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. 🐾
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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.
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In this short and practical episode, Kim and Carla share essential Halloween safety tips for dog owners. From managing decorations and trick-or-treaters to avoiding toxic treats and unexpected scares, they discuss how to keep dogs safe, calm, and comfortable during the festivities. With simple, proactive advice — like keeping dogs indoors, using pumpkins as healthy treats, and creating a quiet space away from the front door — this episode helps you make Halloween a stress-free night for your four-legged friend.
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In this episode, Kim and Carla explore how to prepare dogs for fireworks season with compassion and science-based strategies. They discuss why being proactive is key, how to create a safe and calming environment, and why comforting a frightened dog is not only okay but important. From using sound therapy and calming sprays to consulting vets about medication for anxious dogs, this episode offers practical, welfare-led advice to help every dog feel safer when the bangs begin.
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In this episode, Kim chats with Chloe, the creator of the Tuft app — a game-changing platform helping dog groomers manage their schedules while giving pet owners an easy way to book trusted grooming services. Chloe shares how her love for dogs and background in marketing inspired the app’s development, and how Tuft is revolutionizing admin and client management for the pet care industry. They explore the realities of running a pet business, the balance between progress and perfectionism, and Chloe’s vision for expanding Tuft across the UK and beyond.
Check out Tuft here: https://tuftapp.com/
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Kim and Carla dig into the ups and downs of running puppy classes — from socialisation and safety to communication and positive reinforcement. They share real-world tips, training insights, and what it really takes to make puppy classes fun, effective, and rewarding for everyone involved!
Book puppy classes with Carla: https://www.auntycarlasdogtraining.co.uk/puppy
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In this episode, Kim sits down with Hector, co-founder of Entovore a pioneering company farming mealworms for sustainable pet food. They explore the fascinating world of insect farming—from the spark of inspiration on the Jurassic coast to building a climate-controlled farm and creating novel protein treats for dogs. Hector explains why mealworms were chosen over black soldier flies, how surplus grain is repurposed into feed, and the surprising benefits of mealworm farming, from natural fertilizer to allergy-friendly nutrition.
Kim and Hector also discuss the challenges of consumer perceptions, the development of sweet potato and mealworm-based treats, and the exciting potential of insects in the circular economy. Whether you’re a dog owner curious about new nutrition options or someone interested in sustainability and innovation, this conversation will open your eyes to the future of pet food.
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In this episode, Carla and Kim dive into the challenges of leash laws and public dog policies. They explore why a “one-size-fits-all” approach doesn’t work for every dog, the potential role of designated off-lead areas, and the complications that councils and communities face in making these decisions. Along the way, they reflect on the Dangerous Dogs Act, share stories of real-world risks like long-line injuries, and discuss why better owner education and systemic change may be more effective than breed-specific rules. The conversation highlights the balance between safety, freedom, and responsibility in our shared public spaces.
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In this episode, Kim and Carla dive into the realities of raising children alongside dogs. From preparing your pup for a new baby to managing curious toddlers, they share practical tips and personal stories that make life easier (and safer) for the whole family. Topics include how to introduce dogs and babies, managing toddler interactions, setting up your home with baby gates and safe spaces, and recognising canine body language around children. Kim and Carla also highlight how play, enrichment, and simple management strategies can help dogs feel secure during big family transitions. Whether you’re a new parent or juggling a busy household, this episode offers support, laughs, and plenty of real-life advice to nurture happy kids and happy dogs.
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In this episode of The Happy Dog Podcast, Kim is joined by Danny from Tug-E-Nuff to dive into the world of dog play, toys, and training. Danny shares the inspiring story of how his mum founded the company in 2009, starting with a single food bag toy designed for her agility dog, Indy, and growing into a trusted brand loved by trainers worldwide.
Together, Kim and Danny explore what makes a great dog toy, from safe designs that engage puppies and children to innovative products like their floating water toy “Bob.” They discuss how play isn’t just fun — it’s a powerful training tool that can help dogs settle, reduce frustration, and strengthen the bond with their humans.
From practical tips on choosing the right toy and adapting play styles to your dog’s breed, to the role of play in puppy training and lifelong learning, this episode is packed with insights for every dog owner. Whether you’re new to tug games or looking to make training more engaging, you’ll come away inspired to put more play into your dog’s day.
https://tug-e-nuff.com/POOCHESGALORE
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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.
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Kim and Carla dive into the do’s and don’ts of crate training, busting myths and sharing their own experiences—from Millie the crate-hater to Dylan the Labrador who loved his den. 🐾 They discuss how to choose the right crate size, what (and what not) to put inside, and how to make crates a positive, comforting space rather than a punishment.
Listeners will learn:
✅ The real benefits of crate training for puppies and adult dogs
✅ How crates support toilet training, travel, and safe downtime
✅ Why crates should never be used for separation anxiety
✅ Tips on water access, phasing crates out, and long-term use
✅ Alternatives like pens, baby gates, or gated rooms
Whether you’re raising a puppy or rethinking your older dog’s setup, this episode gives you practical, welfare-focused advice to make crates a safe haven—not a source of stress.
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Feeding your dog can feel overwhelming—so many choices, so many strong opinions! In this episode, Kim chats with Daniel from Coya Pet Food about the ins and outs of dog food: what’s new, what works, and what’s just clever marketing. Together, they unpack the pros and cons of raw, kibble, wet, and freeze-dried food, talk about quality vs cost, and share practical tips to help you decide what’s right for your dog.
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In this episode, Kim and Carla dive into the real reasons dogs ignore recall and what owners can do about it. From common mistakes like only calling your dog to put them back on lead, to inconsistent rewarding, frustrated tones of voice, and training that stops after puppyhood — they cover it all.
They explain how adolescence impacts recall, why impulse control lags behind risk-taking, and how owners often (accidentally) weaken recall over time. With practical techniques like whistle training, “treat parties,” the “middle” position, and rewarding voluntary check-ins, you’ll learn how to make coming back to you the best part of your dog’s day.
Whether you’ve got a puppy, a stubborn teenager, or an adult dog that sometimes plays deaf, this episode will give you realistic, science-based tips to transform recall into a reliable, lifelong behaviour.
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Kim and Carla dive into the world of muzzle training—breaking down the myths, stigma, and misunderstandings around this often-overlooked skill. They explain why muzzle training isn’t just for reactive dogs, but a smart preventative step for all dogs, preparing them for emergencies like vet visits, accidents, or unexpected situations.
Listeners will learn how to make muzzle training fun and positive, using everyday items like yogurt pots and high-value treats, before moving on to comfortable basket muzzles. They also chat about the importance of well-designed, colorful muzzles (shoutout to The Muzzle Movement!) that keep dogs safe and stylish while reducing social stigma. As Kim puts it: “Good dogs and good dog owners are the ones that wear the muzzles.”
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In this episode, Kim and Gemma get chatty about all things dog training—especially the joys and challenges of working with high-drive breeds like Border Collies and Cocker Spaniels. From recall, loose-lead walking, and socialisation adventures to managing car-chasing collies and bouncy adolescent pups, they cover the real-life ups and downs that owners face.
They also explore why consistency in training matters, how tone of voice can make or break recall, and the surprising parallels between raising children and training dogs. With plenty of personal stories, laughter, and practical tips, this conversation is perfect for anyone wanting to build a stronger relationship with their dog while keeping training realistic (and fun!).
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In this episode, Kim and Carla explore what it really means to create age-appropriate training and environments for dogs—from wriggly puppies to wise seniors.
They unpack how thoughtful adjustments in routine, physical space, and expectations can make a world of difference, sharing practical tips like:
Kim shares relatable stories, including a dog who refused to jump off a slippery floor (and was absolutely right to do so), while both hosts reflect on how training, care, and expectations evolve over time.
Whether you’re raising a puppy, living with a senior dog, or just want to meet your dog where they are, this episode is packed with insight, empathy, and real-life experience.
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In this refreshingly honest episode, Kim and Carla take a deep dive into a topic few trainers talk about openly: overtraining.
They explore how doing too much can sometimes create more problems than it solves—leading to overdependent dogs, burnout, and missed opportunities for natural learning. From complex training plans that overwhelm both dog and handler, to the pressure of “perfect” behaviour in public, Kim and Treetops challenge the idea that more is always better.
They discuss:
Whether you’re a professional trainer, a first-time dog guardian, or somewhere in between, this episode is your permission slip to pause, simplify, and let dogs just be dogs.
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In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, Kim is joined by Tara, founder of Only Rescues—a revolutionary app that’s giving rescue cats and dogs their best shot at finding forever homes.
They dive into:
With over 150 rescue partners already onboard, Tara’s vision is making a tangible difference in the lives of pets and people. Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or just rescue-curious, this episode offers both hope and a practical roadmap for making adoption smoother, smarter, and more compassionate.
🔗 Learn more at onlyrescues.com or download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
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In this episode, Kim and Carla dig into the age-old debate of genetics vs. environment—but with a dog training twist.
From litter dynamics and prenatal stress to breed-specific quirks and inherited fears (like Kim’s spaniel Millie being terrified of wind), they explore the fascinating science behind what makes dogs tick. Is your dog’s behaviour written in their DNA, shaped by their surroundings, or a bit of both?
They also chat breed preferences—Kim’s love for high-octane spaniels versus Carla’s admiration for big-hearted working Labs—and unpack how not all dogs fit their breed’s stereotype. (Yes, chocolate Labs really can be a little aloof.)
With analogies involving cake, genetics, and dog hair, this episode blends science, personal stories, and practical wisdom for anyone wondering:
Whether you’re a dog guardian, trainer, or breed geek, this one’s for you.
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