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

• The ABCs of Dog Training: Simple Principles for Powerful Results ft. Dave Hibbert

  Send us a textEver wondered why your dog performs perfectly at home but seems to forget everything when you're out in public? The secret might lie in understanding the ABCs of dog training.Dave, a veteran police dog trainer with over two decades of experience, breaks down this deceptively simple framework that has revolutionized how professionals approach dog training. Rather than focusing solely on correcting behaviors, the ABC model—Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence—provides multiple leverage points to create lasting change in your dog's responses.The conversation dives deep into the "three A's" that precede any behavior: Arousal (your dog's energy level), Area (the training environment), and Actions (what you and others are doing). Through vivid examples from both high-stakes police work and everyday training scenarios, Dave illustrates how manipulating these elements can transform seemingly stubborn behavioral issues without resorting to punishment.One particularly fascinating insight reveals how what we perceive as punishment might actually be reinforcing to our dogs—like the Malinois who fights harder against the leash correction because the struggle itself is rewarding. This perspective shift helps explain why some training approaches backfire despite our best intentions.Whether you're working with a high-drive working dog or a family pet, understanding this framework empowers you to troubleshoot training challenges more effectively. By becoming aware of how these elements interact, you'll gain new tools to set your dog up for success rather than repeatedly correcting failures.Ready to transform your approach to dog training? Listen now and discover why changing what happens before a behavior often matters more than what happens after it. Share your own training breakthrough moments with us and join the conversation!Support the showIf 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!

  --------  

  37:19
• Naughty but Nice Transformation: How Simple Games Transform "Difficult" Dogs

  Send us a textStruggling with a challenging, reactive, or overly sensitive dog? You’re not alone—and you’re not failing. In this powerful episode, top dog trainers Lauren Langman and Sam reveal the proven games-based training methods they use to transform “naughty but nice” dogs into calm, confident, and focused companions.Discover how to replace traditional obedience struggles with playful strategies that work with your dog’s emotions, not against them. This episode explores:🔁 The Disengagement Pattern that teaches your dog to tune in to you instead of distractions 🧳 The Magic Suitcase method—a mobile safe zone for anxious dogs in stressful environments 🦁 Why trick training builds unstoppable confidence in timid or fearful dogs 🔲 The Disengagement Square, a walk-time game that shifts stress into calm focus 🍖 The surprising power of scatter feeding as a decompression toolFrom reactive terriers to overwhelmed rescues, Lauren and Sam share real-world stories, tips, and techniques that you can implement today, whether your dog is a puppy or well into adulthood.If your dog’s big feelings are getting in the way of daily life, this episode will give you hope, direction, and a practical plan for transformation.🎧 Listen now and start your journey with your “naughty but nice” dog today. 🎮 Want the step-by-step games from this episode? Get instant access inside Games Club: absolutedogs.me/jointheclub🆓 Get Your Free 'Ditch the Bowl' Resource here:absolutedogs.me/ditchthebowl Support the showIf 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!

  --------  

  20:26
• Building The Resilient Dog: Why It Matters More Than You Think

  Send us a textWhat makes some dogs able to handle anything life throws at them while others crumble under pressure? The answer lies in resilience – that magical quality that transforms anxious, reactive dogs into confident companions who can accompany you anywhere.Lauren Langman and special guest Amanda dive deep into how to build rock-solid resilience in dogs of all ages. They share personal stories of their most bomb-proof dogs – from Tokyo the unflappable Border Collie who could sleep through chaos to Salty the adventurous Labrador who sailed boats and rode gondolas without a care in the world. These weren't just lucky genetic accidents but the result of deliberate, thoughtful training and lifestyle choices.The conversation unpacks the fascinating "stress bucket" concept – a model for understanding how dogs process and manage stressors. You'll discover the five critical components that build resilience: optimism, thinking in arousal, arousal control, calmness, and disengagement. Each component can be developed through specific games and management strategies that transform how your dog perceives and responds to the world around them.Perhaps most eye-opening is the discussion of "rehearsal" – how what we allow our dogs to practice becomes their default behavior. Whether it's a Border Collie working sheep, a spaniel flushing birds, or a terrier hunting vermin – understanding your training goals before allowing certain behaviors to be rehearsed can make all the difference in creating the companion you want. The hosts emphasize that resilience training isn't just for puppies. Even rescue dogs and older canines can develop these skills through patient, consistent work.Ready to create a dog who can truly share your adventures? This episode provides the roadmap to an enriched life for both you and your canine companion. As Amanda beautifully summarizes: "Resilience leads to an enriched life for your dog."Support the showIf 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!

  --------  

  27:14
• Is “Friendly” Overrated? Building Environmentally Robust Dogs ft. Dave Hibbert

  Send us a textIs Your Dog Too Friendly? Why Socialisation Might Be Setting You Back 🐾What if everything you've been told about socialisation is… wrong?In this episode, leading dog trainer Lauren Langman and operational dog expert Dave Hibbert (whose dogs have worked events like the Queen’s funeral) dive deep into the surprising truth behind confident dogs. Spoiler: it’s not about being friendly—it’s about being environmentally bulletproof.🎯 You’ll learn:The real difference between socialisation and environmental trainingWhy “friendly” dogs often fail in the real worldHow to build calm, focused, and neutral responses to distractionsEasy home setups using cardboard chaos, metal bowls, and wobble boardsWhy car parks, industrial estates, and motorway service stations make the best training groundsThe truth about early puppy exposure, even before vaccinations"We don’t want a social dog," says Lauren. “We want one who can ignore the chaos and tune in to us.”This episode is a must-watch if you're training a working dog, raising a high-energy pup, or just tired of your dog getting distracted by every passerby.🔔 Subscribe for more games-based training strategies that actually work. 🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts — or watch right here!Get Access to our 10 Days to a Perfect Puppy Course here:https://absolutedogs.me/perfectpuppy #dogtraining #puppytraining #socialisation #environmentaltraining #absolutedogs #confidentdogs #dogbehaviour #dogpodcast #reactivedog #puppydevelopment #dogtrainingtipsSupport the showIf 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!

  --------  

  15:43
• Confidence Hoops: The Secret to Calmer, Braver, Happier Dogs

  Send us a textEver wondered how something as simple as a hula hoop could transform your dog's confidence? This game-changing episode reveals the science and magic behind "confidence hoops" training.Lauren and Jamie unpack why this accessible training method works for dogs of all ages and personality types - from nervous rescues to boisterous puppies, senior dogs with mobility issues to high-drive sport prospects. You'll discover how giving dogs control over movement and noise helps them develop profound confidence that transfers to real-world challenges.The beauty of confidence hoops lies in their simplicity. Starting with inexpensive supermarket hula hoops (just £1-2), you can create engaging games that build mental resilience, physical coordination, and emotional stability. Learn about crowd favorites like "hoop dive" where dogs push through hoops themselves, creating a sense of agency that anxious dogs often lack in triggering situations.What sets this training approach apart is how it allows dogs to lead their own learning journey. When dogs partner with you to solve problems rather than simply following commands, they develop flexible thinking and adaptability. This dynamic shift creates confident companions who approach new challenges with enthusiasm rather than apprehension.Whether you're struggling with a reactive dog, want to build your puppy's environmental confidence, or simply need to add some no-pressure fun to your training routine, confidence hoops offers accessible entry points for every human-dog team. The portable nature of hoops means you can practice anywhere, helping dogs generalize their skills across different environments.Ready to transform your dog's confidence through play? Grab the Confidence Hoops course (currently available at a special pre-order price) or start experimenting with basic boundary games today. Your dog's newfound confidence might just surprise you!Confidence Hoops is here!https://www.absolutedogs.me/confidencehoopsSupport the showIf 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!

  --------  

  24:58

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

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