Listen Dog Training: The Walk & Talk

Have you ever thought about trying a dog sport… but immediately assumed it wasn’t for you because you don’t want to compete, your dog isn’t ‘that type’ of dog, or you’re not sure where to start? In this episode, we’re completely reframing what dog sports are really about! Because they aren’t just about trophies, competitions, or elite-level training; they’re about creating a shared hobby, building...

When we think about keeping our dogs healthy, we often focus on physical exercise, nutrition, and veterinary care. But what about their brain? In this episode of Walk & Talk, we're diving into the fascinating world of canine cognition and exploring what we can do throughout our dogs' lives to support their brain health, build resilience, and help them stay curious, adaptable, and engaged for y...

Have you accidentally stopped enjoying life with your dog? In this episode, we’re diving into the idea of a Summer of Side Quests - a completely different way of approaching dog training that brings back the joy, adventure, connection, and excitement so many dog owners lose when behaviour struggles take over. Because sometimes the biggest breakthrough doesn’t come from obsessing harder over the pr...

In this episode, we’re diving into the hidden psychological side of dog training - the part no one really talks about. From imposter syndrome and second-guessing yourself, to emotional overwhelm and decision fatigue, we’re unpacking why training can feel so hard even when you know what to do. More importantly, I’m showing you how to shift out of that stuck, reactive state and into one where you fe...

If you’ve ever felt like your dog’s behaviour is getting worse just as you start training properly… this episode will completely change how you see that moment. Because what most people interpret as regression or stubbornness is often something very different... It’s an extinction burst. And understanding this phenomenon properly is one of the most important shifts you can make if you want to crea...

Does your dog completely lose their mind on the way to the park, the field, daycare, agility, or anywhere exciting? Think whining... barking... pulling... frantic energy... A dog who seems SO overstimulated by the anticipation of where they’re going that they just can’t cope?! This is about arousal, anticipation, nervous system regulation, dopamine-driven behaviour, and the emotional patterns that...

🚀 Ready to take this work to the next level? The Listen Dog Training Membership is now OPEN - and this is where we put everything you’ve learned in this episode into action. Inside, you’ll get structured training, ongoing guidance, and a supportive community where you can grow your skills, get feedback, and truly master your dog’s behaviour. 👉 Join here: https://listendogtraining.com/online-dog-...

Struggling with recall? Feeling like your dog knows it… but just doesn’t do it when it actually matters? This episode is going to change the way you think about recall training completely. Because reliable recall isn’t about shouting louder, repeating yourself, or hoping your dog chooses you over the environment. It’s about understanding why your dog makes the decisions they do… and learning how t...

At what point should you stop using treats in dog training? If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re relying too much on food, or worried that your dog will only listen if you’ve got snacks in your pocket… this episode is going to completely shift how you think about reinforcement. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the science - unpacking when it’s essential to keep using food (especially with...

If dog training has started to feel heavy, frustrating, or like something you’re constantly getting wrong… this episode is going to feel like a breath of fresh air. Inspired by the powerful ideas in Feel-Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal, I’m breaking down how shifting your emotional approach to training - away from urgency and towards enjoyment - can completely transform your results. This isn’t ab...

If you’ve ever felt like your reactive dog can only cope when you’re fully switched on, armed with treats, and managing every second - you are not imagining it. In this episode, we’re diving into a powerful (and slightly uncomfortable) question: what if treats alone aren’t creating the kind of lasting change you’re hoping for? Inspired by Grisha Stewart’s BAT, we explore the difference between tra...

In this episode of The Walk & Talk, we’ll explore the hidden reason many training plans fall apart: cognitive overload. When owners are trying to remember too many techniques, rules, and instructions at once, the brain simply can’t execute them reliably in real-life situations. This episode dives into the psychology of habit formation, the neuroscience of overwhelm, and why simple systems outp...

Have you ever felt like your dog suddenly ‘forgot’ all their puppy socialisation? One minute they were happily greeting strangers, confidently exploring the world, and strolling through busy environments without a care… and the next, they’re barking at people, hesitating in places they used to love, or acting unsure about things that were never a problem before. If you’re living with a teenage dog...

If your dog steals everything in sight -  food off the counter, socks from the laundry, tea towels, remote controls, or anything they can grab - you are absolutely not alone. In this episode of The Walk & Talk, we dive deep into the science behind stealing and counter surfing so you can finally understand why this behaviour happens, why it becomes such a persistent habit, and how to solve it....

In this episode of The Walk & Talk, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked (and most powerful) skills in dog training: observation. You’ll learn why timing feels so hard, why your dog seems to ‘ignore’ you, and why two people can follow the exact same training plan… and get completely different results. This isn’t about doing more. It’s about noticing more. And once you unlock this skill...

What if the goal of dog training isn’t to eliminate your dog’s emotions… but to help them function better within them? In this episode, I’m challenging one of the most widely accepted ideas in modern dog training: that we should always aim to completely change how our dogs feel about things in order to change their behaviour. Because while emotional change absolutely matters… it’s not always the f...

Have you ever searched your dog’s behaviour online, hoping for reassurance… only to come away feeling more confused, overwhelmed, or unsure than before? In this episode of The Walk & Talk, I’m unpacking why Googling your dog’s behaviour so often makes things feel harder rather than easier. We’ll explore how behaviour advice gets stripped of context online, why dogs don’t fit neatly into quick...

So often, dog behaviour struggles are treated as training problems - something to fix with better cues, more reps, or stricter consistency… but behaviourists know that behaviour is never just about training. In this episode of The Walk & Talk, I’m taking you deep into the whole-dog picture: the full range of factors professional behaviourists assess when working with behaviour challenges like...

We talk about bad behaviour all the time as dog owners - pulling, barking, jumping, ignoring recall - but what if much of what we’re trying to ‘fix’ is actually just normal, functional dog behaviour playing out in a very human world? In this episode of The Walk & Talk, we take a compassionate, science-led look at behaviour from the dog’s perspective. We explore why so many common frustrations...

By the end of January, most New Year’s resolutions are already hanging by a thread - and dog training goals are no exception. If you started this year with good intentions for your dog, but you’re already feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or unsure where to focus… this episode is for you. In this episode, we’re talking about how to set dog training goals that actually stick: goals that respect how...

Separation anxiety and alone-time struggles are some of the most distressing challenges dog owners face, and yet the advice we’re often given can feel rushed, outdated, or even harmful. In this episode of The Walk & Talk, we take a deep, science-led look at separation training for dogs, moving beyond quick fixes and ‘just leave them’ advice to explore what dogs actually need in order to feel s...

So many dog owners are stuck in a cycle of trying to wear their dog out - longer walks, more running, more stimulation - yet still living with dogs who feel fizzy, reactive, over-aroused, and hard work to coexist with! In this episode of The Walk & Talk, we’re unpacking one of the most misunderstood concepts in modern dog training: regulation vs exertion. You’ll learn why exhausting your dog d...

What if dog training didn’t leave you feeling anxious, defeated, or like you’re constantly getting it wrong? In this episode, I’m sharing something that sits at the very heart of my work as a dog trainer - not techniques, not quick fixes, but the emotional experience I want you to have with your dog. Because how you feel about your dog directly shapes how you train, how your dog learns, and whethe...

Reactivity training isn’t just about stopping barking or lunging - it’s about understanding how your dog’s brain learns, and knowing exactly when to give them space to make a choice… and when to step in and support them. In this episode we break down one of the most misunderstood parts of reactive dog training: the balance between choice-based disengagement and preventative management. If you’ve e...

I’ve always believed the week between Christmas and New Year has a magic all of its own - and it’s the perfect pocket of the year to imagine what life could look like… especially life with your dog! So this week, we’re diving into how to design a year of success with your dog in 2026. Whether you’re dreaming bigger, wanting more consistency, or feeling ready to create a calmer, happier home for bo...