The Paws Perspective

Flying Paws Dog Training

The Paws Perspective is a dog training podcast that helps owners feel calmer, clearer, and more confident by understanding their dog’s behaviour before problems take hold. Each episode explores training tips, behaviour insights, and real-life stories to help you build a stronger bond with your dog. From puppies and adolescence to big behaviours and everyday challenges, we share practical, science-backed advice in a friendly, relatable way. 🎙️ New episodes every Wednesday.

  1. 1D AGO

    24: Choosing the Right Dog Breed: Expectations, Reality & What Really Matters

    In this episode of The Paws Perspective, we dive into one of the biggest decisions a dog owner will ever make: choosing the right dog breed and why it’s often more complicated than people expect. Through personal stories and real-life experiences, we explore how breed traits, individual personality, and lifestyle fit all play a crucial role in creating a successful and sustainable relationship with your dog. While appearance and aesthetics are often the starting point for many people, we discuss why understanding behaviour, needs, and long-term commitment matters far more than looks alone. We unpack the realities of dog ownership, including the challenges that can arise when expectations don’t match reality, and how education and awareness can help prevent frustration, rehoming, and burnout. This conversation highlights that every dog is an individual (even within the same breed) and that past experiences can strongly influence future choices and confidence as a dog owner. Most importantly, this episode focuses on building a relationship that works for both human and dog, recognising that different dogs require different levels of time, training, enrichment, and emotional support. Whether you’re thinking about getting your first dog, adding another dog to your family, or reflecting on your current dog journey, this episode will help you make more informed, compassionate decisions. ​Why choosing a dog based on looks alone can lead to challenges​The importance of understanding breed characteristics and instincts​How lifestyle, routine, and environment affect dog suitability​Individual differences within the same breed​The emotional realities of dog ownership​Why education is key to understanding dog behaviour​How past dog experiences shape future choices​What it means to create a sustainable, long-term relationship with your dog​First-time dog owners​Families considering getting a dog​Anyone researching dog breeds​Dog lovers wanting a deeper understanding of behaviour​Owners struggling with mismatched expectationsChoosing the right dog isn’t about finding the “perfect breed”, it’s about finding the right match for your life, your values, and your capacity to meet a dog’s needs.

    40 min
  2. JAN 29

    Travelling with Dogs: How Preparation Creates Confident Adventures with Kerry from Puppy Tales

    Travelling with dogs can be one of the most rewarding experiences, when it’s done with intention, preparation, and your dog’s needs at the centre. In this episode, Pat and Molly are joined by Kerry Martin from Puppy Tales Pet Photography, who shares her expert insights on what it really takes to travel well with dogs of all ages. From puppies heading out on their first road trip to adult dogs learning to feel safe in new environments, this conversation explores how training, adaptability, and thoughtful planning can turn travel from stressful to enriching. Kerry highlights why early socialisation and life-skills training play such a huge role in successful dog travel, and how small habits can set dogs up to cope confidently on the road. The episode also dives into the practical side of travelling with dogs, including health considerations, routine changes, rest, and how to advocate for dog-friendly spaces. Kerry shares her perspective on slowing down, reading your dog’s emotional state, and choosing experiences that genuinely support their wellbeing, not just the highlight reel. As a professional pet photographer who works with families and dogs in real-life settings, Kerry also talks about the joy of capturing meaningful memories with your dog while travelling, and why those moments matter just as much as the destination. Whether you’re planning your first trip with a puppy or looking to improve travel experiences with your adult dog, this episode is packed with practical dog travel tips, mindset shifts, and real-world advice to help your dog feel safe, confident, and happy wherever you go. ​How to prepare your dog for travel through everyday training and life skills​Why adaptability and emotional regulation matter more than “perfect behaviour”​Tips for travelling with puppies versus adult dogs​Health, rest, and routine considerations when travelling with dogs​How to choose dog-friendly destinations that actually support your dog​Ways to create enriching travel experiences instead of overwhelming ones​Why capturing memories with your dog is about connection, not perfectionKerry Martin is the founder of Puppy Tales Pet Photography, specialising in natural, stress-free photography that celebrates the real bond between dogs and their people. Kerry’s work and experience travelling with dogs gives her a unique perspective on creating positive, dog-centred experiences — both at home and on the road.

    39 min
  3. JAN 27

    21. Five Things Every Puppy Owner Needs to Know (Before Problems Start)

    In this episode of The Paws Perspective, Pat and Molly break down five essential things every puppy owner needs to know to set themselves (and their puppy) up for success from day one. Drawing on their experience as trainers and puppy parents, they explain why understanding your puppy’s breed and genetics matters, helping owners recognise which behaviours may come naturally and where extra guidance or training may be needed. They discuss the importance of preparing your home before your puppy arrives, including setting up safe spaces, establishing routines, and preventing common problem behaviours before they start. A strong focus is placed on socialisation, not simply meeting people and dogs, but thoughtfully guided exposure that helps puppies feel safe, confident, and capable in the world around them. Pat and Molly also tackle two of the biggest challenges new puppy owners face: teething and sleep. They explain why these behaviours are normal, how to manage them appropriately, and how healthy sleep routines support learning, emotional regulation, and overall wellbeing. The episode wraps with an important reminder about managing expectations, emphasising that puppies are always learning and that progress is rarely linear. Packed with practical advice, reassurance, and real-world insights, this episode is designed to help new puppy owners feel more confident, informed, and supported as they navigate the early stages of life with their puppy.

    23 min
  4. JAN 20

    20. Dog Instincts Explained: Why Breed Traits Still Matter in Training

    In this episode, Pat and Molly dive into the fascinating world of dog breeds and instincts, unpacking how and why dogs are grouped based on their original working roles and behavioural traits. Rather than focusing on appearance alone, they explore what breed groupings reveal about a dog’s instincts, motivations, and natural tendencies and why this matters in everyday training. They walk through a wide range of breed groups, including natural dogs, sight hounds, guardians, toy dogs, scent hounds, gun dogs, terriers, bulldogs, and herding dogs. For each group, Pat and Molly discuss the historical jobs these dogs were bred to perform and how those roles still influence behaviour in modern pet homes. From chasing and guarding to sniffing, retrieving, and controlling movement, they highlight the strengths, challenges, and common misconceptions associated with each group. The episode places a strong emphasis on the role of genetics in shaping behaviour, helping listeners understand why some behaviours come more easily to certain dogs and why others may require thoughtful management and training. With practical insights and real-world examples, this conversation is designed to help current and prospective dog owners set realistic expectations, make informed choices, and build more successful relationships by working with their dog’s nature, not against it. This episode pairs really well with our earlier discussion on routines and training habits if you want to explore how instinct and structure work together!

    48 min
  5. JAN 13

    19. Should You Get a Second Dog? What Most Owners Don’t Consider

    In this episode, Pat and Molly dive into a big question many pet owners face: should you get a second dog? They unpack the motivations behind adding another dog to the household and explain why the “why” matters just as much as the “when.” The conversation explores what true compatibility between dogs really looks like, going beyond breed and age to consider energy levels, play styles, emotional needs, and learning histories. Pat and Molly discuss how bringing a second dog into the home can influence behaviour (both positively and negatively) and why maintaining each dog’s independence is essential to prevent issues like over-reliance, competition, or behavioural regression. They also highlight the often-overlooked management side of multi-dog households, including training time, routine adjustments, and ensuring each dog still receives individual attention. The financial realities of owning more than one dog are addressed honestly, from vet care and food to training, enrichment, and unexpected costs. Throughout the episode, Pat and Molly share real-life experiences, mistakes, and lessons learned from working with multi-dog families. The key takeaway is clear: getting a second dog can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s not a decision to make lightly. Careful planning, realistic expectations, and a deep understanding of each dog’s needs are critical to setting everyone up for long-term success. If you’re unsure whether adding a second dog is right for your household, taking the time to assess your current dog’s needs and routines is one of the most important first steps.

    29 min

About

The Paws Perspective is a dog training podcast that helps owners feel calmer, clearer, and more confident by understanding their dog’s behaviour before problems take hold. Each episode explores training tips, behaviour insights, and real-life stories to help you build a stronger bond with your dog. From puppies and adolescence to big behaviours and everyday challenges, we share practical, science-backed advice in a friendly, relatable way. 🎙️ New episodes every Wednesday.