Listen Dog Training: The Walk & Talk

Extinction Bursts: Why Dog Behaviour Gets Worse Before It Changes (And What To Do About It!)

If you’ve ever felt like your dog’s behaviour is getting worse just as you start training properly… this episode will completely change how you see that moment.
Because what most people interpret as regression or stubbornness is often something very different... It’s an extinction burst.
And understanding this phenomenon properly is one of the most important shifts you can make if you want to create real, lasting behaviour change in your dog.
In this episode, we go far beyond the basic definition and unpack what’s actually happening inside your dog’s learning system when behaviour escalates, why this moment is so critical, and how so many well-meaning owners accidentally reinforce the very behaviours they’re trying to reduce… without even realising it.
We explore the science of reinforcement history, prediction error, and behavioural persistence, and (most importantly!) translate all of that into clear, practical strategies you can apply in your everyday training.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What an extinction burst actually is
Why behaviour often intensifies before it improves - and what that really means
How reinforcement history and intermittent reinforcement make behaviours so persistent
The critical mistake that can accidentally make problem behaviours stronger during training
What’s happening in your dog’s brain when expectations are disrupted
How the nervous system plays a role in behavioural escalation and dysregulation
Why 'just ignoring' the bad behaviour is not a complete or effective strategy
How to prevent reinforcing unwanted behaviour without increasing stress or pressure
What true consistency looks like from your dog’s perspective
How to navigate this phase with clarity, confidence, and emotional steadiness
🚀 Ready to take this work to the next level?
The Listen Dog Training Membership is now OPEN - and this is where we put everything you’ve learned in this episode into action.
Inside, you’ll get structured training, ongoing guidance, and a supportive community where you can grow your skills, get feedback, and truly master your dog’s behaviour.
👉 Join here: The Listen Dog Training Online Club
📱 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!

Why Your Dog Loses Control on the Way to Exciting Things (And How to Fix It)

Does your dog completely lose their mind on the way to the park, the field, daycare, agility, or anywhere exciting?
Think whining... barking... pulling... frantic energy... A dog who seems SO overstimulated by the anticipation of where they’re going that they just can’t cope?!
This is about arousal, anticipation, nervous system regulation, dopamine-driven behaviour, and the emotional patterns that cause dogs to spiral long before they even arrive at the exciting thing.
I’ll break down exactly what’s happening inside your dog’s brain and body, why this behaviour often spreads over time, and how to begin creating real emotional regulation instead of just trying to suppress barking in the moment.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How anticipation and dopamine fuel over-arousal
Why barking is often the overflow behaviour of an overwhelmed nervous system
How excitement can become rehearsed and strengthened over time
The role of emotional regulation in behaviour change
How to lower your dog’s baseline arousal levels
How to build frustration tolerance and impulse control safely
The importance of breaking apart predictive behaviour chains
How to systematically rebuild calm around exciting routines
🚀 Ready to take this work to the next level?
The Listen Dog Training Membership is now OPEN - and this is where we put everything you’ve learned in this episode into action!
Inside, you’ll get structured training, ongoing guidance, and a supportive community where you can grow your skills, get feedback, and truly master your dog’s behaviour.
👉 Join here: The Listen Dog Training Online Club - Listen Dog Training
📱 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!

Prey Drive: Why It Feels Impossible to Train (And How to Change That)

🚀 Ready to take this work to the next level?
The Listen Dog Training Membership is now OPEN - and this is where we put everything you’ve learned in this episode into action.
Inside, you’ll get structured training, ongoing guidance, and a supportive community where you can grow your skills, get feedback, and truly master your dog’s behaviour.
👉 Join here: https://listendogtraining.com/online-dog-training-club
👉 Get 10% off Tug-e-Nuff Dog Toys here 
📱 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!
In this episode, we take a deep dive into what prey drive actually is - from a behavioural and neurological perspective - so you can stop fighting against your dog’s instincts and start working with them.
We explore why chasing is so powerful, why it can override everything else, and why traditional training approaches often fall short. But most importantly, we break down how to approach this in a modern, effective, and genuinely empowering way, so you can start to build real progress that actually holds up in the real world.
This isn’t about just distracting your dog with treats or trying to shut the behaviour down, it’s about understanding the system… and learning how to work within it.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What prey drive actually is (and why it’s not a ‘bad behaviour’ your dog is choosing)
The science behind the predatory motor pattern and how different breeds express it
Why chasing is so neurologically rewarding, and why that matters for your training
The three key pillars to making real progress with prey drive: fulfilment, patterning, and arousal regulation
How to stop trying to fix things in the moment - and where the real work actually happens
Practical ways to channel your dog’s chase instinct into structured, productive outlets
How to build engagement and orientation that can stand up to real-world distractions
The role of your dog’s nervous system - and why regulation is a non-negotiable piece of the puzzle
The mindset shift that will completely change how you approach this challenge
If prey drive has been the thing that makes you feel stuck, frustrated, or like you’re failing in your training… this episode will give you a completely different lens, and a clear path forward.

The 5 Fastest Ways to Improve Your Dog’s Recall - Starting Today

Struggling with recall? Feeling like your dog knows it… but just doesn’t do it when it actually matters?
This episode is going to change the way you think about recall training completely.
Because reliable recall isn’t about shouting louder, repeating yourself, or hoping your dog chooses you over the environment. It’s about understanding why your dog makes the decisions they do… and learning how to shift those decisions in your favour.
In this episode, I’m breaking down five of the fastest, most effective ways to start improving your dog’s recall immediately, using modern, science-led training principles that actually work in real life.
These are practical, actionable strategies you can start using today, on your very next walk, to build a dog who truly wants to come back to you.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why recall is a choice, not a command, and how to stack the odds in your favour
How you might be accidentally poisoning your recall cue (and what to do instead)
The concept of reinforcement history - and why it matters more than the treats you use
How to use the environment as a reward (so recall stops competing with distractions)
The powerful role of behavioural patterns - and how to make recall feel exciting and unpredictable
Why your dog’s nervous system state impacts recall more than you think
Simple, immediate changes you can make today to start seeing progress fast
If you’re ready to take this even further and build a fast, reliable, racing recall, step by step, I’ve created a dedicated training pack that walks you through the entire process in a clear, structured, and achievable way.
Inside, you’ll learn exactly how to build speed, enthusiasm, and reliability into your recall - even around distractions - using the same science-led methods I teach my clients.
👉 You can check out my Racing Recall Training Pack here.
📱 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!

How to Stop Using Treats Without Ruining Your Dog’s Training

At what point should you stop using treats in dog training?
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re relying too much on food, or worried that your dog will only listen if you’ve got snacks in your pocket… this episode is going to completely shift how you think about reinforcement.
In this episode, we’re diving deep into the science - unpacking when it’s essential to keep using food (especially with nervous or sensitive dogs), when it’s appropriate to start reducing it, and how to do that in a way that actually makes behaviour stronger, not weaker.
We’ll explore the powerful role of counter conditioning, why food is so much more than just a reward in those moments, and how removing it too early can quietly undo your progress.
And then… we’ll zoom out and look at one of the most fascinating principles in behavioural science: variable reinforcement.
The same mechanism that drives habits, addictions, and even social media scrolling… is something you can use intentionally to build incredibly resilient, reliable behaviour in your dog.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why it’s not time to phase out treats if your dog is still feeling unsure, nervous, or reactive
The difference between using food for behaviour vs. using it to change emotional responses
What counter conditioning really is, and why consistency matters more than reducing treats
When and how to introduce a variable schedule of reinforcement
Why reducing rewards (at the right time) can actually make behaviour stronger
What an extinction burst is, and why it’s a good sign - not a problem
How to start moving from food rewards to real-life: functional reinforcement
The biggest mistake dog owners make when trying to ‘wean off’ treats
🚀 Ready to take your training to the next level?
The Listen Dog Training Membership is now OPEN - and this is where we put everything you’ve learned in this episode into action.
Inside, you’ll get structured training, ongoing guidance, and a supportive community where you can grow your skills, get feedback, and truly master your dog’s behaviour.
👉 Join here: https://listendogtraining.com/online-dog-training-club
📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @‌listendogtraining
👉 Get 20% off Wilson's fresh and cold pressed dog food range here
🎧 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!

Why You’re Burnt Out With Dog Training (And How to Fall Back in Love With It)

If dog training has started to feel heavy, frustrating, or like something you’re constantly getting wrong… this episode is going to feel like a breath of fresh air.
Inspired by the powerful ideas in Feel-Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal, I’m breaking down how shifting your emotional approach to training - away from urgency and towards enjoyment - can completely transform your results.
This isn’t about doing less… It’s about doing things differently!
You’ll learn how to take the pressure off, reconnect with your dog, and rediscover the joy in training, while still making meaningful, lasting progress.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why pressure and urgency are actually blocking your dog’s progress
How your emotional state directly impacts your dog’s behaviour (and what to do about it)
The concept of ‘side quests’ and how to use them to make training feel fun again
How to simplify your training so it feels achievable, not overwhelming
The neuroscience behind why positive emotion accelerates learning
How to create a feel-good training loop that builds motivation and consistency
A simple, practical structure you can use on your very next walk
The powerful mindset shift that will help you stop chasing perfection and start seeing real progress
🚀 Ready to take this work to the next level?
The Listen Dog Training Membership is now OPEN! 🎉 and this is where we put everything you’ve learned in this episode into action. Inside, you’ll get structured training, ongoing guidance, and a supportive community where you can grow your skills, get feedback, and truly master your dog’s behaviour.
👉 Join here: The Listen Dog Training Online Club - Listen Dog Training
📱 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!

Have We Been Doing Reactivity Training Wrong?

If you’ve ever felt like your reactive dog can only cope when you’re fully switched on, armed with treats, and managing every second - you are not imagining it.
In this episode, we’re diving into a powerful (and slightly uncomfortable) question: what if treats alone aren’t creating the kind of lasting change you’re hoping for?
Inspired by Grisha Stewart’s BAT, we explore the difference between traditional counter conditioning and a more autonomy-driven approach to behaviour change… one that prioritises distance, choice, and your dog’s ability to actually process the world around them.
This isn’t about throwing out what you’ve been taught; it’s about refining it, deepening it, and understanding when to step in… and when to step back.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why counter conditioning can sometimes create progress that feels fragile or dependent on you
What’s really happening inside your dog’s brain when you use food vs. when you allow observation and space
The key concept of control and agency—and why it’s critical for reducing reactivity
How BAT-style setups help dogs process triggers instead of just “coping” around them
The difference between a dog who is trained around triggers… and one who genuinely feels safe
How to start blending both approaches to create more resilient, independent behaviour
When to step in and actively train… and when doing less will actually create more progress
🚀 Ready to take this work to the next level?
The Listen Dog Training Membership is now OPEN - and this is where we put everything you’ve learned in this episode into action.
Inside, you’ll get structured training, ongoing guidance, and a supportive community where you can grow your skills, get feedback, and truly master your dog’s behaviour.
👉 Join here: https://listendogtraining.com/online-dog-training-club
📱 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!

You’re Not Inconsistent... You’re Overwhelmed: The Real Reason Dog Training Isn’t Sticking

In this episode of The Walk & Talk, we’ll explore the hidden reason many training plans fall apart: cognitive overload. When owners are trying to remember too many techniques, rules, and instructions at once, the brain simply can’t execute them reliably in real-life situations.
This episode dives into the psychology of habit formation, the neuroscience of overwhelm, and why simple systems outperform perfect training plans every time.
You’ll learn:
Why inconsistency is usually a symptom, not the problem
How cognitive overload sabotages good intentions
Why most training advice fails real households
How to create a realistic training rhythm that actually sticks
The simple ‘3-anchor system’ that will get you out of a training rut
If training feels messy, frustrating, or like something you’re constantly falling behind on - this episode will completely change how you see the problem... and give you the solution!
🚀 Ready to take this work to the next level?
The Listen Dog Training Membership is now OPEN - and this is where we put everything you’ve learned in this episode into action.
Inside, you’ll get structured training, ongoing guidance, and a supportive community where you can grow your skills, get feedback, and truly master your dog’s behaviour.
👉 Join here: https://listendogtraining.com/online-dog-training-club
📱 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!

Did My Dog Forget Their Socialisation? Understanding Fear, Adolescence and the Teenage Brain

Have you ever felt like your dog suddenly ‘forgot’ all their puppy socialisation?
One minute they were happily greeting strangers, confidently exploring the world, and strolling through busy environments without a care… and the next, they’re barking at people, hesitating in places they used to love, or acting unsure about things that were never a problem before.
If you’re living with a teenage dog and wondering what on earth happened - this episode is for you.
We’ll explore the neuroscience behind why confident puppies can suddenly become cautious teenagers, and why this stage is far more normal (and temporary) than many owners realise.
You’ll learn why adolescence is a critical period of brain development, how neural pathways are being refined during this time, and why your dog’s threat detection system might be working a little overtime.
Most importantly, I’ll walk you through how to respond in a way that genuinely builds your dog’s confidence, rather than accidentally making things harder.
In this episode, you'll learn:
What synaptic pruning is and how the teenage brain restructures learning
Why the brain follows a ‘use it or lose it’ rule during development
How the amygdala becomes more sensitive during adolescence
Why teenage dogs are more likely to notice novelty and potential threats in their environment
The science behind adolescent fear periods and why they exist
Why early puppy socialisation is still incredibly valuable - even if your dog seems to regress
How confidence actually develops in the brain through positive experiences
Why pushing exposure too quickly can backfire with nervous adolescent dogs
Practical ways to rebuild confidence through manageable environments and thoughtful training
If you’re navigating the rollercoaster of adolescence with your dog right now, this episode will give you reassurance, science-backed insight, and practical guidance to help you support your dog through this critical developmental stage.
🚀 Ready to take this work to the next level?
The Listen Dog Training Membership is now OPEN - and this is where we put everything you’ve learned in this episode into action.
Inside, you’ll get structured training, ongoing guidance, and a supportive community where you can grow your skills, get feedback, and truly master your dog’s behaviour.
👉 Join here: https://listendogtraining.com/online-dog-training-club
📱 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!

Why Your Dog Steals Everything (And How to Stop Counter Surfing for Good)

If your dog steals everything in sight -  food off the counter, socks from the laundry, tea towels, remote controls, or anything they can grab - you are absolutely not alone.
In this episode of The Walk & Talk, we dive deep into the science behind stealing and counter surfing so you can finally understand why this behaviour happens, why it becomes such a persistent habit, and how to solve it.
We’ll explore the fascinating neuroscience behind dogs’ scavenging instincts, how the dopamine seeking system makes counter surfing incredibly addictive, and why adolescent dogs are especially prone to opportunistic behaviour.
Most importantly, I’ll walk you through the practical training and management strategies that actually work!
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why counter surfing is so common in adolescent dogs
The powerful dopamine-driven seeking system that motivates dogs to investigate food
How variable reinforcement makes stealing extremely persistent
Why chasing your dog or grabbing items can accidentally turn stealing into a game
The role of impulse control development in teenage dogs
Why management is not failure - and why it’s actually a critical part of behaviour change
How to teach alternative behaviours so your dog learns what to do instead of stealing
Practical training to build food neutrality and impulse control
How enrichment, chewing outlets, and mental stimulation reduce opportunistic behaviours
Why this phase often improves dramatically as your dog matures
🚀 Ready to take this work to the next level?
The Listen Dog Training Membership is now OPEN - and this is where I can help you put everything you’ve learned in this episode into action.
Inside, you’ll get structured training, ongoing guidance, and a supportive community where you can grow your skills, get feedback, and truly master your dog’s behaviour.
👉 Join here: https://listendogtraining.com/online-dog-training-club
📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @‌listendogtraining