The Dynamic Dog Owner

Debbie talks about hiking safely with dogs, drawing on 20 years of Lake District walking experience and recent mountain rescue callouts involving dogs. She covers essential pre-hike considerations including assessing terrain suitability, matching routes to your dog's fitness level, and understanding environmental hazards. Debbie discusses crucial equipment like harnesses for supporting dogs over difficult terrain, the importance of...

Debbie talks about why long lines can be a game-changer for reducing lead pulling, responding to negative feedback from a social media post that sparked controversy. She explains how short leads set dogs up to fail by restricting their natural sniffing behaviours and how long lines reduce the frequency of pulling by giving dogs freedom to move naturally. Sorry for the parts with bad quality audio, if you have any questions about w...

Debbie talks about the realities of living with an energetic dog and the challenge of meeting their needs alongside everyday responsibilities. She shares her personal experiences with Rem, her high-energy dog who walked over 50 miles during a recent Lake District holiday, and explains why consistency, breed-specific activities, and morning exercise are more effective than simply increasing walk duration. Sorry for the parts with b...

Looking to bring more joy and satisfaction to your dog’s daily life? Don’t miss this episode of The Dynamic Dog Owner - Debbie & Tash explore what real enrichment means for your pup—beyond just store-bought puzzle toys and fancy food games.

You’ll learn why enrichment is about so much more than keeping your dog busy, and discover easy, cost-effective ways to improve your dog’s quality of life. From the truth about “fun feeding”...

Debbie talks about the surprising power of words in dog training and how we inadvertently teach our dogs associations we never intended. She explores why talking too much can actually weaken communication with our dogs, shares the fascinating story of her dog who fears the word "spider" despite never having been frightened by an actual spider, and explains why silence can be one of the most effective training tools.

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In this episode Debbie discusses the shift she observes between dogs in focused training mode versus free thinking mode, and why this matters for successful training. She explores how some dogs can perform trained behaviours beautifully when given instructions but struggle to make good choices independently without constant human direction. Debbie explains why teaching dogs to think freely and manage their own emotions is just as i...

Debbie talks about the Rule of Three, a guideline that helps dog parents understand how long dogs need to truly settle into new environments. She explains the three key timeframes (three days, three weeks, and three months) and how each stage represents a different part of the adjustment process. Debbie discusses why this rule applies not just to rescue dogs, but to puppies, holiday situations, and house moves, offering practical a...

Ever wondered why small dogs seem to get away with behaviours that would get big dogs into trouble? This week Debbie & Tash discuss "dog size bias" and the different expectations we set for our canine companions based on their size. From jumping up and barking to how we handle reactivity and public outings, they unpack why little dogs often get a free pass while bigger breeds are held to a higher standard.

Whether you have a ...

Are you constantly battling with your dog over stopping to sniff every blade of grass on your walks?

Or maybe you feel frustrated because you’re always in a rush, but your furry friend just wants to take their time and enjoy the world through their nose?

This week we dive into the fascinating world of canine sniffing - why it’s so important for your dog’s happiness, how it affects their behaviour, and, most importantly, how you can...

In this episode, Debbie talks about one of the most underrated challenges of dog ownership: managing our own emotions and confidence when out in public with our dogs. She opens up about her personal struggles with her three dogs—Rem, Dave, and Fred—and how each has behaviours that make public outings uncomfortable, leading her to avoid certain situations altogether.

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