Should You Say Something? Dog Trainers in the Wild
Send us a textKim and Carla dive into the grey area of public dog training etiquette—when (and if) it’s ever okay to step in with advice. From unsolicited tips at the park to confronting outdated or aversive methods, they share real-world dilemmas dog professionals face when navigating public spaces.Kim opens up about her personal discomfort and confidence hurdles when it comes to offering advice to strangers, while Carla highlights the moral tension trainers feel when witnessing potentially harmful practices like prong collars or excessive force with long lines.They unpack the fine line between helping and judging, and explore the emotional toll of doing what’s right when people might not want to hear it. With humour, empathy, and honesty, Kim and Carla discuss:How to handle being offered bad advice (hello, shock collars!)When staying silent feels wrongHow to intervene safely and respectfullyWhy some dog owners genuinely don’t know betterStrategies for staying polite, grounded, and professional in unpredictable encountersThis episode is a must-listen for trainers, behaviourists, and dog lovers who’ve ever walked away from a situation wondering: “Should I have said something?”Support the showDon't forget to rate and reviewFollow me on instagram: pooches.galore
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21:29
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21:29
Our (Very Different) Paths to Becoming Dog Trainers
Send us a textIn this honest and often funny episode, Kim and Carla open up about how two very different lives led to the same destination — working with dogs. From Kim’s winding road through psychology, charity work, and soul-sucking sales jobs, to Carla’s childhood fear of dogs and eventual leap from classrooms to training — this is a real look at what it takes to build a career in dog behaviour. They share hard-won lessons, missteps, and advice for anyone considering this path. Whether you’re a dog owner, a curious listener, or an aspiring trainer, this episode is packed with insight, humour, and the occasional bark.Support the showDon't forget to rate and reviewFollow me on instagram: pooches.galore
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30:35
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30:35
It’s Not Just the Dog: The Emotional Side of Behaviour Work
Send us a textIn this powerful and compassionate episode, Kim is joined by Dr. Holly, a clinical psychologist and dog behaviourist who bridges the worlds of human therapy and canine behaviour. Together, they explore the deep emotional impact of living with a dog who struggles — from the guilt and grief owners often feel, to the embarrassment that can prevent people from coping effectively.Dr. Holly shares why she offers therapy specifically for people who live with dogs, and how traditional therapists often miss just how much our dogs shape our daily lives, decisions, and emotions. They talk about the psychological toll of owning a reactive or anxious dog, the grief that comes with unmet expectations, and the pressure to always “get it right.”You’ll also hear practical, mindset-based strategies for managing overwhelm, maintaining motivation, and making real progress — for both dogs and humans. Topics include:Why motivation comes after action, not beforeHow habit-stacking can support consistent trainingThe “joy jar” technique for reconnecting with your dogHow to address hidden fears that sabotage behaviour plansUsing dog training techniques in everyday life (even toilet training your toddler!)This episode is full of honesty, warmth, and small, achievable shifts that can make a big difference — especially for those feeling stuck, judged, or emotionally exhausted by their dog’s behaviour.Support the showDon't forget to rate and reviewFollow me on instagram: pooches.galore
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39:24
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39:24
Doggy Language Decoded: What Your Dog’s Really Trying to Tell You
Send us a textIn this episode, Kim and Carla dive deep into the misunderstood world of dog-human communication. From calming signals to awkward greetings and the “don’t put your hand in their face!” rule, they explore how many of our interactions with dogs are lost in translation.They draw insightful parallels between training dogs and young children, showing how consistent, kind communication can make all the difference — whether you’re teaching a toddler or a terrier.Expect real-life stories, gentle rants, tips for reading your dog’s body language, and strategies for managing tricky training situations (including how to stay cool when things get tense in public). They also touch on the importance of teaching kids how to safely interact with dogs, with a special shoutout to Lily Chin’s fantastic book Doggy Language.Whether you’re a dog guardian, parent, or just dog-curious, this episode will help you better understand the silent language our dogs use every day.Support the showDon't forget to rate and reviewFollow me on instagram: pooches.galore
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37:13
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37:13
The Rise of Online Dog Training – Help or Hype?
Send us a textIn this episode, Kim and Carla dive into the booming world of online dog training. From initial scepticism to global reach, they explore how virtual consults and courses have changed the game—especially for behaviours like separation anxiety, reactivity, and resource guarding. They weigh up the pros and cons of online vs. in-person sessions, especially for puppies and socialisation, and share how tech has made behaviour support more accessible than ever. Expect a few laughs, some slug-related side stories, and an honest look at how trainers and owners alike are adapting to this digital shift.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.
South Africa