Stress Free Dog Walks

⭐️ Register for the FREE Online Stress Free Dog Walks Training! https://stressfreewalks.dog/join-free ⭐️

You’ll master my simple 3-part anti-pulling, lunging and reactivity method to handle distractions (like dogs, people, wildlife) without panic, so that you can LOVE walking your dog again! Get your free ticket here: https://stressfreewalks.dog/join-free

🎙️ In this episode: Here’s a scene you might recognise: Your dog fixates, weight shifts forward. You try your training cue, do what you’ve practiced. He explodes anyway. A bark that turns heads, a lunge that yanks your arm. The jogger makes a face. Someone mut...

⭐️ Register for the FREE Online Stress Free Dog Walks Training! https://stressfreewalks.dog/join-free ⭐️

You’ll master my simple 3-part anti-pulling, lunging and reactivity method to handle distractions (like dogs, people, wildlife) without panic, so that you can LOVE walking your dog again! Get your free ticket here: https://stressfreewalks.dog/join-free

🎙️ In this episode: If you’re searching “how to stop jumping up,” “why my dog barks at everything,” or “how to stop pulling”… you’re playing behaviour whack-a-mole.

Fix one thing this week…

A new problem pops up next week…

Tackle that one… anothe...

⭐️ Register for the FREE Online Stress Free Dog Walks Training! https://stressfreewalks.dog/join-free ⭐️

You’ll master my simple 3-part anti-pulling, lunging and reactivity method to handle distractions (like dogs, people, wildlife) without panic, so that you can LOVE walking your dog again! Get your free ticket here: https://stressfreewalks.dog/join-free

🎙️ In this episode: If you’re trying to fix the barking, pulling and lunging whilst the barking, pulling and lunging is happening - you’re already too late.

By the time your dog *does* the behaviour, their body has already fired off an entire chain...

⭐️ Register for the FREE Online Stress Free Dog Walks Training! https://stressfreewalks.dog/join-free ⭐️

You’ll master my simple 3-part anti-pulling, lunging and reactivity method to handle distractions (like dogs, people, wildlife) without panic, so that you can LOVE walking your dog again! Get your free ticket here: https://stressfreewalks.dog/join-free

🎙️ In this episode: You know ‘The Showdown’ 🤠 The quiet walk, the long straight path, no exit route. Cue: dramatic music as a dog appears on the horizon.

What do you actually do when another dog is heading straight for you on a walk? Shorten the le...

⭐️ Register for the FREE Online Stress Free Dog Walks Training! https://stressfreewalks.dog/join-free ⭐️

You’ll master my simple 3-part anti-pulling, lunging and reactivity method to handle distractions (like dogs, people, wildlife) without panic, so that you can LOVE walking your dog again! Get your free ticket here: https://stressfreewalks.dog/join-free

🎙️ In this episode: Christmas is full of joy - and opinions. Ever been hit with unsolicited advice about your dog’s behaviour at family gatherings? 🙄

💬 “Oh she’s *still* barking?”

💬 “We never use treats - you’re spoiling him.”

💬 “Our dog doesn’t need a lead.”<...

Your puppy’s grown into a teenager and they’re pulling, barking, ignoring recall, pestering the kids, and bouncing off the walls. Most owners try to burn it off with more exercise. The problem with that? It can actually make things worse.

In this episode, we’re talking:

⚡ Why high-energy games like ball chasing activate the same stress pathways as fear

⚡ How too much activity can make your dog more reactive and less focused

⚡ The science behind scentwork and how it builds focus, balance, and calm

⚡ How to swap the ‘tire them...

Your puppy’s turned into a teenager?! Here’s what’s REALLY going on - and how to survive it!

Welcome to adolescence! Aka The Terrible Teens. A stage where stress stacks up fast, and bad habits picked up now can last for years.

In this episode, we’ll dive into:

⚡What’s happening in your dog’s brain and why it’s driving all that barking, lunging, and ignoring you

⚡The kinds of enrichment that drain stress instead of adding more - including your dog’s powerful built-in stress relief system

⚡How to...

So you survived the puppy stage: the sleepless nights, the toilet training, the chewed furniture. You thought you were in the clear… until adolescence hits!

Suddenly your once-angelic pup forgets every bit of training you’ve ever done. Recall? Gone. Loose lead walking? What’s that? 

In this episode, you’ll discover:

⚡️ The real science behind canine adolescence and why your dog suddenly seems to have lost the plot

⚡️ The secret reason your teenage dog challenges you more than anyone else (hint: it’s actually a compliment)

⚡️ How to tell the difference bet...

It’s every dog owner’s nightmare. You’re enjoying a peaceful walk when suddenly an off-lead dog comes sprinting right at you. No owner in sight. You’ve got SECONDS to react.

In this episode, we unpack how to handle one of the scariest real-life situations for any dog guardian:

⭐Why your reaction in those few seconds matters SO much

⭐Six real-world options for stopping an approaching dog - and how to know which to use

⭐How to stay calm and protect your dog under pressure

⭐The crucial post-incident st...

One roar. One bang. One crash. That’s all it takes for a dog to go from curious to cautious.

What happens in that split second after a scare decides whether your dog bounces back or carries that fear forward.

You’ll hear the story of Creedie, who froze in his tracks when a fighter jet roared overhead. Emily had seconds to act… and what she did next completely changed how he handled every jet that followed. Spoiler alert: he didn’t even bother looking up at the final one - he could not have cared le...

Your dog only gets one first time. If that first time goes badly, the consequences can last a lifetime.

A single experience, whether it’s meeting another dog, a ferry trip, a car ride, or a vet visit, can cause lasting fear. Car sickness, vet meltdowns, pulling, barking, or full-on reactivity that doesn’t just affect your dog - but makes everyday life stressful and unpredictable for you too.

This episode is about stopping that from happening. You’ll learn how to set your dog up for calm, confident firsts that prevent fear before it starts...

Imagine spending 4 years trying every trainer, trick, and piece of advice you can find - only to still be dragged across the road by your 27-kilo spaniel. That was Derek and Margaret’s reality with their dog Charlie.

Charlie had 17 different triggers - pulling, lunging, frantic sniffing, barking at dogs, chasing cats, exploding at the doorbell, the list went on. Walks were stressful, overwhelming, and sometimes dangerous.

Fast forward to today: Charlie walks calmly on a loose lead. In this episode I’m sharing how they did it:

✅ Why ‘control’ was actually making Charlie wo...

Stopping every time your dog pulls? That’s the most common loose lead walking advice - and one of the biggest reasons owners never fix their dog’s pulling. 

This stop/start method is supposed to teach dogs that when the lead is loose they can go, but in reality, it often makes things worse. Frustrated dogs. Frustrated owners. A pulling problem that feels tedious, miserable, endless.

In this episode, I’ll break down why the textbook logic doesn’t work in the real world - and what to do instead, so you and your dog can f...

Do you know one of the biggest breakdowns in the human–dog relationship? It happens every time we clip on a lead and expect our dogs to walk neatly at our side, in a straight line, at a human pace, on a human schedule.

It sounds simple, but loose leash walking is actually a huge ask! And it’s the reason so many dog owners resign themselves to a lifetime of leash pulling.

In this episode, we dive into why our idea of a ‘perfect heel walk’ often misses what dogs actually need - and how to f...

Does your dog pull like a train, zig-zag after every scent, or lunge with frustration the second you clip the lead on? You’re not alone. Pulling on the lead is one of the BIGGEST struggles dog owners face - and one of the most misunderstood.

In this episode I’m sharing 7 reasons dogs pull on the lead - including some you’ve probably never been told before - and simple, practical things you can do about each one.

You’ll discover: 

➡️ The real reasons dogs pull on the lead (hint: it’s not because the...

Your dog is not a chicken. So why are we told to feed them like one? If you’ve ever been advised to scatter your dog’s meal ‘for enrichment’… that’s advice for the wrong species. 

What has feeding styles got to do with stress free walks, anyway? We tend to think of ‘walking problems’ (pulling, barking, lunging, ignoring you) starting only when the lead goes on. But calm walks start much earlier. They start in the daily rituals at home. Even in the way you feed your dog.

In this episode, discover:

Goodness me, re-training a dog can feel exhausting!

😵‍💫 Eyes in the back of your head.

😵‍💫 Cue after cue after cue.

😵‍💫 Chicken spilling out of your pockets.

🤔 The doubts that creep in: “Am I just bribing him? Shouldn’t he know how to behave by now?”

If that sounds familiar, you’ve probably outgrown Level 1! Level 1 is management, distraction, keeping things under control, needing eyes in the back of your head.

There is something far greater for you waiting at Level 2: FREEDOM.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

✅ The critical mis...

You’ve tried. You’ve invested the time, the treats, the classes, the love (and let’s be real… the money). But progress is frustrating.

Don’t worry! You’re not ‘bad at training.’ Your dog isn’t ‘stubborn’ either.

My guess is that you may be making a few quiet, almost invisible mistakes, that are undoing your effort - without you even realising it. 

I’m diving into 4 of the most common ones in today’s brand new episode of The Stress Free Dog Walks Show.

They’re *so* common, I’d bet almost every dog owne...

I’m busting one of the biggest myths in the dog world: that reactive dogs just need ‘more socialising’! If your dog barks, lunges, pulls, or gets overexcited around other dogs and people, that advice could make things worse.

In this episode:

•  What a dog’s natural social life looks like (and how different it is from the park)

•  3 proven alternatives: real-world strategies I use with clients

•  How to set up safe, calm, confidence-building dog interactions

•  The signs your dog is actually benefiting from social time

You’ll know how to swap ri...

Discover the powerful walking strategy every reactive, anxious, or excitable dog needs in their routine: the Decompression Walk - aka the ‘Ugly Walk’!

You’ll learn:

• What a Decompression Walk actually is (and what it’s not)

• How to choose the right location - even if you don’t drive or live in a busy area

• Why your dog won’t relax the first time and clear signs they’re starting to decompress

• How these walks support recovery for BOTH of you!

If your dog reacts to other dogs, pulls with...

Have you been told your reactive or anxious dog “just needs to get used to it”? That if you expose them to enough dogs, people or traffic, they’ll stop barking, lunging, pulling, spinning?

How’s it working out so far? 🫠

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but exposure on its own can make your dog worse.

In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly why your dog’s behaviour isn’t improving - even with frequent exposure to their triggers - and what to do instead.

You’ll learn:

• The...

Lightening up could be the BEST thing you do for your reactive dog. Hear me out… 🤷🏼‍♀️

If your walks feel like work, your training’s hit a wall, or you're in ‘fix-it’ mode 24/7, this one's for you. I’m breaking down the surprising power of fun, lightness and everyday adventure in dog training - and how taking a break from intensive results-focused pressure will help you achieve stress free walks FASTER. 

You’ll discover:

🚩The 4 red flags that signal you’re overtraining

🚩How FUN and relationship-building can fast-track long-term results

🚩What we can learn from the Sce...

Not all dog trainers are created equally - and if you’ve got a reactive, anxious, or overexcitable dog, the wrong fit can make things worse (or waste your time and money). 

In this episode, I walk you through exactly what to look for when choosing a trainer, behaviourist, or dog training programme that actually gets results for complex dogs.

You’ll discover:

✅ 5 essential traits of a great dog trainer or programme

✅ Why generalist trainers may fall short for complex behaviour issues

✅ How to know if a programme is actually go...

Do you need the pulling, barking, or ignoring you to STOP? I’m breaking down the 5 essential types of training techniques that every dog owner should have in their toolkit. What they are, why they help, and how they work together to stop walk-time chaos.

Whether you’re dealing with reactivity, overexcitement, or just general stress on walks, this is where to start.

You’ll discover: 

✅ The 5 key dog training tools every overwhelmed owner should know

✅ What kind of technique to use for pulling, passing triggers, ignoring you off-lead, and more

✅ How...

You’re on a calm walk… then out of nowhere: BOOM. A barking dog barrels into you. A loud bang. A herd of sheep being chased by an out of control dog. (Yep, it happens.)

Would your dog cope? Or crumble?

In this episode we’re talking about resilience - the ability to bounce back from surprises, stay calm under pressure, and recover fast when things go wrong.

You’ll learn:

✅ The #1 mistake owners make when trying to ‘train for chaos’

✅ Four science-backed ways to help your dog stay grounded - even...

If your dog pulls, barks, lunges and you find yourself blurting out “sorry!” before you’ve even thought about it, this episode is for YOU.

In this empowering episode, you’ll discover:

⭐️ Why apologising out of habit chips away at your confidence

⭐️ What to say instead (without being rude!)

⭐️ How your language affects your mindset - and your dog’s behaviour

This is not about 'good manners' - it’s an essential piece of the stress free dog walks puzzle. Your dog picks up on your stress, so by boosting your confidence...

Feeling guilty because you think you should be training your dog more often? Between conflicting advice online and real-life demands, it’s hard to know how much training is actually needed.

In this episode, discover the science-backed sweet spot for how often (and how long) to train so you can ditch the guilt, stop wasting time - and start making faster progress.

⭐️How often to train your dog for maximum results

⭐️How long sessions should be (it’s probably shorter than you think!)

⭐️The surprising role of SLEEP in training success

⭐️Why your...

Does your dog ignore you on walks? Pull like mad, bark at dogs, or lunge at squirrels while you and your treats may as well not exist? 😩

In this eye-opening episode, we’re breaking down what’s really happening when your dog seems stubborn, over-excited, reactive, or totally tuned out. 

You’ll learn:

No amount of commands will...

If your high-energy, reactive or anxious dog lives for the ball, but barks, lunges, ignores you or pulls like mad, it’s all very common. In this episode we’re diving into the hidden cost of repetitive ball throwing.

⚠️ Spoiler: It’s not “play” as we humans think of it. It’s part of a hunting pattern and it triggers intense arousal, ramps up stress chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol, and over time, it could be make reactivity, pulling, barking, and even home behaviour worse.

🎾 What repetitive chasing does to your dog’s brain and body

🎾 The long...

Your dog loves treats at home - so why won’t they take them outside? If you’ve tried high-value treats, expensive snacks, or even homemade liver cake… and your dog still won’t eat, it’s not that they’re just ‘not interested’. It’s one of the most common (and misunderstood) challenges for dog owners, especially if your dog is pulling, barking, lunging, or totally ignoring you.

In this episode, we’re digging into why dogs refuse food on walks (even when they’re not fussy at home) and what that tells you about their state of mind. You'll...

Barking, lunging, spinning, pulling… if your dog just reacted on a walk, take a breath. This episode is your go-to recovery plan for what to do immediately after a dog meltdown - whether your dog barked at a stranger, lunged at another dog, or totally lost it over a squirrel.

You'll learn the 5 Rs of Recovery strategy, a calming routine that helps reactive dogs, anxious dogs, or excitable dogs, so you can get through the rest of the walk without more chaos.

Grab the FREE 5 Rs phone screensaver to help you remember the steps: https://st...

What should you do if your dog growls at a stranger? How can you safely introduce them to someone new? In this episode, we’re talking about what to do instead of trying to ‘correct’ growling, barking, or lunging with a command - and keep everyone safe.

This episode is packed with real-world examp...

One of the worst parts of pet bereavement are the regrets. And yet, so many of us are completely unprepared for the emotional impact of losing a beloved dog. Whether you have a puppy, adult or senior dog, this episode will help you make the most of your time together now - so when you come to say goodbye, you’ll avoid the worst of those regrets, and soften your grief. But don’t worry, we’re not mourning them yet - this is all about enjoying life together to the fullest NOW. 

If your dog’s recall worked yesterday but failed today - or they suddenly lunge, pull, or bark again after weeks of improvement - you might be wondering what went wrong. In this episode, I explain why these so-called “setbacks” are actually a normal, expected part of the dog training process. Whether you're working on recall, loose lead walking, or reactivity, understanding this will stop you from falling into the “I’ve failed!” spiral and giving up too soon. If you’re frustrated with unpredictable results, this episode will be the reassurance and motivation you need to keep going!

Walking a reactive, anxious or highly excitable dog can really take a toll on your mental health. If your dog’s pulling, barking or lunging triggers your own self-doubt, anxiety, perfectionism, or fear of judgement, it’s completely normal. But it doesn’t have to last.

In this episode we’re looking at the real reason you dread walks, avoid people, or feel like a failure… and why that might be the BEST thing that’s ever happened to you! Because now you can build REAL confidence and resilience, making dog walks easier, relaxing, and enjoyable!

⭐️ Register for the FREE Online Loose Lead Walking Dog Training Event! ⭐️

You’ll learn quick & simple anti-pulling, lunging and reactivity techniques to handle distractions (like dogs, people, wildlife) without panic, and enjoy walks again!

Get your free ticket here: https://stressfreewalks.dog/join-free

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Pulling, barking, ignoring recall - if your dog’s behaviour isn’t improving, this episode shows you what’s probably missing. We’re talking about the big picture behind real behaviour change, beyond just obedience or loose lead walking tips. Whether you're working on leash reactivity, recall, frustration, or anxiety, progre...

Your dog’s pulling, barking, lunging and ignoring you probably started before you even grabbed the lead. In this episode, we’re breaking the cycle of walk-time chaos with Calm Boosters—simple pre-walk techniques to shift your dog from frantic to focused, before you even step outside. 

📈 Dog Walking Diagnostic - Discover Your Dog’s Walking Style! 

Do you know the REAL reason your dog pulls, barks, lunges or ignores you? It’s often not what you think! 

Discover why your dog struggles on walks—an...

Feel like everyone’s staring when your dog has a meltdown? I’m talking about the 3 different types of busy-bodies you’ll encounter when your dog pulls on the lead, barks or ignores you, and how to stop letting strangers ruin your confidence. 

Get ready for dog owner confidence shifts, comebacks (petty and polite!), and permission to stop giving your power away 💥

📈 Dog Walking Diagnostic - Discover Your Dog’s Walking Style! 

Do you know the REAL reason your dog p...

Can brain games actually help with your dog’s reactivity, anxiety, or pulling? Yes it can. We’re talking about how brain training builds calmness, focus, and resilience—and why mental stimulation may be the missing link in your dog’s progress towards better, calmer behaviour on walks and at home.



📈 Dog Walking Diagnostic - Discover Your Dog’s Walking Style! 

Do you know the REAL reason your dog pulls, barks, lunges or ignores you? It’s often not what you think!  Duration: 00:11:19

If your dog is ignoring your recall, “Just make yourself more interesting!” is NOT the solution.

This advice is lazy, vague, and often downright damaging. In this episode you’ll discover why attention-grabbing chaos doesn’t build connection, and how to stop feeling like a human squeaky toy in a squirrel circus 🐿️



📈 Dog Walking Diagnostic - Discover Your Dog’s Walking Style! 

Do you know the REAL reason your dog pulls, barks, lunges or ignores you? It’s often not what you think! 

Discover why you...

Could your stress or anxiety be making your dog walks worse? Dogs mirror our emotional state, so in this episode I’m sharing 3 practical ways to reset your energy before heading out the door. Because calm dogs start with calm humans.



📈 Dog Walking Diagnostic - Discover Your Dog’s Walking Style! 

Do you know the REAL reason your dog pulls, barks, lunges or ignores you? It’s often not what you think! 

Discover why your dog struggles on walks...

A short lead gives you more control… right? Not quite. In this episode, I’m breaking down how that tight grip might actually be making your dog’s pulling, barking, and lunging worse.

Plus I share when and how to safely transition to a longer leash—without losing control.



📈 Dog Walking Diagnostic - Discover Your Dog’s Walking Style! 

Do you know the REAL reason your dog pulls, barks, lunges or ignores you? It’s often not what you think! 

Discover why your dog struggles on...

Tried everything and your dog still pulls, lunges, or ignores you? You’re not the problem. Whether it’s failed dog training classes, a pile of leashes or harnesses that didn’t fix the problem, or the endless scroll of conflicting advice—this episode will explain why it’s not your fault… and what to do instead.



📈 Dog Walking Diagnostic - Discover Your Dog’s Walking Style! 

Do you know the REAL reason your dog pulls, barks, lunges o...

Is your dog ‘just excited’… or could they be over-stimulated? In this episode, I’ll help you spot the difference—because if you mistake overwhelm for excitement, the pulling, barking, lunging, and ignoring you could get worse.

I'm sharing 3 simple questions to help you decode what’s really going on beneath the surface.



📈 Dog Walking Diagnostic - Discover Your Dog’s Walking Style! 

Do you know the REAL reason your dog pulls, barks, lunges or igno...

Everyone says sniffing is calming for dogs… but if following scents makes YOUR dog pull on the lead more, you’re not alone!

In this episode, I’m breaking down the TWO kinds of sniffing, and how you can help your dog shift from Frantic Sniffing into Potter Mode. 

📈 Dog Walking Diagnostic - Discover Your Dog’s Walking Style! 

Do you know the REAL reason your dog pulls, barks, lunges or ignores you? It’s often not what you t...

What’s the best lead length for calmer, easier walks? Spoiler alert: it’s probably not the one you’re using.

In this episode, I’ll show you why switching to this *specific* length lead could unlock your dog’s CALM. 

Plus, I’m sharing my favourite brand of lead AND the #1 skill in your stress-free walk toolkit.



📈 Dog Walking Diagnostic - Discover Your Dog’s Walking Style! 

Do you know the REAL reason your dog...

If your dog pulls on the lead, barks, lunges, ignores your recall, or wants to say hello to everyone and everything, you’re in the right place!

Because nobody should be stuck in the daily misery of stressful walks. There are such simple things you can do to make your dog calm down, listen to you and behave like a superstar… by doing the exact opposite of what every dog trainer ever told you to do.

Nothing will boost YOUR confidence quicker, so that you can enjoy relaxing walks with a dog you’re proud of. <...