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

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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!
This week, Lauren is joined by the brilliant Linda Hughes to introduce one very small dog with a very big personality. Meet Bobble – a two-kilo silver toy poodle who lives with four Border Collies, has absolutely no concept of being tiny, and somehow ended up with his own treehouse on Linda's desk.
Living with a toy dog comes with its own unique set of considerations, and in this episode we explore what really changes when your newest family member is small enough to disappear beneath a Border Collie. From carefully managing play with bigger dogs and adding sofa steps to protect tiny joints, to resisting the temptation to accidentally create a dog who expects breakfast to arrive on a spoon, Lauren and Linda share the funny moments and practical lessons that have come with life alongside Bobble.
The conversation also turns to training and day-to-day life. You'll hear why small dogs still need great recall, how easy it is to overlook the "easy" dog while managing everyone else, and why that could quickly lead to a tiny dog who thinks the rules don't apply. Linda also shares how she approaches grooming, clipping and coat care, including building positive associations with a dedicated grooming station so handling becomes just another part of life rather than something to dread.
We also chat about toy breed fitness, supporting dogs with patella concerns, choosing toys that suit tiny mouths, and teaching a simple cue that helps manage breed-typical barking. And of course, no episode about Bobble would be complete without the story of how a firm "no dogs on the bed" rule quietly disappeared the moment one impossibly cute toy poodle curled up between the pillows.
Whether you already share your home with a toy dog, you're thinking about welcoming one into your family, or you simply love hearing about the realities of life with dogs of every shape and size, this episode is guaranteed to leave you smiling. Subscribe, share it with a fellow dog lover, and don't forget to leave us a review.
Support the show
If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27!

Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub

Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog -  Pro Dog Trainer Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub 

And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

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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!
This week, Lauren is joined by Alice to explore one of the most misunderstood pieces of dog training equipment there is: the muzzle. Whether you've never considered muzzle training before or you already have a dog who wears one, this episode is all about changing the conversation and showing how a muzzle can create more freedom, not less.
Far too often, muzzles only come out when there's a crisis - an emergency vet visit, a bite risk, a scavenging habit, or new legal requirements. Lauren and Alice explain why waiting until you need a muzzle is one of the biggest mistakes owners can make. Instead, they explore how games-based training can build confidence long before the muzzle is ever needed, transforming it from something a dog tolerates into something they happily choose to wear. You'll also hear why muzzles aren't just for reactive dogs, but can be invaluable for cooperative care, grooming, travel, introductions, and preventing dangerous scavenging.
The conversation also tackles some of the practical realities many owners face. Lauren and Alice discuss choosing a well-fitting basket muzzle that allows panting, drinking and taking treats, introducing new equipment through tiny, achievable steps, and making thoughtful adjustments to improve comfort. They also talk openly about breed-specific legislation, public perception, and why advocating for your dog with confidence is far more powerful than worrying about what other people might think.
Whether your dog wears a muzzle today or you simply want to be prepared for whatever life brings, this episode will help you see muzzle training in a completely different light. It's a practical life skill that can improve safety, protect welfare, and open up opportunities for dogs to enjoy more of the world with confidence.
Ready to get started? Explore our Mastering the Muzzle course
absolutedogs.me/masteringthemuzzle
And if you'd like to discover more games-based training, grab the Games Club £1 trial 
absolutedogs.me/7daytrial
Support the show
If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27!

Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub

Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog -  Pro Dog Trainer Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub 

And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send us Fan Mail
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!
This week, Lauren is joined by Michelle to chat about one of the simplest ways we can support our dogs every single day: what goes into their bowl. From homemade treats and nourishing meal toppers to bone broth, kefir and colourful fresh ingredients, this episode is packed with practical ideas that are easy to introduce, whatever you're currently feeding.
Rather than chasing perfection, Lauren and Michelle explore the small changes that can make a big difference over time. They share some of their favourite everyday additions, including dog-friendly omelettes, herbs, vegetables and medicinal mushroom supplements, explaining how variety can help support overall health without making feeding complicated. You'll also hear how they approach hydration and gut health, from slow-cooked bone broth and simple shaker recipes to probiotics, kefir and why keeping an eye on your dog's poo can tell you far more than you might think.
If you enjoy making things yourself, there's plenty of inspiration here too. Lauren and Michelle share easy homemade training treats, including a baked turkey recipe that's perfect for chopping into reward-sized pieces, plus frozen silicone mould treats made with simple, nutritious ingredients. Along the way, they bust a few common myths, chat about ingredients that often cause confusion, and explain why feeding your dog well doesn't have to mean spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you're looking to make training rewards a little healthier, add more variety to your dog's meals, or simply pick up a few new ideas to try this week, this episode is full of practical tips.
Want even more inspiration? Join the Devon Dogs monthly Bake Off, where we share recipes, ideas and homemade creations:
https://www.devondogs.co.uk/dog-training-events/ 
You can also download our free recipe book packed with simple, dog-friendly favourites:
https://www.devondogs.co.uk/the-amazing-recipe-book/
Support the show
If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27!

Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub

Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog -  Pro Dog Trainer Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub 

And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send us Fan Mail
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!
This week, we’re continuing our series of episodes exploring what concept training actually is and how it shows up in real life with your dog. We’re taking the concepts you hear us talk about all the time, breaking them down, and making them practical, relatable, and easy to spot in your everyday training. This time, Lauren is joined by the brilliant Alice to explore one of the most important foundations for calm, connected walks: proximity.
Ever feel like the moment your dog spots something interesting, you stop existing? Whether it's another dog, a squirrel, a jogger or an exciting scent, so many everyday struggles - from pulling on the lead to unreliable recall - come back to one simple question: where does your dog believe the value is? In this episode, Lauren and Alice explore why proximity isn't about keeping your dog glued to your side, but about building a dog who genuinely wants to stay connected because that's where the good stuff happens.
Along the way, they share real-life stories that highlight just how much emotion can sit behind proximity. From a dog unexpectedly disappearing after deer to a young Border Collie finding human closeness overwhelming because it predicted restraint, you'll discover why some dogs naturally avoid being close, how we can accidentally poison proximity by making it signal "the fun's over", and how to change that picture.
You'll also hear plenty of practical games you can start using straight away. From Middle, Middle Toes and Leg Weaves to Magic Hand, Two Feet On and simple collar-grab exercises, Lauren and Alice explain how these games build value for being near you, make handling feel positive, and create a dog who happily checks in both on and off lead. They also explore why proximity becomes such a powerful safety skill for reactive dogs, nervous dogs, and any dog learning to navigate busy environments with confidence.
Ready to build a dog who chooses to stick with you? Grab the £1 Games Club trial, explore Proximity games and guided training tracks, and discover how a few simple games can transform your walks.
https://absolutedogs.me/7daytrial
Support the show
If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27!

Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub

Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog -  Pro Dog Trainer Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub 

And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!

Send us Fan Mail
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!
This week, Lauren is joined by the brilliant Linda Hughes to tackle a question that sparks some fascinating discussion: what would you tell someone who's completely new to dog training?
Whether you're dreaming of becoming a professional trainer, you've just welcomed a puppy into your life, or you're simply trying to become the best trainer you can be for your own dog, this episode is packed with honest, practical advice from two people who have spent years learning from dogs, owners, mistakes, successes, and everything in between.
Lauren and Linda chat about why experience matters so much, and why spending time with lots of different dogs often teaches you more than any qualification ever could. They discuss the value of rescue and rehoming environments, the importance of handling dogs with different personalities, motivations and challenges, and why some of the biggest lessons come from the dogs who don't make training easy.
The conversation also dives into one of the most important skills a trainer can develop: knowing your limits. From aggression cases and bite risks to difficult home environments and client expectations, Lauren and Linda share why referring a case on isn't a sign of failure - it's a sign of professionalism. You'll hear why good trainers stay curious, keep learning, and aren't afraid to ask for help when they need it.
They also explore the human side of dog training. From avoiding industry cliques and maintaining healthy boundaries, to balancing online learning with hands-on experience, this episode is full of insights for anyone looking to build a long, sustainable future in the dog world.
And for new dog owners, there's plenty here too. Lauren and Linda discuss why the work starts before your puppy comes home, how to choose the right breeder, what questions to ask, and why preparation often prevents problems before they ever begin.
If you've ever wondered where to start, what really matters, or how to keep growing as a trainer, this episode is full of thoughtful advice, practical wisdom, and plenty of encouragement to stay curious and keep learning.
Curious about expanding your dog training skills? Check out PDT Club: absolutedogs.me/pdtclub
Want to get hands-on with lots of dogs and broaden your experience? We'd love to welcome you to train with us at Bowerland, the home of absoluteDogs and Devon Dogs: https://www.devondogs.co.uk/train-your-dog/ 
Support the show
If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27!

Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub

Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog -  Pro Dog Trainer Club!
https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub 

And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!