Debbie talks about the important differences between working line and show line dogs, and explores why understanding these distinctions matters for dog parents. She discusses how genetics influence drive and temperament, explains why mental stimulation often trumps physical exercise for working breeds, and shares practical advice on choosing the right dog for your lifestyle. Whether you have a high-energy working line Spaniel or a laid-back show line Labrador, this episode offers valuable insights into meeting your dog's unique needs without necessarily working them in the field.

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Debbie celebrates Potter Paws' 10th birthday by sharing the journey from a casual New Year's Day conversation to a thriving training community. She reveals how a simple dog walking idea launched just 18 days later, evolved unexpectedly into full-time dog training after attending a course that was completely different from what she expected.

Sorry for the parts with bad quality audio, if you have any questions about what was said in those sections please get in touch!

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Debbie talks about hiking safely with dogs, drawing on 20 years of Lake District walking experience and recent mountain rescue callouts involving dogs. She covers essential pre-hike considerations including assessing terrain suitability, matching routes to your dog's fitness level, and understanding environmental hazards. Debbie discusses crucial equipment like harnesses for supporting dogs over difficult terrain, the importance of water and first aid supplies, and protective clothing for changing weather conditions. Sorry for the parts with bad quality audio, if you have any questions about what was said in those sections please get in touch!

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Debbie talks about why long lines can be a game-changer for reducing lead pulling, responding to negative feedback from a social media post that sparked controversy. She explains how short leads set dogs up to fail by restricting their natural sniffing behaviours and how long lines reduce the frequency of pulling by giving dogs freedom to move naturally. Sorry for the parts with bad quality audio, if you have any questions about what was said in those sections please get in touch!

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Debbie talks about the realities of living with an energetic dog and the challenge of meeting their needs alongside everyday responsibilities. She shares her personal experiences with Rem, her high-energy dog who walked over 50 miles during a recent Lake District holiday, and explains why consistency, breed-specific activities, and morning exercise are more effective than simply increasing walk duration. Sorry for the parts with bad quality audio, if you have any questions about what was said in those sections please get in touch!

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Looking to bring more joy and satisfaction to your dog’s daily life? Don’t miss this episode of The Dynamic Dog Owner - Debbie & Tash explore what real enrichment means for your pup—beyond just store-bought puzzle toys and fancy food games.

You’ll learn why enrichment is about so much more than keeping your dog busy, and discover easy, cost-effective ways to improve your dog’s quality of life. From the truth about “fun feeding” toys (are they a game changer or just a marketing gimmick?) to tapping into your dog’s natural instincts through breed-specific activities, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical tips.

Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or new to the canine world, you’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on how small changes can bring big benefits—not only for your dog, but for your whole household. Plus, Debbie and Tash share funny stories, relatable struggles, and simple enrichment ideas you can start using today.

If you want a more relaxed, happy, and fulfilled dog, tune in to this episode now!

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Debbie talks about the surprising power of words in dog training and how we inadvertently teach our dogs associations we never intended. She explores why talking too much can actually weaken communication with our dogs, shares the fascinating story of her dog who fears the word "spider" despite never having been frightened by an actual spider, and explains why silence can be one of the most effective training tools.

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In this episode Debbie discusses the shift she observes between dogs in focused training mode versus free thinking mode, and why this matters for successful training. She explores how some dogs can perform trained behaviours beautifully when given instructions but struggle to make good choices independently without constant human direction. Debbie explains why teaching dogs to think freely and manage their own emotions is just as important as teaching specific skills, using examples from reactivity training and comparing the concept to different parenting styles. She encourages dog parents to notice whether their dogs can only behave well when actively being told what to do, or if they've learned to make calm choices independently.

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