Sexier Than A Squirrel: Dog Training That Gets Real Life Results

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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 story of rehabilitating Bonnie, her Cane Corso mix, after double cruciate ligament surgery reveals how games-based training became her lifeline during a critical nine-month recovery period. For Bonnie—a...

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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. That transformation was so profound that she eventually became a trainer herself, helping countless others experience...

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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, her father physically tried to move him, triggering a defensive response. This moment highlights how even loving family members can inadvertently create si...

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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 focus. The beauty lies in their accessibility – you don't need fancy equipment or vast spaces to get started. From bath mats and broom handles to r...

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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 particularly reactive dog who typically doesn't tolerate newcomers. The surprise? Linda reports the integration has...

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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:

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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 dangerous dogs. Alice needed solutions that worked in real-world situations, not just controlled...

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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 dogs needing impulse control to senior dogs fighting cognitive decline, these customizable obstacle courses provide targeted benefits that address specific needs. The b...

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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 potentially overwhelming environments can create negative experiences for everyone involved. Karen shares how her reactive dog Rupert benefits m...

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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 training schedules, revealing why high-drive dogs need carefully structured programs that balance building capabilities without overtaxing their bodies. You'll...

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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 strategic rehabilitation that allows muscle fibers to repair and strengthen properly. Mel reveals the surprising truth that many handlers unwittingly compromise their dogs' recovery by...

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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 transform your dog’s behaviour without overwhelm, frustration, or gimmicks.

💡 What...

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Ever wondered why your dog performs perfectly at home but seems to forget everything when you're out in public? The secret might lie in understanding the ABCs of dog training.

Dave, a veteran police dog trainer with over two decades of experience, breaks down this deceptively simple framework that has revolutionized how professionals approach dog training. Rather than focusing solely on correcting behaviors, the ABC model—Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence—provides multiple leverage points to create lasting change in your dog's responses.

The conversation dives deep into the "three A's" that...

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Struggling with a challenging, reactive, or overly sensitive dog? You’re not alone—and you’re not failing. In this powerful episode, top dog trainers Lauren Langman and Sam reveal the proven games-based training methods they use to transform “naughty but nice” dogs into calm, confident, and focused companions.

Discover how to replace traditional obedience struggles with playful strategies that work with your dog’s emotions, not against them. This episode explores:

🔁 The Disengagement Pattern that teaches your dog to tune in to you instead of distractions<...

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What makes some dogs able to handle anything life throws at them while others crumble under pressure? The answer lies in resilience – that magical quality that transforms anxious, reactive dogs into confident companions who can accompany you anywhere.

Lauren Langman and special guest Amanda dive deep into how to build rock-solid resilience in dogs of all ages. They share personal stories of their most bomb-proof dogs – from Tokyo the unflappable Border Collie who could sleep through chaos to Salty the adventurous Labrador who sailed boats and rode gondolas without a care in t...

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Is Your Dog Too Friendly? Why Socialisation Might Be Setting You Back 🐾

What if everything you've been told about socialisation is… wrong?

In this episode, leading dog trainer Lauren Langman and operational dog expert Dave Hibbert (whose dogs have worked events like the Queen’s funeral) dive deep into the surprising truth behind confident dogs. Spoiler: it’s not about being friendly—it’s about being environmentally bulletproof.

🎯 You’ll learn:

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Ever wondered how something as simple as a hula hoop could transform your dog's confidence? This game-changing episode reveals the science and magic behind "confidence hoops" training.

Lauren and Jamie unpack why this accessible training method works for dogs of all ages and personality types - from nervous rescues to boisterous puppies, senior dogs with mobility issues to high-drive sport prospects. You'll discover how giving dogs control over movement and noise helps them develop profound confidence that transfers to real-world challenges.

The beauty of confidence hoops lies in their...

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A tiny new addition is about to make a big impact on Linda's home - and perhaps even the prestigious rings of Crufts! In this delightful conversation, Linda reveals her plans for integrating Bobble, her new toy poodle puppy, into her existing multi-dog household.

From thoughtful preparation to training philosophy, Linda shares practical wisdom that challenges conventional thinking about puppy raising. "Every piece of food is going to come from either enrichment or from me," she explains, highlighting how this foundation creates opportunities for bonding and learning from day one. Her...

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Have you ever felt the humiliation of being dragged down the street by your large dog? Or wondered if you'd made a terrible mistake adopting a powerful breed that outweighs you? You're not alone.

This eye-opening conversation with Alice reveals her journey with 40kg Mastiff mix Bonnie – from painful incidents where she was pulled over to confidently walking together as a team. What's remarkable isn't just the transformation, but how it happened without relying on physical strength, dominance, or harsh methods.

The secret lies in understanding what concepts large do...

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Tired of your dog jumping all over you and your guests? You're not alone. In this dynamic episode, dog training experts Lauren Langman and Dave tackle one of the most common yet frustrating canine behaviors - jumping up.

We explore why jumping becomes problematic and why it's worth addressing beyond just keeping your clothes clean. Lauren shares a poignant personal story about her father's battle with cancer, highlighting how jumping dogs can pose genuine safety risks for vulnerable individuals. The conversation delves into legal considerations too - most dog owners don't...

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The parasite prevention revolution is here, and it's changing how we think about protecting our dogs from fleas, ticks, worms, and other unwanted visitors. Did you know that approximately 15% of dogs carry Giardia? With roughly 25 million dogs and cats in the UK, that's a staggering 3.75 million potential carriers spreading these parasites throughout our environment.

For decades, we've trusted conventional veterinary treatments without question, applying chemical spot-ons and administering worming tablets as directed. But what if there's a better way? This eye-opening conversation explores the dark side of traditional parasite treatments – from th...

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What makes the difference between a failed rescue adoption and a success story? Alice joins us to share her journey with Bonnie, a 40-kilo German Shepherd-Cane Corso-Mastiff mix with a troubled past involving another dog's death. This powerful conversation reveals how games-based training transformed their relationship and could save countless rescue dogs from becoming part of the heartbreaking 50% failure statistic.

When Alice first brought Bonnie home, she faced what many rescue adopters experience – the gradual emergence of serious behavioral issues including reactivity and separation anxiety that made daily life challenging. Rather th...

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When the unthinkable happens and your dog is attacked, how do you respond? This question drove Amanda to develop practical defense strategies after her young spaniel Harley was cornered and attacked by two off-leash dogs on what should have been a routine walk. The trauma affected both of them deeply, but their journey of recovery offers powerful lessons for all dog owners.

Amanda and Lauren dive into a surprisingly simple yet effective tool for dog defense: an umbrella. This everyday item serves three crucial functions - breaking visual contact between dogs...

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Dog owners, we've all been there – the dreaded "poonami" that strikes without warning, often in the middle of the night. That's exactly what prompted this candid conversation about canine digestive health after Lauren's co-host Linda spent a night up every 90 minutes with her tiny puppy Bobble.

This practical guide walks you through what to do when digestive disaster strikes. We share our emergency protocol using products like Rescue-K9 Rapid Support and demonstrate exactly how to administer it to reluctant dogs (hint: hold their chin up after placing the paste in their ch...

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Ever been told your dog is a lost cause? Meet Alice and Bonnie—a story that proves second chances can lead to extraordinary transformations.

When Alice adopted Bonnie, a powerful brindle mastiff mix with a history of aggression that had resulted in another dog's death, she had no idea what she was getting into. That first walk when Bonnie dragged Alice across a field in a reactive frenzy made one thing clear: this would be no ordinary rehabilitation journey.

"We definitely wondered if this was beyond our capabilities," Alice co...

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Pulling on lead – it's the frustration that can transform a peaceful dog walk into an arm-wrenching ordeal. Whether you're dealing with a 7-kilo terrier or a 40-kilo German Shepherd, pulling creates a disconnection that leaves both ends of the leash frustrated and stressed.

In this revealing conversation, Lauren Langman and Dave tackle one of the most common dog walking complaints head-on. Drawing from their extensive experience with both pet dogs and professional working canines, they dispel the myth that pulling is just something dog owners must endure. Lauren shares how her ow...

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Resource guarding can transform even the sweetest dog into a possessive, growling guardian overnight. This revealing conversation with Karen, owner of Rupert—a lovable yet challenging cockapoo—takes you behind the scenes of living with a resource guarding dog who has actually bitten.

Karen doesn't sugarcoat the reality: some days it's scary, frustrating, and filled with self-doubt. Yet she shares the remarkable ways she's learned to work with Rupert's limitations rather than against them. From the hilarious hedgehog-under-the-saucepan incident to managing stolen socks and pants, you'll discover practical strategies that transform conf...

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This episode dives into why dogs steal and offers practical solutions for dog owners struggling with this common behaviour. With insights on environmental management, training strategies, and understanding canine instincts, listeners can gain valuable knowledge to curb stealing.

• Exploration of the instinctual reasons behind stealing
• The importance of calm reactions instead of confrontation
• Tips on swapping items to minimise stealing
• Managing spaces to prevent theft before it occurs
• The role of boundaries and crates in fostering good behaviour
• Building a positive environment for dogs to relax and thrive

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Are you ready to experience the rush of participating in one of the world’s most prestigious dog agility competitions? Join us as we delve into the journey of Teri and her beloved dog, Jasper, who is stepping into the limelight at Crufts for the very first time. This episode captures the excitement, nerves, and valuable insights that come with preparing for such a significant event in the dog agility scene.

Teri shares her heartfelt story of how she has dreamt of competing at Crufts for as long as she can re...

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Ever felt the pangs of guilt from a noise complaint because your dog couldn't bear to be alone? Join us as Alice shares her deeply personal journey with her rescue dog, Bonnie, a German Shepherd and Cane Corso mix. After an unexpected noise complaint, Alice navigated the tricky world of separation anxiety, balancing the need to mend neighbourhood relations with the well-being of her gentle giant. Her story of flexibility and adaptability in the face of community challenges offers invaluable insights for dog owners everywhere.

Discover the transformative power of technology...

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This episode emphasizes the joy of participation, the thrill of goal setting, and the empowerment found in staying true to one's passion.

Ever wondered why some of us feel the thrill of competition more fiercely than others? Join us as we unravel the psychology behind competitive motivation in dog training. Discover how personality traits like agreeableness and neuroticism influence our competitive instincts and shape our behaviour in the arena.

The emotional bond with our dogs is at the heart of competitive dog sports. Hear personal anecdotes about the transformation...

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This episode explores the transformative power of online dog training, highlighting how Pro Dog Trainer Club and live Power Hours create accessible, engaging, and fun environments for both dogs and their owners. Owners learn to harness play-based techniques, overcome the stress of traditional training sessions, and connect with a supportive community of fellow dog lovers. 

• PDT Club is a source of endless training ideas 
• Advantages of online training for busy lifestyles 
• Comparison between traditional classes and online flexibility 
• Community support enhances training experiences 
• Power Hours offers live, interactive lea...

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Episode Title: Unleashing Success: How to Become Your Dog’s Top Priority

Host: Lauren Langman
Guest: Sam Askew
Duration: 31 minutes, 46 seconds

Description:
In this episode of Absolute Dogs, Lauren Langman and guest, AbsoluteDogs Instructor and Pro Dog Trainer, Sam, shares expert insights into how you can become your dog’s top priority using game-based training. Whether you’re dealing with a reactive dog, struggling with recall, or just looking to build a stronger relationship, this episode is pack...

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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!

In this episode, Lauren is joined by Pro Dog Trainer, Competitive Obedience Champion, and experienced Naughty But Nice dog owner, Linda, to explore the world of reactivity and what it means to own, train and live with a reactive dog, sharing personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and the game-changing solutions that have made a difference for her, and for reactive dogs and owners all over...