Sexier Than A Squirrel: Dog Training That Gets Real Life Results – Details, episodes & analysis

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Responsibility isn’t a vibe—it’s a skill set that protects your dog, your community, and your peace of mind. We open with a frank look at UK law and why “friendly” doesn’t matter if someone feels scared, especially when your dog is big and loud. Then we share Bonnie’s transformation from high-stakes history to steady, social companion, using practical tools any owner can apply: games-based training, thoughtful management, and stepwise freedom.

We break down the real difference size and arousal make in public spaces and how to lower risk with clear choices. You’ll hear simple ways to turn chaos into calm: teaching a rock-solid recall and proximity, introducing a positive muzzle for safety, and making off-lead time a gradual, low-pressure progression rather than an all-or-nothing leap. At the vet, we show how planning ahead—videos, car waiting, cooperative care—can prevent panic and protect everyone. At home, we talk countersurfing prevention, guest setups, pens and gates, and how tiny tweaks stop big mistakes from ever happening.

Bonnie’s “ding dong dash” routine for deliveries shows how boundaries create freedom. With selective play, capped arousal, and careful dog-to-dog intros, progress sticks and stress stays low. Games turn training into emotion change, not just obedience; management buys safety while those new habits bed in. If you’ve wondered how to juggle kindness with control, or how to move from fear of mistakes to confident, everyday wins, this is your guide to becoming your dog’s best advocate and safest leader.

If this helped you rethink responsibility, share it with someone who needs a clearer plan. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us your non‑negotiable safety habit ... we’d love to hear it.

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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Some animals step into the arena and you can feel it—the spark, the “cue me now” readiness, the sense that they want to win with you. We bring that feeling into focus with international dressage rider and team manager Beth Bainbridge, comparing notes across horses and high-drive dogs to show how trust, routines, and basics turn talent into stable, repeatable results.

Beth takes us from the highs of elite competition—national anthems, big stages, and stallions who light up—to the quiet work that makes it possible: building security on fundamentals, respecting individual preferences, and designing environments that lower friction. We dig into welfare checklists for “behaviour” problems (teeth, saddle fit, backs, vet, forage), why continuity of routine matters for older or rehomed animals, and how a calm, predictable setup protects performance. You’ll hear practical competition strategies too: filmed run-throughs, targeted training blocks, clear day-of schedules, ring walks, visualisation, and the crucial rule that the calmest handler takes over when nerves spike.

Teaching gets a playful spotlight as Beth explains how to make dressage irresistible for kids by pairing precise asks with joyful releases. We compare “hot” and cooler types—how sensitive athletes often settle with more consistent contact, and how thoughtful, steadier horses become quicker by rewarding smaller aids. Expect honest personality talk (DJ Loki vs accountant Reef), transferable routines for travelling dogs, and the shared principle that basics win under pressure.

If you care about advanced dog training, dressage performance, equine welfare, or simply building better partnerships with animals, this conversation is a blueprint. Listen, borrow what fits your world, and tell us what you’ll change in your routine today. Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the show.

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

When that adorable new puppy or rescue dog joins your household, the dream is harmony, but the reality often involves chaos, stress, and sometimes even conflict between your existing dogs and the newcomer. What if there was a better way?

Crufts Champion, Expert Naughty but Nice Dog Trainer, Lauren Langman sits down with Linda, a competitive obedience trainer who recently introduced a tiny one-kilogram poodle puppy to her household of three Border Collies - including one particularly reactive dog who typically doesn't tolerate newcomers. The surprise? Linda reports the integration has been "simple and straightforward," though certainly requiring work and knowledge.

This candid conversation reveals the stark contrast between traditional approaches to dog introductions and modern, science-based methods. Linda shares how her journey through positive training transformed her understanding of canine body language, management techniques, and the importance of advocating for resident dogs. You'll discover practical strategies like using neutral territory for first meetings, creating safe spaces with gates and crates, and managing resources to prevent tension.

Perhaps most valuable is Linda's insight into reading subtle canine signals - from a Border Collie's widening eyes indicating rising arousal to a puppy's resource guarding behaviours that need gentle intervention. Her month-long integration process demonstrates that patience yields results; her once-reactive Border Collie now plays chase games with the puppy she initially feared. What's a month compared to a lifetime of positive and fun interaction?

Whether you're considering adding a new dog to your family or struggling with integration challenges right now, this episode offers actionable advice that respects both the newcomer and your resident dogs. Most importantly, you'll gain the confidence to set your timeline rather than rushing based on others' expectations.

Ready to transform your multi-dog household management? Listen now and discover how to make your dog's world harmonious, even when it's expanding to include new dogs in your home.

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!

In this extraordinary episode, we are joined by amazing Pro Dog Trainer, Mercedes, as she recounts the challenges and triumphs of training her lovable canine companions, from the chaos of puppyhood, night terrors and training struggles to heartwarming breakthroughs, the magic of games and the transformative, positive power of concept training!

In a powerful conversation, Mercedes reflects on her journey as a PDT and how games-based training prepared her to be flexible and attuned to each dog's needs. Uncover the unexpected routines and activities that have become integral to their lives, challenging conventional wisdom and fostering a deeper connection.

As Mercedes envisions her continued growth, she shares her dreams of helping misunderstood breeds and making a positive impact in the world of dog training. Her story is not just about training dogs; it's about reshaping our understanding of their needs and the endless possibilities that come with games-based training.

Tune in now for this captivating episode and join the celebration of success, joy, and the transformative journey of a dedicated dog trainer! And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and share your biggest lightbulb moment or inspirational takeaway message with us – and remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

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!

In this inspirational and educational episode, Naughty But Nice dog owner, Pro Dog Trainer and wonderful podcast host, Dana, takes you on a journey through the challenges and triumphs she faced with her own NBN dog, Telly, a beautiful English Sheperd.

From battles with separation anxiety, leash reactivity and more to now enjoying off-leash freedom and so much more, Dana shares the heartwarming and transformative story of Telly's incredible progress through the power of positive games-based training.

Discover the emotional impact of having a reactive dog and the struggles that Dana faced, including moments of doubt and tears. Learn how Dana found hope and a path forward through AbsoluteDogs Games Club and the Naughty But Nice Bootcamps, unlocking a treasure trove of game-based training methods that led to immediate wins and measurable progress.

Dana discusses the turning points in Telly's journey, the power of advocacy for reactive dogs, and the game-changing experience of participating in AbsoluteDogs Bootcamps. Through the NBN Bootcamps, not only did Dana witness her own transformational success with Telly, she also shares incredible stories from the AbsoluteDogs community, showcasing the transformative power of games in real-life situations.

Tune in now for inspirational learning and training tips that are going to help Naughty But Nice dog owners worldwide!  Oh, and while you’re here, please leave a review for us and share your biggest lightbulb moment or inspirational takeaway message with us – and remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your NBN dog, there is always a game for that!

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!

In this exciting educational episode, we’re joined once again by rockstar Pro Dog Trainer, Sam, to dive into transformational troubleshooting tips for common training and behavior struggles for our lovable Naughty But Nice dogs all over the world!

At AbsoluteDogs, we love Naughty But Nice dogs. These are the dogs that tend to struggle with many things in life - things like confidence and optimism (they're a bit worried about life), the ability to disengage (they can't move away from what excited or worries them), independence (think SEPARATION struggles and velcro dogs!) and even calmness (they can't settle at home or seem to have TOO much energy)!

If you have a dog that has any kind of behaviour struggle, they are what we fondly refer to as NBN, or Naughty But Nice, dogs and in today’s episode, we’ve got NBN training transformation tips for you!

Have you ever wondered why your NBN dog seems to turn your backyard into a barking battleground or a fence-fight frenzy? Well, you're not alone! Join us as we peel back the layers of garden struggles and unearth the secrets to a calm canine haven.

Are you curious about why your Naughty But Nice dog barks at seemingly random things? Sam unravels the canine psyche, exposing the fear, excitement, and uncertainty that fuel those barks. Get ready for an eye-opening journey into understanding your dog's high-arousal moments and learn the secrets of boosting their confidence and disengagement skills.

Sam doesn't stop there either! She dives deep into tips that go beyond the basics. From nailing reward strategies to games like mastering Disengagement Pattern, she’ll help you discover how to turn your NBN dog's recall into a burst of positive energy, leaving anxiety in the dust.

Check out the Disengagement Pattern game, plus many more super solutions and strategies in our FREE AbsoluteDogs eBook created especially for Naughty But Nice dogs: The Unpredictable Dog Playbook!
absolutedogs.me/unpredictable

And for the canine culprits who can't resist stealing socks or other treasures, Sam shares the art of environment management and disengagement games. Enter the world of Toy Switch, a game-changing technique that transforms your Naughty But Nice dog into a pro at letting go.

Whether you're a seasoned dog parent or a newbie, these tips, tricks, and hacks are your key to overcoming common dog training struggles. Tune in now for all our exciting top tips, tricks, hacks, and solutions for some of the most common dog training struggles faced by Naughty But Nice dog owners worldwide! 

Oh, and while you’re here, please leave a review for us and share your biggest lightbulb moment or inspirational takeaway message with us – and remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your NBN dog, there is always a game for that!

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!

In this exciting episode, we’re diving back into the wonderful world of rescue dogs, joined once again by incredible Pro Dog Trainer Katrin, who is back to share her inspiring story of love, hope and a journey of transformation through games-based training with her rescue dog, Clyde.

Clyde, a Westie with a challenging past, arrived in Katrin's life with a history of aggression, chronic anxiety, and reactivity due to past aversive experiences. But Katrin saw the potential in Clyde, and their journey together has been nothing short of remarkable. It's a tale of resilience, learning, and the power of games-based training in turning struggles into strengths.

The road to progress wasn't always smooth, with Clyde's reactivity posing challenges, however, Katrin's determination, self-compassion, and commitment to Clyde's well-being shone through. As they tackled the transformation plan together, Katrin learned the importance of being kind to herself and recognising that Clyde's behaviour was a result of his past, not his fault. They celebrated every small victory, and their journey led them to explore agility, deepening their connection.

Today, Clyde has evolved into Clyde 2.0, with reduced reactivity and increased calmness and happiness. Training is not always a straight path, but with patience, perseverance, and the right support network, transformation is possible.

If you've adopted a rescue dog or are facing challenges with your canine companion, Katrin's story is a beacon of inspiration. She encourages us to focus on what our dogs can do, embrace the journey, and be kind to ourselves along the way. 

Tune in now for this inspirational adventure of love and hope! And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and share your biggest lightbulb moment or inspirational takeaway message with us – and remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

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!

In this exciting episode, we’re joined by superstar Pro Dog Trainer, Sam, to explore the magical, transformational world of dog training management!

We’ll be uncovering strategies and real-life secrets of effective dog training using management - and why it’s totally fine to use when it’s needed, but it doesn’t have to be forever!

In this episode, Sam reveals her expert insights into what management means in dog training, and how it can be a game-changer for both dogs and their owners. Discover how management acts as a crucial aide to reduce unwanted behaviours in your dog, while simultaneously helping you guide them towards the behaviours you desire.

Join us as Sam shares real-life examples of how she has successfully implemented management techniques with her own dogs and clients. From dealing with guests to handling distractions outdoors, Sam's wisdom will leave you with valuable takeaways for your own dog training journey.

If you've ever wondered about the role of management in dog training or how to strike the perfect balance between management and training, this episode is a must-listen. Sam's expert advice and practical tips will help you navigate the magic of management and take your dog training to the next level.

Tune in now, and listen as the magic unfolds! And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and share your biggest lightbulb moment or inspirational takeaway message with us – and remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

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!

In this episode, we’re joined by Gamechanger Kev, a rockstar Pro Dog Trainer who's here to help you conquer one of the quirkiest challenges in dog training - the sniffy dog - and how you can become not just sexier than the squirrel, but sexier than the sniff too!

Does your canine companion get lost in a world of scents the moment you step out the door? You're not alone. Kev knows the struggle all too well, going through it with his sniffy Labradoodle, River, so today, he’s bringing some fantastic tips and tricks, as well as some hints and hacks to bring your dog's focus back to you while still letting them enjoy the world of scent.

From fun games to play to putting sniffing on cue to make it a valuable experience your dog gets to share with you and so much more, this episode is for ALL the sniffy dogs out there!

Kev has the inside scoop on making your dog training journey more exciting and engaging than ever, with movement-based games, sneaky interrupters and valuable reward strategies and management techniques. You won't want to miss this episode!

If you want to learn more about games for sniffy dogs - or how you can grow your dog's focus on you, check out this AbsoluteDogs YouTube video! With Magic Hand and so much more, it's full of win-win strategies to combat those sniffing struggles!

Tune in now, and let the adventure begin! And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and share your biggest lightbulb moment or inspirational takeaway message with us – and remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

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!

In this insightful episode, we’re joined by Katrin, an amazing Pro Dog Trainer who is here to share her extraordinary experience as a passionate rescue dog advocate.

Join us as Katrin takes us on a journey of learning and understanding that a dog's past doesn't define its potential, dispelling the myths and labels society often attaches to rescue dogs.

In this episode, you'll discover how rescue dogs can surprise us with their unique personalities and quirks once they feel safe and loved. They can teach us valuable lessons in patience, adaptability, and the art of celebrating the little wins in life. You'll also learn how game-based training and the concept of working with "the dog in front of you" can empower rescue dogs to thrive and unlock their full potential.

Get ready to embark on a journey into the heartwarming world of rescue dogs, where stories of transformation, patience, and unconditional love come to life.

Tune in now, and let the adventure begin! And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and share your biggest lightbulb moment or inspirational takeaway message with us – and remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

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!