In this episode, Lisa sits down with Kelly Wolfe from Wolfe Dogs to unpack the wild world of “unemployed working dogs” those brilliant, high-drive dogs who were bred for big jobs but now find themselves living in our modern pet homes. Kelly shares her background working with some of the most driven breeds out there and explains why so many of these dogs struggle when their instincts don’t match their daily life.

Together, they explore what these dogs were truly designed for, the welfare issues that show up when their needs go unmet and what owners can do to work with genetics instead of constantly fighting against them.

🔹 Kelly and Lisa talk about:

• What an “unemployed working dog” really is
• Why high-drive breeds are struggling more than ever
• The behaviours that pop up when dogs feel under-fulfilled
• How to channel herding, hunting, or guarding instincts safely
• One small lifestyle change owners can make today
• How to reframe “naughty” behaviour as communication
• Why nuance matters in conversations about training tools
• What structure and clarity actually mean for powerful, driven dogs
• What a fulfilled working dog looks like physically, mentally, emotionally
• Kelly’s favourite enrichment ideas for purpose-bred dogs

It’s an eye-opening conversation for anyone living with a dog who feels like they’ve got a full-time job no one hired them for. Tune in to learn how to meet your dog’s needs in a way that builds connection, confidence and calm. 🎧🐕

Kelly’s Links:
Wolfe Dogs Website
Wolfe Dogs Instagram
Wolfe Dogs Facebook
Email Kelly: hello@wolfedogs.nz