The Dynamic Dog Owner

Debbie celebrates Potter Paws' 10th birthday by sharing the journey from a casual New Year's Day conversation to a thriving training community. She reveals how a simple dog walking idea launched just 18 days later, evolved unexpectedly into full-time dog training after attending a course that was completely different from what she expected.  Sorry for the parts with bad quality audio, if you have...

Debbie talks about hiking safely with dogs, drawing on 20 years of Lake District walking experience and recent mountain rescue callouts involving dogs. She covers essential pre-hike considerations including assessing terrain suitability, matching routes to your dog's fitness level, and understanding environmental hazards. Debbie discusses crucial equipment like harnesses for supporting dogs over d...

Debbie talks about why long lines can be a game-changer for reducing lead pulling, responding to negative feedback from a social media post that sparked controversy. She explains how short leads set dogs up to fail by restricting their natural sniffing behaviours and how long lines reduce the frequency of pulling by giving dogs freedom to move naturally. Sorry for the parts with bad quality audio,...

Debbie talks about the realities of living with an energetic dog and the challenge of meeting their needs alongside everyday responsibilities. She shares her personal experiences with Rem, her high-energy dog who walked over 50 miles during a recent Lake District holiday, and explains why consistency, breed-specific activities, and morning exercise are more effective than simply increasing walk du...

Looking to bring more joy and satisfaction to your dog’s daily life? Don’t miss this episode of The Dynamic Dog Owner - Debbie & Tash explore what real enrichment means for your pup—beyond just store-bought puzzle toys and fancy food games. You’ll learn why enrichment is about so much more than keeping your dog busy, and discover easy, cost-effective ways to improve your dog’s quality of life....

Debbie talks about the surprising power of words in dog training and how we inadvertently teach our dogs associations we never intended. She explores why talking too much can actually weaken communication with our dogs, shares the fascinating story of her dog who fears the word "spider" despite never having been frightened by an actual spider, and explains why silence can be one of the most effect...

In this episode Debbie discusses the shift she observes between dogs in focused training mode versus free thinking mode, and why this matters for successful training. She explores how some dogs can perform trained behaviours beautifully when given instructions but struggle to make good choices independently without constant human direction. Debbie explains why teaching dogs to think freely and man...

Debbie talks about the Rule of Three, a guideline that helps dog parents understand how long dogs need to truly settle into new environments. She explains the three key timeframes (three days, three weeks, and three months) and how each stage represents a different part of the adjustment process. Debbie discusses why this rule applies not just to rescue dogs, but to puppies, holiday situations, an...

Ever wondered why small dogs seem to get away with behaviours that would get big dogs into trouble? This week Debbie & Tash discuss "dog size bias" and the different expectations we set for our canine companions based on their size. From jumping up and barking to how we handle reactivity and public outings, they unpack why little dogs often get a free pass while bigger breeds are held to a hig...

Are you constantly battling with your dog over stopping to sniff every blade of grass on your walks? Or maybe you feel frustrated because you’re always in a rush, but your furry friend just wants to take their time and enjoy the world through their nose? This week we dive into the fascinating world of canine sniffing - why it’s so important for your dog’s happiness, how it affects their behaviour,...

In this episode, Debbie talks about one of the most underrated challenges of dog ownership: managing our own emotions and confidence when out in public with our dogs. She opens up about her personal struggles with her three dogs—Rem, Dave, and Fred—and how each has behaviours that make public outings uncomfortable, leading her to avoid certain situations altogether. Debbie shares a recent experien...

Are you struggling with your dog’s training and wondering why things aren’t clicking?  In this episode Debbie flips the traditional idea of dog training on its head. Instead of focusing on changing your dog, Debbie explains why the real transformation starts with YOU. Tune in as Debbie shares real-life insights on why dog training is less about fixing your dog's “bad" habits and more about adjusti...

Looking for a refreshingly honest take on all things dog training? In this episode Debbie and Tash go off-script and dive into their most and least favourite things - everything from dog breeds and training tools to rewards and group classes. Expect plenty of laughs, candid confessions as they reveal their personal preferences with zero rehearsal and total authenticity. Whether you're curious abou...

Ever had one of those days where nothing seems to go right with your dog, and the guilt just hits you hard? In this episode Debbie gets real about the emotional rollercoaster of being a dog parent - even for professional trainers! Debbie shares a story about her sensitive pup, Fred, and how a challenging training session brought her to tears. You'll hear about why even the experts struggle, how un...

Curious about what really goes on behind the scenes of your favourite dog-loving social media families? You won't want to miss this episode as Debbie chats with Katy and Roly (aka @themrsmay and @DaddyMayCooks) about life with dogs in the social media spotlight. Listen in as they share honest, relatable stories of puppy training mishaps, juggling young kids and dogs, the ups and downs of adding a...

Ready to find out which dog-related annoyances deserve to be banished forever? In this episode, Debbie Potter brings a dog twist to the classic "Room 101" concept - this time, all about the pet peeves and problematic products in the world of dog parenting! Debbie dives into her personal list of doggy don’ts and shares her candid reasons for wanting these thrown into oblivion, all while sprinkling...

Are you a dog parent confused about whether to choose a crate, a playpen, or just let your pup free-roam around the house? In this episode of Potter Paws, host Debbie Potter and dog trainer Tash have a refreshingly honest and relatable chat about all things crate, pen, and free-roaming. Drawing from their own real-life experiences, mishaps, and dog-raising journeys, Debbie and Tash break down the...

Have you ever felt like your dog didn’t quite live up to your expectations, or worried they “failed” at a role you hoped they’d fill? In this episode host Debbie Potter gets real about her journey with Fred, her golden retriever, who was supposed to be an emotional support dog for her autistic daughters. Debbie opens up about her initial hopes for Fred, how life’s challenges changed their path, an...

Are you feeling the pressure to have the “perfect” dog—or be the perfect dog parent? In this episode Debbie pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to be a dog trainer with not-so-perfect dogs. She shares her personal struggle with confidence, battling the misconception that trainers’ dogs should never make mistakes, and the journey it's taken to finally feel comfortable walking her own pu...

In this episode we are joined by Carolina from Chewing with River a Canine Nutrition Consultant finding out more about her role and finding out more about how to keep our dogs healthy.   Get your 3 Day Free Trial at The Potter Pawcademy - Start Now! https://potter-pawcademy.mn.co/plans/1820577?bundle_token=01b2cc425e6324dc8f034beb4fc55837&utm_source=manual Get our emails - https://mailchi.mp/p...

Ever wondered if your dog might actually be training you? In this lighthearted episode of The Dynamic Dog Owner, Debbie explores the funny and often overlooked ways our furry friends shape our routines and behaviours—sometimes turning the tables on us without us even noticing! From subtle sofa negotiations to clever ways dogs get what they want (treats included!), Debbie shares real-life examples...

Are you or someone you know debating whether to bring a dog into your family? This week on the podcast, Debbie dives into a topic that so many dog lovers grapple with: Should you try to persuade a reluctant family member to get a dog? Drawing from both personal experience and professional insight, Debbie unpacks the real-life challenges, joys, and responsibilities of adding a four-legged friend to...

Worried your dog is “too naughty” for training classes? In this episode, Debbie Potter tackles one of the biggest misconceptions in dog training: that dogs need to be perfectly behaved before joining a class. Debbie explains why a little chaos is perfectly normal, how group classes actually benefit both pet and owner, and why every dog deserves a chance to learn—no matter where they’re starting fr...

During this week's episode Debbie Potter discusses the implications of having a routine with your dog and the possible positives and negatives a routine can bring to life with your dog.    Get your 3 Day Free Trial at The Potter Pawcademy - Start Now! https://potter-pawcademy.mn.co/plans/1820577?bundle_token=01b2cc425e6324dc8f034beb4fc55837&utm_source=manual Get our emails - https://mailchi.mp...

Feeling isolated in your dog parenting journey? You’re not alone! In this episode of Potter Paws, host Debbie Potter dives into the importance of community for dog owners—whether you’re a brand new puppy parent or navigating life with your senior sidekick. Discover how finding your people (and pups!)—online or in person—can boost your confidence, provide support, and help you thrive at every stage...