Have you ever wondered why some training methods seem to work wonders for one dog but fall completely flat for another? Or why your terrier’s unstoppable energy feels nothing like your friend’s calm, biddable lab?

In this episode of The Walk & Talk, we’ll unpack the fascinating world of adaptive training: a science-led, deeply intuitive approach that tailors training to each dog’s breed tendencies, natural drives, and unique personality. You’ll learn how genetics, instinct, and emotional regulation all shape your dog’s learning process, and how understanding these layers can transform the way you train, connect, and communicate.

Whether you live with a high-octane herding breed, a determined terrier, or a laid-back retriever, this episode will help you see your dog in a completely new light… not as a ‘problem to fix,’ but as an individual to understand and celebrate.

• Why one-size-fits-all training often fails, and how adaptive training solves that
• How breed genetics shape drive, arousal, and motivation in training
• The neuroscience behind reinforcement and why dogs find different things rewarding
• How to work with your dog’s natural instincts instead of against them
• The difference between adapting to breed type and adapting to individual temperament
• Practical ways to tailor games, reinforcement, and expectations to your dog’s unique wiring
• How understanding your dog’s nervous system can turn frustration into calm cooperation
• The mindset shift that turns training from control-based to connection-based

💻 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 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!

Does your dog seem to get a sudden burst of energy just as you’re winding down for the evening? Maybe you’re craving a quiet, cosy night in… but your dog’s zooming, barking, or pacing around like it’s party time?!

In this episode, we’re unpacking the science and strategy behind creating calm, helping you understand what your dog truly needs throughout the day so that they can genuinely switch off when you do. You’ll discover how small changes in your routine, training, and environment can completely transform your evenings into peaceful, connected downtime together.

🐶 What a fulfilling day actually looks like for your dog, and why balance matters more than ‘more exercise.’ 🧠 The neuroscience of calm; how your dog’s brain learns to self-regulate and rest. 🎯 How to structure your dog’s day to set them up for evening success. 🏠 How your home environment and evening energy impact your dog’s behaviour. 🎓 What to train (and when) to promote relaxation and emotional regulation. 💬 Why your own stress levels and routine play a bigger role than you might think.

💻 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 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!

Does your dog drag you down the street like you’re in a sled race you didn’t sign up for? You’re not alone… lead pulling is one of the most common struggles dog owners face, and it’s not about dominance, stubbornness, or your dog trying to be the boss. It’s simply that dogs move faster than we do - and walking nicely beside a human just doesn’t come naturally.

In this episode, I’m breaking down how to truly transform your on-lead walks, with science, strategy, and empathy. You’ll discover how to build calm, connection, and cooperation step by step, so your walks become the joyful experience they’re meant to be.

• How to set your dog up for success before you even leave the house, from desensitising the lead and harness to creating calm, focused exits.
• The three key concepts behind beautiful lead walking: proximity, focus, and impulse control, and how to grow them through fun, practical games.
• Why it’s essential to have a clear system that tells your dog when it’s time to focus vs. when they’re free to explore (and how to set this up with your gear)
• Quick, powerful ‘get back on track’ exercises for when your dog’s brain goes walkabout mid-walk
• The truth about why dogs pull, and how understanding their natural movement and motivation changes everything
• Mindset shifts that make lead training less stressful for you, too.
• Why some dogs need a bigger lifestyle adjustment, and how exercise, enrichment, and off-lead freedom can help solve the root cause of pulling.

Discover how to build your dog’s focus, connection, and responsiveness with my 21-Day Engagement Training, the science-backed program designed to transform your relationship with your dog from distracted to devoted.

👉 Click here to explore the 21-Day Engagement Training and use code PODCAST10 for 10% off!

📱 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!