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Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too!

This week, Lauren is joined once again by Justin Prust for a conversation about something that can make a huge difference to your confidence, your skills and even the opportunities that come your way: continuing to learn.

And learning doesn’t have to mean signing up for another qualification or finding hours you simply don’t have. It could be 15 minutes with a book, 20 minutes training your own dog, listening to a podcast, watching someone else train or simply having a great conversation with someone who knows something you don’t.

Lauren and Justin explore how those small opportunities to learn can build confidence and create momentum – and why learning becomes even more powerful when you share what you’ve discovered with somebody else. One person learns something, passes it on, inspires someone else to have a go… and suddenly learning becomes giving too.

There’s also plenty of chat about the less tidy side of learning: trying something you’re terrible at, being willing to get things wrong and accepting that progress doesn’t always happen in a straight line. Whether it’s dog training, reading, surfing, whistling or mastering a completely ridiculous new skill, staying curious keeps us growing.

Most importantly, learning should be fun. When we enjoy the process, we’re far more likely to remember it, keep doing it and share that enthusiasm with the people around us.

So what could you learn today?

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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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Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too!

What happens when dogs and horses meet out on a walk – and how do we make sure everyone stays safe? This week, Lauren is joined by Michele, who brings decades of experience with horses alongside her work with Naughty But Nice dogs, to talk about the responsibility we have when dogs, horses and livestock share the same spaces.

A horse with a rider can be a very strange picture for a dog. It’s big, it moves differently, it can appear suddenly around a corner – and for dogs who already struggle with novelty, movement, chasing or high arousal, that can be a LOT to process.

From the rider’s side, a loose dog approaching or chasing a horse can be genuinely dangerous. Horses are powerful flight animals, things can go wrong incredibly quickly, and “my dog is friendly” doesn’t mean very much when that dog can’t be called back.

Lauren and Michele talk about what having your dog under control really means, why a brilliant recall matters, and the practical choices you can make when you spot a horse ahead. They also explore how communicating with the rider, understanding your individual dog and preparing for these situations before they happen can make everyone’s experience safer.

And that preparation is a huge part of this episode. From mentally rehearsing what you’ll do when a distraction appears to practising recall when there isn’t a horse in sight, Lauren and Michele share how training ahead can help both you and your dog respond differently when it really matters.

You’ll also hear why Scatter Recall is such a powerful game, alongside long lines, whistle recalls, emergency recalls and the everyday skills that can give you far more confidence around horses, livestock, cyclists, dogs and other distractions.

If recall is something you’d love to strengthen with your dog, Games Club is packed with games to help you build those skills – and right now, you can come and try it for just £1.

Let’s build dogs who are ready for the situations they might meet – and walks that are safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Check out the £1 Games Club trial here:

https://absolutedogs.me/7daytrial

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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Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too!

This week, Lauren and Alice are tackling one of the most common – and frustrating – struggles in dog ownership: lead pulling. If you've ever found yourself wondering why your dog still pulls despite everything you've tried, this episode might just change the way you think about your walks.

Together, they explore why pulling works so well for our dogs – and how every successful repetition can make the behaviour stronger. Whether pulling gets your dog to the park faster, closer to an irresistible smell or simply towards whatever exciting thing comes next, they're learning all the time. Add in the opposition reflex that encourages dogs to push against pressure, and it's easy to see how walks can quickly turn into a tug of war.

Lauren and Alice also unpack the role that arousal and emotion play in pulling, and why changing the behaviour means looking beyond what's happening at the end of the lead. You'll hear stories from their own dogs, including Skittle and Bonnie, and discover why spotting the early signs – from a head dropping into hunting mode to an intense visual stare – gives you the opportunity to change what happens next.

Most importantly, they explore how to interrupt the rehearsal loop and start building something different. From disengagement and re-engagement to check-ins, reinforcement and simple games you can practise before you ever tackle a challenging walk, you'll discover how small, intentional repetitions can build the skills you actually want your dog to rehearse.

This isn't about finding a quick trick to stop your dog pulling. It's about understanding the dog in front of you, changing what the walk predicts, and building the confidence, connection and skills that make walking together feel completely different.

Ready to transform your walks? The Stress Free Walks Blueprint is here.

We'll guide you step by step through the games, strategies and foundations that help you move from pulling, frustration and stressful walks towards calmer, more connected adventures together.

Discover the Stress Free Walks Blueprint:
absolutedogs.me/blueprint 

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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Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too!

This week, Lauren and Alice tackle one of the biggest frustrations in dog training: why does your dog seem to listen perfectly at home, then forget everything the moment you step outside? If you've ever wondered why a brilliant behaviour in your living room completely disappears on a walk - and how to bridge that gap - this episode is for you.

Together, they explore why dogs don't automatically transfer skills from one environment to another, and why expecting them to do so can leave both ends of the lead feeling frustrated. You'll discover why training for the situation is so much more effective than trying to train in the situation, and how building the right foundations before heading into busy environments can completely change the outcome.

Lauren and Alice also share the practical progression they use to help dogs succeed in the real world. From your living room and garden to quiet public spaces, secure fields, industrial estates and even car parks, they explain how carefully choosing your training environments gives your dog the chance to practise the right behaviours before distractions become overwhelming. You'll hear why these often-overlooked locations can be some of the very best places to build loose lead walking, engagement and confidence.

Along the way, they discuss why taking a short break from traditional walks can sometimes be the kindest thing you can do, how to prevent unwanted rehearsal before it becomes a habit, and why setting your dog up to succeed is one of the fastest ways to build skills that genuinely stick. Whether you're raising a puppy, living with a reactive dog or simply dreaming of calmer, more connected walks, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can start using straight away.

Ready to take those brilliant skills from your living room out into the real world? Inside our Stress Free Walks Blueprint we'll show you exactly how to bridge that gap, build confidence in real-life environments, and set your dog up for success on walks.

https://absolutedogs.me/blueprint

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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Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too!

This week, Lauren and Karen tackle one of the biggest frustrations dog owners face: why does the whole world seem more exciting than you? If you've ever felt like your dog would rather sniff a hedge, chase a squirrel or investigate a discarded sandwich wrapper than pay you any attention, you're definitely not alone.

Together, they explore why the environment is so incredibly rewarding for our dogs. From irresistible smells and moving wildlife to the unpredictability of everyday life, you'll discover why dogs naturally find the world so hard to resist - and why it isn't because they're stubborn, disobedient or "don't care" about you. Lauren explains why trying to compete with a squirrel using a biscuit is rarely a winning strategy, and how building value in your relationship changes everything.

Lauren and Karen also dive into the practical ways you can start becoming part of the adventure instead of competing with it. You'll hear why changing direction at the right moment, varying your rewards, using play and sniffing intentionally, and creating opportunities for connection can all make a huge difference when you're out and about. They also discuss why the walk starts long before you ever clip the lead on, how rehearsal shapes future behaviour, and why preventing unwanted habits is often far easier than trying to undo them later.

The conversation also takes a thoughtful look at puppies and reactive dogs, exploring why building emotional skills before diving into busy environments can have a lasting impact. Karen shares Rupert's story and reflects on how one difficult experience changed not only her dog, but also the way she felt on every walk afterwards. Together, they discuss why feeling safe matters just as much for the person holding the lead as it does for the dog, and how thoughtful preparation can help both ends of the lead enjoy walking together again.

Whether your dog is distracted by squirrels, other dogs, discarded food or simply the excitement of being outdoors, this episode will help you understand what's really going on - and why changing the way you think about walks can be the first step towards changing the walks themselves.

Ready to discover the foundations of calmer, happier, more connected walks? We'd love you to check out our Stress Free Walks Blueprint, where we'll show you the games, strategies and mindset that make that possible.

https://absolutedogs.me/blueprint

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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Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too!

This week, Karen turns interviewer as Lauren shares the story behind one of the toughest dogs she's ever lived with: Skittle. If you've ever wondered how a dog trainer could end up dreading walks, this episode is for you.

Skittle is brilliantly clever, endlessly enthusiastic, and always five steps ahead. She could spot opportunities before Lauren even knew they existed, whether that was disappearing into a bog, rolling in fox poo, hunting wildlife or pulling so hard she left Lauren in pain. Together, Lauren and Karen unpack how those behaviours developed, why even experienced trainers can get caught out by rehearsal, and how life, grief and loving a dog "just a little bit too much" can sometimes blur the boundaries that dogs really need.

Most importantly, Lauren shares how everything changed. Listen in as she talks through the two principles that transformed Skittle's walks: stopping rehearsal of the behaviours you don't want, and investing consistently in the behaviours you do. You'll hear why taking a break from normal walks can sometimes be the kindest decision, how relationship was the missing piece of the puzzle, and why building real-life skills mattered far more than chasing flashy training goals.

Karen and Lauren also dive into the practical games that made the difference, including Skittle's Game, designed to flip the value from charging forwards to choosing connection instead. Along the way they explore the importance of starting walks well, preventing pulling before it begins, creating consistency between handlers, and using reinforcement strategically so food becomes a safety tool rather than a lifelong dependency. Whether your dog pulls, reacts, hunts or simply makes walks feel exhausting, the underlying principles remain the same.

Ready to build walks you actually enjoy again? The Stress Free Walks Blueprint is now available. Inside, we guide you through the same games and strategies that transformed life with Skittle. 

https://absolutedogs.me/blueprint

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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Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too!

This week, Lauren is joined by the brilliant Linda Hughes to introduce one very small dog with a very big personality. Meet Bobble – a two-kilo silver toy poodle who lives with four Border Collies, has absolutely no concept of being tiny, and somehow ended up with his own treehouse on Linda's desk.

Living with a toy dog comes with its own unique set of considerations, and in this episode we explore what really changes when your newest family member is small enough to disappear beneath a Border Collie. From carefully managing play with bigger dogs and adding sofa steps to protect tiny joints, to resisting the temptation to accidentally create a dog who expects breakfast to arrive on a spoon, Lauren and Linda share the funny moments and practical lessons that have come with life alongside Bobble.

The conversation also turns to training and day-to-day life. You'll hear why small dogs still need great recall, how easy it is to overlook the "easy" dog while managing everyone else, and why that could quickly lead to a tiny dog who thinks the rules don't apply. Linda also shares how she approaches grooming, clipping and coat care, including building positive associations with a dedicated grooming station so handling becomes just another part of life rather than something to dread.

We also chat about toy breed fitness, supporting dogs with patella concerns, choosing toys that suit tiny mouths, and teaching a simple cue that helps manage breed-typical barking. And of course, no episode about Bobble would be complete without the story of how a firm "no dogs on the bed" rule quietly disappeared the moment one impossibly cute toy poodle curled up between the pillows.

Whether you already share your home with a toy dog, you're thinking about welcoming one into your family, or you simply love hearing about the realities of life with dogs of every shape and size, this episode is guaranteed to leave you smiling. Subscribe, share it with a fellow dog lover, and don't forget to leave us a review.

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 Fan Mail

Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too!

This week, Lauren is joined by Alice to explore one of the most misunderstood pieces of dog training equipment there is: the muzzle. Whether you've never considered muzzle training before or you already have a dog who wears one, this episode is all about changing the conversation and showing how a muzzle can create more freedom, not less.

Far too often, muzzles only come out when there's a crisis - an emergency vet visit, a bite risk, a scavenging habit, or new legal requirements. Lauren and Alice explain why waiting until you need a muzzle is one of the biggest mistakes owners can make. Instead, they explore how games-based training can build confidence long before the muzzle is ever needed, transforming it from something a dog tolerates into something they happily choose to wear. You'll also hear why muzzles aren't just for reactive dogs, but can be invaluable for cooperative care, grooming, travel, introductions, and preventing dangerous scavenging.

The conversation also tackles some of the practical realities many owners face. Lauren and Alice discuss choosing a well-fitting basket muzzle that allows panting, drinking and taking treats, introducing new equipment through tiny, achievable steps, and making thoughtful adjustments to improve comfort. They also talk openly about breed-specific legislation, public perception, and why advocating for your dog with confidence is far more powerful than worrying about what other people might think.

Whether your dog wears a muzzle today or you simply want to be prepared for whatever life brings, this episode will help you see muzzle training in a completely different light. It's a practical life skill that can improve safety, protect welfare, and open up opportunities for dogs to enjoy more of the world with confidence.

Ready to get started? Explore our Mastering the Muzzle course

absolutedogs.me/masteringthemuzzle

And if you'd like to discover more games-based training, grab the Games Club £1 trial 

absolutedogs.me/7daytrial

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 Fan Mail

Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too!

This week, Lauren is joined by Michelle to chat about one of the simplest ways we can support our dogs every single day: what goes into their bowl. From homemade treats and nourishing meal toppers to bone broth, kefir and colourful fresh ingredients, this episode is packed with practical ideas that are easy to introduce, whatever you're currently feeding.

Rather than chasing perfection, Lauren and Michelle explore the small changes that can make a big difference over time. They share some of their favourite everyday additions, including dog-friendly omelettes, herbs, vegetables and medicinal mushroom supplements, explaining how variety can help support overall health without making feeding complicated. You'll also hear how they approach hydration and gut health, from slow-cooked bone broth and simple shaker recipes to probiotics, kefir and why keeping an eye on your dog's poo can tell you far more than you might think.

If you enjoy making things yourself, there's plenty of inspiration here too. Lauren and Michelle share easy homemade training treats, including a baked turkey recipe that's perfect for chopping into reward-sized pieces, plus frozen silicone mould treats made with simple, nutritious ingredients. Along the way, they bust a few common myths, chat about ingredients that often cause confusion, and explain why feeding your dog well doesn't have to mean spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you're looking to make training rewards a little healthier, add more variety to your dog's meals, or simply pick up a few new ideas to try this week, this episode is full of practical tips.

Want even more inspiration? Join the Devon Dogs monthly Bake Off, where we share recipes, ideas and homemade creations:

https://www.devondogs.co.uk/dog-training-events/ 

You can also download our free recipe book packed with simple, dog-friendly favourites:

https://www.devondogs.co.uk/the-amazing-recipe-book/

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 Fan Mail

Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too!

This week, we’re continuing our series of episodes exploring what concept training actually is and how it shows up in real life with your dog. We’re taking the concepts you hear us talk about all the time, breaking them down, and making them practical, relatable, and easy to spot in your everyday training. This time, Lauren is joined by the brilliant Alice to explore one of the most important foundations for calm, connected walks: proximity.

Ever feel like the moment your dog spots something interesting, you stop existing? Whether it's another dog, a squirrel, a jogger or an exciting scent, so many everyday struggles - from pulling on the lead to unreliable recall - come back to one simple question: where does your dog believe the value is? In this episode, Lauren and Alice explore why proximity isn't about keeping your dog glued to your side, but about building a dog who genuinely wants to stay connected because that's where the good stuff happens.

Along the way, they share real-life stories that highlight just how much emotion can sit behind proximity. From a dog unexpectedly disappearing after deer to a young Border Collie finding human closeness overwhelming because it predicted restraint, you'll discover why some dogs naturally avoid being close, how we can accidentally poison proximity by making it signal "the fun's over", and how to change that picture.

You'll also hear plenty of practical games you can start using straight away. From Middle, Middle Toes and Leg Weaves to Magic Hand, Two Feet On and simple collar-grab exercises, Lauren and Alice explain how these games build value for being near you, make handling feel positive, and create a dog who happily checks in both on and off lead. They also explore why proximity becomes such a powerful safety skill for reactive dogs, nervous dogs, and any dog learning to navigate busy environments with confidence.

Ready to build a dog who chooses to stick with you? Grab the £1 Games Club trial, explore Proximity games and guided training tracks, and discover how a few simple games can transform your walks.

https://absolutedogs.me/7daytrial

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!