Ever feel like you’re in a tug-of-war with your dog on walks? You’re not alone! Loose lead walking is one of the hardest skills to teach, and today, we’re breaking down why it’s so challenging—and what you can do to fix it.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:✅ Why pulling on the lead is completely natural for dogs (and how to work with, not against, their instincts).✅ The biggest mistake most owners make when training loose lead walking—and how to avoid it.✅ What an extinction burst is and why things get worse before they get better.✅ Why stopping walks altogether (temporarily!) can actually speed up your progress.✅ Real-life success stories, including how I transformed my Spaniel, Mungo, from a nightmare puller to a joy to walk.Exercise of the Week: 'Nose Down, Head Up'This simple game helps shift your dog’s focus back to you without constant reminders. Drop a treat on the ground, let your dog sniff it out, and wait—when they naturally look up at you, drop another treat. Over time, they learn that checking in with you is more rewarding than pulling ahead!Need More Help?If you’re struggling with loose lead walking, check out my Pulling to Perfect programme—available as an online course or in-person training near Johnshaven, Montrose, Scotland. Get all the details here: www.lauracartercanines.com🔔 Subscribe & Share! If you found this episode helpful, send it to a friend who’s battling loose lead walking too. And don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Welcome to How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk! In this episode, we’re diving into the importance of a reliable recall, even if your dog is friendly and just wants to say hello. Many owners assume that a social dog doesn’t need strong recall skills, but that’s not the case! A dog running up to others uninvited can cause stress, create risky situations, and even put your dog in danger.

I’ll be sharing real-life examples, including how my own Pomchi, Emba, became fearful of other dogs after one overwhelming encounter. Plus, I’ll walk you through practical training techniques, like using a long line, fun recall games, and my favourite “Let’s Party” method to make recall irresistible for your dog.

We’ll also talk about my Reliable Recall Course, now available online, to help you build a recall that works in real-life situations. Whether your dog is just learning or needs fine-tuning, this episode will give you actionable tips to get started today.

🎙 Tune in now and learn how to make recall your dog’s favourite game!

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Join the Reliable Recall Course (online & in-person) 👉 www.lauracartercanines.com
• Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more training videos 👉 Laura Carter Canines
• Follow me on social media for training tips & updates 👉 Laura Carter Canines

#DogTraining #ReliableRecall #RecallTraining #HappyDog #DogBehaviour

Does your dog come back when called—or do they decide you’re not interesting enough? Have you ever felt frustrated watching them run in the opposite direction, ignoring your recall cue completely? In this episode of How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, we’re breaking down why recall is so much more than just calling your dog’s name and hoping for the best.

Many owners focus on teaching a recall command, but true recall starts long before you even call your dog. If they’re chasing sheep, jumping on other dogs, or disappearing out of sight, you’ve already lost that invisible connection. Recall isn’t just about bringing your dog back—it’s about keeping them engaged, safe, and wanting to stay close in the first place.

🐾 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why having a recall cue is pointless if your dog ignores you the rest of the time
✅ How to build a connection so your dog naturally checks in with you
✅ The dangers of letting your dog out of sight (even in familiar areas!)
✅ Why walks should be a shared experience, not just independent exercise
✅ How to make recall fun so your dog actually wants to come back

🎾 Activity of the Week: Middle!
Want a recall that’s fast, fun, and reliable? Teach your dog ‘Middle’! This brilliant game gets your dog running straight to you and into position between your legs, making recall exciting and rewarding. Tune in to learn how to teach it and why it’s a game-changer for recall training.

🐶 Exciting News!
🚀 The Reliable Recall online course is launching on 28th February! If you want to stop stressing about your dog running off and start enjoying off-lead time with confidence, this course is for you. Designed with fun, game-based training, it teaches your dog to love staying close and checking in with you—without boring obedience drills.

📢 Sign up now for 50% off before the pre-launch discount expires! Head to the website to grab your spot.

🔗 Links & Resources:
👉 Reliable Recall Online Course –https://lauracartercanines.com/reliable-recall
👉 Wags Without Walks Membership –https://lauracartercanines.com/wags-without-walks

🎧 Subscribe & Review!
Love the podcast? Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you found this episode helpful, leave a review—it helps more dog owners discover how to build a better recall and a stronger bond with their dogs!

#DogTraining #RecallTraining #HowToTrainYourDog #WagsWithoutWalks #HappyDog #ScentWork #DogEnrichment