Why 'They’ll Get Used to It' Doesn’t Work for Reactive Dogs
⭐️ Register for the FREE Online Stress Free Dog Walks Training! https://stressfreewalks.dog/free-class ⭐️You’ll learn my simple 3-part anti-pulling, lunging and reactivity method to handle distractions (like dogs, people, wildlife) without panic, so that you can LOVE walking your dog again! Get your free ticket here: https://stressfreewalks.dog/free-class 🎙️ In this episode: Why 'They’ll Get Used to It' Doesn’t Work for Reactive DogsHave you been told your reactive or anxious dog “just needs to get used to it”? That if you expose them to enough dogs, people or traffic, they’ll stop barking, lunging, pulling, spinning?How’s it working out so far? 🫠Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but exposure on its own can make your dog worse.In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly why your dog’s behaviour isn’t improving - even with frequent exposure to their triggers - and what to do instead.You’ll learn:• The myth of ‘desensitisation’: why it’s not actually doing what you think • What exposure without new learning actually teaches your dog (spoiler: it’s not what you want!)• Two science-backed alternatives to exposure that actually workWhether you're dealing with lead reactivity, dog-to-dog frustration, barking at strangers, a dog who scans the streets for danger - or an excitable whirlwind who pulls to say hi, jumps up at everyone, and can’t settle - this episode is a must-watch for stress free dog walks!📈Dog Walking Diagnostic - Discover Your Dog’s Walking Style! Do you know the REAL reason your dog pulls, barks, lunges or ignores you? It’s often not what you think! Discover why your dog struggles on walks - and more importantly, what you can do about it. The Dog Walking Diagnostic Quiz is completely free, takes just 5 mins, and could be your first step toward calmer, stress-free walks with a well-behaved dog you’re proud of.https://stressfreedogwalks.scoreapp.com/ 🐕 Calm Canine BlueprintLeave a rating/review, and head over to https://stressfreedogwalks.com/review to upload your screenshot. Then I’ll send you my Calm Canine Blueprint completely free as a gift. 🍿 Watch the YouTube Showhttps://www.youtube.com/@StressFreeDogWalks 💬 Connect with me and join the conversation!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogwoodadventureplay Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DogwoodAdventurePlay
--------
11:47
--------
11:47
The ‘Fix-It Mode’ Trap: Why Trying Too Hard Can Set You Back
⭐️ Register for the FREE Online Stress Free Dog Walks Training! https://stressfreewalks.dog/free-class ⭐️You’ll learn my simple 3-part anti-pulling, lunging and reactivity method to handle distractions (like dogs, people, wildlife) without panic, so that you can LOVE walking your dog again! Get your free ticket here: https://stressfreewalks.dog/free-class 🎙️ In this episode: The ‘Fix-It Mode’ Trap: Why Trying Too Hard Can Set You BackLightening up could be the BEST thing you do for your reactive dog. Hear me out… 🤷🏼♀️If your walks feel like work, your training’s hit a wall, or you're in ‘fix-it’ mode 24/7, this one's for you. I’m breaking down the surprising power of fun, lightness and everyday adventure in dog training - and how taking a break from intensive results-focused pressure will help you achieve stress free walks FASTER. You’ll discover:🚩The 4 red flags that signal you’re overtraining🚩How FUN and relationship-building can fast-track long-term results🚩What we can learn from the Scentventure Gym approach🚩Light-hearted missions that rewire your dog’s brain - and your relationship!Whether you're dealing with reactivity, distraction, barking, or lead pulling, this episode will show you why your progress might be plateauing. ⭐️ Want to try the fun-first training approach without DIY-ing it? ⭐️I never open Club Dogwood for monthly memberships anymore - usually you’d need to wait for one of our full programmes, which only run 3x per year. But until 8th August I’m unlocking access so you can join our LIVE summer mission!If this episode resonates, and you're ready to lighten up and make faster progress, this is your chance to fast-track it. Guided, supported, and surrounded by dog guardians doing it right alongside you.Join here (until 8th Aug): https://secure.scentventure.dog/club-dogwood-monthly/ 🐕 Calm Canine BlueprintLeave a rating/review, and head over to https://stressfreedogwalks.com/review to upload your screenshot. Then I’ll send you my Calm Canine Blueprint completely free as a gift. 🍿 Watch the YouTube Showhttps://www.youtube.com/@StressFreeDogWalks 💬 Connect with me and join the conversation!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogwoodadventureplay Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DogwoodAdventurePlay
--------
14:16
--------
14:16
How to Choose the Right Trainer for Your Reactive or Anxious Dog
⭐️ Register for the FREE Online Stress Free Dog Walks Training! https://stressfreewalks.dog/free-class ⭐️You’ll learn my simple 3-part anti-pulling, lunging and reactivity method to handle distractions (like dogs, people, wildlife) without panic, so that you can LOVE walking your dog again! Get your free ticket here: https://stressfreewalks.dog/free-class 🎙️ In this episode: How to Choose the Right Trainer for Your Reactive or Anxious DogNot all dog trainers are created equally - and if you’ve got a reactive, anxious, or overexcitable dog, the wrong fit can make things worse (or waste your time and money). In this episode, I walk you through exactly what to look for when choosing a trainer, behaviourist, or dog training programme that actually gets results for complex dogs.You’ll discover:✅ 5 essential traits of a great dog trainer or programme✅ Why generalist trainers may fall short for complex behaviour issues✅ How to know if a programme is actually going to help you long-term✅ Exactly which systems make the biggest difference to your successWhether your dog lunges at other dogs, pulls constantly, or just can’t settle, this episode will help you find support that works.“A good programme doesn’t just train your dog, it makes you the ‘Independent Expert’ on your dog.” 💬📈 Dog Walking Diagnostic - Discover Your Dog’s Walking Style! Do you know the REAL reason your dog pulls, barks, lunges or ignores you? It’s often not what you think! Discover why your dog struggles on walks—and more importantly, what you can do about it. The Dog Walking Diagnostic Quiz is completely free, takes just 5 mins, and could be your first step toward calmer, stress-free walks with a well-behaved dog you’re proud of.https://stressfreedogwalks.scoreapp.com/ 🐕 Calm Canine BlueprintLeave a rating/review, and head over to https://stressfreedogwalks.com/review to upload your screenshot. Then I’ll send you my Calm Canine Blueprint completely free as a gift. 🍿 Watch the YouTube Showhttps://www.youtube.com/@StressFreeDogWalks 💬 Connect with me and join the conversation!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogwoodadventureplay Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DogwoodAdventurePlay
--------
13:05
--------
13:05
5 Types of Skills You Need For Stress Free Walks
⭐️ Register for the FREE Online Stress Free Dog Walks Training! https://stressfreewalks.dog/free-class ⭐️You’ll learn my simple 3-part anti-pulling, lunging and reactivity method to handle distractions (like dogs, people, wildlife) without panic, so that you can LOVE walking your dog again! Get your free ticket here: https://stressfreewalks.dog/free-class 🎙️ In this episode: 5 Types of Skills You Need For Stress Free WalksDo you need the pulling, barking, or ignoring you to STOP? I’m breaking down the 5 essential types of training techniques that every dog owner should have in their toolkit. What they are, why they help, and how they work together to stop walk-time chaos.Whether you’re dealing with reactivity, overexcitement, or just general stress on walks, this is where to start.You’ll discover: ✅ The 5 key dog training tools every overwhelmed owner should know✅ What kind of technique to use for pulling, passing triggers, ignoring you off-lead, and more✅ How a small set of well-matched tools can make a massive difference to your dog's behaviourYou don’t need endless obedience drills - you need the right tools, used the right way, to make walks enjoyable again.💬“Some techniques create a ripple effect. They don’t just help with one problem - they support everything.”📈 Dog Walking Diagnostic - Discover Your Dog’s Walking Style! Do you know the REAL reason your dog pulls, barks, lunges or ignores you? It’s often not what you think! Discover why your dog struggles on walks—and more importantly, what you can do about it. The Dog Walking Diagnostic Quiz is completely free, takes just 5 mins, and could be your first step toward calmer, stress-free walks with a well-behaved dog you’re proud of.https://stressfreedogwalks.scoreapp.com/ 🐕 Calm Canine BlueprintLeave a rating/review, and head over to https://stressfreedogwalks.com/review to upload your screenshot. Then I’ll send you my Calm Canine Blueprint completely free as a gift. 🍿 Watch the YouTube Showhttps://www.youtube.com/@StressFreeDogWalks 💬 Connect with me and join the conversation!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogwoodadventureplay Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DogwoodAdventurePlay
--------
12:00
--------
12:00
How to Keep Your Dog Calm (Even When Walks Get Chaotic)
⭐️ Register for the FREE Online Stress Free Dog Walks Training! https://stressfreewalks.dog/free-class ⭐️You’ll learn my simple 3-part anti-pulling, lunging and reactivity method to handle distractions (like dogs, people, wildlife) without panic, so that you can LOVE walking your dog again! Get your free ticket here: https://stressfreewalks.dog/free-class 🎙️ In this episode: Can Your Dog Handle Chaos on a Walk? Here’s How to Minimise MeltdownsYou’re on a calm walk… then out of nowhere: BOOM. A barking dog barrels into you. A loud bang. A herd of sheep being chased by an out of control dog. (Yep, it happens.)Would your dog cope? Or crumble?In this episode we’re talking about resilience - the ability to bounce back from surprises, stay calm under pressure, and recover fast when things go wrong.You’ll learn: ✅ The #1 mistake owners make when trying to ‘train for chaos’ ✅ Four science-backed ways to help your dog stay grounded - even when walks get wild ✅ How to build recovery into your dog’s lifestyle, not just your trainingWhether you’re dealing with barking, lunging, pulling, or post-trigger meltdowns, this episode will help you build your dog’s real-world ready-for-anything-ness today."You’re not teaching your dog to handle something like a sheep chase. You’re teaching them how to recover from any situation." 💬📈 Dog Walking Diagnostic - Discover Your Dog’s Walking Style! Do you know the REAL reason your dog pulls, barks, lunges or ignores you? It’s often not what you think! Discover why your dog struggles on walks—and more importantly, what you can do about it. The Dog Walking Diagnostic Quiz is completely free, takes just 5 mins, and could be your first step toward calmer, stress-free walks with a well-behaved dog you’re proud of.https://stressfreedogwalks.scoreapp.com/ 🐕 Calm Canine BlueprintLeave a rating/review, and head over to https://stressfreedogwalks.com/review to upload your screenshot. Then I’ll send you my Calm Canine Blueprint completely free as a gift. 🍿 Watch the YouTube Showhttps://www.youtube.com/@StressFreeDogWalks 💬 Connect with me and join the conversation!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogwoodadventureplay Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DogwoodAdventurePlay
Join me, Katie G, for the Stress Free Dog Walks show every week on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts from!
You’ll get real-world practical advice that you can apply immediately to your own dog, out there on your very next walk, so they ignore distractions and listen to you, walk nicely, and come back when called - even when there’s something more exciting going on!
Even more importantly, I’m showing you why dog training alone will NOT solve your problems. We’re diving deep into everything they DON’T tell you in face-to-face training: the psychology of turning your pulling, barking, lunging dog into a stress free walking companion!
There are SO MANY training classes, 1-1 programmes, books, reels, blogs... but so few dog owners ACTUALLY enjoying relaxing walks. I untangle the common misconception that dog training is all it takes to fix the pulling, barking and lunging... and what you need instead!
It’s free to listen and subscribe, and some episodes I’ll be joined by a stress free dog owner spilling their secrets to success - so you can steal their strategy for your own dog! Plus look out for longer behind-the-scenes juicy bonus episodes with my team of dog trainers and behaviourists!
Find Stress Free Walks on all your major podcast players. Prefer to watch the show instead? YouTube. Or grab a cuppa and read the full written article.
Did I mention? It’s free! Tune in while you’re commuting in the car, jogging at the gym, and of course, walking your dog!
🎙️ Connect with me and join the conversation:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StressFreeDogWalks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogwoodadventureplay
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DogwoodAdventurePlay
Learning Centre: https://www.stressfreedogwalks.com