Chinwag Dog Podcast

In this episode, Carla and Kim dive into one of the most underrated yet powerful training tools available to dog owners: scent work. They share their own experiences of introducing scent work into training and behaviour cases, highlighting how simple it is to start — and how transformative it can be. From using smelly treats and easy beginner hides to gradually progressing to more complex searches...

In this episode, Carla and Kim unpack one of the most common — and most misunderstood — questions in dog training:  how do you tell the difference between anxiety and excitement when the behaviours look the same? Using real-world scenarios such as lead walking, social greetings, eating, and everyday outings, they explore the subtle  body language cues  and contextual clues that help distinguish an...

In this episode, Kim and Carla dive into the often-overlooked reality of  supporting the human behind the dog . They explore the emotional weight carried by owners of dogs with challenging behaviours — including guilt, embarrassment, fear, and isolation — and why these feelings can be just as important to address as the behaviour itself. The conversation looks at how  trust, empathy, and open comm...

In this episode, Kim and Carla unpack one of the most misunderstood tools in dog training:  management . Far from being a shortcut or a sign that training has failed, management is explored as a strategic, science-backed approach that prevents unwanted behaviours before they happen and sets dogs up for long-term success. The conversation dives into real-world applications, from dog walking and doo...

In this episode, Kim and Carla dive deep into the challenges of preventing and managing separation anxiety in dogs—a condition affecting around 60% of pets, and increasingly common since lockdown. They discuss the early signs of anxiety, breed predispositions, and the subtle behavioral changes owners often overlook. Kim shares her evidence-based training strategies, including gradual desensitizati...

Have you ever felt like your dog has  forgotten everything  they once knew? In this episode, Kim and Carla unpack one of the most common—and misunderstood—issues dog owners face:  behaviour regression . From puppies who suddenly stop recalling, to adolescent dogs who appear to “lose” their training, to adult and senior dogs whose behaviour changes seemingly overnight, this conversation breaks down...

In this episode of  Kim and Carla’s Chinwag , Kim and Carla unpack why so many dogs are labelled as “naughty” — and why that label rarely helps anyone. They explore how behaviour looks very different when viewed from the dog’s perspective, and share three simple but powerful questions every owner (and professional) should ask: What is my dog feeling right now? What have they learned from similar s...

Start the year off right with realistic, meaningful goals for your dog! In this episode, we discuss how to set achievable behaviour and training objectives that fit your dog’s personality, lifestyle, and emotional wellbeing. From small daily habits to long-term milestones, Kim and Carla share practical tips for planning a positive, stress-free year that strengthens your bond and supports your dog’...

In this festive episode, Kim and Carla dive into everything you need to know about keeping your dog safe, calm, and happy during the Christmas season. They start with the centrepiece of most homes this time of year—the Christmas tree. From introducing a bare tree first, to using baby gates and lucky mats, they share practical strategies to prevent curious paws from causing chaos. They also explore...

In this episode, Kim and Carla dive into one of the most common challenges new puppy owners face —  puppy biting . They unpack the real reasons behind those needle-sharp nips, with Kim highlighting the number one cause that often gets overlooked:  lack of sleep . Together, they explore how overtired puppies struggle to regulate themselves, why proper rest is essential for emotional stability, and...

In this episode, Kim and Carla dive deep into one of the most misunderstood stages of a dog’s life —  adolescence . Often arriving between 6 and 14 months, this phase brings big feelings, big behaviours, and, for many owners, big challenges. It’s also the age when dogs are most frequently relinquished to shelters, highlighting just how important support during this time really is. Kim and Carla br...

Send us a text In this episode, Kim and Carla dive into the real-world challenges of fitting dog training into busy, unpredictable lives. From juggling work shifts and family commitments to managing the routines of reactive or anxious dogs, they explore how flexibility—not rigid schedules—is the key to long-term success. Kim shares how she adapts training plans to fit seamlessly into her clients’...

Send us a text In this episode, Kim sits down with canine nutritionist Cam to explore the powerful connection between what dogs eat and how they feel and behave. Together, they unpack the complexities of formulating supplements, the surprising parallels between human and canine nutrition, and why understanding gut health is essential for every dog owner and trainer. From herbs and probiotics to th...

Send us a text In this short and practical episode, Kim and Carla share essential Halloween safety tips for dog owners. From managing decorations and trick-or-treaters to avoiding toxic treats and unexpected scares, they discuss how to keep dogs safe, calm, and comfortable during the festivities. With simple, proactive advice — like keeping dogs indoors, using pumpkins as healthy treats, and creat...

Send us a text In this episode, Kim and Carla explore how to prepare dogs for fireworks season with compassion and science-based strategies. They discuss why being proactive is key, how to create a safe and calming environment, and why comforting a frightened dog is not only okay but important. From using sound therapy and calming sprays to consulting vets about medication for anxious dogs, this e...

Send us a text In this episode, Kim chats with Chloe, the creator of the Tuft app — a game-changing platform helping dog groomers manage their schedules while giving pet owners an easy way to book trusted grooming services. Chloe shares how her love for dogs and background in marketing inspired the app’s development, and how Tuft is revolutionizing admin and client management for the pet care indu...

Send us a text Kim and Carla dig into the ups and downs of running puppy classes — from socialisation and safety to communication and positive reinforcement.  They share real-world tips, training insights, and what it really takes to make puppy classes fun, effective, and rewarding for everyone involved! Book puppy classes with Carla:  https://www.auntycarlasdogtraining.co.uk/puppy Support the sho...

Send us a text In this episode, Kim sits down with Hector, co-founder of Entovore a pioneering company farming mealworms for sustainable pet food. They explore the fascinating world of insect farming—from the spark of inspiration on the Jurassic coast to building a climate-controlled farm and creating novel protein treats for dogs. Hector explains why mealworms were chosen over black soldier flies...

Send us a text In this episode, Carla and Kim dive into the challenges of leash laws and public dog policies. They explore why a “one-size-fits-all” approach doesn’t work for every dog, the potential role of designated off-lead areas, and the complications that councils and communities face in making these decisions. Along the way, they reflect on the Dangerous Dogs Act, share stories of real-worl...

Send us a text In this episode, Kim and Carla dive into the realities of raising children alongside dogs. From preparing your pup for a new baby to managing curious toddlers, they share practical tips and personal stories that make life easier (and safer) for the whole family. Topics include how to introduce dogs and babies, managing toddler interactions, setting up your home with baby gates and s...

Send us a text In this episode of The Happy Dog Podcast , Kim is joined by Danny from Tug-E-Nuff to dive into the world of dog play, toys, and training. Danny shares the inspiring story of how his mum founded the company in 2009, starting with a single food bag toy designed for her agility dog, Indy, and growing into a trusted brand loved by trainers worldwide. Together, Kim and Danny explore what...

Send us a text Stillness doesn’t always mean calmness. In this episode, Kim and Carla unpack the subtle but important difference between a dog that’s settling physically and one that’s truly calm mentally. They explore: 🐾 Why extended down-stays promoted by “balanced” trainers can create stress rather than calm 🐾 How a dog’s outside appearance isn’t always a true reflection of their inner state...

Send us a text Kim and Carla dive into the do’s and don’ts of crate training, busting myths and sharing their own experiences—from Millie the crate-hater to Dylan the Labrador who loved his den. 🐾 They discuss how to choose the right crate size, what (and what not) to put inside, and how to make crates a positive, comforting space rather than a punishment. Listeners will learn: ✅ The real benefi...

Send us a text Feeding your dog can feel overwhelming—so many choices, so many strong opinions! In this episode, Kim chats with Daniel from Coya Pet Food about the ins and outs of dog food: what’s new, what works, and what’s just clever marketing. Together, they unpack the pros and cons of raw, kibble, wet, and freeze-dried food, talk about quality vs cost, and share practical tips to help you dec...

Send us a text In this episode, Kim and Carla dive into the real reasons dogs ignore recall and what owners can do about it. From common mistakes like only calling your dog to put them back on lead, to inconsistent rewarding, frustrated tones of voice, and training that stops after puppyhood — they cover it all. They explain how adolescence impacts recall, why impulse control lags behind risk-taki...