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

• Ditch the Walk: Redefining Walks With Your Dog

  Send us a textCould skipping your dog's daily walk be the kindest thing for them? In this paradigm-shifting episode, Lauren and Karen explore the controversial concept of "ditching the walk" and its potential to transform your relationship with your dog.Explore our diverse range of courses, including the recently released Bake Off course, for inspiration and enrichment ideas.https://absolutedogs.me/bakeoff When your dog's stress bucket is already overflowing, dragging them into potentially overwhelming environments can create negative experiences for everyone involved. Karen shares how her reactive dog Rupert benefits more from alternative activities than from traditional walks when he's not in the right headspace. "If he's not enjoying it either, what is the point?" she questions, challenging long-held beliefs about canine exercise requirements.The discussion reframes what exercise truly means for dogs. "Fitness is movement, and movement is fitness," Lauren emphasises, introducing numerous alternatives that provide both physical and mental stimulation. From confidence circuits and trick training to scent work and puzzle feeders, these activities often deliver more focused attention and meaningful engagement than a distracted walk around the neighbourhood.Karen reveals how enrichment activities serve as valuable "temperature checks" for her dog's mental state. When Rupert willingly performs tricks like "orbit," she knows he's feeling comfortable. When he can't focus on food or familiar behaviours, it signals he's over-threshold—crucial information for responsive care.This isn't about laziness or neglect—it's about truly tuning into what your dog needs and providing alternatives that better serve their wellbeing. You might discover that your dog prefers these targeted activities over walks, responding with enthusiasm rather than the foot-planting reluctance that signals a walk isn't working for them.Whether you have a reactive dog, an ageing senior, or simply want to enhance your relationship, this episode offers practical ways to redefine exercise and enrichment. Try replacing even a portion of your walks with alternative activities, and you might be surprised by the positive changes you see in both your dog's behaviour and your connection with them.Support the showIf 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!

  --------  

  24:28

  --------

  24:28
• The Art Of Balancing Training, Recovery and Performance with Sport Dogs ft. Mel Doyle - Part II

  Send us a textMake sure to check out Part I before you dive into Part II!https://www.buzzsprout.com/761645/episodes/17462029What happens between competitions might be the most critical factor determining your dog's peak performance and long-term well-being. In this deep-dive conversation, Lauren Langman welcomes back small animal physiotherapist Mel Doyle to unpack the science of effective recovery for competition dogs.This eye-opening episode continues to dive into how we approach training schedules, revealing why high-drive dogs need carefully structured programs that balance building capabilities without overtaxing their bodies. You'll discover why many mentally talented dogs lack the physical development to support their competitive spirit, and how proper muscle conditioning prevents career-ending injuries.Mel shares her expert framework for structuring the perfect training week, explaining the concepts of peaking and tapering that elite handlers use to optimise performance. You'll learn exactly when to schedule treadmill sessions, land-based exercises, and professional treatments around competition weekends, with specific adaptations for dogs competing on different days.The conversation tackles practical questions most handlers face: Should you take your dog to the beach before a competition weekend? Which recovery tools deliver the best results for specific dogs? How should you feed a competition dog throughout the day? When is a harness better than a collar, and which harness design minimises movement restriction?Perhaps most valuable is their discussion of seasonal planning. Mel reveals why a full month off from agility training (while maintaining baseline fitness) followed by a strategic 12-week buildup creates the optimal performance curve for seasoned competitors.Whether you're managing multiple dogs across endless events or simply want your weekend warrior to perform their best, this episode delivers the recovery roadmap that makes sustainable excellence possible. Your dog's performance potential depends not just on their skills training, but on the recovery strategy between competitions and this conversation provides the blueprint.Bookmark both Part I & II to reference back for all the amazing golden nuggets planted throughout! Support the showIf 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!

  --------  

  26:42

  --------

  26:42
• The Art Of Balancing Training, Recovery and Performance with Sport Dogs ft. Mel Doyle - Part I

  Send us a textEvery competitive dog handler faces a crucial balancing act: maximizing performance while preserving their canine athlete's long-term wellbeing. This eye-opening conversation with small animal physiotherapist Mel challenges conventional wisdom about training and recovery for sports dogs."Your dog only has so many jumps in their lifetime." This simple yet profound statement forms the foundation of our discussion, exploring how recovery isn't just about rest, but about strategic rehabilitation that allows muscle fibers to repair and strengthen properly. Mel reveals the surprising truth that many handlers unwittingly compromise their dogs' recovery by misunderstanding what proper post-competition care looks like.We dive deep into designing the ideal training week between competitions, creating a bell curve of intensity that peaks mid-week rather than continuously pushing our dogs. You'll discover why Monday should be a genuine recovery day, how to incorporate skills training, conditioning, and sprint work in a balanced schedule, and why travel itself creates significant physical and mental stress that needs accounting for.Perhaps most surprising is the revelation that muscle building doesn't require extensive free running - contrary to popular belief, controlled exercises that recruit specific muscles correctly can be far more effective than unstructured activity. This "fit without kit" approach emphasizes quality over quantity and simplicity over fancy equipment.Whether you're competing every weekend through the season or selectively targeting specific shows, this conversation will transform how you plan your training, recovery, and competition schedule. Your dogs will thank you with longer, healthier, and ultimately more successful competitive careers.Tune in next week for Part II! Support the showIf 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!

  --------  

  37:40

  --------

  37:40
• The #1 Dog Training System That Works: Pro Secrets for Behaviour That Actually Lasts

  Send us a textWhether you’re a seasoned dog trainer or a passionate dog owner, this episode will change how you approach training — forever.Join expert trainers Lauren Langman and Dave Hibbert as they unpack the Small Incremental Learning System (SILS) — the step-by-step method behind reliable, long-lasting behaviour change in dogs of all breeds and backgrounds.For trainers, SILS may feel familiar — a structure you've used instinctively. For dog owners, it’s a practical roadmap to transform your dog’s behaviour without overwhelm, frustration, or gimmicks.💡 What You’ll Learn:What SILS is — and why it’s the foundation behind every truly successful training planHow small steps create powerful, lasting behaviourLauren’s 12-step retrieve sequence and how it applies to any skillWhy quick fixes fail (and what to do instead)How to troubleshoot and rebuild behaviour without going back to square oneWhether you’re coaching clients, preparing for competition, or simply want better communication with your dog, this episode gives you the system to make it happen.🎧 Listen now — and unlock the power of step-by-step, reliable, real-world dog training.Support the showIf 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!

  --------  

  33:00

  --------

  33:00
• The ABCs of Dog Training: Simple Principles for Powerful Results ft. Dave Hibbert

  Send us a textEver wondered why your dog performs perfectly at home but seems to forget everything when you're out in public? The secret might lie in understanding the ABCs of dog training.Dave, a veteran police dog trainer with over two decades of experience, breaks down this deceptively simple framework that has revolutionized how professionals approach dog training. Rather than focusing solely on correcting behaviors, the ABC model—Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence—provides multiple leverage points to create lasting change in your dog's responses.The conversation dives deep into the "three A's" that precede any behavior: Arousal (your dog's energy level), Area (the training environment), and Actions (what you and others are doing). Through vivid examples from both high-stakes police work and everyday training scenarios, Dave illustrates how manipulating these elements can transform seemingly stubborn behavioral issues without resorting to punishment.One particularly fascinating insight reveals how what we perceive as punishment might actually be reinforcing to our dogs—like the Malinois who fights harder against the leash correction because the struggle itself is rewarding. This perspective shift helps explain why some training approaches backfire despite our best intentions.Whether you're working with a high-drive working dog or a family pet, understanding this framework empowers you to troubleshoot training challenges more effectively. By becoming aware of how these elements interact, you'll gain new tools to set your dog up for success rather than repeatedly correcting failures.Ready to transform your approach to dog training? Listen now and discover why changing what happens before a behavior often matters more than what happens after it. Share your own training breakthrough moments with us and join the conversation!Support the showIf 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!

  --------  

  37:19

  --------

  37:19

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

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