Nature, Nurture, and Naughty Spaniels: What Really Shapes Your Dog?
Send us a textIn this episode, Kim and Carla dig into the age-old debate of genetics vs. environment—but with a dog training twist.From litter dynamics and prenatal stress to breed-specific quirks and inherited fears (like Kim’s spaniel Millie being terrified of wind), they explore the fascinating science behind what makes dogs tick. Is your dog’s behaviour written in their DNA, shaped by their surroundings, or a bit of both?They also chat breed preferences—Kim’s love for high-octane spaniels versus Carla’s admiration for big-hearted working Labs—and unpack how not all dogs fit their breed’s stereotype. (Yes, chocolate Labs really can be a little aloof.)With analogies involving cake, genetics, and dog hair, this episode blends science, personal stories, and practical wisdom for anyone wondering:Why does my dog behave like this?Can I train against instinct?And do coat colours really matter?Whether you’re a dog guardian, trainer, or breed geek, this one’s for you.Support the showDon't forget to rate and reviewFollow me on instagram: pooches.galore
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23:05
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23:05
Things Every Dog Owner Should Know (But Probably Doesn’t)
Send us a textIn this jam-packed episode, Kim and Carla tackle all the things they wish every dog owner knew—from leash manners to food myths and training expectations.They start by diving into dog walking etiquette, discussing why you should never let your off-lead dog run up to a dog on a lead, and how reading both canine and human social cues can prevent unnecessary stress or conflict.Then, they debunk popular dog behavior myths, including outdated dominance theories and the idea that your dog is trying to “be the boss.” (Spoiler: they’re not.)Kim and Carla also explore:Why training plans should be flexible (and why it’s okay to call it quits mid-walk)The truth about “human food” and why variety in your dog’s diet is a good thingThe difference between treats and bribes in trainingHow empathy, patience, and science-backed methods always win outWhether you’re a new dog guardian or a seasoned pro, this episode is full of honest advice, lived experiences, and myth-busting insights every dog lover needs to hear.Support the showDon't forget to rate and reviewFollow me on instagram: pooches.galore
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29:23
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29:23
Reactivity, Routines & Rants: The Real Talk Dog Trainers Need
Send us a textIn this honest, thought-provoking episode, Kim and Roz pull back the curtain on the real-life experiences of dog trainers navigating the messy, emotional, and sometimes hypocritical world of dog training.From muddy paws to murky ethics, they unpack everything from:What “reactivity” really means (and how the term gets misused)The fallout of punishment-based methods—and why they don’t care if that makes them unpopularHow walking dogs professionally shaped their training philosophiesThe mental health toll of social media and criticism within the dog training worldThe fine line between education and confrontation when it comes to aversive toolsThey talk about control, choice, and motivation—not just in dogs, but in trainers themselves. With plenty of personal anecdotes and raw opinions, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt conflicted about the right way to help dogs and humans coexist peacefully.If you’ve ever wondered how to stay kind, stay curious, and still speak your truth in a field full of strong opinions and strong tools—this one’s for you.Support the showDon't forget to rate and reviewFollow me on instagram: pooches.galore
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48:46
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48:46
Should You Say Something? Dog Trainers in the Wild
Send us a textKim and Carla dive into the grey area of public dog training etiquette—when (and if) it’s ever okay to step in with advice. From unsolicited tips at the park to confronting outdated or aversive methods, they share real-world dilemmas dog professionals face when navigating public spaces.Kim opens up about her personal discomfort and confidence hurdles when it comes to offering advice to strangers, while Carla highlights the moral tension trainers feel when witnessing potentially harmful practices like prong collars or excessive force with long lines.They unpack the fine line between helping and judging, and explore the emotional toll of doing what’s right when people might not want to hear it. With humour, empathy, and honesty, Kim and Carla discuss:How to handle being offered bad advice (hello, shock collars!)When staying silent feels wrongHow to intervene safely and respectfullyWhy some dog owners genuinely don’t know betterStrategies for staying polite, grounded, and professional in unpredictable encountersThis episode is a must-listen for trainers, behaviourists, and dog lovers who’ve ever walked away from a situation wondering: “Should I have said something?”Support the showDon't forget to rate and reviewFollow me on instagram: pooches.galore
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21:29
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21:29
Our (Very Different) Paths to Becoming Dog Trainers
Send us a textIn this honest and often funny episode, Kim and Carla open up about how two very different lives led to the same destination — working with dogs. From Kim’s winding road through psychology, charity work, and soul-sucking sales jobs, to Carla’s childhood fear of dogs and eventual leap from classrooms to training — this is a real look at what it takes to build a career in dog behaviour. They share hard-won lessons, missteps, and advice for anyone considering this path. Whether you’re a dog owner, a curious listener, or an aspiring trainer, this episode is packed with insight, humour, and the occasional bark.Support the showDon't forget to rate and reviewFollow me on instagram: pooches.galore
As a dog trainer with over 10 years experience, I know that all people want when they bring a dog into their lives is to have a happy dog. This podcast delves deep into how this can be achieved from picking the right puppy, to training it, to helping you understand that sometimes things go wrong and how to help your dog when they aren't so happy.
UK