If you’ve ever been told your dog needs walking every day, this episode might completely change the way you think.

In this episode, I sit down with award-winning dog trainer Niki French, founder of PupTalk and author of Stop Walking Your Dog, to talk about one of the most misunderstood topics in dog training.

We unpack why the “more walks = better behaviour” advice isn’t always true and, in many cases, can actually make things worse.

From reactive dogs and overstimulation to owner guilt and social pressure, this conversation dives into what’s really going on behind the behaviour and what dogs actually need instead.

Niki shares how her own journey into dog training began after a life-changing accident, how working with struggling and rescue dogs shaped her approach, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is stop.

This is not about doing less.
It is about doing what actually works.

In this episode, we cover:

Why some dogs are not thriving on daily walks
How walking can increase reactivity, stress, and over-arousal
The pressure owners feel from social media and well-meaning advice
What to do instead of walking your dog
How to build calm, confident behaviour at home first
The power of ACE Free Work and enrichment
Why short, simple training moments can outperform long walks
How to break the cycle if your dog is struggling

If you are dealing with barking, reactivity, overwhelm, or a dog that just cannot cope on walks, this episode will give you a completely different lens.

You do not fix overwhelmed dogs by exposing them to more of what they cannot handle.
You build the skills first, then the world becomes easier.

Find Niki and learn more here:

Direct link to the book:
https://puptalk.co.uk/stop-walking-your-dog/

Free ACE Free Work guide:
https://go.puptalk.co.uk/how-to-get-started-with-ace-free-work-landing-page/

Website:
www.puptalk.co.uk

Learn more about #dontwalkyourdogday:
https://puptalk.co.uk/awareness-day/

If this episode hits home for you, please share it with someone who needs to hear that they are not failing their dog and that there is another way.

Pet owners often believe vets are overcharging… but what’s the truth behind those rising vet bills and the cost of modern veterinary care?

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Emma Creasey, also known as the B.S Free Vet on TikTok, to unpack what really happens behind the scenes in veterinary clinics the pressure, the burnout, the financial strain, and the emotional weight the public rarely gets to see.

Emma shares why she left the profession, the mental-health impact of working as a vet, and an insiders view around vet pricing “overcharging vets.”
This is one of the most honest, eye-opening conversations we’ve ever had.

🎧 We talk about:
• Why vet bills seem so high
• The truth behind veterinary costs and clinic overheads
• What clients don’t see behind every consultation
• Why vets are “overcharging”
• Burnout, compassion fatigue & the mental health crisis in the vet world
• The moment Emma realised she had to leave
• Her book That’s Mental that Is and the message behind it

If you own a pet, work in the pet industry, or simply want to understand the real story behind vet pricing and the challenges facing veterinary professionals today, this episode will change how you see your vet forever.

👇 If this episode helps you, please hit Follow, Subscribe, Rate the show, and leave a comment or review.
Your support genuinely helps us reach more pet owners and raise awareness for the people caring for our animals every day.

Grab your copy of the book here

https://amzn.eu/d/jb8Rx1i

In this episode of The Dogs Code Podcast, Katie Saywell sits down with CaniCross instructors and podcast hosts Louise and Michelle to chat all things CaniCross a growing sport that gets both dogs and humans fit, focused, and happy.

From tackling prey drive to improving confidence and connection, this episode dives into how running with your dog (not just after them!) can strengthen your bond, boost your dog’s mental and physical health, and even help with lead pulling.

Louise shares how she discovered CaniCross after struggling with her Labrador’s prey drive, while Michelle opens up about her reactive Romanian rescue and how the right harness and training changed everything. Together, they explore how this sport is perfect for dogs who love to work, from energetic Dachshunds to athletic Labradors, and why it’s becoming one of the UK’s fastest-growing canine fitness trends.

You’ll hear about:
🐕 The benefits of CaniCross for reactive or high-energy dogs
🏃‍♀️ How to get started safely with the right harness and conditioning
❤️ Building trust, focus, and teamwork through shared activity
🌍 Community, confidence, and why dog-powered sports are for everyone

If you’ve ever wondered whether your dog could join you on the trails this is the episode for you.

📍 Connect with us:
👉 Subscribe & write a review
👉 Follow CaniCross Conversations for more on dog-powered running and adventure ⁠https://www.canicrossconversations.co.uk/⁠

Instagram

@canicrossconversations

@paws_4running

@mileswithmichelle