If you’ve ever felt like your dog is making all the decisions while you’re just trying to keep up… this episode will land.

In this live, Joanne explains one of the biggest missing pieces in gundog training — where the handler actually sits — and why so many capable, caring owners end up feeling out of control despite doing all the right things.

This isn’t about being firmer.

It’s about timing, influence, and learning how to step into the driver’s seat.

• What “passenger mode” really looks like
• Not doing nothing — but hesitating, overthinking, and leaving gaps where the dog has to decide for themselves.
• Why timing matters more than speed
• You don’t need to react as fast as your dog — you need to teach them to give you time before acting.
• How influence is lost before the dog runs
• The moment your dog commits has already passed — the real work happens in the seconds before.
• The difference between self-control and steadiness
• And why teaching this gap is what allows teamwork to happen.
• Why this isn’t about dominance
• Leading your dog isn’t control — it’s partnership, clarity, and shared direction.
• How reward timing shapes decisions
• Reward doesn’t bribe the next behaviour — it confirms the right choice has been made.

High-drive dogs don’t slow themselves down.

They accelerate when direction is missing.

When you learn how to step in earlier, give one clear direction, and see it through, your dog doesn’t push against you — they start working with you.

That’s the difference between hanging on… and driving.

This episode feeds directly into our free masterclass:

Holding a Supercar by a Shoestring

A live session on how to guide high-drive dogs with confidence, timing, and teamwork — even if you never plan to work them.

📅 Thursday 29th January

⏰ 7.30pm (UK)

Come live if you can — it’s where all of this slows down and becomes usable.

Thanks for joining us for this episode of Found It, Fetched It. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve got muddy boots and a seasoned dog by your side, we’re here to walk the journey with you. We’re all about real talk, practical tips, and celebrating every little win—because in this world, progress isn’t always perfect, but it’s always worth it.

💬 We’d love to hear from you

Got a story to share, a question to ask, or just fancy saying hi? Come chat with us on socials or pop over to the website.

📚 Want to go further with your training?

Get our LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map Work Out Where You Are, And What To Train Next !

Want to know more about 🎓 The LWDG Society

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📱 Stay connected with the pack:

Website: ladiesworkingdoggroup.com

Facebook: Ladies Working Dog Group

Instagram: @ladiesworkingdogs

✨ And remember… Every session, every stumble, every breakthrough, it all counts. You’re not just training a dog. You’re building trust, confidence, and a community that’s right behind you.

Keep going. We see you. 💛