Positive Playtime by Tug-E-Nuff

Danny Nelis-Rouse
  • 5.0 (1)
  • PETS & ANIMALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Positive Playtime - the podcast all about dogs, play, and the joy of positive training! I’m Danny Nelis-Rouse, co-owner of Tug-E-Nuff, and each episode, I chat with top dog trainers, behaviourists, and pet experts to uncover the secrets of positive reinforcement, enrichment, and canine play. Whether you're looking for expert dog training tips or heartwarming stories about our four-legged friends, you’re in the right place!

  1. SEP 24

    11. Why Play Is Critical For Your Dog’s Happiness & Behaviour

    Play isn’t just fun for your dog, it’s essential.In this episode of Positive Playtime, Danny is joined by Tug-E-Nuff founder Teresa and long-time team member Chelsea (now of Canis Concept) to explore why play matters more than you think. They dive into the science behind interactive play, why it’s crucial for emotional wellbeing, and how the right games can prevent common behaviour problems. You’ll hear:✔️ How play strengthens your bond with your dog✔️ The science of play and why it reduces stress✔️ Real-life stories of dogs transformed by tug and training games✔️ Easy ways to bring more purposeful play into daily life 👉 Explore more:• Shop training toys: https://tug-e-nuff.com• Take the Toy Quest Quiz: https://tug-e-nuff.com/pages/toy-picker• Download our FREE Games Ebook: https://tug-e-nuff.com/podcast 👍 Enjoyed this episode? Follow Positive Playtime on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music, and leave us a review so more dog owners can discover the power of play! 📲 Stay connected:Instagram: @tugenuff

    38 min

  2. SEP 17

    11. The Muzzle Movement: Why Muzzles Mean Responsible Dog Ownership

    Muzzles are often misunderstood, but they’re one of the most valuable tools we can use to keep dogs, owners, and the public safe. In this episode of Positive Playtime, we're joined by Annie, founder of the Muzzle Movement, to bust the myths about muzzles and show how they can actually give dogs more freedom. From training tips to everyday use, this conversation is a must-listen for any responsible dog owner. You’ll learn:✔️ Why muzzles don’t mean a “bad dog”✔️ The many reasons dogs might wear a muzzle✔️ How to fit and introduce one the right way✔️ Why muzzles = responsible ownership, not stigma 💡 Learn more about Annie’s work: https://www.themuzzlemovement.com/pages/about-the-movement Explore more:• Discover enrichment toys: https://tug-e-nuff.com• Try our Power of Play free course: http://tug-e-nuff.com/podcast 👍 Enjoyed this episode? Follow the podcast on ⁠Spotify,⁠⁠ Apple Podcasts⁠, or ⁠Amazon Music⁠, and leave us a review so more dog owners can discover the power of play! 📲 Follow us on Instagram:⁠ @tugenuff

    38 min

  3. SEP 10

    10. Helping Kids & Dogs Get Along: Safe Play Tips Every Parent Needs

    Worried about how your child and dog get along? You're not alone. In this episode of Positive Playtime, we’re joined by Debby Lucken - dog trainer, educator, and founder of Kids Around Dogs (KAD) - to share expert insights on how families can create safe, positive bonds between children and dogs through the power of play. Whether you're introducing a puppy to your little ones or navigating tricky interactions, this conversation is packed with practical advice, common myths, and simple play-based solutions.  You’ll learn: ✔️ The biggest mistakes parents make with kids and dogs ✔️ How play builds trust and prevents problems ✔️ What toys and tools are safest and most effective ✔️ Tips for creating calm, positive routines at home 💡 Learn more about Debby’s work: https://kidsarounddogs.co.uk/  👉 Find out more on Debby’s YouTube channel: Kids Around Dogs Explore more: • Discover family-safe enrichment toys: https://tug-e-nuff.com • Try our Power of Play free course 👍 Enjoyed this episode? Follow the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music, and leave us a review so more dog owners can discover the power of play! 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @tugenuff

    39 min

  4. SEP 3

    9. Why Sniffing Is Essential For Your Dog’s Happiness

    Did you know letting your dog sniff is just as important as letting them run? It’s true, and in this episode of Positive Playtime, we’re digging into the power of your dog’s nose. We’re joined by Jamie and Gemma Pound from UK Sniffer Dogs, who’ve helped thousands of dogs and owners tap into the benefits of scentwork. Whether you have a high-energy dog who struggles to switch off or a nervous rescue looking for enrichment, this episode is full of practical ways to help them thrive. No need to be a pro, you’ll learn how to bring scent-based games into everyday life, even if you’ve never tried scentwork before. What you’ll learn: ✔️ Why sniffing supports your dog’s mental and emotional wellbeing ✔️ Easy scentwork games you can try at home ✔️ How scent-based play can help anxious or over-excited dogs ✔️ Real success stories that show the impact of sniffing 🐾 Learn more about UK Sniffer Dogs: uksnifferdogs.com   🐶 Helpful Links: Download our FREE Games Ebook Find your dog’s perfect toy - Take the Toy Quest Quiz Explore training toys 👉 Want to dive deeper into the power of sniffing? Check out these great resources: Why sniffing is essential for your dog’s wellbeing Scent training for dogs: how to get started UK Sniffer Dogs courses for owners 👍 Enjoyed this episode? Follow the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music, and leave us a review so more dog owners can discover the power of play! 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @tugenuff

    36 min

  5. AUG 27

    8. Can Yellow Space Zones Help Your Reactive Dog Cope?

    Got a reactive or anxious dog? You’re not alone. In this episode of Positive Playtime, we’re joined by Sarah Jones - founder of My Anxious Dog and the #DogsInYellow campaign - to explore how visibility, enrichment, and designated calm spaces can help dogs feel safer and more confident. We dive into the story behind the Dogs in Yellow movement, how Yellow Space Zones are creating safe havens at major events, and why tools like tug toys and snuffle mats can be powerful supports for anxious dogs - especially as we head into summer adventures. What you’ll learn: ✔️ What Yellow Space Zones are and how they help ✔️ Why visibility cues like yellow leads matter for reactive dogs ✔️ Enrichment ideas that support calm behaviour in busy places ✔️ How to advocate for your dog when they need space 💛 Learn more: myanxiousdog.co.uk Explore training toys: tug-e-nuff.com Grab our Free Games Ebook: https://tug-e-nuff.com/pages/positive-playtime-podcast Find your dog’s perfect toy: Toy Quest Quiz 🎧 Follow the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Amazon Music 👍 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review - it helps more dog owners discover the power of play!  📲 Follow us on Instagram: @tugenuff

    33 min

  6. AUG 20

    Positive Playtime Podcast | Series 2 Trailer

    The Positive Playtime Podcast is back for Series 2 🎉 Join Tug-E-Nuff and expert guests as we explore how play can transform your dog’s training, confidence, and happiness. Across six brand-new episodes, you’ll hear practical tips, real-life stories, and expert advice on topics like: 🐶 Helping reactive and anxious dogs feel safe 👧 Kids & dogs - how safe, structured play can prevent accidents and build positive bonds 🦴 Why sniffing is essential for your dog’s wellbeing 🎾 The science of play and how interactive games transform behaviour 🐕 Why muzzles can be a tool of responsible ownership 👉 Hit Follow now so you never miss an episode. First episode drops 27th August!

    25 sec
  7. 7. Why Keeping Your Dog Busy Might Be Making Things Worse

    10/13/2024

    7. Why Keeping Your Dog Busy Might Be Making Things Worse

    A fresh perspective on why “keeping dogs busy” might actually slow their progress. In this episode of Positive Playtime, we’re joined by dog trainer, author, and IMDT founder Steve Mann to bust some of the biggest myths in dog training. With over 30 years of experience, Steve shares surprising truths about what dogs really need - not just more activities, but more calm, connection, and clarity. If you’ve ever been told to just “keep your dog busy,” this one’s for you. 🎙️ In this episode, Steve reveals:  • The #1 thing your dog needs more than training • Why constant stimulation can actually cause more harm than good • The secret release that helps raise calmer, more focused dogs • What to do instead of always keeping your dog “busy” • Why paying your dog by the hour (not the mileage!) changes everything • The 3 keys to dog training progress: passion, empathy, and constant self-audit PLUS: We’re giving away a copy of Steve’s book Another Day, Another Collar! Head to our Facebook page to enter. Discover training games your dog will love: https://tinyurl.com/ymsnabk5 Take the Toy Quest Quiz: https://www.tug-e-nuff.com/pages/toy-picker Buy the book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Another-Day-Collar-Life-Training/dp/1788705998  🐾 What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? Let us know in the comments or leave us a review - we’d love to hear from you!

    30 min
  8. 6. Anxious Dogs & Daily Walks: What If You Skipped Them?

    10/08/2024

    6. Anxious Dogs & Daily Walks: What If You Skipped Them?

    Eye-opening for owners of anxious dogs struggling with daily walks or overstimulation. Does your anxious dog really need a walk? 🐾 In this episode of Positive Playtime, we sit down with bestselling author and award-winning dog trainer Niki French to explore a bold question: Are daily dog walks always the best thing for your dog? Niki shares why skipping the daily walk might actually reduce anxiety and improve your dog’s well-being - and busts some of the most common myths about dog walking. Whether your dog is anxious, excitable, or reactive, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you create a calmer, more connected daily routine. In this episode, Niki reveals:  ✅ Why traditional walks might be stressing your dog out ✅ The truth behind dogs who return from walks more anxious ✅ Do you really need to walk your dog every day? ✅ How to swap stressful walks for enrichment & play ✅ What to do instead to keep your dog happy and fulfilled ✅ Why giving yourself permission to change the routine can be game-changing “But you can’t just stop walking your dog… or can you?” Tune in to find out. Helpful links: 🎮 Game ideas your dog will love: https://tinyurl.com/y4trt3ku 🐶 Niki’s favourite Tug-E-Nuff tuggy: https://www.tug-e-nuff.com/products/bright-fauxtastic 📖 Niki’s bestselling book Stop Walking Your Dog: https://go.puptalk.co.uk/stopwalkingyourdog/  🐾 What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? Let us know in the comments or leave us a review – we’d love to hear from you!

    18 min
See All (13)

About

Welcome to Positive Playtime - the podcast all about dogs, play, and the joy of positive training! I’m Danny Nelis-Rouse, co-owner of Tug-E-Nuff, and each episode, I chat with top dog trainers, behaviourists, and pet experts to uncover the secrets of positive reinforcement, enrichment, and canine play. Whether you're looking for expert dog training tips or heartwarming stories about our four-legged friends, you’re in the right place!

Information

You Might Also Like