Listen Dog Training: The Walk & Talk

Why Your Dog Won’t Stop Barking & What Their Brain Is Trying to Tell You

If your dog is constantly barking at every noise, every passerby, every movement outside the window—or even just at nothing at all—it’s not just annoying… it’s a message.
In this episode, we dig deep beneath the barking to uncover what’s really going on inside your dog’s brain. Spoiler alert: the barking isn’t the real problem. It’s a symptom of something much deeper—nervous system dysregulation.
Whether your dog is hyper-alert, always on edge, or struggling to settle at home, this episode will give you the science, the insight, and the practical tools to help them feel truly safe—and finally bring calm back to your household.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why barking becomes neurologically reinforced, even without 'training' it
What the amygdala, HPA axis, and nervous system have to do with reactivity
The signs your dog is stuck in a hypervigilant state (that aren’t just barking)
Why popular 'quiet' cues or corrections often make things worse
Three transformative strategies to help your dog feel safe enough to stop barking
How to use decompression walks, environmental safety, and co-regulation
Ways to build a calm baseline in your home that supports long-term change
The mindset shift that helps you train with more clarity, compassion, and confidence
This is the kind of episode that can change everything... not just for your dog, but for your relationship, too!
💻 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 so that I can keep going, and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

Move with Meaning: Dopamine, Body Language & How Dogs Really Read You

Before you even say a word, your dog has already read your body like a book… and made a decision.
In this juicy deep dive, we’re exploring the hidden power of movement, body language, spatial pressure, and proximity in dog training - and how understanding these subtle signals can completely transform your dog’s focus, behaviour, and emotional state.
But that’s not all.
We’re also pulling back the curtain on dopamine - the motivation molecule - and how it shapes your dog’s ability to learn, anticipate rewards, and stay engaged with you in even the most distracting environments. This episode is packed with insight, science, and real-world strategies to help you become magnetic to your dog… no treats required (well, not just treats 😉).
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How dogs read your body language with precision—and why it matters more than wordsThe role of pressure and proximity in shaping canine behaviour
What dopamine really is (spoiler: it's not just about pleasure)
Why anticipation is more powerful than the reward itself
How to build value in your presence through small, intentional changes
Practical, science-backed strategies to gamify your life together and drive engagement
How to become a walking cue for joy, safety, and reinforcement
💻 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 this episode gave you an “aha!” moment, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared the episode with a fellow dog lover—it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

How Learning Actually Works in Dogs — Timing, Feedback Loops & Habit Formation

If you’ve ever wondered why your dog sometimes seems to ‘forget’ things they definitely know… or why your training works great at home but falls apart in the real world — this episode is going to change the game.
We’re diving deep into the actual mechanics of how dogs learn — not the myths, not the guesswork, but the real, science-backed strategies that help behaviours stick.
Whether you’re brand new to dog training or you've been at it for years, this episode will help you sharpen your timing, truly understand feedback loops, and train in a way that actually works for your dog’s brain.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why timing is EVERYTHING — and how to master it without overwhelm
How clickers and marker words act like timestamps for your dog’s brain
What a feedback loop is and how to use it to supercharge learning
Why your dog doesn’t always repeat behaviours that get rewarded — and what to do about it
The secret to creating lasting habits that don’t fall apart under pressure
How to spot the missing link when a behaviour isn’t working
Empowering mindset shifts that will make you a clearer, more confident trainer
💻 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 this episode gave you an “aha!” moment, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared the episode with a fellow dog lover — it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

Breed-Specific Enrichment: Exactly How To Hack Your Dog’s DNA For Better Behaviour

Is your dog bored, hyper, reactive or destructive — even though you thought you were giving them enough exercise and attention? It might not be a behaviour problem... it might be an enrichment mismatch.
In this jam-packed episode, I’m diving into one of the most transformative topics in dog training: breed-specific enrichment. We’ll explore how understanding your dog’s original working purpose can unlock a totally different level of calmness, connection, and trainability.
This isn’t about generic food puzzles or 'wearing them out.' This is about using science, history, and smart training to give your dog the life their brain and body were designed for.
Whether you live with a Labrador, a Dachshund, or a Staffy… this one’s for you.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why breed-specific enrichment is the missing link for many behaviour struggles
How unmet instincts lead to frustration, reactivity, and training challenges
The UK’s most popular dog breeds decoded — and what they really need
How to create enriching activities that satisfy your dog’s brain and body
The difference between enrichment and stimulation (and why it matters)
How to turn everyday moments into powerful outlets for your dog’s natural drives
The role of structured tasks in preventing over-arousal
Practical enrichment ideas for Poodles, Labradors, Staffies, GSDs, Dachshunds, and more
How to be the trainer your dog was bred to need
💻 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! I’d love to hear how you’re using breed-specific enrichment in your own training:
Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining
🎧 If this episode gave you an “aha!” moment, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared the episode with a fellow dog lover—it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

The Missing Link: Why Engagement Taught Like THIS Will Transform Your Dog Training

Is your dog tuned out when it matters most? Do they ignore your cues outside, even though they know it at home? You’re not alone — and the issue isn’t obedience... it’s engagement.
In this value-packed episode, we’re digging into what engagement really means, why it’s the key to joyful, reliable training, and how to become the most reinforcing thing in your dog’s world — without nagging, bribing, or losing your cool.
Whether you’re training a distracted adolescent, building confidence with a reactive dog, or just wanting to feel more connected, this episode is full of science-backed strategies and lightbulb moments to help you turn disconnection into partnership.
🧠 In this episode, you’ll learn:
What engagement really is — and why it’s more important than obedience
Why your dog might be ignoring you (and how to fix it)
How dopamine shapes focus, motivation, and connection
Three powerful exercises to boost your dog’s engagement right away
How to reinforce proximity, attention, and commitment — every single day
The mindset shift that turns training into teamwork
🎓 Ready to go deeper?
Transform your dog’s attention, focus, and connection in just three weeks with my brand new 21-Day Engagement Training Course.
It’s on sale until the end of June, and as a podcast listener you can use the code PODCAST10 for an extra 10% off!
💻 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
📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining
🎧 If this episode gave you an “aha!” moment, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared the episode with a fellow dog lover — it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

Cortisol vs Connection: How Stress Hijacks Your Dog’s Brain (And How to Help)

In this powerful, science-backed episode, we dive deep into one of the most misunderstood challenges in dog training: stress.
If your dog ‘knows it at home’ but forgets everything outside, or seems to shut down, bark, lunge, or completely ignore you in the real world — there’s likely something big happening under the surface. That ‘bad’ behaviour? It’s often the result of cortisol, the stress hormone that literally hijacks your dog’s brain.
This episode is a game-changer if you want to stop feeling stuck, and start understanding your dog on a deeper level.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What cortisol is and how it affects your dog’s brain and body
The neuroscience behind why dogs zone out or stop listening
How chronic stress erodes connection and blocks learning
Real-life signs that your dog’s stress levels are too high
Why exposure and pressure can actually backfire
How to lower cortisol and support your dog’s nervous system
Actionable strategies to build trust, resilience, and deeper connection
Whether you're raising a reactive dog, supporting a nervous rescue, or just want to be the best possible human for your pup — this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and totally empowered.
🛒 Want more support, science-led training, or to work with me?
Explore my courses, digital products, and freebies at:🌐 www.listendogtraining.com
🐶 Follow me on social for daily training tips, behind-the-scenes, and all things connection:
📲 TikTok & Instagram: @listendogtraining
 
✨ Don't forget to subscribe, rate & review the show — it really helps this podcast reach more brilliant dog people like you!

The 3 Daily Routine Tweaks That Will Turn Your Wild, Chaotic Dog Into a Calm, Focused Companion

In this episode of The Walk & Talk, I’m diving deep into transforming your wild, chaotic dog into a calm, focused companion - using just three daily routine tweaks. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by endless pulling on the lead or overwhelming distractions on your walks, this episode is your blueprint for change. I reveal simple, science-backed methods that not only reshape how your dog behaves, but also strengthen your bond and make every walk a joyous adventure together. Whether you're a seasoned dog owner or just starting out, these actionable insights will empower you to reclaim control and enjoy a more fulfilling life with your canine companion.
In this episode, you'll learn:
The #1 mistake dog owners make during walks (and how to fix it)
How to use your dog’s food to build engagement and focus right from the start of the walk
The perfect 5-part walk routine that will set your dog up for success every time
The boundary-setting techniques you need at home to stop unwanted behaviors
Simple, actionable steps to bring calm and connection into your everyday routine
💻 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! I’d love to hear how you’re using the dopamine trick in your own training:
Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining
🎧 If this episode gave you an “aha!” moment, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared the episode with a fellow dog lover—it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

Relationship-Based Training: Buzzword or Breakthrough?

In this episode, we’ll dive deep into one of the most popular - and misunderstood - concepts in modern dog training: relationship-based training.
Is it just another fluffy social media trend, or is it a powerful, science-backed training philosophy that can change your dog’s behaviour and your bond forever?
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What defines relationship-based training — and how it differs from other methods
The neuroscience behind why your dog’s relationship with you matters more than you think
How to use your bond as a training tool, not a reason to delay teaching
Why boundaries and clarity are essential
The difference between being present and actually engaging with your dog
How to become more reinforcing than the environment, using smart training instead of just affection
Five practical pillars to begin relationship-based training today — including engagement games, communication systems, and the power of play
Whether you’re a seasoned trainer or just getting started, this episode will give you fresh clarity, new tools, and a recharged sense of purpose when it comes to your connection with your dog.
 
💻 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! I’d love to hear how you’re using the dopamine trick in your own training:Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @‌listendogtraining
🎧 If this episode gave you an “aha!” moment, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared the episode with a fellow dog lover—it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

To Spay Or Not To Spay: The Truth About Hormones, Health & Behaviour

Thinking about whether or not to spay your female dog? Or when the right time might be? This episode of The Walk & Talk is here to guide you through the real facts... not the outdated one-size-fits-all advice, not the guilt trips, and definitely not the fear-mongering.
We’ll explore the risks, the benefits, the behavioural impacts, and the hormonal picture, so you can make a decision that’s truly right for your individual dog.
Whether you’re navigating your first ever season with your pup, wondering about long-term health effects, or feeling pressure from outdated advice, this episode will help you feel informed, calm, and confident.
🎧 In this episode, you'll learn:
What the spay procedure actually involves and how it differs from neutering males
How oestrogen affects your female dog’s development, brain, joints, and behaviour
The potential behavioural changes that may occur after spaying
Why timing really matters—and why early isn’t always better
The risks of mammary cancer and how that risk increases over time
What pyometra is, why it’s so serious, and how to spot it early
What to expect during your dog’s seasons (if you delay or opt not to spay)
How to weigh up the decision based on breed, behaviour, lifestyle, and health
Why there is no one-size-fits-all answer—and how to make a choice that suits you
💻 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! I’d love to hear how you’re using the dopamine trick in your own training:
Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @‌listendogtraining
🎧 If this episode gave you an “aha!” moment, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared the episode with a fellow dog lover—it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

The Dopamine Secret: How to Make Your Dog Choose You Over the World

Ever wondered why your dog seems more interested in a leaf blowing down the street than your recall cue? Or why their ears perk up at the sound of the fridge but not your voice?
It all comes down to one powerful brain chemical: dopamine.
In this episode of The Walk & Talk, I’m diving deep into the science of dopamine and how you can use it to massively boost your training results, strengthen your bond, and finally become more reinforcing than literally everything else in your dog’s world.
Whether you’re working on recall, loose lead walking, or just want to be your dog’s favourite thing again—this episode is packed with insight and practical tweaks you can start using today.
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:
💡What dopamine actually is—and how it affects your dog’s behaviour💡Why anticipation is just as powerful as the reward itself💡How to make your training more engaging and brain-boosting💡Simple ways to create dopamine spikes using rewards, patterns and movement💡How to use surprise, variety and play to make YOU the most exciting part of your dog’s day💡Real-life examples of tweaks that create faster, more reliable results
 
💻 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! I’d love to hear how you’re using the dopamine trick in your own training:
 Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining
🎧 If this episode gave you an “aha!” moment, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared the episode with a fellow dog lover—it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!