Your garden can be a haven for your dog... or a hotspot for problem behaviours. In this episode of The Walk & Talk, I’m diving deep into the topic of garden behaviour: why dogs act the way they do in their outdoor space, how to set them up for success, and how to use your garden to boost enrichment, fitness, and good habits instead of stress and reactivity.
Whether your dog barks at every passerby, digs up your flowerbeds, or just treats the garden like their personal racetrack, this episode will give you the insight and tools you need to transform your garden into a space that works for your dog, not against them.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why dogs often react more intensely to triggers in the garden than they do elsewhere
The hidden behavioural science behind barking, fence running, and other 'naughty' garden habits
Practical strategies to manage your dog’s garden time so it builds calmness, not chaos
The good (and not-so-good) garden habits you’ll want to reinforce or reshape.
Fun, science-backed training games and activities you can easily introduce outdoors
How to use your garden to boost your dog’s fitness, enrichment, and quality of life
What not to do if you want to prevent problem behaviours from taking root
By the end of this episode, you’ll see your garden not just as a patch of grass, but as a powerful training ground and wellbeing tool for your dog.
💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com
👉 Discover my 21-Day Engagement Training Program here.
You can use code PODCAST10 for 10% off all my digital dog training packages, guides & courses!
📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining
🎧 If you found this episode helpful, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared it with a fellow dog lover; it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!
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27:05
Emotional Contagion: Why Your Dog Feels What You Feel
In this episode, I’m diving deep into the fascinating science of emotional contagion between humans and dogs, and sharing practical ways to keep your energy balanced so you can keep showing up for your dog… even when motivation is low!
This episode is equal parts science, mindset, and real-world strategy, designed to help you feel inspired, grounded, and ready to make this season count for your dog’s training success.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The neuroscience of how dogs synchronise with our emotions, stress levels, and energy
Why your mindset and emotional state can make or break your training sessions
How seasonal shifts in mood and motivation affect your consistency - and what to do about it
Simple, science-backed strategies to keep your own energy cup full as the nights draw in
Practical training ideas for indoors and outdoors to maintain progress through autumn and winter
How small, consistent efforts now build the springtime dog you’ll be proud of later
💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com
You can use code PODCAST10 for 10% off all my digital dog training packages, guides & courses!
📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining
🎧 If you found this episode helpful, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared it with a fellow dog lover—it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!
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16:37
Is My Dog Bored? Understanding and Fixing Understimulation in Modern Dogs
Is your dog really misbehaving - or are their needs for fulfillment and stimulation simply not being met? In this episode of The Walk & Talk, we dive deep into one of the most common but overlooked challenges of modern dog ownership: understimulation.
Our dogs may live in our human world, but their brains and bodies are wired for so much more than we usually allow. By understanding your dog’s intrinsic needs, their breed-specific drives, and the role of enrichment, you can unlock calmer behaviour, a happier dog, and a stronger bond between you.
This episode will leave you with fresh insights, practical takeaways, and a new way of looking at your daily walks and home life with your dog.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why modern life often leaves dogs unfulfilled (and what that really means for behaviour).
The science of intrinsic needs and why enrichment reduces stress and frustration.
How breed tendencies shape what kinds of activities will truly satisfy your dog.
Simple ways to make your walks more enriching and mentally stimulating.
How to transform boring mealtimes into powerful enrichment opportunities.
Why enrichment and fulfillment can dramatically reduce problem behaviour… but why training is still essential for lasting results.
Practical, realistic steps to give your dog the joy and balance they crave every single day.
💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com
You can use code PODCAST10 for 10% off all my digital dog training packages, guides & courses!
📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining
🎧 If you found this episode helpful, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared it with a fellow dog lover—it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!
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20:51
Settle Training That Actually Works: The Science + Your Step-by-Step Guide
Settle training might not sound glamorous, but it’s one of the most transformative skills you can teach your dog. In this episode, we dive deep into why the ability to switch off is crucial for your dog’s emotional wellbeing, how it makes daily life smoother and more enjoyable, and the science of what’s happening in your dog’s brain when they learn to relax.
Whether you’ve got a high-drive working breed who never stops moving, a reactive dog who struggles to come down from stress, or a family dog who just can’t switch off in the evenings - this episode will give you the insight and step-by-step guidance you need.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why settle training is about emotional regulation, not just obedience
How settle skills support dogs in real-life situations like cafés, vet visits, and busy households
The neuroscience behind stress, calm, and your dog’s nervous system
How different breeds vary in their natural ability to settle (and what to do if your dog struggles)
A practical, step-by-step method for teaching true settling without force or frustration
Troubleshooting tips for dogs who find it especially hard to relax
Why reward delivery matters when reinforcing calm, and how to avoid accidentally hyping your dog up with treats
How settle training connects with foundational work like engagement and reactivity training
👉 Want to build the foundations that make settle training possible? Check out my 21-Day Engagement Training.
👉 Working with a reactive dog? My Reactivity Pack is designed to give you the step-by-step strategies to create emotional safety and calm.
💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com
You can use code PODCAST10 for 10% off all my digital dog training packages, guides & courses!
📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining
🎧 If you found this episode helpful, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared it with a fellow dog lover - it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!
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From Zoomies to Zen: A 7-Day Scentwork Kickstart
Is your dog bouncing off the walls, brimming with energy you just don’t know how to channel? In this episode, I’ll show you how to transform that chaos into calm focus with a simple, science-backed 7-day scentwork kickstart. Scentwork taps into your dog’s natural superpower - their nose - giving them an outlet that drains excess energy, boosts confidence, and builds an incredible bond between you.
Whether you’re brand new to scentwork or just looking for a fun new way to enrich your dog’s life, this step-by-step plan will get you started.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why scentwork is one of the most powerful tools for calming, enriching, and focusing your dog
The simple, inexpensive kit you’ll need to begin
How to teach your dog an ‘indicator’ so they can clearly tell you when they’ve found the scent
A day-by-day guide to introducing odour, containers, rooms, outdoor searches, and more
How to finish the week strong with proofing skills that set your dog up for long-term success
📄 Grab your free 7-Day Scentwork Kickstart Checklist here: Download PDF
💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com
You can use code PODCAST10 for 10% off all my digital dog training packages, guides & courses!
📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining
🎧 If you found this episode helpful, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared it with a fellow dog lover—it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!
Leash up your dog, hit the pavement, and tune in to The Walk & Talk with award-winning dog trainer Lisa Burton. In each episode, Lisa pulls back the curtain on dog behaviour, sharing the real, no-nonsense strategies for tackling everyday challenges and achieving lasting, positive results. No fluff, no gatekeeping—just practical tips and expert advice that makes dog training fun, accessible, and achievable for every dog owner.
South Africa