10 critical stages of prey drive - and which ones your dog might show

• Whether you can truly train prey drive out of your dog

• The dangers of ignoring it - and what that can lead to

• How to turn chasing into a controlled, positive behaviour

• Practical play-based tips to work with your dog’s instincts, not against them
  

🐶 Whether your dog won’t listen once they spot a rabbit, or you’re simply curious about what prey drive means, this one’s for you.

Helpful links:

💻 Tracey’s website: Dog Training with a Difference

🎓 Free prey drive training course: Transform your high prey drive dog with one easy course – for free

🧸 Tracey’s toy recommendations:

• The Clam Treat Dispenser

• Pocket Fauxtastic Tug

• Rabbit Skin Pocket Squeaker

Chaser toys: Tug-E-Nuff Chaser Toy Collection

Take the Power of Play course for free: https://www.tug-e-nuff.com/blogs/power-of-play-the-online-course 

Find the perfect toy for your dog with our Toy Quest Quiz: https://www.tug-e-nuff.com/pages/toy-picker 

🐾 What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? Let us know in the comments or leave us a review – we’d love to hear from you!

Curious about mantrailing? This episode breaks down how nosework can benefit every dog.

Looking for a new enrichment activity that’s fun, low-pressure, and perfect for all dogs? In this episode of Positive Playtime by Tug-E-Nuff, we’re joined by mantrailing expert and Trailing K9s founder, Kathryn Jones, to explore how this nosework sport (aka hide and seek for dogs!) can build confidence, reduce stress, and strengthen your bond.

Even if your dog has zero obedience training, mantrailing is a dog-led activity that’s accessible for all ages and breeds - including nervous, reactive, or overly excited dogs. It’s enriching, non-competitive, and a great way to boost your dog’s mental wellbeing.

You’ll learn:

• What mantrailing is and why it’s growing in popularity

• How it benefits reactive, anxious, and excitable dogs

• Why mantrailing can be more inclusive than traditional training

• How to get started and what you’ll need
  

Useful links from the episode:

• Toy Picker Quiz – Find your dog’s perfect tug toy

• Free Power of Play course

• Start mantrailing with Kathryn

• Book Kathryn’s workshops

• Join the Mantrailing Facebook group
  

🐾 What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? Let us know in the comments or leave us a review – we’d love to hear from you!

A must-listen for dog owners looking to better understand aggression and reactivity.

Is your dog’s behaviour being misunderstood as aggression?

In this episode of Positive Playtime by Tug-E-Nuff, we uncover the truth about dog aggression with world-renowned expert Michael Shikashio. Whether you’re a dog owner, trainer, or simply curious, this conversation offers practical insights and a fresh perspective on how to support dogs showing aggressive behaviours.

You’ll learn:

• What aggression in dogs really means (and doesn’t mean!)

• Whether dog aggression can be prevented through training

• If playing tug can actually make dogs aggressive – or help reduce reactivity

• How play can build confidence, help dogs cope with triggers, and accelerate learning
  

Michael has mentored thousands of dog professionals across the globe and spoken at major conferences in the U.S. and Mexico. He’s also the host of the podcast The Bitey End of the Dog, focused entirely on dog aggression.

Take our Toy Quest Quiz to discover the perfect interactive toy to build engagement and reduce stress during training.

More from Michael:

• Aggressive Dog Webinars

• Listen to The Bitey End of The Dog:

• Spotify

• Apple Podcasts
  

🐾 What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? Let us know in the comments or leave us a review – we’d love to hear from you!