What if everything you were told about being your dog’s ‘alpha’ was built on a misinterpretation of stressed-out wolves in captivity? In this eye-opening episode of The Walk & Talk, I take you on a deep-dive through the shaky science behind dominance theory, the myth of the ‘alpha dog,’ and the long-lasting impact this outdated ideology still has on modern dog training.

You'll learn:

🐾 The real story behind those infamous wolf studies 🐾 Why dominance-based training harms trust, learning, and safety 🐾 What leadership should look like in a healthy dog-human relationship 🐾 How to recognise stress-based behaviours and unmet needs in your dog 🐾 The empowering truth: your dog isn’t trying to rule you—they’re trying to connect with you

If you’ve ever felt torn between harsh training advice and doing what feels kind and intuitive, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to lead your dog with compassion and structure. Let’s rewrite the rules—and reclaim the joy.

💡 Want to dive deeper? Explore my digital dog training courses designed to give you the exact tools to build connection, teach essential skills, and support a truly happy life with your dog—without the confusion or conflict.

Browse all courses at www.listendogtraining.com

✨ Free training tips, tutorials & support ⬇️

→ Instagram: @listendogtraining → TikTok: @listendogtraining

In this episode of The Walk and Talk, we’re digging into why hyper-fixating on your dog’s surface-level behaviour problems — like pulling on lead or ignoring a recall — keeps you stuck in frustration. Real, lasting change doesn’t come from slapping a quick fix on the struggle you can see. It comes from identifying and addressing the bigger-picture concepts underneath — like focus, disengagement, impulse control, and proximity value.

I’ll show you how thinking bigger and targeting these core skills transforms your dog's behaviour faster, more effectively, and for the long term — and why trying to "fix" the problem in isolation is usually a dead end.

✨ Want to start tackling the real causes behind your dog’s struggles?

Check out my downloadable training plans and programmes at listendogtraining.com — whether you want a simple intro to concept training or a full design-your-own plan with all the exercises laid out for you, there’s something to get you moving forward!

💡 Follow for free tips and tutorials:

→ Instagram: @listendogtraining → TikTok: @listendogtraining

You’re not just your dog’s food dispenser or walk provider—you’re their emotional anchor, communication partner, and literal brain-shaper. This episode dives into the science of that relationship, uncovering how dogs have evolved to thrive with humans—not other dogs—and why that changes everything about how we train, raise, and relate to them.

We’re talking oxytocin spikes, brain scans, evolutionary theory, and why your dog’s wagging tail and floppy ears are hardwired evidence of thousands of years of co-evolution.

💡 Inside this episode you’ll learn:

– Why dogs know we’re not dogs—and why that matters – How they’ve developed supercharged communication skills just for us – The hormone behind your dog’s devotion – Why socialising with random dogs isn’t as natural—or necessary—as you’ve been told

🎯 By the end, you’ll see your role in your dog’s life differently—and you’ll have real, practical insight to deepen your bond and supercharge your training.

🎓 Want more?

→ Explore online courses & shop training packs: www.listendogtraining.com → Follow @listendogtraining on IG & TikTok

Whether you're a lifelong dog lover or just starting your journey, this episode will change the way you see your relationship—and leave you feeling even more in awe of your dog (if that’s possible?!)