The Paws Perspective

Most of us head out on a walk thinking our dog's main job is to walk nicely beside us. But what if the most important part of that walk is actually the part we spend the most time trying to stop? In this episode, Pat shares why sniffing isn't just something dogs enjoy, it's something they need . Fresh from competing with Zani in their very first scent work trial (and coming home with a...

Dogs are masters at hiding pain. In the wild, showing weakness can make an animal vulnerable, so many dogs continue to play, walk, and wag their tails even when they're uncomfortable. As a result, pain often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe. But pain doesn't always look like limping. It can show up as barking, reactivity, anxiety, reluctance to jump into the car, slowing down on walk...

If we could only teach every dog owner one thing, what would it be? After more than a decade working with thousands of dogs and their owners, we've learnt that while there are endless training techniques, games and exercises available, there are a few key concepts that consistently make the biggest difference. In this episode, Pat and Molly each share the one lesson they believe every dog owner sh...

Episode Summary Why does your friend's dog seem to pick things up effortlessly while yours feels like a full-time job? Why did your last dog seem easy, but your current dog leaves you questioning everything? And why do some owners appear to get results with half the effort? In this episode, we explore the reality that not all dogs are created equal when it comes to training, behaviour and day-...

This episode dives into the dog training hills we’re absolutely prepared to die on. From why more exposure isn’t always the answer and why a tired dog isn’t necessarily a calm dog, to the importance of management, realistic expectations, and understanding the dog in front of you, we tackle some of the most common misconceptions in the dog world. Drawing on over a decade of experience working with...

Most dog owners have done it. You see another dog calmly walking through a busy café, ignoring every distraction, while yours is pulling towards a leaf blowing across the footpath. You watch someone else's dog come flying back on recall, while yours suddenly develops selective hearing. Before you know it, you're wondering what you're doing wrong. In this episode, we're talking abou...

What happens when dog trainers look back at the dogs that started it all? In this episode, we’re sharing the honest lessons, mistakes, wins, and reality checks that came with raising our first dogs, long before we had the experience we have now. We talk about the pressure new owners often feel to “get everything right,” how expectations can clash with reality, and the things we now wish someone ha...

After 12 years in the dog training industry, this episode is a honest reflection on how much our training philosophy, understanding of dogs and approach to behaviour has changed over the years. We talk about the things we used to believe about dog training, the advice we once gave, and the experiences that completely shifted the way we work with dogs and their owners today. From focusing heavily o...

In this episode of The Paws Perspective, Pat and Molly from Flying Paws dive into a topic that almost every dog owner (and every dog trainer) can relate to: ignoring the advice we know we should follow ourselves. From skipped training sessions and inconsistent routines to management shortcuts and “I’ll work on that later” moments, this episode unpacks the reality of living and working with dogs wh...

In this episode, we unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of dog training: why dogs struggle in the first place. It’s rarely stubbornness or disobedience. More often, it’s overwhelm. We break down what thresholds actually look like in real life, how overexcitement and pressure impact your dog’s ability to cope, and why “doing more” is often what makes things worse. You’ll learn how to recogni...

In this episode, we break down one of the biggest shifts you can make in your dog’s training: looking beyond behaviour and understanding what’s driving it. Because behaviour doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s a reflection of your dog’s emotional state. We explore why focusing on “fixing” behaviour often misses the mark, how to start reading your dog’s body language in context, and what actually mat...

You’ve done the training. At home, your dog listens. They respond. It feels like it’s working. But the moment you step outside… it all falls apart. In this episode, we break down why that happens and why it’s not about your dog being stubborn, disobedient, or “not trained enough”. We explore the gap between training and real-life behaviour, and why what works in controlled environments often doesn...

Dog body language isn’t always obvious… and that’s where things get tricky. In this episode, we break down why so many behaviours feel confusing, frustrating, or hard to read — and what’s actually happening underneath. We’re diving into: Why body language isn’t as clear as social media makes it look The subtle signals most people miss day to day How context changes what behaviour actually means Wh...

Not all pet care providers are created equal… and choosing the wrong one can quietly undo your dog’s progress. In this episode, we sit down with Chenelle, Pet Industry Mentor, to talk about what’s actually happening behind the scenes in the pet industry and what dog owners need to start paying attention to. This is the conversation most people don’t have. The one about standards. About professiona...

Ever feel like your dog should be doing better… faster… easier? This episode unpacks how social media is quietly shaping unrealistic expectations in dog training and why that can leave you feeling like you’re falling behind. We break down what’s actually going on when training “isn’t working,” and how to shift your approach so your dog can succeed in real life, not just in perfectly curated moment...

Why does training work at home… but fall apart everywhere else? In this episode of The Paws Perspective , we unpack one of the most common frustrations dog owners face, when training just doesn’t seem to be working. The truth is, it’s rarely about your dog being stubborn or you doing it wrong. More often, it comes down to what’s happening around the training, not just within it. We explore how to...

Dog adolescence is one of the most misunderstood phases in a dog’s development and often one of the most challenging for owners. In this episode of The Paws Perspective , Pat and Molly explore what really happens as dogs transition from puppyhood into adolescence and eventually adulthood. This period can feel confusing and frustrating for many owners. Behaviours that seemed solid suddenly unravel,...

Recall isn’t just about getting your dog to come back when called. It’s about safety. Trust. Freedom. And relationship. In this episode, we’re breaking down the three biggest mistakes people make when teaching recall and why so many dogs seem to “know it” at home but forget it everywhere else. We cover: Why most dogs aren’t actually trained for recall, they’re just responding to patterns The commo...

Dog Nutrition: Clarity in a Very Noisy World In this episode of The Paws Perspective , Pat and Molly step into one of the most emotionally charged and confusing topics in modern dog ownership: nutrition. What should you feed? Is raw better? Is kibble harmful? Should you be home-cooking? What about social media advice? The truth is, nutrition has become increasingly polarising. Owners are bombarded...

What does it really mean to advocate for your dog? Especially in busy public spaces where expectations, opinions, and misunderstandings are everywhere? In this episode, Pat and Molly from Flying Paws Dog Training shares honest conversations and professional insights into protecting your dog’s emotional wellbeing while navigating real-world interactions. From strangers approaching without permissio...

In this episode of The Paws Perspective , we dive into one of the biggest decisions a dog owner will ever make: choosing the right dog breed and why it’s often more complicated than people expect. Through personal stories and real-life experiences, we explore how breed traits, individual personality, and lifestyle fit all play a crucial role in creating a successful and sustainable relationship wi...

In this episode of The Paws Perspective , we explore the importance of truly understanding dog behaviour, with a focus on scent work, stress management, and emotional wellbeing. Through personal stories and real-life training experiences, they discuss how recognising individual stress triggers allows owners to make better choices for their dogs. The conversation highlights why learning should happ...

In this episode of The Paws Perspective , Pat and Molly unpack why cooperative care and conditioning are some of the most underrated tools for supporting a dog’s long-term wellbeing. They explore how everyday handling, vet visits, and grooming routines can either build trust or quietly erode it and how small, intentional training choices can completely change that outcome. From creating positive a...

Travelling with dogs can be one of the most rewarding experiences, when it’s done with intention, preparation, and your dog’s needs at the centre. In this episode, Pat and Molly are joined by Kerry Martin from Puppy Tales Pet Photography , who shares her expert insights on what it really takes to travel well with dogs of all ages. From puppies heading out on their first road trip to adult dogs lea...

In this episode of The Paws Perspective , Pat and Molly break down five essential things every puppy owner needs to know to set themselves (and their puppy) up for success from day one. Drawing on their experience as trainers and puppy parents, they explain why understanding your puppy’s breed and genetics matters, helping owners recognise which behaviours may come naturally and where extra guidan...