The Happy Dog Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Send us a text

In this episode, Kim and Carla dive into the real-world challenges of fitting dog training into busy, unpredictable lives. From juggling work shifts and family commitments to managing the routines of reactive or anxious dogs, they explore how flexibility—not rigid schedules—is the key to long-term success.

Kim shares how she adapts training plans to fit seamlessly into her clients’ existing lifestyles rather than adding more structure, while Carla highlights the benefits of short, frequent sessions over long training blocks. Together, they discuss how to generalize skills across different environments, prepare dogs for life transitions (like new babies or moves), and strike the perfect balance between consistency and adaptability.

Whether you’re a professional trainer or a devoted dog owner, this episode offers practical strategies to help you build routines that work for both ends of the lead. 🐾

Support the show

Don't forget to rate and review

Follow me on instagram: pooches.galore

Send us a text

In this episode, Kim sits down with canine nutritionist Cam to explore the powerful connection between what dogs eat and how they feel and behave. Together, they unpack the complexities of formulating supplements, the surprising parallels between human and canine nutrition, and why understanding gut health is essential for every dog owner and trainer. From herbs and probiotics to the myths surrounding kibble, they discuss what truly supports long-term canine wellbeing—and why education, not marketing, should guide how we feed our dogs.

Support the show

Don't forget to rate and review

Follow me on instagram: pooches.galore

Send us a text

Stillness doesn’t always mean calmness. In this episode, Kim and Carla unpack the subtle but important difference between a dog that’s settling physically and one that’s truly calm mentally.

They explore:

🐾 Why extended down-stays promoted by “balanced” trainers can create stress rather than calm

🐾 How a dog’s outside appearance isn’t always a true reflection of their inner state

🐾 Techniques for teaching natural settling without pressure—including rewarding quiet moments and using calm reward markers

🐾 The role of human energy in helping dogs relax, and why staying calm yourself matters just as much

🐾 Why some dogs love chilling in cafés while others shut down in the same environment

Through personal stories—from Kim’s cue for Stanley to “settle down” meaning “go to bed and relax,” to Carla’s work with Branwyn the lab on calm reward delivery—they show how to foster genuine calmness in dogs without forcing it.

Whether your dog struggles to switch off or you want to avoid the pitfalls of forced training methods, this episode will help you nurture relaxation in a way that feels natural and stress-free.

Support the show

Don't forget to rate and review

Follow me on instagram: pooches.galore

Send us a text

It is no surprise that I advocated for the use of positive reinforcement as much as possible when it comes to dog training. But I felt it was time to go in depth about why I promote this method of training as much as possible - so here we go! A deep dive into why I don't like punishment.

A few things that I went through in the podcast that you might want to have more information about:

Milgrams experiment: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milgram_experiment

I can't find the video I was looking for on shock collars but I will share it on my social media if I can find it.

If you have any questions, would like to add anything to the list - send me a dm on instagram: pooches.galore

To find out more about Pooches Galore:

www.poochesgalore.co.uk

Instagram: pooches.galore

Don't forget to follow and rate the podcast!

Support the show

Don't forget to rate and review

Follow me on instagram: pooches.galore

Send us a text

Last week we discussed learning that happens without us even having to think about it - which has its good and bad sides.

This week we are thinking more about intentional learning, where we are actively teaching our dogs through the consequences of their actions.

It is a controversial topic in dog training, one which we are going to get into more and more over the next few weeks.

I'm sure you have questions about this way of learning and teaching so send them over to my instagram: @pooches.galore

Find out more about Pooches Galore at:

www.pooches.galore.co.uk

Instagram: @pooches.galore

Don't forget to follow and rate the podcast!

Support the show

Don't forget to rate and review

Follow me on instagram: pooches.galore

Send us a text

Before we get into how to train dogs we have to understand the foundation of all learning, in all organisms from the smallest amoeba to humans and that is classical conditioning.

This is reflexive learning and is vital to all animals learning and survival.

Understand this first and then we can work on more complex training next week.

Remember all questions through our instagram: @pooches.galore

To find out more about Pooches Galore have a look at our website:

www.poochesgalore.co.uk

Instagram: pooches.galore

Like our podcast: don't forget to follow and review

Support the show

Don't forget to rate and review

Follow me on instagram: pooches.galore

Send us a text

Ever wanted to understand the nuts and bolts of how dogs learn? Are you an aspiring dog trainer, an interested dog owner or just want to know more about what we do and how we do it? 

This is the series for you!

We are going to go through all the different theories, when we use them, why we use them and in a special episode why we don't use some methods. 

Please send through any questions or queries that you might have via instagram (@pooches.galore)

Learn more about pooches galore: 

www.poochesgalore.co.uk

Instagram: pooches.galore

Don't forget to follow and rate the show!

Support the show

Don't forget to rate and review

Follow me on instagram: pooches.galore

Send us a text

Because Separation Anxiety has a wide range of behaviours associated with it sometimes these behaviours are due to other factors rather than separation anxiety. 

In this episode we work out what it could be if it isn't separation anxiety.

Get your questions in for our Q and A episode on Separation anxiety - the best way is through my Instagram account: @pooches.galore

Check out how I can help your dog over come separation anxiety here:

https://www.poochesgalore.co.uk/separation-anxiety

Support the show

Don't forget to rate and review

Follow me on instagram: pooches.galore

Send us a text

Helping your dog overcome separation anxiety is definitely a marathon rather than a sprint and in this podcast episode we talk about ways we can help to get to the end of the training and have a dog who is happy to be home alone!

Join in the discussion on instagram:

pooches.galore

Or if you and your dog need some help have a look at my website and fill in a contact form so we can have a chat about your dog:

https://www.poochesgalore.co.uk/separation-anxiety

Support the show

Don't forget to rate and review

Follow me on instagram: pooches.galore

Send us a text

There are a lot of ways to help dogs with separation anxiety - however, some are ways that are more effective than others. In this episode we talk about some of the mistakes people make along the way and why these are not going to help over come separation anxiety.

Join in the discussuion on Instagram:
@pooches.galore

Need help with your dogs separation anxiety?

Check out my website:
https://www.poochesgalore.co.uk/separation-anxiety

Support the show

Don't forget to rate and review

Follow me on instagram: pooches.galore