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Could skipping your dog's daily walk be the kindest thing for them? In this paradigm-shifting episode, Lauren and Karen explore the controversial concept of "ditching the walk" and its potential to transform your relationship with your dog.

Explore our diverse range of courses, including the recently released Bake Off course, for inspiration and enrichment ideas.
https://absolutedogs.me/bakeoff 

When your dog's stress bucket is already overflowing, dragging them into potentially overwhelming environments can create negative experiences for everyone involved. Karen shares how her reactive dog Rupert benefits more from alternative activities than from traditional walks when he's not in the right headspace. "If he's not enjoying it either, what is the point?" she questions, challenging long-held beliefs about canine exercise requirements.

The discussion reframes what exercise truly means for dogs. "Fitness is movement, and movement is fitness," Lauren emphasises, introducing numerous alternatives that provide both physical and mental stimulation. From confidence circuits and trick training to scent work and puzzle feeders, these activities often deliver more focused attention and meaningful engagement than a distracted walk around the neighbourhood.

Karen reveals how enrichment activities serve as valuable "temperature checks" for her dog's mental state. When Rupert willingly performs tricks like "orbit," she knows he's feeling comfortable. When he can't focus on food or familiar behaviours, it signals he's over-threshold—crucial information for responsive care.

This isn't about laziness or neglect—it's about truly tuning into what your dog needs and providing alternatives that better serve their wellbeing. You might discover that your dog prefers these targeted activities over walks, responding with enthusiasm rather than the foot-planting reluctance that signals a walk isn't working for them.

Whether you have a reactive dog, an ageing senior, or simply want to enhance your relationship, this episode offers practical ways to redefine exercise and enrichment. Try replacing even a portion of your walks with alternative activities, and you might be surprised by the positive changes you see in both your dog's behaviour and your connection with them.

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Make sure to check out Part I before you dive into Part II!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/761645/episodes/17462029

What happens between competitions might be the most critical factor determining your dog's peak performance and long-term well-being. In this deep-dive conversation, Lauren Langman welcomes back small animal physiotherapist Mel Doyle to unpack the science of effective recovery for competition dogs.

This eye-opening episode continues to dive into how we approach training schedules, revealing why high-drive dogs need carefully structured programs that balance building capabilities without overtaxing their bodies. You'll discover why many mentally talented dogs lack the physical development to support their competitive spirit, and how proper muscle conditioning prevents career-ending injuries.

Mel shares her expert framework for structuring the perfect training week, explaining the concepts of peaking and tapering that elite handlers use to optimise performance. You'll learn exactly when to schedule treadmill sessions, land-based exercises, and professional treatments around competition weekends, with specific adaptations for dogs competing on different days.

The conversation tackles practical questions most handlers face: Should you take your dog to the beach before a competition weekend? Which recovery tools deliver the best results for specific dogs? How should you feed a competition dog throughout the day? When is a harness better than a collar, and which harness design minimises movement restriction?

Perhaps most valuable is their discussion of seasonal planning. Mel reveals why a full month off from agility training (while maintaining baseline fitness) followed by a strategic 12-week buildup creates the optimal performance curve for seasoned competitors.

Whether you're managing multiple dogs across endless events or simply want your weekend warrior to perform their best, this episode delivers the recovery roadmap that makes sustainable excellence possible. Your dog's performance potential depends not just on their skills training, but on the recovery strategy between competitions and this conversation provides the blueprint.

Bookmark both Part I & II to reference back for all the amazing golden nuggets planted throughout! 

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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Every competitive dog handler faces a crucial balancing act: maximizing performance while preserving their canine athlete's long-term wellbeing. This eye-opening conversation with small animal physiotherapist Mel challenges conventional wisdom about training and recovery for sports dogs.

"Your dog only has so many jumps in their lifetime." This simple yet profound statement forms the foundation of our discussion, exploring how recovery isn't just about rest, but about strategic rehabilitation that allows muscle fibers to repair and strengthen properly. Mel reveals the surprising truth that many handlers unwittingly compromise their dogs' recovery by misunderstanding what proper post-competition care looks like.

We dive deep into designing the ideal training week between competitions, creating a bell curve of intensity that peaks mid-week rather than continuously pushing our dogs. You'll discover why Monday should be a genuine recovery day, how to incorporate skills training, conditioning, and sprint work in a balanced schedule, and why travel itself creates significant physical and mental stress that needs accounting for.

Perhaps most surprising is the revelation that muscle building doesn't require extensive free running - contrary to popular belief, controlled exercises that recruit specific muscles correctly can be far more effective than unstructured activity. This "fit without kit" approach emphasizes quality over quantity and simplicity over fancy equipment.

Whether you're competing every weekend through the season or selectively targeting specific shows, this conversation will transform how you plan your training, recovery, and competition schedule. Your dogs will thank you with longer, healthier, and ultimately more successful competitive careers.

Tune in next week for Part II! 

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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Whether you’re a seasoned dog trainer or a passionate dog owner, this episode will change how you approach training — forever.

Join expert trainers Lauren Langman and Dave Hibbert as they unpack the Small Incremental Learning System (SILS) — the step-by-step method behind reliable, long-lasting behaviour change in dogs of all breeds and backgrounds.

For trainers, SILS may feel familiar — a structure you've used instinctively. For dog owners, it’s a practical roadmap to transform your dog’s behaviour without overwhelm, frustration, or gimmicks.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• What SILS is — and why it’s the foundation behind every truly successful training plan
• How small steps create powerful, lasting behaviour
• Lauren’s 12-step retrieve sequence and how it applies to any skill
• Why quick fixes fail (and what to do instead)
• How to troubleshoot and rebuild behaviour without going back to square one

Whether you’re coaching clients, preparing for competition, or simply want better communication with your dog, this episode gives you the system to make it happen.

🎧 Listen now — and unlock the power of step-by-step, reliable, real-world dog training.

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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Ever wondered why your dog performs perfectly at home but seems to forget everything when you're out in public? The secret might lie in understanding the ABCs of dog training.

Dave, a veteran police dog trainer with over two decades of experience, breaks down this deceptively simple framework that has revolutionized how professionals approach dog training. Rather than focusing solely on correcting behaviors, the ABC model—Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence—provides multiple leverage points to create lasting change in your dog's responses.

The conversation dives deep into the "three A's" that precede any behavior: Arousal (your dog's energy level), Area (the training environment), and Actions (what you and others are doing). Through vivid examples from both high-stakes police work and everyday training scenarios, Dave illustrates how manipulating these elements can transform seemingly stubborn behavioral issues without resorting to punishment.

One particularly fascinating insight reveals how what we perceive as punishment might actually be reinforcing to our dogs—like the Malinois who fights harder against the leash correction because the struggle itself is rewarding. This perspective shift helps explain why some training approaches backfire despite our best intentions.

Whether you're working with a high-drive working dog or a family pet, understanding this framework empowers you to troubleshoot training challenges more effectively. By becoming aware of how these elements interact, you'll gain new tools to set your dog up for success rather than repeatedly correcting failures.

Ready to transform your approach to dog training? Listen now and discover why changing what happens before a behavior often matters more than what happens after it. Share your own training breakthrough moments with us and join the conversation!

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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Struggling with a challenging, reactive, or overly sensitive dog? You’re not alone—and you’re not failing. In this powerful episode, top dog trainers Lauren Langman and Sam reveal the proven games-based training methods they use to transform “naughty but nice” dogs into calm, confident, and focused companions.

Discover how to replace traditional obedience struggles with playful strategies that work with your dog’s emotions, not against them. This episode explores:

🔁 The Disengagement Pattern that teaches your dog to tune in to you instead of distractions
🧳 The Magic Suitcase method—a mobile safe zone for anxious dogs in stressful environments
🦁 Why trick training builds unstoppable confidence in timid or fearful dogs
🔲 The Disengagement Square, a walk-time game that shifts stress into calm focus
🍖 The surprising power of scatter feeding as a decompression tool

From reactive terriers to overwhelmed rescues, Lauren and Sam share real-world stories, tips, and techniques that you can implement today, whether your dog is a puppy or well into adulthood.

If your dog’s big feelings are getting in the way of daily life, this episode will give you hope, direction, and a practical plan for transformation.

🎧 Listen now and start your journey with your “naughty but nice” dog today.

 🎮 Want the step-by-step games from this episode? Get instant access inside Games Club: absolutedogs.me/jointheclub

🆓 Get Your Free 'Ditch the Bowl' Resource here:
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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!

Send us a text

What makes some dogs able to handle anything life throws at them while others crumble under pressure? The answer lies in resilience – that magical quality that transforms anxious, reactive dogs into confident companions who can accompany you anywhere.

Lauren Langman and special guest Amanda dive deep into how to build rock-solid resilience in dogs of all ages. They share personal stories of their most bomb-proof dogs – from Tokyo the unflappable Border Collie who could sleep through chaos to Salty the adventurous Labrador who sailed boats and rode gondolas without a care in the world. These weren't just lucky genetic accidents but the result of deliberate, thoughtful training and lifestyle choices.

The conversation unpacks the fascinating "stress bucket" concept – a model for understanding how dogs process and manage stressors. You'll discover the five critical components that build resilience: optimism, thinking in arousal, arousal control, calmness, and disengagement. Each component can be developed through specific games and management strategies that transform how your dog perceives and responds to the world around them.

Perhaps most eye-opening is the discussion of "rehearsal" – how what we allow our dogs to practice becomes their default behavior. Whether it's a Border Collie working sheep, a spaniel flushing birds, or a terrier hunting vermin – understanding your training goals before allowing certain behaviors to be rehearsed can make all the difference in creating the companion you want. The hosts emphasize that resilience training isn't just for puppies. Even rescue dogs and older canines can develop these skills through patient, consistent work.

Ready to create a dog who can truly share your adventures? This episode provides the roadmap to an enriched life for both you and your canine companion. As Amanda beautifully summarizes: "Resilience leads to an enriched life for your dog."

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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Is Your Dog Too Friendly? Why Socialisation Might Be Setting You Back 🐾

What if everything you've been told about socialisation is… wrong?

In this episode, leading dog trainer Lauren Langman and operational dog expert Dave Hibbert (whose dogs have worked events like the Queen’s funeral) dive deep into the surprising truth behind confident dogs. Spoiler: it’s not about being friendly—it’s about being environmentally bulletproof.

🎯 You’ll learn:

• The real difference between socialisation and environmental training
• Why “friendly” dogs often fail in the real world
• How to build calm, focused, and neutral responses to distractions
• Easy home setups using cardboard chaos, metal bowls, and wobble boards
• Why car parks, industrial estates, and motorway service stations make the best training grounds
• The truth about early puppy exposure, even before vaccinations

"We don’t want a social dog," says Lauren. “We want one who can ignore the chaos and tune in to us.”

This episode is a must-watch if you're training a working dog, raising a high-energy pup, or just tired of your dog getting distracted by every passerby.

🔔 Subscribe for more games-based training strategies that actually work.
🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts — or watch right here!

Get Access to our 10 Days to a Perfect Puppy Course here:
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#dogtraining #puppytraining #socialisation #environmentaltraining #absolutedogs #confidentdogs #dogbehaviour #dogpodcast #reactivedog #puppydevelopment #dogtrainingtips

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!

Send us a text

Ever wondered how something as simple as a hula hoop could transform your dog's confidence? This game-changing episode reveals the science and magic behind "confidence hoops" training.

Lauren and Jamie unpack why this accessible training method works for dogs of all ages and personality types - from nervous rescues to boisterous puppies, senior dogs with mobility issues to high-drive sport prospects. You'll discover how giving dogs control over movement and noise helps them develop profound confidence that transfers to real-world challenges.

The beauty of confidence hoops lies in their simplicity. Starting with inexpensive supermarket hula hoops (just £1-2), you can create engaging games that build mental resilience, physical coordination, and emotional stability. Learn about crowd favorites like "hoop dive" where dogs push through hoops themselves, creating a sense of agency that anxious dogs often lack in triggering situations.

What sets this training approach apart is how it allows dogs to lead their own learning journey. When dogs partner with you to solve problems rather than simply following commands, they develop flexible thinking and adaptability. This dynamic shift creates confident companions who approach new challenges with enthusiasm rather than apprehension.

Whether you're struggling with a reactive dog, want to build your puppy's environmental confidence, or simply need to add some no-pressure fun to your training routine, confidence hoops offers accessible entry points for every human-dog team. The portable nature of hoops means you can practice anywhere, helping dogs generalize their skills across different environments.

Ready to transform your dog's confidence through play? Grab the Confidence Hoops course (currently available at a special pre-order price) or start experimenting with basic boundary games today. Your dog's newfound confidence might just surprise you!

Confidence Hoops is here!
https://www.absolutedogs.me/confidencehoops

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!

Send us a text

A tiny new addition is about to make a big impact on Linda's home - and perhaps even the prestigious rings of Crufts! In this delightful conversation, Linda reveals her plans for integrating Bobble, her new toy poodle puppy, into her existing multi-dog household.

From thoughtful preparation to training philosophy, Linda shares practical wisdom that challenges conventional thinking about puppy raising. "Every piece of food is going to come from either enrichment or from me," she explains, highlighting how this foundation creates opportunities for bonding and learning from day one. Her approach combines structure with adventure, as Bobble will immediately join her on road trips, training days, and everyday adventures.

The conversation takes a serious turn when discussing small dog safety in multi-dog households, with both hosts sharing sobering stories of preventable tragedies. "I just don't leave my dogs," Linda admits, explaining her careful management system that prioritizes safety without sacrificing socialization. This balanced approach extends to her vaccination philosophy as well - she'll have Bobble exploring the world thoughtfully before completing his full vaccination course.

Perhaps most refreshing is Linda's commitment to raising a confident small dog rather than a "handbag puppy." As she explains, "The thing I try to coach people with small dogs not to do is pick them up... They need to be able to behave like a dog, work like a dog, have the confidence of a dog on the floor."

Whether you're considering adding a puppy to your home or simply enjoy heartwarming dog stories, this episode delivers practical advice wrapped in genuine enthusiasm for the canine-human bond. 

And if you're inspired by Linda's approach, check out our 10 Days to Perfect Puppy course, currently reduced to just £27 for our listeners.

https://absolutedogs.me/perfectpuppy 

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!