Reactive Dogs & Why Every Labrador Should Use Their Nose | Gareth & Lyra

Gareth’s journey into dog training didn’t begin with plans for a new career. It began with Bear, his working line German Shepherd, and a determination to understand why his own dog was struggling.

As Bear reached adolescence, his behaviour around other dogs and fast-moving things became increasingly difficult to manage. Gareth sought help from trainers, attended classes and tried the advice he was given, but was left wanting to understand more about why Bear was reacting rather than simply being given techniques to manage the behaviour.

That search for answers eventually led Gareth to learn more about dog behaviour and establish Forever Home Dog Training, where helping owners of reactive dogs now forms a large part of his work.

Then came Lyra.

Lyra is Gareth’s three-year-old working line Labrador. Relaxed, optimistic, eager to learn and, in Gareth’s words, “everyone’s friend”, she’s also become part of his work as a dog trainer. She helps alongside nervous dogs, demonstrates training exercises and has developed an impressive set of scent detection skills.

In this episode, we talk about:

🐾 Gareth’s experience of living with a reactive dog
🐾 How Bear completely changed his understanding of dog behaviour
🐾 Why reactivity isn’t necessarily aggression
🐾 The realities of training and managing a reactive dog
🐾 Why progress can take time and why the small wins matter
🐾 How Gareth approached raising Lyra differently
🐾 The role Lyra now plays alongside him as a dog trainer
🐾 Why giving dogs a job can be so valuable
🐾 The benefits of scent work for Labradors
🐾 Simple ways to get your Labrador using their nose
🐾 Why mental exercise can be just as important as physical exercise

Gareth and Lyra’s story is a fascinating example of how much our dogs can teach us. Bear may have started Gareth on the journey into understanding dog behaviour, but those lessons have shaped the way he now works with other dogs and the life and training he shares with Lyra.

And if you’ve ever wondered what people actually mean when they say a Labrador “needs a job”, the second half of this conversation gives you plenty of ideas for something almost every Labrador already knows how to do naturally: use their nose.

The Labrador PodcastHosted by Vikki Sharpe

Train your Labrador with Vikki at www.tailsofsuccess.com

📸 Follow us
@tailssuccess
@the_labrador_podcast

Our guest for this episode is Gareth from Forever Home Dog Training.

You can find out more at www.foreverhomedogtraining.com

or find him on Instagram @foreverhome_dogtraining

When Amy brought home her first working line Labrador, Flo, she quickly discovered just how different life could be from the show line Labrador she'd owned before.

Flo was feisty, headstrong and full of energy, but she was also incredibly loved and taught Amy an enormous amount about living with and training a working line Labrador.

Tragically, Flo became seriously ill and died at just two and a half years old after spending three weeks in intensive care.

In this episode of The Labrador Podcast, Amy talks openly about losing Flo, making the decision to bring another Labrador into her life, and starting again with Nellie.

Although Nellie came from the same breeder and is also a working line Labrador, Amy quickly discovered she was a completely different dog.

Together we discuss:

🐾 The differences between show and working line Labradors
🐾 The reality of bringing home a working line puppy
🐾 Why structure, routine and boundaries matter
🐾 Losing Flo at just two and a half years old
🐾 Deciding the time was right to welcome another Labrador
🐾 Why Nellie was so different from Flo
🐾 Discovering gundog training as a complete beginner
🐾 Nellie suddenly becoming gun-shy
🐾 The 15 months Amy spent helping her overcome that fear
🐾 Why working line Labradors benefit from having a job
🐾 What three different Labradors have taught Amy

This is a conversation about the realities of sharing your life with working line Labradors, but it's also about love, loss, starting again and the relationship that can develop when you find something you and your dog love doing together.

Follow Amy & NellieInstagram: @nellie_labrador1

🎙️ The Labrador Podcast
Hosted by Vikki Sharpe

🐶 Training for you and your Labradorwww.tailsofsuccess.com

📸 Follow us@tailssuccess@the_labrador_podcast

When Mairi brought Oscar home, she thought she'd done everything right.

She'd spent a long time researching breeders, carefully prepared for life with a Labrador puppy and was looking forward to years of hiking, camping and adventures together.

But when Oscar was diagnosed with elbow dysplasia at just five months old, everything changed.

In this episode of The Labrador Podcast, Mairi shares the emotional journey that followed, from surgery and months of rehabilitation, to learning how to let go of expectations and focus on giving Oscar the happiest life possible.

Together we discuss:

🐾 The first signs that something wasn't right
🐾 Diagnosing elbow dysplasia in a young Labrador
🐾 Surgery, rehabilitation and recovery
🐾 Managing arthritis and future flare-ups
🐾 The emotional impact of a life-changing diagnosis
🐾 Choosing a breeder and the questions she'd ask today
🐾 Why Oscar still lives a full, happy and adventurous life

Whether your Labrador has been diagnosed with elbow dysplasia, you're researching the breed before bringing a puppy home, or you're supporting a dog through recovery, I hope Oscar's story offers reassurance, perspective and hope.

Follow Mairi & Oscar
📸 Instagram: @mairibabb

Organisations mentioned in this episode

Toronto Animal Health Partners – The specialist referral hospital that cared for Oscar throughout his diagnosis and surgery.

Toronto Veterinary Rehabilitation – The rehabilitation team that supported Oscar's recovery following surgery through physiotherapy and tailored rehabilitation.

Mairi speaks very highly of both organisations and the care they provided throughout Oscar's journey. If you're local to the Toronto area and ever find yourself facing a similar diagnosis, they're well worth knowing about.

🎙️ The Labrador Podcast
Hosted by Vikki Sharpe

🐶 Training for you and your Labrador
Visit https://tailsofsuccess.com/

📸 Follow us on social media
@tailssuccess
@the_labrador_podcast

When Pete brought Bonnie, his Labrador x Golden Retriever (Goldador), home, he thought he'd done everything right.

He'd researched the breed, found a reputable breeder, attended puppy training classes and was determined to give Bonnie the best possible start in life.

But despite all that preparation, raising a young working-line dog quickly became overwhelming.

In this episode of The Labrador Podcast, Pete shares the emotional reality of living with an energetic young dog, the pressure he put on himself, and how changing his own mindset completely transformed life with Bonnie.

Together we discuss:

• Choosing a Labrador or Goldador as a first dog
• Puppy classes and early training
• Living with prey drive and over-excitement
• Gundog training and why it changed everything
• Mental stimulation versus physical exercise
• Building trust, confidence and engagement
• Why adolescence isn't forever

If you're raising a Labrador puppy, living with an adolescent that's testing your patience, or wondering whether things will ever get easier, this episode is full of honest experiences, practical insights and reassurance that you're not alone.

🐾 Follow Pete & BonnieInstagram: @petecampbell606

🎙️ The Labrador PodcastHosted by Vikki Sharpe

🐶 Training for you and your Labradortailsofsuccess.com

📸 Follow us on Instagram@tailssuccess@the_labrador_podcast

Does your Labrador drag you down the street, zig-zag across the pavement, or pull towards every distraction?

Lead walking struggles are one of the biggest training challenges owners face - often, the easiest way to stop the challenges is by focusing on positioning.

In this episode, I’m diving into why WHERE your dog walks on lead makes all the difference.

We’ll cover:

✔️ Why your dog’s position affects their pulling, focus, and confidence

✔️ The common mistakes that make lead walking worse

✔️ Practical steps to teach your dog to walk by your side

✔️ How to be consistent so your Labrador knows exactly where to be

If you’ve tried every harness, lead, or training tool with no success, this could be the missing piece of the puzzle!

🎧 Listen now and start making your dog walks enjoyable again!

📲 Want more tips?

Check out @tailssuccess on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & YouTube!

If you need personalised training, find us at www.tailsofsuccess.com

In this episode of The Labrador Podcast, we’re diving into the world of puppy socialisation—one of the most important steps in raising a confident, happy, and well-rounded Labrador.

Discover what appropriate socialisation really is, what it definitely isn’t, and why it’s not just about meeting lots of dogs or people. We’ll explore the key skills your puppy needs to develop during their socialisation window, practical tips for safe and positive exposure to new experiences, and how to create your own puppy socialisation checklist.

Whether you’re the proud owner of a new Labrador puppy or planning to welcome one into your family soon, this episode will help you set them up for success. Tune in for expert advice, clear explanations, and plenty of actionable tips!

Follow us on your socials @tailssuccess for more Labrador training tips, or get in touch to share your thoughts and questions.

In this episode of The Labrador Podcast, Vikki is joined by Jules, who shares her journey with her two dogs, Sunny, the golden oldie, and Deefer, the spirited youngster.

Jules tells us about her dogs' unique personalities and training paths, highlighting how their distinct temperaments and characters have shaped her approach to their care and training.

We explore Deefer's comprehensive training journey, from an eager 8-week-old pup to a well-behaved 2-year-old, and debunk the myth that well-behaved dogs are simply a stroke of luck.

Jules shares her secret to success, proving that consistency, understanding, and a tailored approach to each dog's needs can create a harmonious and happy life for both dog and owner.

The conversation also ventures into the often controversial topic of castration, where Jules shares her thoughtful decision-making process regarding Deefer's procedure.

Plus, we tackle some common challenges Labrador owners face, from managing a poo-eating habit to perfecting lead walking and stimulating a working-line Labrador's mind and energy.

Jules, a professional dog walker, also offers invaluable advice on selecting a reputable assistant to help care for your dogs, ensuring they receive the best possible care in your absence.

Whether you're a new Labrador owner or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with insights and tips to help you understand and nurture your furry friend's potential.

Join us as we celebrate the joys and navigate life's challenges with Labradors, proving that with the right approach, anyone can create their own 'luck' in dog training.

Need Labrador Training? www.tailsofsuccess.com

Want to be our guest? www.thelabradorpodcast.com

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In this episode of 'The Labrador Podcast,' I'm joined by Caroline from Hedgerow Hounds. Dive into a world where the health and nutrition of your Labradors take centre stage, enhanced by nature's own bounty.

A Journey of Love and Rescue: Caroline shares her journey with Labradors, starting with her first two rescues from Labrador Lifeline and Labrador Rescue Trust. Discover how fostering and rehoming transformed not just the lives of these dogs but Caroline's life too.

A Special Gift for Our Listeners: Caroline offers an exclusive discount for our listeners at Hedgerow Hounds. Use the code LAB10 at checkout on their website for 10% off.

From Challenges to Solutions: Caroline recounts her early challenges with Brie, her first rescue, and how these experiences led her to explore natural healthcare solutions. This quest birthed Hedgerow Hounds, a haven of organic herbal blends for dogs.

Nature's Pharmacy for Your Labrador: Caroline delves into the world of herbal natural supplements, from seasonal blends to specific remedies for calming, senior care, and gut health. Learn how these blends, made from herbs, superfoods, and seeds, provide holistic health benefits without any artificial colours or preservatives.

A Personal Journey to Holistic Health: Hear about Caroline's journey in the '90s, starting with making her own dog food to combat poor gut health. This path led her to understand the power of herbs and complementary therapies, eventually creating the flagship blend 'Nature's Bounty.'

The Magic of Green Clay and Tranquil Blends: Discover unique blends like the Italian cosmetic-grade Green Clay for skin conditions and the Tranquil Blend for stressed, anxious, or reactive dogs.

Listener Questions Addressed: Caroline answers your questions on seasonal allergies, poor coat conditions, natural flea and tick prevention, and the pros and cons of fish oils.

More Than Just Blends: Explore Caroline's insightful blogs on managing various dog health issues and recipes, along with learning about enrichment gardens and how growing your herbs can be beneficial for your Labrador.

Connect with Hedgerow Hounds: Find Hedgerow Hounds on Instagram and on Facebook. Don't forget to visit www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk for more insights and to use your exclusive discount!

Join us in this enlightening episode and discover how to nurture your Labrador's health naturally. It's a journey you and your furry friend won't want to miss!

In this episode of The Labrador Podcast, Vikki is joined by Katie, who shares the delightful story of her life with Bailey, a three-year-old Fox Red Labrador.

Katie fondly recalls Bailey's journey from a rural farm to adapting seamlessly to city life and finally returning to her beloved countryside. She highlights Bailey's innate love for the outdoors, revelling in activities like swimming, running and enjoying the open spaces.

Reflecting on Bailey's upbringing, Katie tells us how Bailey has been a wonderful addition to her life. She outlines Bailey's training regime, integrating daily heel walking exercises, mealtime training, and engaging weekend activities like agility, gundog skills, and scent work.

The episode delves into the challenges Bailey faced, particularly her struggle with allergies. Katie describes the symptoms that led to a diagnosis of SLO, an auto-immune condition, and the subsequent journey to manage it

Katie also touches on common misconceptions about Labrador care, emphasizing the need for a balance between physical exercise and mental stimulation. She shares creative ways of indoor enrichment to keep Bailey engaged and mentally stimulated.

This episode not only highlights the joy and companionship Labradors bring into our lives but also the dedication and understanding required to nurture their well-being.

Remember to check out Baileys account on Instagram HERE

In this episode, Katie mentions two brands that she uses and likes. They are ButternutBox food and Tug-e-nuff toys. Take a look below to nab a cheeky discount from both brands

ButternutBox - 75% OFF Box 1 and 25% OFF Box 2 by clicking this link

Tug-e-nuff - 10% off purchases at checkout using this link

Welcome to Episode 35, where we're diving into one of the most common challenges Labrador owners face—how your dog reacts to the doorbell and visitors.

Chaos when the doorbell rings? You're not alone!

Listen in as we delve into the reasons behind this behaviour and how to manage it effectively. We'll explore everything from emotional triggers to learned behaviours and arm you with short-term and long-term strategies to create a calmer household for you and your four-legged family member. Whether it's an Amazon delivery or unexpected guests, discover how to make the doorbell an event you can both look forward to.

I hope you find this episode as enlightening as it is practical. And remember, every dog is different, so take what resonates with you and leave the rest.

Enjoy listening!