Chinwag Dog Podcast

In this episode, Kim and Carla dive deep into the challenges of preventing and managing separation anxiety in dogs—a condition affecting around 60% of pets, and increasingly common since lockdown. They discuss the early signs of anxiety, breed predispositions, and the subtle behavioral changes owners often overlook.

Kim shares her evidence-based training strategies, including gradual desensitization, scent associations, safe environments, and the use of cameras to monitor stress. They also explore the importance of tailoring training plans to each dog’s needs, supporting owners to stay consistent without burnout, and encouraging independence in both dogs and their humans.

Along the way, Kim and Carla touch on personal wellbeing, from the impact of coffee habits on daily routines to finding motivation and community through exercise—reminding us that caring for dogs starts with caring for ourselves. Whether you’re a dog owner, trainer, or behaviorist, this episode is packed with practical tips, real-life examples, and strategies to build confident, happy, and stress-free pups.

Have you ever felt like your dog has forgotten everything they once knew?

In this episode, Kim and Carla unpack one of the most common—and misunderstood—issues dog owners face: behaviour regression. From puppies who suddenly stop recalling, to adolescent dogs who appear to “lose” their training, to adult and senior dogs whose behaviour changes seemingly overnight, this conversation breaks down why regression happens and how to respond without panic or punishment.

We explore:

Why adolescence is a peak time for training setbacks (and why this is completely normal)

How hormones, brain development, stress, and environmental changes affect behaviour

Why training that works at home often falls apart in the real world

The role of health, pain, and sensory changes in sudden behaviour shifts

Why using tools like long lines or going back to basics is smart training—not failure

How early recall training and real-world exposure can future-proof your dog

When behaviour change is a training issue—and when it’s time to call the vet

This episode is essential listening for dog owners feeling frustrated, trainers supporting adolescent dogs, and anyone worried that they’ve “done something wrong.” Spoiler: you haven’t.

If your dog feels unpredictable right now, this conversation will help you understand what’s really going on—and how to support them through it.

In this episode of Kim and Carla’s Chinwag, Kim and Carla unpack why so many dogs are labelled as “naughty” — and why that label rarely helps anyone.

They explore how behaviour looks very different when viewed from the dog’s perspective, and share three simple but powerful questions every owner (and professional) should ask:
What is my dog feeling right now?
What have they learned from similar situations before?
What support does my dog need in this moment?

The conversation covers practical tools like video analysis, the ABCs of behaviour (antecedents, behaviour, consequences), and why adolescence can be such a challenging — and misunderstood — stage of a dog’s development. Kim and Carla also touch on the importance of ongoing support for owners, especially when progress feels messy or nonlinear.

A thoughtful, honest discussion for anyone who wants to move away from blame and towards better understanding, welfare, and realistic expectations.

Start the year off right with realistic, meaningful goals for your dog! In this episode, we discuss how to set achievable behaviour and training objectives that fit your dog’s personality, lifestyle, and emotional wellbeing. From small daily habits to long-term milestones, Kim and Carla share practical tips for planning a positive, stress-free year that strengthens your bond and supports your dog’s growth.

In this festive episode, Kim and Carla dive into everything you need to know about keeping your dog safe, calm, and happy during the Christmas season.

They start with the centrepiece of most homes this time of year—the Christmas tree. From introducing a bare tree first, to using baby gates and lucky mats, they share practical strategies to prevent curious paws from causing chaos. They also explore how emotionally overwhelming the holiday prep can be, and why being present with our pets makes such a difference.

Moving on to decorations, Kim and Carla discuss how to create a beautiful but dog-safe tree. They cover the risks of breakable ornaments, toxic baubles containing antifreeze, and the hidden dangers of edible gifts left under the tree. Kim even shares a few personal stories about her own dogs’ cheeky interactions with decorations and food, reminding us that dogs will always keep us on our toes!

Finally, they tackle Christmas dinner. From foods to avoid (like onions, fatty meats and salty leftovers) to how to manage mealtimes in busy homes, this episode is packed with guidance to help you navigate the big day safely. Kim’s story about a Christmas-day dog escape offers a lighthearted yet important reminder: even well-trained dogs can surprise us.

Whether you’re hosting, travelling, or keeping things low-key this year, this episode will leave you feeling confident, prepared, and ready to create a calm, dog-friendly Christmas for the whole family.