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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:
https://absolutedogs.me/perfectpuppy 

#dogtraining #puppytraining #socialisation #environmentaltraining #absolutedogs #confidentdogs #dogbehaviour #dogpodcast #reactivedog #puppydevelopment #dogtrainingtips

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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!
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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 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!

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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!

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Have you ever felt the humiliation of being dragged down the street by your large dog? Or wondered if you'd made a terrible mistake adopting a powerful breed that outweighs you? You're not alone.

This eye-opening conversation with Alice reveals her journey with 40kg Mastiff mix Bonnie – from painful incidents where she was pulled over to confidently walking together as a team. What's remarkable isn't just the transformation, but how it happened without relying on physical strength, dominance, or harsh methods.

The secret lies in understanding what concepts large dogs are missing that make loose leash walking difficult. Most powerful breeds aren't being deliberately difficult – they simply haven't learned that being near you is more valuable than pulling ahead. Through carefully designed games that build this understanding, even the strongest dogs can become willing walking partners.

Alice shares her most effective strategies, including the critical importance of preventing rehearsal of pulling behavior and starting proximity training in secure environments without leads. She explains how properly conditioned management tools like head collars can provide safety while the real work happens through relationship-building games.

The discussion also addresses the reality of rescue dogs, which Alice compares to "getting a second-hand car with no service history." Despite Bonnie's challenging background and previous serious incident, games-based training created a partnership where Alice now feels "like Lara Croft" walking confidently with her once-unmanageable dog.

Whether you have a 4kg Chihuahua or a 70kg mastiff, the principles remain the same – build value for being with you, and your dog will choose to walk nicely. No muscle required.

Ready to transform your walks? Visit Absolute-Dogs.com for the 10 Days to Stop Pulling course or join the supportive community where owners of challenging dogs become their dog's true priority through games, not force.

Grab 10 Days to Stop Pulling
https://absolutedogs.me/stoppulling

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

Tired of your dog jumping all over you and your guests? You're not alone. In this dynamic episode, dog training experts Lauren Langman and Dave tackle one of the most common yet frustrating canine behaviors - jumping up.

We explore why jumping becomes problematic and why it's worth addressing beyond just keeping your clothes clean. Lauren shares a poignant personal story about her father's battle with cancer, highlighting how jumping dogs can pose genuine safety risks for vulnerable individuals. The conversation delves into legal considerations too - most dog owners don't realize that if your dog merely scares someone by jumping, it could potentially be considered dangerous under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

The magic of this episode lies in the practical solutions. You'll discover how incredibly adept dogs are at reading context and cues, allowing them to understand when jumping might be acceptable versus inappropriate. We introduce boundary games as a powerful training tool, explain the importance of household consistency, and share management strategies using crates, puppy pens, and gates to prevent jumping while training progresses.

Dave reveals his simple rule: dogs can only jump when they have a Kong in their mouth, demonstrating how clear criteria help dogs understand expectations. Lauren explains how putting jumping on cue creates clarity, while managing access to reinforcers prevents dogs from being rewarded for unwanted behavior.

Ready to transform your jumping dog? Take advantage of our special offer for listeners - our comprehensive "10 Days to Stop Jumping" course for just £27 (normally £97) with lifetime access.

Whether you have a bouncy spaniel or an enthusiastic shepherd or any other breed, you'll gain the tools to create clear boundaries while maintaining a loving relationship with your dog. Visit absolute-dogs.com to start your journey.

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

The parasite prevention revolution is here, and it's changing how we think about protecting our dogs from fleas, ticks, worms, and other unwanted visitors. Did you know that approximately 15% of dogs carry Giardia? With roughly 25 million dogs and cats in the UK, that's a staggering 3.75 million potential carriers spreading these parasites throughout our environment.

For decades, we've trusted conventional veterinary treatments without question, applying chemical spot-ons and administering worming tablets as directed. But what if there's a better way? This eye-opening conversation explores the dark side of traditional parasite treatments – from their environmental impact (one dose for a large dog can kill 25 million bees!) to documented side effects including seizures, tremors, and autoimmune responses in our beloved pets. Most shocking perhaps is learning that many ingredients in these products are banned for agricultural use yet deemed acceptable to apply directly to our dogs.

Bug-K9 offers a natural alternative that's revolutionising parasite prevention. With powerful ingredients like pumpkin seed, black cumin seed, fennel, ginger, cinnamon, peppermint, and more, this herbal blend creates an environment parasites simply don't want to inhabit. Unlike chemical treatments that work by circulating toxins through your dog's system, this preventative approach makes your dog naturally unattractive to parasites while simultaneously supporting their overall health.

The five-pronged approach combines internal supplementation with external products like natural shampoos, sprays and balms – all human-grade and safe enough to use yourself. The powder format ensures maximum efficacy (80% bioavailability compared to just 30-40% in tablet form), and regular worm count tests consistently confirm its effectiveness even in high-risk environments.

Ready to protect your dog naturally? Use code LOVEDOGS for £10 off your first order and join the movement toward safer, more effective parasite prevention that's better for your dog, your family, and our planet.

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 the difference between a failed rescue adoption and a success story? Alice joins us to share her journey with Bonnie, a 40-kilo German Shepherd-Cane Corso-Mastiff mix with a troubled past involving another dog's death. This powerful conversation reveals how games-based training transformed their relationship and could save countless rescue dogs from becoming part of the heartbreaking 50% failure statistic.

When Alice first brought Bonnie home, she faced what many rescue adopters experience – the gradual emergence of serious behavioral issues including reactivity and separation anxiety that made daily life challenging. Rather than giving up, Alice discovered a different approach through Absolute Dogs that focused on building relationship rather than using traditional correction-based methods often recommended for large, powerful breeds.

The transformation in Bonnie didn't happen overnight, but through consistent games that built calmness, trust, and communication, this once-concerning dog became a trusted companion. As Alice explains, "I'm five foot three, under 50 kilos, and I have this sleeping, snoring giant breed dog that I can walk safely on my own – not through force, but because she wants to move with me." Her story demonstrates that even dogs with serious incidents in their past can become treasured family members with the right approach.

Are you considering adopting a rescue dog or struggling with one already? We're offering completely free resources to rescue centers, volunteers, and adopters worldwide to help more dogs find and keep their forever homes. Reach out through absolute-dogs.com to access these materials and join our supportive community of rescue dog owners who understand your journey.

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

When the unthinkable happens and your dog is attacked, how do you respond? This question drove Amanda to develop practical defense strategies after her young spaniel Harley was cornered and attacked by two off-leash dogs on what should have been a routine walk. The trauma affected both of them deeply, but their journey of recovery offers powerful lessons for all dog owners.

Amanda and Lauren dive into a surprisingly simple yet effective tool for dog defense: an umbrella. This everyday item serves three crucial functions - breaking visual contact between dogs, creating a physical barrier, and startling approaching threats without causing harm. They walk through the step-by-step process of training your dog to work with this tool through a reliable "middle" position and careful desensitization exercises.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is the focus on recovery after traumatic incidents. Both trainers share personal stories of helping their dogs overcome frightening encounters, emphasizing how different dogs respond based on their genetics, temperament, and learning history. The distinction between behavior training (cued responses) and concept training (uncued choices) illuminates why games-based approaches build true resilience in our canine companions.

Whether your dog has experienced trauma or you simply want to be prepared, the defense and recovery strategies shared will help you become a more effective advocate for your dog's physical and emotional wellbeing. By focusing on optimism-building games and creating opportunities for calm, you'll develop a dog who can navigate challenging situations with confidence and quickly recover from setbacks when they occur.

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

Dog owners, we've all been there – the dreaded "poonami" that strikes without warning, often in the middle of the night. That's exactly what prompted this candid conversation about canine digestive health after Lauren's co-host Linda spent a night up every 90 minutes with her tiny puppy Bobble.

This practical guide walks you through what to do when digestive disaster strikes. We share our emergency protocol using products like Rescue-K9 Rapid Support and demonstrate exactly how to administer it to reluctant dogs (hint: hold their chin up after placing the paste in their cheek pocket). You'll learn to distinguish between situations requiring veterinary care versus those you can handle at home, focusing on your dog's overall demeanor and energy as key indicators.

Beyond emergency care, we reveal our daily routines for building resilient gut health through consistent probiotic supplementation. Discover why "naughty but nice" dogs particularly benefit from gut support, how stress impacts digestive function, and the powerful role of fermented foods like kefir and apple cider vinegar with "mother." We even share our first-hand experiences with explosive clean-ups and how proper preparation prevents these situations from becoming full-blown crises.

Whether you're currently dealing with a digestive emergency or wanting to prevent future ones, this episode gives you actionable strategies backed by our years of experience. Use code "HAPPYTUMMY" for £10 off at the A-OK9 store and build your own pet first aid kit today. Remember – preparation is everything when it comes to maintaining your dog's digestive health!

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 been told your dog is a lost cause? Meet Alice and Bonnie—a story that proves second chances can lead to extraordinary transformations.

When Alice adopted Bonnie, a powerful brindle mastiff mix with a history of aggression that had resulted in another dog's death, she had no idea what she was getting into. That first walk when Bonnie dragged Alice across a field in a reactive frenzy made one thing clear: this would be no ordinary rehabilitation journey.

"We definitely wondered if this was beyond our capabilities," Alice confesses in this raw, honest conversation about the reality of living with a severely reactive dog. After one trainer declared Bonnie would "never like other dogs," Alice refused to accept that verdict. Instead, she found an approach that would completely transform their lives. Through a methodical progression of games that built crucial skills like disengagement and optimism, Bonnie gradually evolved from a "grizzly bear" on leash to a dog who could calmly navigate the world.

The journey wasn't linear—there were tears, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But Alice shares the practical strategies that made progress possible: ditching traditional walks temporarily, homeschooling essential skills, introducing challenges at Bonnie's pace, and perhaps most importantly, maintaining balance through self-care practices completely separate from dog training.

Whether you're struggling with your own reactive dog or simply interested in understanding behavior transformation, this conversation offers both practical guidance and genuine hope. As Alice says to anyone feeling overwhelmed by their dog's behavior: "There is a manageable route up that mountain. You just need someone to guide you the right way."

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!