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When Karen's dog Rupert bit her father, it could have spelled disaster for family relationships and dog-sitting arrangements. Instead, it became a powerful learning opportunity that transformed their approach to managing challenging dog behavior.

The bite occurred during what should have been a simple interaction – Karen's father attempting to put Rupert's harness on while the dog was comfortably settled on the sofa. Without understanding Rupert's need for consensual handling, her father physically tried to move him, triggering a defensive response. This moment highlights how even loving family members can inadvertently create situations where dogs feel the need to communicate boundaries through their teeth.

Karen shares the practical management strategies that prevented further incidents, including keeping Rupert's harness on during family visits and teaching relatives to use food to encourage movement rather than physical manipulation. She identifies the core behavioral concepts Rupert was missing: disengagement (the ability to break focus), optimism, emotional regulation, and flexibility – all trainable skills that reduce bite risk.

The conversation delves into specific games that build these crucial skills, like Disengagement Pattern, Noise Box, and Toy Switch. Karen explains how trick training completely transforms Rupert's emotional state, building confidence and skills simultaneously. Most importantly, she emphasizes that a bite incident, while serious, doesn't need to define a dog or permanently damage relationships.

This candid discussion offers hope and practical guidance for anyone navigating the aftermath of a dog bite within their family. Through understanding, management, and targeted training, most dogs can learn more appropriate communication and families can rebuild trust and safety. If you're struggling with challenging dog behavior or recovering from a bite incident, join our supportive community where you'll find the tools and encouragement to transform your relationship with your dog.

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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 how elite trainers build confidence in both sport dogs and those with behavioural challenges? Lauren Langman and Jamie dive deep into the transformative world of confidence circuits – a versatile training approach that's changing how dogs learn to navigate their environment with precision and trust.

Confidence circuits combine problem-solving with physical awareness, creating a series of obstacles where dogs must thoughtfully place their paws while maintaining focus. The beauty lies in their accessibility – you don't need fancy equipment or vast spaces to get started. From bath mats and broom handles to recycled drawers and yoga blocks, everyday household items become powerful training tools when arranged strategically. Safety remains paramount, with both trainers emphasising non-slip surfaces to prevent injuries and build positive associations.

The applications are remarkably diverse. For puppies, these circuits develop crucial body awareness. For senior dogs or those with neurological deficits (like Lauren's dog, Brave), they help combat issues like foot scuffing. For "naughty but nice" dogs with behavioural challenges, they provide focus and build trust through micro-moments of controlled separation. For sport dogs, they're invaluable for perfecting running contacts and dynamic movement patterns.

What makes confidence circuits particularly special is their adaptability. Each session should be unique, challenging dogs to adapt to changing scenarios – an essential skill for real-world navigation. Even in limited spaces like hallways, minimal setups using just a few cones, a yoga block, and a step-in container can provide substantial physical and mental workouts.

Ready to transform your dog's movement, focus and trust? Join our community by sharing your confidence circuit creations on social media or in our community space. This training approach truly is, as Lauren concludes, "a must for any dog owner" – regardless of your dog's age, ability or temperament.

Join Our Games Club Membership Community
https://absolutedogs.me/jointheclub

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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When that adorable new puppy or rescue dog joins your household, the dream is harmony, but the reality often involves chaos, stress, and sometimes even conflict between your existing dogs and the newcomer. What if there was a better way?

Crufts Champion, Expert Naughty but Nice Dog Trainer, Lauren Langman sits down with Linda, a competitive obedience trainer who recently introduced a tiny one-kilogram poodle puppy to her household of three Border Collies - including one particularly reactive dog who typically doesn't tolerate newcomers. The surprise? Linda reports the integration has been "simple and straightforward," though certainly requiring work and knowledge.

This candid conversation reveals the stark contrast between traditional approaches to dog introductions and modern, science-based methods. Linda shares how her journey through positive training transformed her understanding of canine body language, management techniques, and the importance of advocating for resident dogs. You'll discover practical strategies like using neutral territory for first meetings, creating safe spaces with gates and crates, and managing resources to prevent tension.

Perhaps most valuable is Linda's insight into reading subtle canine signals - from a Border Collie's widening eyes indicating rising arousal to a puppy's resource guarding behaviours that need gentle intervention. Her month-long integration process demonstrates that patience yields results; her once-reactive Border Collie now plays chase games with the puppy she initially feared. What's a month compared to a lifetime of positive and fun interaction?

Whether you're considering adding a new dog to your family or struggling with integration challenges right now, this episode offers actionable advice that respects both the newcomer and your resident dogs. Most importantly, you'll gain the confidence to set your timeline rather than rushing based on others' expectations.

Ready to transform your multi-dog household management? Listen now and discover how to make your dog's world harmonious, even when it's expanding to include new dogs in your home.

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

From anxious and reactive to calm, confident and focused — Cavaletti training is the secret tool you didn’t know your dog needed. 🐾

In this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel Podcast, world-class trainer Lauren Langman and her colleague Jamie dive into how Cavaletti builds strength, balance, focus, and emotional resilience in dogs of all breeds, ages, and training backgrounds.

You’ll hear:

• How Cavaletti helps Lauren’s Border Collie, Brave, in her recovery from a devastating spinal injury.
• Why reactive dogs thrive with Cavaletti and how it changes movement patterns for calmer behaviour.
• How to adapt Cavaletti for small spaces, senior dogs, or limited off-leash opportunities.
• The simple setup that delivers results in just minutes a day.

Whether you want to prevent injuries, build your dog’s confidence, or transform reactivity into focus, this episode will show you why Cavaletti should be in every dog owner’s toolkit.

Watch for a cool opportunity (promo mentioned in episode) starting 21 August! 😮 

Check out the course here:
https://absolutedogs.me/cavaletticourse 

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 do you do when your massive mastiff mix - described as "half grizzly bear, half donkey" - turns into a reactive nightmare? For Alice, the journey with Bonnie began with serious doubts about whether she could provide a forever home for such a challenging dog.

Most small reactive dogs get labeled "cute" despite their behaviour. But for Bonnie, a large brindle mix with impressive strength, her reactive episodes weren't just embarrassing - they triggered public concern about dangerous dogs. Alice needed solutions that worked in real-world situations, not just controlled environments.

The transformation came through three key concepts: calmness, disengagement, and optimism. Alice shares the three specific games from Absolute Dogs' Games Club that fundamentally changed her relationship with Bonnie and Bonnie's relationship with the world. 

Figure of Eight created meditative, smooth movement patterns that calmed Bonnie's jerky anxiety.

Orientation Game provided crucial "pulse checks" before off-lead adventures, allowing Alice to assess Bonnie's mental state in any environment. 

Finally, Disengagement Pattern and Rewind gave both dog and owner muscle memory for redirecting attention away from triggers.

Perhaps most powerful is Alice's candid admission that these games didn't just modify behaviour - they saved Bonnie's home. "There was probably several months where Chris and I sort of felt like, can we do this? Can we maintain a forever home for Bonnie?" 

Today, Alice speaks with confidence about advocating for her dog and creating an environment where both can thrive. Their relationship has transformed from struggle to partnership, proving that even the most challenging dogs can become calm companions with the right approach.

Want to experience a similar transformation with your dog? Visit the Absolute Dog Store to discover these games and more training solutions that could change everything for you and your dog.

Jump into Games Club
https://absolutedogs.me/jointheclub 

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

Unlock your dog's problem-solving potential through the power of movement with Confidence Circuits!
 
https://absolutedogs.me/confidencecircuits

This episode reveals how these versatile training setups can transform your dog's physical abilities and mental acuity using everyday household items.

Lauren and Linda share their expertise on why Confidence Circuits have become a cornerstone of their training programs for dogs of all ages and abilities. From naughty-but-nice dogs needing impulse control to senior dogs fighting cognitive decline, these customizable obstacle courses provide targeted benefits that address specific needs. The beauty lies in their simplicity – cardboard boxes, hula hoops, discarded packaging, and even children's toys can become valuable training tools.

What makes Confidence Circuits truly exceptional is their adaptability. They can be scaled from beginner-friendly to advanced challenges, configured for tiny spaces when weather prevents outdoor exercise, and even modified for owners with mobility limitations who can direct their dogs from a seated position. For dogs with mobility concerns, Confidence Circuits provide essential therapeutic movement opportunities.

Beyond the physical benefits, Confidence Circuits deliver remarkable mental stimulation. Just as puzzles and activities help maintain cognitive function in elderly humans, these problem-solving exercises keep ageing dogs mentally sharp while building their confidence.

Whether you're training a sports competitor who needs precise body awareness or simply want to provide enrichment for a family pet, discover how this creative approach can strengthen your bond while developing your dog's physical and mental capabilities.

Ready to transform your dog's training routine? Let's build some Confidence Circuits!

https://absolutedogs.me/confidencecircuits

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

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.

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

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!

Send us a text

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!

Send us a text

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!