The Dogs Code Podcast

If you’ve ever been told your dog needs walking every day, this episode might completely change the way you think.
In this episode, I sit down with award-winning dog trainer Niki French, founder of PupTalk and author of Stop Walking Your Dog, to talk about one of the most misunderstood topics in dog training.
We unpack why the “more walks = better behaviour” advice isn’t always true and, in many cases, can actually make things worse.
From reactive dogs and overstimulation to owner guilt and social pressure, this conversation dives into what’s really going on behind the behaviour and what dogs actually need instead.
Niki shares how her own journey into dog training began after a life-changing accident, how working with struggling and rescue dogs shaped her approach, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is stop.
This is not about doing less.
It is about doing what actually works.
In this episode, we cover:
Why some dogs are not thriving on daily walks
How walking can increase reactivity, stress, and over-arousal
The pressure owners feel from social media and well-meaning advice
What to do instead of walking your dog
How to build calm, confident behaviour at home first
The power of ACE Free Work and enrichment
Why short, simple training moments can outperform long walks
How to break the cycle if your dog is struggling
If you are dealing with barking, reactivity, overwhelm, or a dog that just cannot cope on walks, this episode will give you a completely different lens.
You do not fix overwhelmed dogs by exposing them to more of what they cannot handle.
You build the skills first, then the world becomes easier.
Find Niki and learn more here:
Direct link to the book:
https://puptalk.co.uk/stop-walking-your-dog/

Free ACE Free Work guide:
https://go.puptalk.co.uk/how-to-get-started-with-ace-free-work-landing-page/

Website:
www.puptalk.co.uk

Learn more about #dontwalkyourdogday:
https://puptalk.co.uk/awareness-day/

If this episode hits home for you, please share it with someone who needs to hear that they are not failing their dog and that there is another way.

Pet owners often believe vets are overcharging… but what’s the truth behind those rising vet bills and the cost of modern veterinary care?
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Emma Creasey, also known as the B.S Free Vet on TikTok, to unpack what really happens behind the scenes in veterinary clinics the pressure, the burnout, the financial strain, and the emotional weight the public rarely gets to see.
Emma shares why she left the profession, the mental-health impact of working as a vet, and an insiders view around vet pricing “overcharging vets.”
This is one of the most honest, eye-opening conversations we’ve ever had.
🎧 We talk about:
• Why vet bills seem so high
• The truth behind veterinary costs and clinic overheads
• What clients don’t see behind every consultation
• Why vets are “overcharging”
• Burnout, compassion fatigue & the mental health crisis in the vet world
• The moment Emma realised she had to leave
• Her book That’s Mental that Is and the message behind it
If you own a pet, work in the pet industry, or simply want to understand the real story behind vet pricing and the challenges facing veterinary professionals today, this episode will change how you see your vet forever.

👇 If this episode helps you, please hit Follow, Subscribe, Rate the show, and leave a comment or review.
Your support genuinely helps us reach more pet owners and raise awareness for the people caring for our animals every day.
Grab your copy of the book here
https://amzn.eu/d/jb8Rx1i

In this episode of The Dogs Code Podcast, Katie Saywell sits down with CaniCross instructors and podcast hosts Louise and Michelle to chat all things CaniCross a growing sport that gets both dogs and humans fit, focused, and happy.
From tackling prey drive to improving confidence and connection, this episode dives into how running with your dog (not just after them!) can strengthen your bond, boost your dog’s mental and physical health, and even help with lead pulling.
Louise shares how she discovered CaniCross after struggling with her Labrador’s prey drive, while Michelle opens up about her reactive Romanian rescue and how the right harness and training changed everything. Together, they explore how this sport is perfect for dogs who love to work, from energetic Dachshunds to athletic Labradors, and why it’s becoming one of the UK’s fastest-growing canine fitness trends.
You’ll hear about:
🐕 The benefits of CaniCross for reactive or high-energy dogs
🏃‍♀️ How to get started safely with the right harness and conditioning
❤️ Building trust, focus, and teamwork through shared activity
🌍 Community, confidence, and why dog-powered sports are for everyone
If you’ve ever wondered whether your dog could join you on the trails this is the episode for you.

📍 Connect with us:
👉 Subscribe & write a review
👉 Follow CaniCross Conversations for more on dog-powered running and adventure  ⁠https://www.canicrossconversations.co.uk/⁠
Instagram
 
@canicrossconversations
 
@paws_4running
 
@mileswithmichelle

Podcast Summary: The Holistic Vet Talks Raw Feeding and Canine Health
Guest: Nick Thompson – The Holistic Vet
Nick Thompson, a veterinarian with over 35 years of experience, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of species-appropriate nutrition for dogs. He shares his journey from conventional veterinary practice to specialising in homeopathy and nutrition, highlighting the benefits of holistic methods in treating common health issues. Nick also delves into the problems with commercial dog kibble and provides guidance on transitioning dogs to a raw food diet.
Key Topics Discussed:
Species-Appropriate Nutrition for Dogs: Nick emphasises that dogs should be fed according to their biological needs, not like humans. He explains that dogs have historically consumed fresh carcasses, berries, and even herbivore droppings, demonstrating their adaptability to raw food.

Career Transition and Holistic Practice: Nick shares his transition from conventional veterinary medicine to homeopathy and nutrition, which led him to establish holisticvet.co.uk 26 years ago. He also speaks about his role in the Raw Pet Medics, a weekly Facebook Live session discussing pet nutrition, health, and disease.

Holistic Treatments for Gut and Skin Health: Nick highlights the connection between diet and health conditions such as gut problems and skin disorders. He discusses issues like leaky gut, glyphosate contamination in food, and mycotoxins found in low-quality wheat-based dog food.

The Dangers of Commercial Kibble: Nick explains why commercial kibble is unsuitable for dogs, pointing out its high carbohydrate content, dehydration risks, and nutritional imbalance. He likens feeding dogs kibble for life to an astronaut eating ration packs indefinitely. He strongly advocates for raw feeding as a healthier alternative.

Transitioning to a Raw Diet: Nick outlines different methods for transitioning dogs from kibble to raw food, including the cold turkey approach, a four-day gradual transition, and the doubling method. He also recommends supplements such as Gut Soothe for digestive issues and skin probiotics for dermatological health.

Maintaining a Healthy Microbiome: Nick discusses the importance of a balanced microbiome for skin and gut health, advising against early neutering due to its potential long-term effects. He shares homeopathic solutions for common issues like fur loss and problematic anal glands.

The Benefits of Raw Feeding: Nick highlights the advantages of a raw diet, including improved skin, breath, and overall energy levels. He advises variety in raw feeding, ensuring dogs consume multiple protein sources along with vegetables, herbs, seeds, and omega-3s.

Challenges with Social Media Fact-Checkers: Nick shares his experiences with Instagram’s fact-checking system, which has flagged some of his posts as non-scientific despite evidence supporting raw feeding. He remains committed to educating pet owners through his online platforms.

Stay tuned for more expert insights on pet nutrition and holistic health in future episodes!
Contact Information:
For more information and expert advice from Nick Thompson, visit his website: www.holisticvet.co.uk
Follow Nick on Instagram: @holisticvetuk
Join the Raw Pet Medics discussions on Facebook: Raw Pet Medics
For enquiries, email Nick at: [email protected]

Discover the surprising benefits of skipping daily walks for reactive dachshunds in our latest episode, "Why No Walks for Your Reactive Dachshund." Can help! We delve into the reasons why traditional walking routines might not suit every dachshund, especially those prone to reactivity. Learn alternative enrichment strategies that cater to your dachshund's unique needs, ensuring their mental and physical well-being without the stress of challenging walks. Tune in to explore expert advice, Perfect for dachshund owners seeking effective solutions for reactive behaviours. Don't miss this insightful discussion to improve your dachshund's quality of life.