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Have you ever felt the humiliation of being dragged down the street by your large dog? Or wondered if you'd made a terrible mistake adopting a powerful breed that outweighs you? You're not alone.

This eye-opening conversation with Alice reveals her journey with 40kg Mastiff mix Bonnie – from painful incidents where she was pulled over to confidently walking together as a team. What's remarkable isn't just the transformation, but how it happened without relying on physical strength, dominance, or harsh methods.

The secret lies in understanding what concepts large dogs are missing that make loose leash walking difficult. Most powerful breeds aren't being deliberately difficult – they simply haven't learned that being near you is more valuable than pulling ahead. Through carefully designed games that build this understanding, even the strongest dogs can become willing walking partners.

Alice shares her most effective strategies, including the critical importance of preventing rehearsal of pulling behavior and starting proximity training in secure environments without leads. She explains how properly conditioned management tools like head collars can provide safety while the real work happens through relationship-building games.

The discussion also addresses the reality of rescue dogs, which Alice compares to "getting a second-hand car with no service history." Despite Bonnie's challenging background and previous serious incident, games-based training created a partnership where Alice now feels "like Lara Croft" walking confidently with her once-unmanageable dog.

Whether you have a 4kg Chihuahua or a 70kg mastiff, the principles remain the same – build value for being with you, and your dog will choose to walk nicely. No muscle required.

Ready to transform your walks? Visit Absolute-Dogs.com for the 10 Days to Stop Pulling course or join the supportive community where owners of challenging dogs become their dog's true priority through games, not force.

Grab 10 Days to Stop Pulling
https://absolutedogs.me/stoppulling

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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!
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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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The parasite prevention revolution is here, and it's changing how we think about protecting our dogs from fleas, ticks, worms, and other unwanted visitors. Did you know that approximately 15% of dogs carry Giardia? With roughly 25 million dogs and cats in the UK, that's a staggering 3.75 million potential carriers spreading these parasites throughout our environment.

For decades, we've trusted conventional veterinary treatments without question, applying chemical spot-ons and administering worming tablets as directed. But what if there's a better way? This eye-opening conversation explores the dark side of traditional parasite treatments – from their environmental impact (one dose for a large dog can kill 25 million bees!) to documented side effects including seizures, tremors, and autoimmune responses in our beloved pets. Most shocking perhaps is learning that many ingredients in these products are banned for agricultural use yet deemed acceptable to apply directly to our dogs.

Bug-K9 offers a natural alternative that's revolutionising parasite prevention. With powerful ingredients like pumpkin seed, black cumin seed, fennel, ginger, cinnamon, peppermint, and more, this herbal blend creates an environment parasites simply don't want to inhabit. Unlike chemical treatments that work by circulating toxins through your dog's system, this preventative approach makes your dog naturally unattractive to parasites while simultaneously supporting their overall health.

The five-pronged approach combines internal supplementation with external products like natural shampoos, sprays and balms – all human-grade and safe enough to use yourself. The powder format ensures maximum efficacy (80% bioavailability compared to just 30-40% in tablet form), and regular worm count tests consistently confirm its effectiveness even in high-risk environments.

Ready to protect your dog naturally? Use code LOVEDOGS for £10 off your first order and join the movement toward safer, more effective parasite prevention that's better for your dog, your family, and our planet.

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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What makes the difference between a failed rescue adoption and a success story? Alice joins us to share her journey with Bonnie, a 40-kilo German Shepherd-Cane Corso-Mastiff mix with a troubled past involving another dog's death. This powerful conversation reveals how games-based training transformed their relationship and could save countless rescue dogs from becoming part of the heartbreaking 50% failure statistic.

When Alice first brought Bonnie home, she faced what many rescue adopters experience – the gradual emergence of serious behavioral issues including reactivity and separation anxiety that made daily life challenging. Rather than giving up, Alice discovered a different approach through Absolute Dogs that focused on building relationship rather than using traditional correction-based methods often recommended for large, powerful breeds.

The transformation in Bonnie didn't happen overnight, but through consistent games that built calmness, trust, and communication, this once-concerning dog became a trusted companion. As Alice explains, "I'm five foot three, under 50 kilos, and I have this sleeping, snoring giant breed dog that I can walk safely on my own – not through force, but because she wants to move with me." Her story demonstrates that even dogs with serious incidents in their past can become treasured family members with the right approach.

Are you considering adopting a rescue dog or struggling with one already? We're offering completely free resources to rescue centers, volunteers, and adopters worldwide to help more dogs find and keep their forever homes. Reach out through absolute-dogs.com to access these materials and join our supportive community of rescue dog owners who understand your journey.

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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When the unthinkable happens and your dog is attacked, how do you respond? This question drove Amanda to develop practical defense strategies after her young spaniel Harley was cornered and attacked by two off-leash dogs on what should have been a routine walk. The trauma affected both of them deeply, but their journey of recovery offers powerful lessons for all dog owners.

Amanda and Lauren dive into a surprisingly simple yet effective tool for dog defense: an umbrella. This everyday item serves three crucial functions - breaking visual contact between dogs, creating a physical barrier, and startling approaching threats without causing harm. They walk through the step-by-step process of training your dog to work with this tool through a reliable "middle" position and careful desensitization exercises.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is the focus on recovery after traumatic incidents. Both trainers share personal stories of helping their dogs overcome frightening encounters, emphasizing how different dogs respond based on their genetics, temperament, and learning history. The distinction between behavior training (cued responses) and concept training (uncued choices) illuminates why games-based approaches build true resilience in our canine companions.

Whether your dog has experienced trauma or you simply want to be prepared, the defense and recovery strategies shared will help you become a more effective advocate for your dog's physical and emotional wellbeing. By focusing on optimism-building games and creating opportunities for calm, you'll develop a dog who can navigate challenging situations with confidence and quickly recover from setbacks when they occur.

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 a text

Dog owners, we've all been there – the dreaded "poonami" that strikes without warning, often in the middle of the night. That's exactly what prompted this candid conversation about canine digestive health after Lauren's co-host Linda spent a night up every 90 minutes with her tiny puppy Bobble.

This practical guide walks you through what to do when digestive disaster strikes. We share our emergency protocol using products like Rescue-K9 Rapid Support and demonstrate exactly how to administer it to reluctant dogs (hint: hold their chin up after placing the paste in their cheek pocket). You'll learn to distinguish between situations requiring veterinary care versus those you can handle at home, focusing on your dog's overall demeanor and energy as key indicators.

Beyond emergency care, we reveal our daily routines for building resilient gut health through consistent probiotic supplementation. Discover why "naughty but nice" dogs particularly benefit from gut support, how stress impacts digestive function, and the powerful role of fermented foods like kefir and apple cider vinegar with "mother." We even share our first-hand experiences with explosive clean-ups and how proper preparation prevents these situations from becoming full-blown crises.

Whether you're currently dealing with a digestive emergency or wanting to prevent future ones, this episode gives you actionable strategies backed by our years of experience. Use code "HAPPYTUMMY" for £10 off at the A-OK9 store and build your own pet first aid kit today. Remember – preparation is everything when it comes to maintaining your dog's digestive health!

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 a text

Ever been told your dog is a lost cause? Meet Alice and Bonnie—a story that proves second chances can lead to extraordinary transformations.

When Alice adopted Bonnie, a powerful brindle mastiff mix with a history of aggression that had resulted in another dog's death, she had no idea what she was getting into. That first walk when Bonnie dragged Alice across a field in a reactive frenzy made one thing clear: this would be no ordinary rehabilitation journey.

"We definitely wondered if this was beyond our capabilities," Alice confesses in this raw, honest conversation about the reality of living with a severely reactive dog. After one trainer declared Bonnie would "never like other dogs," Alice refused to accept that verdict. Instead, she found an approach that would completely transform their lives. Through a methodical progression of games that built crucial skills like disengagement and optimism, Bonnie gradually evolved from a "grizzly bear" on leash to a dog who could calmly navigate the world.

The journey wasn't linear—there were tears, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But Alice shares the practical strategies that made progress possible: ditching traditional walks temporarily, homeschooling essential skills, introducing challenges at Bonnie's pace, and perhaps most importantly, maintaining balance through self-care practices completely separate from dog training.

Whether you're struggling with your own reactive dog or simply interested in understanding behavior transformation, this conversation offers both practical guidance and genuine hope. As Alice says to anyone feeling overwhelmed by their dog's behavior: "There is a manageable route up that mountain. You just need someone to guide you the right way."

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 a text

Pulling on lead – it's the frustration that can transform a peaceful dog walk into an arm-wrenching ordeal. Whether you're dealing with a 7-kilo terrier or a 40-kilo German Shepherd, pulling creates a disconnection that leaves both ends of the leash frustrated and stressed.

In this revealing conversation, Lauren Langman and Dave tackle one of the most common dog walking complaints head-on. Drawing from their extensive experience with both pet dogs and professional working canines, they dispel the myth that pulling is just something dog owners must endure. Lauren shares how her own dog Skittles becomes almost cognitively impaired when in full pulling mode, while Dave recounts his journey challenging the traditional police dog training approach that encouraged pulling as a way to "build drive."

What makes this discussion particularly valuable is the practical, field-tested advice from trainers who've worked with thousands of dogs. You'll discover why environment management matters so much (hint: driving to the park instead of being pulled there makes a huge difference), how equipment choices can help or hinder your progress, and specific games you can play to create value in walking beside you. The trainers also explain why loose-leash walking isn't just about comfort—it's about safety, legal considerations, and the perception of control that affects how others view you and your dog.

Whether you're struggling with a dog who pulls like a freight train or just want to refine your walking experience, you'll find actionable techniques here that go beyond basic obedience into building a dog who genuinely wants to be with you. Ready to transform your walks? Learn how two world-class trainers solved their own pulling problems and how their 10 Days to Stop Pulling course can help you do the same.

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!