Sexier Than A Squirrel: Dog Training That Gets Real Life Results

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Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too!
This week, Lauren and Karen tackle one of the biggest frustrations dog owners face: why does the whole world seem more exciting than you? If you've ever felt like your dog would rather sniff a hedge, chase a squirrel or investigate a discarded sandwich wrapper than pay you any attention, you're definitely not alone.
Together, they explore why the environment is so incredibly rewarding for our dogs. From irresistible smells and moving wildlife to the unpredictability of everyday life, you'll discover why dogs naturally find the world so hard to resist - and why it isn't because they're stubborn, disobedient or "don't care" about you. Lauren explains why trying to compete with a squirrel using a biscuit is rarely a winning strategy, and how building value in your relationship changes everything.
Lauren and Karen also dive into the practical ways you can start becoming part of the adventure instead of competing with it. You'll hear why changing direction at the right moment, varying your rewards, using play and sniffing intentionally, and creating opportunities for connection can all make a huge difference when you're out and about. They also discuss why the walk starts long before you ever clip the lead on, how rehearsal shapes future behaviour, and why preventing unwanted habits is often far easier than trying to undo them later.
The conversation also takes a thoughtful look at puppies and reactive dogs, exploring why building emotional skills before diving into busy environments can have a lasting impact. Karen shares Rupert's story and reflects on how one difficult experience changed not only her dog, but also the way she felt on every walk afterwards. Together, they discuss why feeling safe matters just as much for the person holding the lead as it does for the dog, and how thoughtful preparation can help both ends of the lead enjoy walking together again.
Whether your dog is distracted by squirrels, other dogs, discarded food or simply the excitement of being outdoors, this episode will help you understand what's really going on - and why changing the way you think about walks can be the first step towards changing the walks themselves.
Ready to discover the foundations of calmer, happier, more connected walks? We'd love you to join us for our FREE Stress Free Walks Masterclass, where we'll show you the games, strategies and mindset that make that possible.
https://absolutedogs.me/stressfreewalksmasterclass
Support the show
If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27!

Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub

Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog -  Pro Dog Trainer Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub 

And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

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Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too!
This week, Karen turns interviewer as Lauren shares the story behind one of the toughest dogs she's ever lived with: Skittle. If you've ever wondered how a dog trainer could end up dreading walks, this episode is for you.
Skittle is brilliantly clever, endlessly enthusiastic, and always five steps ahead. She could spot opportunities before Lauren even knew they existed, whether that was disappearing into a bog, rolling in fox poo, hunting wildlife or pulling so hard she left Lauren in pain. Together, Lauren and Karen unpack how those behaviours developed, why even experienced trainers can get caught out by rehearsal, and how life, grief and loving a dog "just a little bit too much" can sometimes blur the boundaries that dogs really need.
Most importantly, Lauren shares how everything changed. Listen in as she talks through the two principles that transformed Skittle's walks: stopping rehearsal of the behaviours you don't want, and investing consistently in the behaviours you do. You'll hear why taking a break from normal walks can sometimes be the kindest decision, how relationship was the missing piece of the puzzle, and why building real-life skills mattered far more than chasing flashy training goals.
Karen and Lauren also dive into the practical games that made the difference, including Skittle's Game, designed to flip the value from charging forwards to choosing connection instead. Along the way they explore the importance of starting walks well, preventing pulling before it begins, creating consistency between handlers, and using reinforcement strategically so food becomes a safety tool rather than a lifelong dependency. Whether your dog pulls, reacts, hunts or simply makes walks feel exhausting, the underlying principles remain the same.
Ready to build walks you actually enjoy again? Keep an eye out for the Stress Free Walks Blueprint, where we guide you through the same games and strategies that transformed life with Skittle. 
In the meantime, grab your free spot at our Stress Free Walks Masterclass
absolutedogs.me/stressfreewalksmasterclass
Support the show
If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27!

Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub

Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog -  Pro Dog Trainer Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub 

And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

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Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too!
This week, Lauren is joined by the brilliant Linda Hughes to introduce one very small dog with a very big personality. Meet Bobble – a two-kilo silver toy poodle who lives with four Border Collies, has absolutely no concept of being tiny, and somehow ended up with his own treehouse on Linda's desk.
Living with a toy dog comes with its own unique set of considerations, and in this episode we explore what really changes when your newest family member is small enough to disappear beneath a Border Collie. From carefully managing play with bigger dogs and adding sofa steps to protect tiny joints, to resisting the temptation to accidentally create a dog who expects breakfast to arrive on a spoon, Lauren and Linda share the funny moments and practical lessons that have come with life alongside Bobble.
The conversation also turns to training and day-to-day life. You'll hear why small dogs still need great recall, how easy it is to overlook the "easy" dog while managing everyone else, and why that could quickly lead to a tiny dog who thinks the rules don't apply. Linda also shares how she approaches grooming, clipping and coat care, including building positive associations with a dedicated grooming station so handling becomes just another part of life rather than something to dread.
We also chat about toy breed fitness, supporting dogs with patella concerns, choosing toys that suit tiny mouths, and teaching a simple cue that helps manage breed-typical barking. And of course, no episode about Bobble would be complete without the story of how a firm "no dogs on the bed" rule quietly disappeared the moment one impossibly cute toy poodle curled up between the pillows.
Whether you already share your home with a toy dog, you're thinking about welcoming one into your family, or you simply love hearing about the realities of life with dogs of every shape and size, this episode is guaranteed to leave you smiling. Subscribe, share it with a fellow dog lover, and don't forget to leave us a review.
Support the show
If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27!

Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub

Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog -  Pro Dog Trainer Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub 

And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send us Fan Mail
Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too!
This week, Lauren is joined by Alice to explore one of the most misunderstood pieces of dog training equipment there is: the muzzle. Whether you've never considered muzzle training before or you already have a dog who wears one, this episode is all about changing the conversation and showing how a muzzle can create more freedom, not less.
Far too often, muzzles only come out when there's a crisis - an emergency vet visit, a bite risk, a scavenging habit, or new legal requirements. Lauren and Alice explain why waiting until you need a muzzle is one of the biggest mistakes owners can make. Instead, they explore how games-based training can build confidence long before the muzzle is ever needed, transforming it from something a dog tolerates into something they happily choose to wear. You'll also hear why muzzles aren't just for reactive dogs, but can be invaluable for cooperative care, grooming, travel, introductions, and preventing dangerous scavenging.
The conversation also tackles some of the practical realities many owners face. Lauren and Alice discuss choosing a well-fitting basket muzzle that allows panting, drinking and taking treats, introducing new equipment through tiny, achievable steps, and making thoughtful adjustments to improve comfort. They also talk openly about breed-specific legislation, public perception, and why advocating for your dog with confidence is far more powerful than worrying about what other people might think.
Whether your dog wears a muzzle today or you simply want to be prepared for whatever life brings, this episode will help you see muzzle training in a completely different light. It's a practical life skill that can improve safety, protect welfare, and open up opportunities for dogs to enjoy more of the world with confidence.
Ready to get started? Explore our Mastering the Muzzle course
absolutedogs.me/masteringthemuzzle
And if you'd like to discover more games-based training, grab the Games Club £1 trial 
absolutedogs.me/7daytrial
Support the show
If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27!

Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub

Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog -  Pro Dog Trainer Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub 

And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send us Fan Mail
Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too!
This week, Lauren is joined by Michelle to chat about one of the simplest ways we can support our dogs every single day: what goes into their bowl. From homemade treats and nourishing meal toppers to bone broth, kefir and colourful fresh ingredients, this episode is packed with practical ideas that are easy to introduce, whatever you're currently feeding.
Rather than chasing perfection, Lauren and Michelle explore the small changes that can make a big difference over time. They share some of their favourite everyday additions, including dog-friendly omelettes, herbs, vegetables and medicinal mushroom supplements, explaining how variety can help support overall health without making feeding complicated. You'll also hear how they approach hydration and gut health, from slow-cooked bone broth and simple shaker recipes to probiotics, kefir and why keeping an eye on your dog's poo can tell you far more than you might think.
If you enjoy making things yourself, there's plenty of inspiration here too. Lauren and Michelle share easy homemade training treats, including a baked turkey recipe that's perfect for chopping into reward-sized pieces, plus frozen silicone mould treats made with simple, nutritious ingredients. Along the way, they bust a few common myths, chat about ingredients that often cause confusion, and explain why feeding your dog well doesn't have to mean spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you're looking to make training rewards a little healthier, add more variety to your dog's meals, or simply pick up a few new ideas to try this week, this episode is full of practical tips.
Want even more inspiration? Join the Devon Dogs monthly Bake Off, where we share recipes, ideas and homemade creations:
https://www.devondogs.co.uk/dog-training-events/ 
You can also download our free recipe book packed with simple, dog-friendly favourites:
https://www.devondogs.co.uk/the-amazing-recipe-book/
Support the show
If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27!

Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub

Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog -  Pro Dog Trainer Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub 

And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!