Sexier Than A Squirrel: Dog Training That Gets Real Life Results
absoluteDogs
309 episodes
1 day ago
Send us a text A normal training day. A happy cocker spaniel. Then a sudden shift - arched back, tucked tail, fever, vomiting - and a rush into a world of labs, ultrasound, and impossible choices. We sit with Debbie as she relives Marley’s final hours, from the first quiet signs to an emergency diagnosis of gallbladder mucocele, a condition that often hides. Beyond medicine lies the heart. Debbie names the shock few dare to say out loud: when a heart dog dies young, grief can break the body....
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Send us a text A normal training day. A happy cocker spaniel. Then a sudden shift - arched back, tucked tail, fever, vomiting - and a rush into a world of labs, ultrasound, and impossible choices. We sit with Debbie as she relives Marley’s final hours, from the first quiet signs to an emergency diagnosis of gallbladder mucocele, a condition that often hides. Beyond medicine lies the heart. Debbie names the shock few dare to say out loud: when a heart dog dies young, grief can break the body....
Send us a text A normal training day. A happy cocker spaniel. Then a sudden shift - arched back, tucked tail, fever, vomiting - and a rush into a world of labs, ultrasound, and impossible choices. We sit with Debbie as she relives Marley’s final hours, from the first quiet signs to an emergency diagnosis of gallbladder mucocele, a condition that often hides. Beyond medicine lies the heart. Debbie names the shock few dare to say out loud: when a heart dog dies young, grief can break the body....
Send us a text Grief is heavy; choice is heavier. We open the door to a conversation many avoid: how to make humane, timely end-of-life decisions for our dogs and other animals without surrendering dignity to fear or delay. Through real stories—a goat with Johne’s disease, a Labrador remembered with regret, a joyful dog named Eazy whose last morning was full of play ... we map the emotional terrain and the practical steps that lead to a kinder farewell. We talk about the hard calls that vets...
Send us a text 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...
Send us a text 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 t...
Send us a text We challenge the tired story that Huskies are untrainable and show how early game‑based work, smart reinforcement, and flexible routines create calm, reliable dogs. From recalls around deer to safe outlets for the full predatory chain, we share what works and what to skip. • starting early with games to prevent bad rehearsal • building motivation with ditch‑the‑bowl and animated rewards • reframing stubbornness as perseverance and independence • delaying cues until behaviour i...
Send us a text The hardest part of “socialising your puppy” isn’t getting out the door—it’s knowing when to say no. We unpack the difference between ticking boxes and shaping feelings, contrasting Rupert, a sensitive dog overexposed to chaotic greetings and traditional classes, with Tokyo, a dog raised on low-drama, consistently positive experiences. The takeaway is simple and powerful: quality beats quantity. A handful of safe, well-managed exposures paired with concept games builds neutrali...
Send us a text The words “no pressure” can make you feel all the pressure. We pull back the curtain on how stress sneaks into training and competition, how it leaks down the lead, and what it takes to build a team that holds together when the stakes feel high. From a near‑perfect run that unravelled at the last jump to the quiet wins in everyday pet training, we share what we’ve learned about mindset, arousal, and the stories we tell ourselves. We discuss the difference between healthy press...
Send us a text The heart-stopping moment when you realise your dog has vanished is something no pet owner wants to experience. Yet when Linda's tiny toy poodle Bobble disappeared during what should have been a routine walk, it led to valuable lessons that challenge everything we think we know about finding missing dogs. This compelling episode takes you through the entire emotional journey – from the split-second accident that led to Bobble's disappearance to the counterintuitive strategies ...
Send us a text The road to recovery after canine surgery can feel overwhelming and restrictive. Between strict activity limitations, wound management, and preventing your dog from causing further damage, rehabilitation periods often leave pet owners feeling helpless and frustrated. Lauren Langman and guest Alice share their first-hand experiences navigating this challenging journey, offering practical wisdom that transforms recovery from a limitation into an opportunity. Alice's powerful sto...
Send us a text Three hundred episodes and 4.2 million downloads! What started as a simple DVD in the early days of Facebook has grown into a worldwide movement transforming dog training as we know it. In this milestone celebration, host Lauren Langman sits down with trainer Sam to reflect on their games-based training journeys. Sam shares how her relationship with her first dog was deteriorating until she discovered a training approach that emphasized fun and flexibility over rigid commands....
Send us a text When Karen's dog Rupert bit her father, it could have spelled disaster for family relationships and dog-sitting arrangements. Instead, it became a powerful learning opportunity that transformed their approach to managing challenging dog behavior. The bite occurred during what should have been a simple interaction – Karen's father attempting to put Rupert's harness on while the dog was comfortably settled on the sofa. Without understanding Rupert's need for consensual handling,...
Send us a text Ever wondered how elite trainers build confidence in both sport dogs and those with behavioural challenges? Lauren Langman and Jamie dive deep into the transformative world of confidence circuits – a versatile training approach that's changing how dogs learn to navigate their environment with precision and trust. Confidence circuits combine problem-solving with physical awareness, creating a series of obstacles where dogs must thoughtfully place their paws while maintaining fo...
Send us a text 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 partic...
Send us a text From anxious and reactive to calm, confident and focused — Cavaletti training is the secret tool you didn’t know your dog needed. 🐾 In this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel Podcast, world-class trainer Lauren Langman and her colleague Jamie dive into how Cavaletti builds strength, balance, focus, and emotional resilience in dogs of all breeds, ages, and training backgrounds. You’ll hear: How Cavaletti helps Lauren’s Border Collie, Brave, in her recovery from a devastating ...
Send us a text What do you do when your massive mastiff mix - described as "half grizzly bear, half donkey" - turns into a reactive nightmare? For Alice, the journey with Bonnie began with serious doubts about whether she could provide a forever home for such a challenging dog. Most small reactive dogs get labeled "cute" despite their behaviour. But for Bonnie, a large brindle mix with impressive strength, her reactive episodes weren't just embarrassing - they triggered public concern about ...
Send us a text Unlock your dog's problem-solving potential through the power of movement with Confidence Circuits! https://absolutedogs.me/confidencecircuits This episode reveals how these versatile training setups can transform your dog's physical abilities and mental acuity using everyday household items. Lauren and Linda share their expertise on why Confidence Circuits have become a cornerstone of their training programs for dogs of all ages and abilities. From naughty-but-nice do...
Send us a text Could skipping your dog's daily walk be the kindest thing for them? In this paradigm-shifting episode, Lauren and Karen explore the controversial concept of "ditching the walk" and its potential to transform your relationship with your dog. Explore our diverse range of courses, including the recently released Bake Off course, for inspiration and enrichment ideas. https://absolutedogs.me/bakeoff When your dog's stress bucket is already overflowing, dragging them into pot...
Send us a text Make sure to check out Part I before you dive into Part II! https://www.buzzsprout.com/761645/episodes/17462029 What happens between competitions might be the most critical factor determining your dog's peak performance and long-term well-being. In this deep-dive conversation, Lauren Langman welcomes back small animal physiotherapist Mel Doyle to unpack the science of effective recovery for competition dogs. This eye-opening episode continues to dive into how we approach trai...
Send us a text Every competitive dog handler faces a crucial balancing act: maximizing performance while preserving their canine athlete's long-term wellbeing. This eye-opening conversation with small animal physiotherapist Mel challenges conventional wisdom about training and recovery for sports dogs. "Your dog only has so many jumps in their lifetime." This simple yet profound statement forms the foundation of our discussion, exploring how recovery isn't just about rest, but about strategi...
Send us a text Whether you’re a seasoned dog trainer or a passionate dog owner, this episode will change how you approach training — forever. Join expert trainers Lauren Langman and Dave Hibbert as they unpack the Small Incremental Learning System (SILS) — the step-by-step method behind reliable, long-lasting behaviour change in dogs of all breeds and backgrounds. For trainers, SILS may feel familiar — a structure you've used instinctively. For dog owners, it’s a practical roadmap to transfor...
Sexier Than A Squirrel: Dog Training That Gets Real Life Results
Send us a text A normal training day. A happy cocker spaniel. Then a sudden shift - arched back, tucked tail, fever, vomiting - and a rush into a world of labs, ultrasound, and impossible choices. We sit with Debbie as she relives Marley’s final hours, from the first quiet signs to an emergency diagnosis of gallbladder mucocele, a condition that often hides. Beyond medicine lies the heart. Debbie names the shock few dare to say out loud: when a heart dog dies young, grief can break the body....
