What if dog training didn’t leave you feeling anxious, defeated, or like you’re constantly getting it wrong?

In this episode, I’m sharing something that sits at the very heart of my work as a dog trainer - not techniques, not quick fixes, but the emotional experience I want you to have with your dog.

Because how you feel about your dog directly shapes how you train, how your dog learns, and whether progress actually sticks.

We explore why pressure, perfectionism, and constant worry don’t create better behaviour… and what does. I’ll break down the science of learning, nervous system regulation, and engagement, and show you how shifting your mindset can transform both your training results and your relationship with your dog.

This episode is for you if you love your dog deeply, but sometimes feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or unsure whether you’re doing enough, and you just want training to feel lighter, more joyful, and more sustainable.

• Why behaviour change starts with emotion - for both dogs and owners
• What joy, confidence, and connection actually do to a dog’s brain and learning ability
• The difference between compliance and true engagement (and why it matters)
• How stress and pressure quietly sabotage training progress
• Why nervous system regulation is a missing piece in most training plans
• How to shift from judgement to curiosity when your dog struggles and what you’ll gain
• What realistic progress really looks like (and how to recognise it)
• How your mindset and self-talk directly influence your dog’s behaviour

💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com

📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining

🎧 If you found this episode helpful, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared it with a fellow dog lover—it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!