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

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In Sexier Than a Squirrel, the Official AbsoluteDogs Podcast, join us here at Absolute Dogs as we talk training your dog, transforming your dog training struggles and getting real-life results through GAMES!

  1. 1D AGO

    Exercise Done Right: Keeping Dogs Fit and Injury-Free ft. Mel Doyle

    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 once again by canine physiotherapist and hydrotherapist Mel to tackle a topic that every dog owner thinks they’ve got covered: exercise. Because your dog’s walk should be the best part of their day… not the moment an avoidable injury begins. From dogs launching out of the boot and sprinting cold, to high-speed chases, collisions, and endless ball throwing, many “normal” routines are actually putting dogs at risk. In this episode, we dig into what safe, effective exercise really looks like. Mel explains what the canine body actually needs, and why those first 10–15 minutes of on-lead walking can completely change the picture. Together, Lauren and Mel explore how simple management choices - like using pathways, long lines, and food scattering - can prevent that explosive first sprint and reduce injury risk before it even starts. They also talk through real-life scenarios, including multi-dog households and dogs returning to ‘normal’ walks following an  injury. You’ll hear how to safely reintroduce off-lead time, when play together is helpful (and when it’s not), and how to step in before fun turns into a crash. This is all about understanding arousal, movement, and giving your dog the best chance to move well and stay sound. We also explore the hidden risks in everyday environments, from wet ground and deep sand to pebble beaches and even different types of astroturf. Plus, we cover how exercise should change across your dog’s life, from older dogs with arthritic changes to fit, active sports dogs, and why nutrition needs to support increased training load. If you want to exercise your dog in a way that builds strength, protects their body, and supports long-term health, this episode is for you. 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!

    20 min

  2. APR 28

    Window Barking Solved: From Chaos to Calmness ft. Linda Hughes

    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 to tackle a challenge so many dog owners know all too well: window barking. That moment your dog launches at the glass, noise levels skyrocket, and suddenly the whole house feels tense, chaotic, and on edge. It’s frustrating, it’s exhausting, and for many, it feels like a habit that’s impossible to break. In this episode, we dig into what’s really going on behind the barking. Because this isn’t about a “naughty” dog - it’s about a behaviour that’s been well practised and, in many cases, accidentally reinforced. With the perfect vantage point and a constant stream of passers-by, your dog is essentially rehearsing the same high-arousal response again and again. Lauren and Linda walk through a real-life case study, sharing exactly how Linda turned things around for a dog who was making daily life stressful for the entire household. You’ll hear how small, practical changes - like adjusting the environment to reduce visual triggers - and simple, positive training techniques can make a huge difference. From using window film to limit rehearsal, to transforming a familiar “uh-uh” into a powerful, reward-based attention cue, this is all about changing the picture, not battling the behaviour. We also explore why telling your dog off often backfires, and what to do instead. By focusing on rewarding the behaviours you do want - like choosing to move away from the window and settle calmly - you can build habits that stick, without conflict or frustration. If you’re dealing with barking at windows, TVs, or anything that triggers that launch-and-lunge response, this episode will give you a clear, practical plan you can start straight away. Ready for solutions for every struggle - including barking? Grab the £1 Games Club trial and get started right now! 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!

    12 min

  3. APR 21

    The Power of Connection ft. Justin Prust

    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 once again by the brilliant Justin Prust, and this time they’re diving into something that sits at the heart of everything we do – connection. We don’t always realise how much it matters until it’s missing, but when you really look at it, connection is the thing holding your life (and your relationships) together. Together, Lauren and Justin get real about what makes connection last: effort, consistency, and the courage to show up as your true self, even when it would be easier to stay polished and distant. From years of friendship to long-distance family life, they share honest stories that prove just how powerful a genuine “hello” can be. You’ll hear practical tips for building stronger relationships in your everyday life, from sending voice notes that actually feel like you, to handwritten letters which add a personal touch that can mean the world, especially in our fast, digital world. They also explore why the idea of being “self-made” is a myth, and how connection grows when you give first, show up without judgement, and let people see the real human behind it all. And because this is a dog training podcast, we bring it back to our dogs too. From the communities built around training and shared interests, to those unexpected, sometimes shocking moments (yes… even the rabbit-catching kind), we talk about how connection with your dog can wobble, grow, and ultimately become stronger through understanding, training, and trust. If you’ve been craving deeper relationships, a stronger sense of community, or a better connection with your dog, this episode will leave you thinking differently about the small things that really matter. Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, share it with someone you’d love to stay connected with, and leave us a review telling us the one connection habit you’re going to start today. Ready to connect with a community of like-minded dog owners and feel supported in your training journey? Grab the £1 Games Club trial and get started right now! 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!

    33 min

  4. APR 14

    Exercise Not Walks: Flexible Fitness for Dogs Who Find the World Hard

    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 wonderful Sam for a refreshingly honest conversation about something many dog owners struggle with: walks that just don’t work. If your dog melts down on walks and you feel that knot of dread before you even pick up the lead, you are not alone - and you are not doing anything “wrong”. Together, Lauren and Sam unpack why the traditional daily walk can actually be the hardest possible exercise plan for some dogs, especially those who are reactive, worried, or easily tipped into over-arousal. When a dog is in a state of panic, learning simply isn’t possible, and busy environments can quickly become a daily rehearsal of stress for both you and your dog. So instead, we give ourselves permission to do it differently: think exercise, not walks This episode explores practical, flexible alternatives that meet dogs where they are. From strength-building and slow, intentional movement at home, to Cavaletti work, Confidence Circuits, and fun food-based games that burn energy quickly, Lauren and Sam share ideas that are both achievable and effective. They also talk about how to make outdoor exercise work for your dog, including choosing quieter locations, using enclosed fields, and understanding how timing and space can make all the difference. Along the way, they dive into the kinds of movement that really support behaviour change - including proprioception work and simple core exercises that help dogs feel more balanced and in control of their bodies. 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!

    22 min

  5. APR 7

    Raising a Superstar Sports Dog: The Foundations that Matter

    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 vet and Flyball competitor Nichol to chat about raising a sports dog. Barking dogs, busy ringsides, food on the floor - whether it’s agility, flyball or obedience, it’s a complex environment for any dog to navigate. Our starting point is simple: focus first. Because if you don’t have your dog’s attention, you don’t have training. Lauren and Nichol share the games and reinforcement strategies that help your dog choose you, even when the environment is full of distractions. From there, they get into arousal and overstimulation; why shorter sessions build more success, how to introduce busy environments without overwhelming your dog, and why sometimes the best decision you can make is two minutes of great work… then leave. They also talk about building strong foundations at home, where your puppy can win; developing play, building reliable tug, and creating skills you can take anywhere - especially when food isn’t enough in high-energy environments. You’ll hear how to proof behaviours in new places, prevent rehearsal of unwanted habits, and help your dog feel safe and confident around the realities of competition spaces. And finally, they touch on early retrieves, body awareness, and the mindset that keeps your training moving forward with every puppy you raise. If you’re building a future sports dog - or just want a dog who can stay with you when life gets busy - this episode is packed with practical ideas. 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!

    13 min

  6. MAR 31

    Every Piece of Food Has a Purpose: Feeding With Intention

    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 diving into one of the most misunderstood topics in dog training: food. Are you bribing your dog? Creating a treat monster? Or accidentally training the very behaviours you don’t want? At absoluteDogs, we believe something simple but powerful: every piece of food has a purpose. When you start using food with intention, everything changes. Your dog’s choices, your timing, and the results you see in real life. In this episode, we break down what’s really going on when you use food in training, and how to turn rewards into a tool that builds trust, clarity, and reliability - not dependency. We share practical, everyday training games that go way beyond “sit for a biscuit”. Think reinforcing proximity to supercharge your recall, paying for loose lead walking when the world is distracting, and creating positive associations with things like cars, visitors, and door knocks so they become a total non-event. Got more than one dog? We’ve got you covered there too. We chat about using food to move dogs smoothly from space to space, reducing chaos, ditching the chasing and negotiating, and building a calmer, more cooperative household. We also tackle noise reactivity and the realities of neighbourhood life, showing you how to use simple pairing strategies to reduce barking and help your dog settle. Plus, the easy calming setups we always have ready - think Kongs, lick mats, and smart crate routines. And finally, we head into cooperative care - grooming, handling, and vet visits - sharing how simple consent-based games like chin rests and stillness can transform these experiences from stressful to straightforward. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “doing food right”, this episode will change how you see every single treat you deliver. Ready to learn more? Grab the £1 Games Club trial, explore guided tracks - including Mouse Trap - and see how powerful games and food are when used purposefully and thoughtfully. https://absolutedogs.me/7daytrial New to Devon Dogs and want to take advantage of the introductory offer?  http://www.devondogs.co.uk/product/20-introductory-lesson 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!

    16 min

  7. MAR 24

    Siri's Magic Suitcase: Taking Games on the Road

    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, the wonderful Sam is back to chat to Lauren about a rather unusual training tool: a suitcase. Siri, Sam’s Jack Russell, used to find the outside world pretty overwhelming. Walks could quickly turn into moments of panic and reactivity. But a simple idea - a suitcase covered in unicorns - helped turn those tricky situations into something far more predictable and productive. The “magic suitcase” isn’t really magic at all. It’s a portable kit filled with games Siri already knows and loves. Over time, the suitcase itself became a cue: when it appears, it means “we’re about to play our games”. That sense of familiarity gives Siri something clear and positive to focus on, even when the environment around her feels challenging. Lauren and Sam talk through how Sam built this system step by step. It started at home with short, successful sessions, layering different games onto the same prop so Siri learned that the suitcase always means the same thing. From two paws up and wrap-arounds to boundary settles, scent searches, and even a noise box, each activity became part of the same predictable routine. It’s outside in the real world where the suitcase really comes into its own. When things feel a bit spicy - a busy street, a sudden distraction, a trigger appearing in the distance - the suitcase helps Siri switch from worry to work. Sometimes that means calm, nose-led activities; other times it’s more dynamic games that channel her energy in a helpful way. If you have a reactive, nervous, or easily over-aroused dog, this episode offers a simple, creative way to bring familiar training games with you wherever you go - helping your dog feel safer, calmer, and more able to make good choices. Ready to give it a go with your own dog? Sam would LOVE to see you and your dogs get creative with their own magic suitcases. Part of Games Club? We’ve added Siri’s Magic Suitcase to your library of games so you can see it in action. New to games and want to check it out? Grab the £1 Games Club trial and you can watch it right now. 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!

    8 min

  8. MAR 17

    Concept Training Explained: Calmness aka The Value of Being Able to Chill Out

    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’ll be taking concepts you may have heard us talk about before, breaking them down, and making them practical, relatable, and easy to spot in your own training sessions and day-to-day interactions with your dog. This time, Alice is back to chat to Lauren about the king of all concepts: calmness. Calmness isn’t just a nice-to-have in dog training. For some dogs, it can be life changing - even life-saving! In this episode, you’ll hear more of the powerful story of Bonnie, a “mastiff mega mutt” with a difficult history and significant physical challenges, whose path forward depended on learning how to find calm in a world that once felt overwhelming. Listen in as Lauren and Alice chat about what a lack of calm actually looks like in real life - hyper-vigilance, barking, lunging, restless nights, and a nervous system constantly on high alert. When dogs are stuck in these states, learning becomes almost impossible. That’s why calmness isn’t just another training goal; it’s the foundation that makes everything else possible. You’ll hear how calm became the guiding principle behind every training decision for Alice and her partner Chris. From using simple techniques like DMT (Distraction, Mark, Treat) to build neutrality around triggers, to ditching the food bowl and investing every meal into reinforcing calm choices, Alice explains the practical steps that helped Bonnie move from chaos toward stability - and how, for Bonnie, that really was life-saving. Bonnie’s transformation didn’t happen overnight, but the path forward was built from simple, repeatable habits: noticing calm, marking it, reinforcing it, and gradually expanding her comfort zone. As Bonnie learned to settle, walk more peacefully, and rest deeply, something else shifted too - the humans changed. Because one of the most powerful truths in dog training is that our dogs borrow our state. If you’re struggling with barking, reactivity, or a dog who seems constantly on edge, this episode offers a hopeful and practical roadmap for building calmness -  not as a trick, but as a lifestyle. Ready to learn more? Grab the £1 Games Club trial and borrow the confidence and support of a community that’s solved the same strugg 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!

    22 min
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In Sexier Than a Squirrel, the Official AbsoluteDogs Podcast, join us here at Absolute Dogs as we talk training your dog, transforming your dog training struggles and getting real-life results through GAMES!

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