173. Why Distractions Dont Work When Dog Is Chasing

Picture this: your dog spots a rabbit, and in a heartbeat, they’re gone—ears off, instincts on. You’re left shouting, waving treats, praying they’ll turn back… but they don’t. Sound familiar?

In this heartfelt and practical episode, Jo sits down with LWDG experts Claire Denyer, Gemma Martin, and Samantha Thorneycroft-Taylor to explore why distractions just don’t cut it when your dog’s brain is wired for the chase—and what actually does work instead.

We dive into:

🐾 Why chasing is hardwired in many breeds

🐾 The moment a distraction fails—and why

🐾 The five foundational skills every handler needs

🐾 How to rebuild trust and confidence after setbacks

This is for every handler who’s ever felt helpless, frustrated, or worried about letting their dog off lead again. You’re not alone—and there is a path forward.

✨ Download our free Calm Dog Blueprint and take the next step toward a calmer, more responsive dog: https://ladiesworkingdoggroup.com/calm-dog-blueprint/

Thanks for being here. If this episode gave you something, a laugh, a lightbulb, or just the feeling that someone gets it, that's exactly why we make it.

💬 Got something to say? A question, a story, a dog that's just done something unhinged? Come and find us on socials or over at the website. We genuinely want to hear from you.

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🎓 Ready to go further? The LWDG Society is where the real work happens. Expert-led courses, a community of women who actually get it, and training that makes sense for the dog in front of you.

📱 Come and find us:Website: ladiesworkingdoggroup.com Facebook: Ladies Working Dog Group Instagram: @ladiesworkingdogs

✨ Every session. Every stumble. Every breakthrough. It all counts. You're not just training a dog. You're building something. Keep going. We see you. 💛