Listen Dog Training: The Walk & Talk

• How Dogs Learn in Pictures: The Hidden Key to Reliable Behaviour

  Why does your dog listen perfectly at home… but suddenly forget everything the moment you step outside? Why does reactivity dissolve in one environment and explode in another? And why does training sometimes feel like you’re starting from scratch every time you change location? In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the real reason behind inconsistent behaviour: your dog’s incredible ability to contextualise. You’ll learn how dogs form multi-sensory ‘pictures' when learning, why their brains don’t automatically generalise skills, and how emotional state and environment shape every behaviour they can (or can’t) access. This isn’t just fascinating neuroscience… it’s transformational for real-life training. Once you understand how your dog’s brain maps the world, everything becomes easier: recall, loose-lead walking, reactivity, engagement, calmness, settling, focus… all of it! Whether you’re raising an adolescent whirlwind, supporting a reactive dog, or simply wanting a more connected partnership, this episode will completely change how you understand & train your dog. In this episode, you’ll learn: How your dog’s brain uses environmental and emotional cues to encode behaviour Why dogs don’t generalise skills automatically - and how to teach them to The real neuroscience behind inconsistency and why it’s not disobedience What state-dependent learning is (and how it shapes your dog’s reliability) How to build skills that actually transfer from home to the real world Practical, real-life examples of contextual training in action How understanding context can transform reactivity, engagement and focus The step-by-step mindset shift that makes training feel calmer, clearer, and easier 💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com You can use code PODCAST10 for 10% off all my digital dog training packages, guides & courses! 📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @‌listendogtraining 🎧 If you found this episode helpful, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared it with a fellow dog lover. It helps the podcast grow and supports more people to train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

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• Why Breed Matters… & Why It Doesn’t: The Art of Adaptive Dog Training

  Have you ever wondered why some training methods seem to work wonders for one dog but fall completely flat for another? Or why your terrier’s unstoppable energy feels nothing like your friend’s calm, biddable lab? In this episode of The Walk & Talk, we’ll unpack the fascinating world of adaptive training: a science-led, deeply intuitive approach that tailors training to each dog’s breed tendencies, natural drives, and unique personality. You’ll learn how genetics, instinct, and emotional regulation all shape your dog’s learning process, and how understanding these layers can transform the way you train, connect, and communicate. Whether you live with a high-octane herding breed, a determined terrier, or a laid-back retriever, this episode will help you see your dog in a completely new light… not as a ‘problem to fix,’ but as an individual to understand and celebrate. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why one-size-fits-all training often fails, and how adaptive training solves that How breed genetics shape drive, arousal, and motivation in training The neuroscience behind reinforcement and why dogs find different things rewarding How to work with your dog’s natural instincts instead of against them The difference between adapting to breed type and adapting to individual temperament Practical ways to tailor games, reinforcement, and expectations to your dog’s unique wiring How understanding your dog’s nervous system can turn frustration into calm cooperation The mindset shift that turns training from control-based to connection-based 💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com You can use code PODCAST10 for 10% off all my digital dog training packages, guides & courses! 📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining 🎧 If you found this episode helpful, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared it with a fellow dog lover - it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

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• Your Calm Dog Evening Routine: The 5 Steps That Actually Work

  Does your dog seem to get a sudden burst of energy just as you’re winding down for the evening? Maybe you’re craving a quiet, cosy night in… but your dog’s zooming, barking, or pacing around like it’s party time?! In this episode, we’re unpacking the science and strategy behind creating calm, helping you understand what your dog truly needs throughout the day so that they can genuinely switch off when you do. You’ll discover how small changes in your routine, training, and environment can completely transform your evenings into peaceful, connected downtime together. In this episode, you’ll learn: 🐶 What a fulfilling day actually looks like for your dog, and why balance matters more than ‘more exercise.’ 🧠 The neuroscience of calm; how your dog’s brain learns to self-regulate and rest. 🎯 How to structure your dog’s day to set them up for evening success. 🏠 How your home environment and evening energy impact your dog’s behaviour. 🎓 What to train (and when) to promote relaxation and emotional regulation. 💬 Why your own stress levels and routine play a bigger role than you might think.   💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com 🎟️ Use code PODCAST10 for 10% off all my digital dog training packages, guides & courses! 📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining 🎧 If you found this episode helpful, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared it with a fellow dog lover; it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

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• The Real Fix for Lead Pulling: How to Turn Stressful Walks into Calm, Connected Adventures

  Does your dog drag you down the street like you’re in a sled race you didn’t sign up for? You’re not alone… lead pulling is one of the most common struggles dog owners face, and it’s not about dominance, stubbornness, or your dog trying to be the boss. It’s simply that dogs move faster than we do - and walking nicely beside a human just doesn’t come naturally. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to truly transform your on-lead walks, with science, strategy, and empathy. You’ll discover how to build calm, connection, and cooperation step by step, so your walks become the joyful experience they’re meant to be. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: How to set your dog up for success before you even leave the house, from desensitising the lead and harness to creating calm, focused exits. The three key concepts behind beautiful lead walking: proximity, focus, and impulse control, and how to grow them through fun, practical games. Why it’s essential to have a clear system that tells your dog when it’s time to focus vs. when they’re free to explore (and how to set this up with your gear) Quick, powerful ‘get back on track’ exercises for when your dog’s brain goes walkabout mid-walk The truth about why dogs pull, and how understanding their natural movement and motivation changes everything Mindset shifts that make lead training less stressful for you, too. Why some dogs need a bigger lifestyle adjustment, and how exercise, enrichment, and off-lead freedom can help solve the root cause of pulling. ✨ Want to take this even further? Discover how to build your dog’s focus, connection, and responsiveness with my 21-Day Engagement Training, the science-backed program designed to transform your relationship with your dog from distracted to devoted. 👉 Click here to explore the 21-Day Engagement Training and use code PODCAST10 for 10% off! 📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining 🎧 If you found this episode helpful, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared it with a fellow dog lover — it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

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• The Fascinating Science of How Your Dog Becomes Who They Are

  In this episode, we dive into one of the most empowering truths in dog training: your dog’s personality isn’t set in stone - it’s plastic. Every moment, every experience, every choice you make together is literally shaping who your dog becomes. You’ll discover how genetics, environment, and training all interact to form your dog’s unique temperament, and how neuroplasticity - the brain’s incredible ability to adapt and rewire - means change is always possible. If you’ve ever felt stuck with your dog’s behaviour, this episode will reignite your hope and show you exactly how to help your dog evolve, one small, consistent step at a time. In this episode, you’ll learn: The science of neuroplasticity and what it means for your dog’s behaviour The difference between temperament and personality, and why that distinction matters How environment, reinforcement, and your energy continually shape who your dog becomes Practical ways to help your dog grow calmer, braver, and more adaptable Why ‘slow is fast’ when it comes to real, lasting behaviour change How your mindset directly influences your dog’s progress 💻 Want tailored support to help your dog thrive? Find science-backed online training courses, guides, and resources at www.listendogtraining.com Use code PODCAST10 for 10% off all my digital dog training packages, guides & courses! 📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining 🎧 Love the podcast? Share this episode with a friend who thinks their dog is ‘just stuck that way’... and let’s bust that myth together!

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