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Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too!

This week, we’re continuing our series of episodes exploring what concept training actually is and how it shows up in real life with your dog. We’re taking the concepts you hear us talk about all the time, breaking them down, and making them practical, relatable, and easy to spot in your everyday training. This time, Lauren is joined by the brilliant Alice to explore one of the most important foundations for calm, connected walks: proximity.

Ever feel like the moment your dog spots something interesting, you stop existing? Whether it's another dog, a squirrel, a jogger or an exciting scent, so many everyday struggles - from pulling on the lead to unreliable recall - come back to one simple question: where does your dog believe the value is? In this episode, Lauren and Alice explore why proximity isn't about keeping your dog glued to your side, but about building a dog who genuinely wants to stay connected because that's where the good stuff happens.

Along the way, they share real-life stories that highlight just how much emotion can sit behind proximity. From a dog unexpectedly disappearing after deer to a young Border Collie finding human closeness overwhelming because it predicted restraint, you'll discover why some dogs naturally avoid being close, how we can accidentally poison proximity by making it signal "the fun's over", and how to change that picture.

You'll also hear plenty of practical games you can start using straight away. From Middle, Middle Toes and Leg Weaves to Magic Hand, Two Feet On and simple collar-grab exercises, Lauren and Alice explain how these games build value for being near you, make handling feel positive, and create a dog who happily checks in both on and off lead. They also explore why proximity becomes such a powerful safety skill for reactive dogs, nervous dogs, and any dog learning to navigate busy environments with confidence.

Ready to build a dog who chooses to stick with you? Grab the £1 Games Club trial, explore Proximity games and guided training tracks, and discover how a few simple games can transform your walks.

https://absolutedogs.me/7daytrial

Support the show

If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27!

Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub

Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog - Pro Dog Trainer Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub

And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too!

This week, Lauren is joined by the brilliant Linda Hughes to tackle a question that sparks some fascinating discussion: what would you tell someone who's completely new to dog training?

Whether you're dreaming of becoming a professional trainer, you've just welcomed a puppy into your life, or you're simply trying to become the best trainer you can be for your own dog, this episode is packed with honest, practical advice from two people who have spent years learning from dogs, owners, mistakes, successes, and everything in between.

Lauren and Linda chat about why experience matters so much, and why spending time with lots of different dogs often teaches you more than any qualification ever could. They discuss the value of rescue and rehoming environments, the importance of handling dogs with different personalities, motivations and challenges, and why some of the biggest lessons come from the dogs who don't make training easy.

The conversation also dives into one of the most important skills a trainer can develop: knowing your limits. From aggression cases and bite risks to difficult home environments and client expectations, Lauren and Linda share why referring a case on isn't a sign of failure - it's a sign of professionalism. You'll hear why good trainers stay curious, keep learning, and aren't afraid to ask for help when they need it.

They also explore the human side of dog training. From avoiding industry cliques and maintaining healthy boundaries, to balancing online learning with hands-on experience, this episode is full of insights for anyone looking to build a long, sustainable future in the dog world.

And for new dog owners, there's plenty here too. Lauren and Linda discuss why the work starts before your puppy comes home, how to choose the right breeder, what questions to ask, and why preparation often prevents problems before they ever begin.

If you've ever wondered where to start, what really matters, or how to keep growing as a trainer, this episode is full of thoughtful advice, practical wisdom, and plenty of encouragement to stay curious and keep learning.

Curious about expanding your dog training skills? Check out PDT Club: absolutedogs.me/pdtclub

Want to get hands-on with lots of dogs and broaden your experience? We'd love to welcome you to train with us at Bowerland, the home of absoluteDogs and Devon Dogs: https://www.devondogs.co.uk/train-your-dog/

Support the show

If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27!

Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub

Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog - Pro Dog Trainer Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub

And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too!

This week, Lauren is joined by the brilliant Justin Prust for a conversation about something that affects every area of life and dog training: confidence.

We talk about confidence all the time when it comes to our dogs, helping them feel safe, optimistic, and ready to take on the world. But what happens when our own confidence takes a hit? How do we keep showing up for our dogs, our families, and ourselves when life throws us a curveball?

In this honest and personal episode, Lauren and Justin share experiences of navigating major life challenges, including divorce, grief, prolonged stress, and those moments that leave even the most confident people questioning themselves. Together, they explore the difference between confidence built on external validation and confidence that comes from a deeper sense of self-trust, purpose, and resilience.

You'll hear practical ideas for strengthening confidence in everyday life, from tracking small daily wins and practising gratitude, to celebrating progress, creating momentum, and recognising just how much you've achieved when it feels like you're standing still. Lauren and Justin also discuss the role of movement, exercise, nutrition, self-care, and community, and why confidence often grows through consistent actions rather than dramatic breakthroughs.

Along the way, they explore some of the surprisingly simple tools that can help shift your state when you're struggling, including music, humour, connection, pattern interrupts, and even the power of a favourite outfit, scent, or ritual to help you step into your best self.

Whether you're working through a difficult season, rebuilding after a setback, or simply looking for ways to feel more capable and grounded, this episode is packed with practical ideas and honest reflections that will leave you feeling encouraged and empowered.

Ready to build your confidence muscle? Press play, share this episode with a friend who could use a boost, and leave us a review to help more people discover the podcast.

And if you'd like to build confidence with your dog too, check out the £1 Games Club trial and start playing your way to a more optimistic future together.

https://absolutedogs.me/7daytrial

Support the show

If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27!

Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub

Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog - Pro Dog Trainer Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub

And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!