Sexier Than A Squirrel: Dog Training That Gets Real Life Results

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The words “no pressure” can make you feel all the pressure. We pull back the curtain on how stress sneaks into training and competition, how it leaks down the lead, and what it takes to build a team that holds together when the stakes feel high. From a near‑perfect run that unravelled at the last jump to the quiet wins in everyday pet training, we share what we’ve learned about mindset, arousal, and the stories we tell ourselves.

We discuss the difference between healthy pressure that boosts performance and harmful pressure that stifles curiosity. You’ll hear simple language shifts—swapping but for and, adding yet to can’t - that reshape belief and behaviour. We break down the real‑world signs your dog is overloaded: sniffing and looking away, random behaviours, shutdown, vocalising, or trying to leave. 

You’ll learn how to tailor pressure to the dog in front of you, manage your own arousal so your cues land, and set crisp session boundaries so engagement doesn’t bleed into chatter. We also explore group dynamics, why comparison is the thief of joy, and how good coaching protects both people and dogs - especially when life baggage walks into training with us.

If you’re chasing red ribbons or just hoping for calmer walks, this conversation provides a practical path: clear criteria, small steps, honest expectations, and a plan you can trust. Flow isn’t magic; it’s the result of meeting your dog where they are and managing yourself first. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a gentler grip on goals, and leave a review to tell us which mindset shift you’ll try this week.

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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The hardest part of “socialising your puppy” isn’t getting out the door—it’s knowing when to say no. We unpack the difference between ticking boxes and shaping feelings, contrasting Rupert, a sensitive dog overexposed to chaotic greetings and traditional classes, with Tokyo, a dog raised on low-drama, consistently positive experiences. The takeaway is simple and powerful: quality beats quantity. A handful of safe, well-managed exposures paired with concept games builds neutrality, optimism, and handler focus far better than a hundred random hellos in busy parks.

We talk through the pivotal moments that set behaviour in stone: off-lead sprints to unknown dogs, crowded church halls where proximity is mistaken for progress, and the one-event learning that can turn curiosity into reactivity. Then we pivot to solutions that actually transfer to the real world. You’ll hear how games like Middle and Feet-on-Toes create portable safety boundaries, letting you feel arousal shifts through contact and move your dog with calm precision. We break down what a truly safe class setup looks like—space, non-interaction, and clear lanes—and why scent work can quietly drain stress without social pressure.

Owner mindset threads through everything. Dogs read our tension, so we offer simple ways to stack the deck in your favour: pick routes with visibility, walk with trusted teams, use long lines as seatbelts, and replace chance encounters with planned, appropriate choices—or none at all. If you’ve ever felt pressured by a vet’s tick-sheet or the “socialise more” chorus at the park, this conversation gives you the language and the tools to protect your dog and build the skills that matter.

Ready to trade overexposure for smart training? Grab 10 Days to Stop Reactivity and jump into the Games Club for a library of practical games and support. If this helped, follow, rate, and share the episode with a friend who needs a calmer walk tomorrow.

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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! 

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The heart-stopping moment when you realise your dog has vanished is something no pet owner wants to experience. Yet when Linda's tiny toy poodle Bobble disappeared during what should have been a routine walk, it led to valuable lessons that challenge everything we think we know about finding missing dogs.

This compelling episode takes you through the entire emotional journey – from the split-second accident that led to Bobble's disappearance to the counterintuitive strategies that eventually brought him home. Most dog owners believe calling loudly and searching is the right approach, but Lauren discovered that silence and patience proved far more effective when Bobble entered "flight mode."

The expertise shared from legitimate lost dog organisations reveals why scared dogs physically cannot respond to calls and how our natural reactions may actually drive them deeper into hiding. You'll learn practical, immediately useful strategies, including leaving scent items, keeping vehicles open, and recognising the early warning signs that might prevent a disappearance in the first place.

Included is a cautionary tale about scammers who prey on desperate pet owners, having lost £575 to a fake drone search company in their moments of panic. This transparent account provides crucial information about legitimate resources like Drone to Home and Search and Rescue Drone charities that can help in these situations.

Whether you have a tiny escape artist or a confident explorer, this episode delivers potentially life-saving knowledge every dog owner should have before they need it. Because, as Henry Ford said, "Fail to prepare, prepare to fail." Share this episode with fellow dog lovers – the strategies within could make all the difference between heartbreak and a happy reunion.

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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The road to recovery after canine surgery can feel overwhelming and restrictive. Between strict activity limitations, wound management, and preventing your dog from causing further damage, rehabilitation periods often leave pet owners feeling helpless and frustrated.

Lauren Langman and guest Alice share their first-hand experiences navigating this challenging journey, offering practical wisdom that transforms recovery from a limitation into an opportunity. Alice's powerful story of rehabilitating Bonnie, her Cane Corso mix, after double cruciate ligament surgery reveals how games-based training became her lifeline during a critical nine-month recovery period. For Bonnie—a reactive dog with separation issues—the stakes couldn't have been higher; damage to her surgical sites could have meant euthanasia.

What emerges is a treasure trove of actionable strategies that work even when physical movement is severely restricted. From creating enrichment opportunities that require minimal movement to teaching valuable stationary behaviors, you'll discover how to keep your dog mentally engaged while physically healing. The conversation explores environmental management techniques, identifying subtle signs of discomfort, and how to adapt training to accommodate your dog's specific recovery needs.

Perhaps most valuable is the revelation that rehabilitation periods offer unique opportunities to build skills that will serve you long after recovery ends. Lead walking, muzzle training, scent work, and boundary games can all be developed during these seemingly limiting times, creating a silver lining to an otherwise challenging experience.

Whether you're currently navigating post-surgery care, preparing for an upcoming procedure, or simply want to be prepared for potential future needs, this episode provides the emotional support and practical tools to transform rehabilitation into a relationship-strengthening experience. Share this episode with anyone facing the challenges of canine recovery—it might just be the guidance they need during a difficult time.

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

Three hundred episodes and 4.2 million downloads! What started as a simple DVD in the early days of Facebook has grown into a worldwide movement transforming dog training as we know it.

In this milestone celebration, host Lauren Langman sits down with trainer Sam to reflect on their games-based training journeys. Sam shares how her relationship with her first dog was deteriorating until she discovered a training approach that emphasized fun and flexibility over rigid commands. That transformation was so profound that she eventually became a trainer herself, helping countless others experience similar breakthroughs.

What makes games-based training so special? For starters, it's genuinely fun, removing the pressure and seriousness that often accompanies traditional methods. Rather than focusing on specific behaviors like "sit" or "stay," games develop fundamental skills that reshape how dogs think, creating lasting changes that work across different situations. Perhaps most importantly, this approach can be incorporated into everyday life in short bursts—while boiling the kettle, watching television, or during brief moments throughout walks.

The hosts discuss how this method benefits humans just as much as dogs, increasing our flexibility, providing a sense of achievement, and improving mental wellbeing. As Lauren poignantly notes, "It's not that they are giving us a hard time, they're having a hard time," and games provide a compassionate framework for understanding and addressing our dogs' needs.

Looking forward, Lauren announces an exciting free virtual event on November 8-9 (with limited tickets available), and challenges listeners to share the podcast with at least one friend. After 300 episodes, the mission remains unchanged: helping owners become their dogs' top priority through trust, communication, and the joy of play.

Want to experience the transformation for yourself? Listen to past episodes, join our community, and discover how games can change your relationship with your dog forever.

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 Fan Mail

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.

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

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! 

Send us Fan Mail

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 Fan Mail

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 Fan Mail

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!