The Power of Play: Building Better Bonds with Your Dog
Send us a textIn this episode of The Happy Dog Podcast, Kim is joined by Danny from Tug-E-Nuff to dive into the world of dog play, toys, and training. Danny shares the inspiring story of how his mum founded the company in 2009, starting with a single food bag toy designed for her agility dog, Indy, and growing into a trusted brand loved by trainers worldwide.Together, Kim and Danny explore what makes a great dog toy, from safe designs that engage puppies and children to innovative products like their floating water toy “Bob.” They discuss how play isn’t just fun — it’s a powerful training tool that can help dogs settle, reduce frustration, and strengthen the bond with their humans.From practical tips on choosing the right toy and adapting play styles to your dog’s breed, to the role of play in puppy training and lifelong learning, this episode is packed with insights for every dog owner. Whether you’re new to tug games or looking to make training more engaging, you’ll come away inspired to put more play into your dog’s day.https://tug-e-nuff.com/POOCHESGALORESupport the showDon't forget to rate and reviewFollow me on instagram: pooches.galore
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Settling vs. Calmness: What Dogs Really Need
Send us a textStillness doesn’t always mean calmness. In this episode, Kim and Carla unpack the subtle but important difference between a dog that’s settling physically and one that’s truly calm mentally.They explore:🐾 Why extended down-stays promoted by “balanced” trainers can create stress rather than calm🐾 How a dog’s outside appearance isn’t always a true reflection of their inner state🐾 Techniques for teaching natural settling without pressure—including rewarding quiet moments and using calm reward markers🐾 The role of human energy in helping dogs relax, and why staying calm yourself matters just as much🐾 Why some dogs love chilling in cafés while others shut down in the same environmentThrough personal stories—from Kim’s cue for Stanley to “settle down” meaning “go to bed and relax,” to Carla’s work with Branwyn the lab on calm reward delivery—they show how to foster genuine calmness in dogs without forcing it.Whether your dog struggles to switch off or you want to avoid the pitfalls of forced training methods, this episode will help you nurture relaxation in a way that feels natural and stress-free.Support the showDon't forget to rate and reviewFollow me on instagram: pooches.galore
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Crate Training Done Right: Safe Spaces, Happy Dogs
Send us a textKim and Carla dive into the do’s and don’ts of crate training, busting myths and sharing their own experiences—from Millie the crate-hater to Dylan the Labrador who loved his den. 🐾 They discuss how to choose the right crate size, what (and what not) to put inside, and how to make crates a positive, comforting space rather than a punishment.Listeners will learn:✅ The real benefits of crate training for puppies and adult dogs✅ How crates support toilet training, travel, and safe downtime✅ Why crates should never be used for separation anxiety✅ Tips on water access, phasing crates out, and long-term use✅ Alternatives like pens, baby gates, or gated roomsWhether you’re raising a puppy or rethinking your older dog’s setup, this episode gives you practical, welfare-focused advice to make crates a safe haven—not a source of stress.Support the showDon't forget to rate and reviewFollow me on instagram: pooches.galore
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What’s in the Bowl? Exploring Modern Dog Food
Send us a textFeeding your dog can feel overwhelming—so many choices, so many strong opinions! In this episode, Kim chats with Daniel from Coya Pet Food about the ins and outs of dog food: what’s new, what works, and what’s just clever marketing. Together, they unpack the pros and cons of raw, kibble, wet, and freeze-dried food, talk about quality vs cost, and share practical tips to help you decide what’s right for your dog.Support the showDon't forget to rate and reviewFollow me on instagram: pooches.galore
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Recall Realities: Why Your Dog Doesn’t Come Back (and How to Fix It)
Send us a textIn this episode, Kim and Carla dive into the real reasons dogs ignore recall and what owners can do about it. From common mistakes like only calling your dog to put them back on lead, to inconsistent rewarding, frustrated tones of voice, and training that stops after puppyhood — they cover it all.They explain how adolescence impacts recall, why impulse control lags behind risk-taking, and how owners often (accidentally) weaken recall over time. With practical techniques like whistle training, “treat parties,” the “middle” position, and rewarding voluntary check-ins, you’ll learn how to make coming back to you the best part of your dog’s day.Whether you’ve got a puppy, a stubborn teenager, or an adult dog that sometimes plays deaf, this episode will give you realistic, science-based tips to transform recall into a reliable, lifelong behaviour.Support the showDon't forget to rate and reviewFollow me on instagram: pooches.galore
As a dog trainer with over 10 years experience, I know that all people want when they bring a dog into their lives is to have a happy dog. This podcast delves deep into how this can be achieved from picking the right puppy, to training it, to helping you understand that sometimes things go wrong and how to help your dog when they aren't so happy.
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