Is your dog tuned out when it matters most? Do they ignore your cues outside, even though they know it at home? You’re not alone — and the issue isn’t obedience... it’s engagement.

In this value-packed episode, we’re digging into what engagement really means, why it’s the key to joyful, reliable training, and how to become the most reinforcing thing in your dog’s world — without nagging, bribing, or losing your cool.

Whether you’re training a distracted adolescent, building confidence with a reactive dog, or just wanting to feel more connected, this episode is full of science-backed strategies and lightbulb moments to help you turn disconnection into partnership.

🧠 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What engagement really is — and why it’s more important than obedience
• Why your dog might be ignoring you (and how to fix it)
• How dopamine shapes focus, motivation, and connection
• Three powerful exercises to boost your dog’s engagement right away
• How to reinforce proximity, attention, and commitment — every single day
• The mindset shift that turns training into teamwork

🎓 Ready to go deeper?

Transform your dog’s attention, focus, and connection in just three weeks with my brand new 21-Day Engagement Training Course.

It’s on sale until the end of June, and as a podcast listener you can use the code PODCAST10 for an extra 10% off!

💻 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

📱 Let’s connect! I’d love to hear how you’re using the dopamine trick in your own training: Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining

🎧 If this episode gave you an “aha!” moment, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared the episode with a fellow dog lover — it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

In this powerful, science-backed episode, we dive deep into one of the most misunderstood challenges in dog training: stress.

If your dog ‘knows it at home’ but forgets everything outside, or seems to shut down, bark, lunge, or completely ignore you in the real world — there’s likely something big happening under the surface. That ‘bad’ behaviour? It’s often the result of cortisol, the stress hormone that literally hijacks your dog’s brain.

This episode is a game-changer if you want to stop feeling stuck, and start understanding your dog on a deeper level.

• What cortisol is and how it affects your dog’s brain and body
• The neuroscience behind why dogs zone out or stop listening
• How chronic stress erodes connection and blocks learning
• Real-life signs that your dog’s stress levels are too high
• Why exposure and pressure can actually backfire
• How to lower cortisol and support your dog’s nervous system
• Actionable strategies to build trust, resilience, and deeper connection

Whether you're raising a reactive dog, supporting a nervous rescue, or just want to be the best possible human for your pup — this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and totally empowered.

Explore my courses, digital products, and freebies at: 🌐 www.listendogtraining.com

📲 TikTok & Instagram: @listendogtraining

✨ Don't forget to subscribe, rate & review the show — it really helps this podcast reach more brilliant dog people like you!

In this episode of The Walk & Talk, I’m diving deep into transforming your wild, chaotic dog into a calm, focused companion - using just three daily routine tweaks. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by endless pulling on the lead or overwhelming distractions on your walks, this episode is your blueprint for change. I reveal simple, science-backed methods that not only reshape how your dog behaves, but also strengthen your bond and make every walk a joyous adventure together. Whether you're a seasoned dog owner or just starting out, these actionable insights will empower you to reclaim control and enjoy a more fulfilling life with your canine companion.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The #1 mistake dog owners make during walks (and how to fix it)
• How to use your dog’s food to build engagement and focus right from the start of the walk
• The perfect 5-part walk routine that will set your dog up for success every time
• The boundary-setting techniques you need at home to stop unwanted behaviors
• Simple, actionable steps to bring calm and connection into your everyday routine

💻 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

📱 Let’s connect! I’d love to hear how you’re using the dopamine trick in your own training:

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining

🎧 If this episode gave you an “aha!” moment, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared the episode with a fellow dog lover—it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!