Chinwag Dog Podcast

Send us a text Kim and Carla dive into the world of muzzle training—breaking down the myths, stigma, and misunderstandings around this often-overlooked skill. They explain why muzzle training isn’t just for reactive dogs, but a smart preventative step for all dogs, preparing them for emergencies like vet visits, accidents, or unexpected situations. Listeners will learn how to make muzzle training...

Send us a text In this episode, Kim and Gemma get chatty about all things dog training—especially the joys and challenges of working with high-drive breeds like Border Collies and Cocker Spaniels. From recall, loose-lead walking, and socialisation adventures to managing car-chasing collies and bouncy adolescent pups, they cover the real-life ups and downs that owners face. They also explore why co...

Send us a text In this episode, Kim and Carla explore what it really means to create age-appropriate training and environments for dogs—from wriggly puppies to wise seniors. They unpack how thoughtful adjustments in routine, physical space, and expectations can make a world of difference, sharing practical tips like: Using non-slip mats to support dogs with mobility challenges Adjusting training g...

Send us a text In this refreshingly honest episode, Kim and Carla take a deep dive into a topic few trainers talk about openly: overtraining . They explore how doing too much can sometimes create more problems than it solves—leading to overdependent dogs, burnout, and missed opportunities for natural learning. From complex training plans that overwhelm both dog and handler, to the pressure of “per...

Send us a text In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, Kim is joined by Tara, founder of Only Rescues —a revolutionary app that’s giving rescue cats and dogs their best shot at finding forever homes. They dive into: The story of Max , the rescue dog who inspired a movement How Only Rescues works like a dating app—matching adopters with pets based on lifestyle and compatibility The real challen...

Send us a text In this episode, Kim and Carla dig into the age-old debate of genetics vs. environment —but with a dog training twist. From litter dynamics and prenatal stress to breed-specific quirks and inherited fears (like Kim’s spaniel Millie being terrified of wind), they explore the fascinating science behind what makes dogs tick. Is your dog’s behaviour written in their DNA, shaped by their...

Send us a text In this jam-packed episode, Kim and Carla tackle all the things they wish every dog owner knew—from leash manners to food myths and training expectations. They start by diving into dog walking etiquette , discussing why you should never let your off-lead dog run up to a dog on a lead, and how reading both canine and human social cues can prevent unnecessary stress or conflict. Then,...

Send us a text In this honest, thought-provoking episode, Kim and Roz pull back the curtain on the real-life experiences of dog trainers navigating the messy, emotional, and sometimes hypocritical world of dog training. From muddy paws to murky ethics, they unpack everything from: What “reactivity” really means (and how the term gets misused) The fallout of punishment-based methods—and why they do...

Send us a text Kim and Carla dive into the grey area of public dog training etiquette—when (and if) it’s ever okay to step in with advice. From unsolicited tips at the park to confronting outdated or aversive methods, they share real-world dilemmas dog professionals face when navigating public spaces. Kim opens up about her personal discomfort and confidence hurdles when it comes to offering advic...

Send us a text In this honest and often funny episode, Kim and Carla open up about how two very different lives led to the same destination — working with dogs. From Kim’s winding road through psychology, charity work, and soul-sucking sales jobs, to Carla’s childhood fear of dogs and eventual leap from classrooms to training — this is a real look at what it takes to build a career in dog behaviou...

Send us a text In this powerful and compassionate episode, Kim is joined by Dr. Holly, a clinical psychologist and dog behaviourist who bridges the worlds of human therapy and canine behaviour. Together, they explore the deep emotional impact of living with a dog who struggles — from the guilt and grief owners often feel, to the embarrassment that can prevent people from coping effectively. Dr. Ho...

Send us a text In this episode, Kim and Carla dive deep into the misunderstood world of dog-human communication. From calming signals to awkward greetings and the “don’t put your hand in their face!” rule, they explore how many of our interactions with dogs are lost in translation. They draw insightful parallels between training dogs and young children, showing how consistent, kind communication c...

Send us a text In this episode, Kim and Carla dive into the booming world of online dog training. From initial scepticism to global reach, they explore how virtual consults and courses have changed the game—especially for behaviours like separation anxiety, reactivity, and resource guarding. They weigh up the pros and cons of online vs. in-person sessions, especially for puppies and socialisation,...

Send us a text In this episode, Kim chats with Martina, a dog trainer from Italy, about the complex relationship between dogs—especially Border Collies—and livestock. From early training and predatory instincts to international standards in dog training, they dive deep into what it really takes to raise a dog who can safely coexist with sheep and other animals. Martina shares her journey into dog...

Send us a text In this episode, Kim and Carla unpack one of the most misunderstood labels in the dog world: stubborn . Are dogs really being defiant, or are we missing the real reasons behind their behaviour? From breed traits and unclear communication to past experiences and even pain, they explore why dogs may seem uncooperative — and what’s actually going on beneath the surface. They also dive...

Send us a text Hope you enjoyed part one of this two part series on ideas for your dog walks - hopefully while the weather has been nice you have been able to try things out and see what works for you and your dog.  Support the show Don't forget to rate and review Follow me on instagram: pooches.galore

Send us a text In this weeks episode Carla and Kim discuss ways in which you can make your dog walk more interesting, not just for your dog but for you as well. Often we get stuck in the rut of walking with our dogs day in and day out without putting much thought into how we can make this more interesting. Hopefully over the next two episodes we can give you inspirational ideas on what you can do...

Send us a text In this episode, Kim and Carla unpack one of the biggest challenges in dog training: proofing behaviours across different environments. Just because your dog can sit in the kitchen doesn’t mean they’ll sit in the park! Learn why dogs struggle to generalize cues and how to build reliable responses no matter the setting. They share practical techniques like the “easy, easy, hard, easy...

Send us a text Muzzles aren’t just for ‘dangerous’ dogs—and in this episode, Kim is joined by Clara, founder of The Muzzle Movement, to bust the biggest myths about muzzle use in modern dog training. From the emotional and legal realities of the XL Bully ban to the practical challenges of designing humane, stylish muzzles for every breed, this conversation covers it all. Clara shares her journey f...

Send us a text In this episode, Kim and Carla dive deep into the why behind common dog behaviour challenges. From barking and loose lead walking to displacement behaviours and anxiety, they explore how symptoms often mask deeper issues like stress, discomfort, or environmental overwhelm. With a compassionate and practical approach, they share tools such as behaviour diaries, colour-coded tracking,...

Send us a text In this episode, Kim sits down with fellow dog behaviourist Catherine to dive into the messy, rewarding, and often misunderstood world of dog training—and how building a community can help bridge the gap between professionals and pet owners. They talk candidly about the realities of working in the dog world, from excessive purchasing of Primula cheese for training to managing client...

Send us a text In this episode, Kim and Carla unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in dog training: the difference between positive reinforcement and bribery. They explain how proper use of rewards creates reliable, happy behaviors—without turning your dog into a treat-dependent performer. From clicker training and fading lures to managing adolescent dogs and real-life challenges with react...

Send us a text In this episode, Kim and Carla dive into the power of multidisciplinary teamwork in dog welfare. From sharing personal challenges with health and exercise to tackling serious issues in training and behavior, they explore how collaboration between vets, physiotherapists, behaviorists, and trainers leads to better outcomes for dogs. Expect honest talk about professional standards, the...

Send us a text Kim and Vicky dive into the evolution of dog training methods , reflecting on how their approaches have shifted over the past 20 years —from rigid obedience to giving dogs more choice and agency . Alongside their professional insights, they share personal challenges, including health struggles and balancing demanding schedules . This episode blends real-life experiences, professiona...

Send us a text In this insightful episode, Kim and Carla dive into the heart of ethical dog training through the lens of the Five Freedoms of animal welfare. From freedom from hunger and thirst to the right to express normal behavior, they unpack what these legally required principles mean for everyday dog care and training. They explore why training should meet a dog’s current needs rather than f...