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

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Travelling with your dog shouldn’t feel like a gamble. In this episode, we break your holiday prep into simple, stress-proof steps that work in real cottages, hotels, rentals, and road trips across the UK and beyond.

You’ll learn how to rehearse car comfort before you ever start the engine, teach toileting on cue in new environments, and set up your holiday cottage so your dog walks in and instantly knows what to do. 

We even share the story of a dog who arrived car-sick and anxious and left confi...

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Flyball is loud. Barking. Gates slamming. Paws pounding turf.
Behind it all -  pure skill.

In this episode, Nicole - a force-free flyball trainer and vet - breaks down how elite teams turn raw arousal into laser-focused speed and rock-solid safety, even under the pressure of Crufts.

What We Cover (Fast + Clear):
• How to fix box turns without frying your dog’s brain
• When food beats toys for technical flyball work
• Why the fixed nine-inch Crufts jump changes stride planning
• How to prep for...

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Vet days don’t have to feel like a battle. We break down a calmer, smarter way to get great care for your dog by preparing the right evidence, shaping the environment, and training simple skills that pay off when it matters. From short videos of movement and wound healing to clear photos of stool or vomit, we show how to brief your vet with exactly what they need to see so a ten-minute consult becomes targeted, not rushed. You’ll hear how waiting in the car, asking for outdoor consults, and timing drop-offs can...

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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. We talk broken heart syndrome, anxiety sp...

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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 present and what they mean in real life: fail...

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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 size and arousal make in public spaces and how to lower risk with clea...

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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 the quiet work that makes it possible: building security on fundamentals, respecting...

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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 is reliable
• managing deer, bears and high arousal with distance and lines
• safe outlets for the predatory sequ...

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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 neutrality, optimism, and handler focus far better than a hundred random hellos in busy parks.

We talk through the pivotal moments th...

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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 pressure that boosts performance and harmful pressure...

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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 that eventually brought him home. Most dog owners believe calling loudly and searching is the right approach, but Lauren di...

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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 re...

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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 similar...

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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 situations wh...

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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 recy...

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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 been "...

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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:

How Cavaletti helps Lauren’s Border Collie, Brave, in her recovery from a devastating spinal injury.Why reactive dogs thrive with Cavaletti and how it changes movement pa...

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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 environments.<...

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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 beauty l...

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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 more f...

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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 discover...

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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 misunderstanding...

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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 You...

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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 prec...

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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 the...

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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:

The real difference between...