The Happy Dog Podcast
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.
Episodes
122 episodes
From Coastline Idea to Canine Treats: Mealworms in Pet Food
In this episode, Kim sits down with Hector, co-founder of Entovore a pioneering company farming mealworms for sustainable pet food. They explore the fascinating world of insect farming—from the spark of inspiration on the Jurassic coast to buil...
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35:42
Leads, Laws & Loose Dogs: Finding Balance in Public Spaces
In this episode, Carla and Kim dive into the challenges of leash laws and public dog policies. They explore why a “one-size-fits-all” approach doesn’t work for every dog, the potential role of designated off-lead areas, and the complications th...
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27:36
Chinwag: Kids, Dogs & Chaos: Finding Harmony at Home
In this episode, Kim and Carla dive into the realities of raising children alongside dogs. From preparing your pup for a new baby to managing curious toddlers, they share practical tips and personal stories that make life easier (and safer) for...
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27:04
The Power of Play: Building Better Bonds with Your Dog
In 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 singl...
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36:29
Settling vs. Calmness: What Dogs Really Need
Stillness 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:<...
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22:29
Crate Training Done Right: Safe Spaces, Happy Dogs
Kim 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 wha...
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33:38
What’s in the Bowl? Exploring Modern Dog Food
Feeding 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, t...
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41:15
Recall Realities: Why Your Dog Doesn’t Come Back (and How to Fix It)
In 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 tr...
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30:14
Chinwag: Why Every Dog Should Be Muzzle Trained
Kim and Carla dive into the world of muzzle training—breaking down the myths, stigma, and misunderstandings around this often-overlooked skill. They explain why muzzle training isn’t just for reactive dogs, but a smart preventative step for
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23:24
High Drive Dogs, Collies vs. Cockers, and Building Better Bonds
In this episode, Kim and Gemma get chatty about all things dog training—especially the joys and challenges of working with high-drive breeds like Border Collies and Cocker Spaniels. From recall, loose-lead walking, and socialisation adventures ...
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50:34
From Puppies to Seniors: Adapting Dog Training Through Every Life Stage
In this episode, Kim and Carla explore what it really means to create age-appropriate training and environments for dogs—from wriggly puppies to wise seniors.They unpack how thoughtful adjustments in routine, physical s...
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26:15
Too Much Training? Why Less Is Sometimes More
In this refreshingly honest episode, Kim and Carla take a deep dive into a topic few trainers talk about openly: overtraining.They explore how doing too much can sometimes create more problems than it solves—le...
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23:28
Swipe Right for Rescue: Giving Every Dog a Second Chance
In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, Kim is joined by Tara, founder of Only Rescues—a revolutionary app that’s giving rescue cats and dogs their best shot at finding forever homes.They dive into:
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40:46
Nature, Nurture, and Naughty Spaniels: What Really Shapes Your Dog?
In this episode, Kim and Carla dig into the age-old debate of genetics vs. environment—but with a dog training twist.From litter dynamics and prenatal stress to breed-specific quirks and inherited fears (l...
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23:05
Things Every Dog Owner Should Know (But Probably Doesn’t)
In this jam-packed episode, Kim and Carla tackle all the things they wish every dog owner knew—from leash manners to food myths and training expectations.They start by diving into dog walking etiquette, discuss...
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29:23
Reactivity, Routines & Rants: The Real Talk Dog Trainers Need
In this honest, thought-provoking episode, Kim and Roz pull back the curtain on the real-life experiences of dog trainers navigating the messy, emotional, and sometimes hypocritical world of dog training.From muddy pa...
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48:46
Should You Say Something? Dog Trainers in the Wild
Kim 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...
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21:29
Our (Very Different) Paths to Becoming Dog Trainers
In 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 ...
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30:35
It’s Not Just the Dog: The Emotional Side of Behaviour Work
In 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...
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39:24
Doggy Language Decoded: What Your Dog’s Really Trying to Tell You
In 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 a...
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37:13
The Rise of Online Dog Training – Help or Hype?
In 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, r...
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28:12
Collies, Livestock & Learning: A Global Perspective on Dog Training with Martina
In this episode, Kim chats with Martina, a dog trainer from Italy, about the complex relationship between dogs—especially Border Collies—and livestock. From early training and predatory instincts to international standards in dog training, they...
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52:55
Chinwag: Is Your Dog Stubborn… or Just Misunderstood?
In this episode, Kim and Carla unpack one of the most misunderstood labels in the dog world: stubborn. Are dogs really being defiant, or are we missing the real reasons behind their behaviour? From breed traits and unclear communicatio...
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22:29
Inspirational ideas for your dog walks - part 2
Hope you enjoyed part one of this two part series on ideas for your dog walks - hopefully while the weather has been nice you have been able to try things out and see what works for you and your dog.
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21:35
Inspirational ideas for your dog walks - Part 1
In this weeks episode Carla and Kim discuss ways in which you can make your dog walk more interesting, not just for your dog but for you as well. Often we get stuck in the rut of walking with our dogs day in and day out without putting much tho...
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18:47
