A fresh perspective on why “keeping dogs busy” might actually slow their progress.

In this episode of Positive Playtime, we’re joined by dog trainer, author, and IMDT founder Steve Mann to bust some of the biggest myths in dog training.

With over 30 years of experience, Steve shares surprising truths about what dogs really need - not just more activities, but more calm, connection, and clarity. If you’ve ever been told to just “keep your dog busy,” this one’s for you.

🎙️ In this episode, Steve reveals:

• The #1 thing your dog needs more than training

• Why constant stimulation can actually cause more harm than good

• The secret release that helps raise calmer, more focused dogs

• What to do instead of always keeping your dog “busy”

• Why paying your dog by the hour (not the mileage!) changes everything

• The 3 keys to dog training progress: passion, empathy, and constant self-audit

PLUS: We’re giving away a copy of Steve’s book Another Day, Another Collar! Head to our Facebook page to enter.

Discover training games your dog will love: https://tinyurl.com/ymsnabk5

Take the Toy Quest Quiz: https://www.tug-e-nuff.com/pages/toy-picker

Buy the book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Another-Day-Collar-Life-Training/dp/1788705998

🐾 What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? Let us know in the comments or leave us a review - we’d love to hear from you!

Eye-opening for owners of anxious dogs struggling with daily walks or overstimulation.

Does your anxious dog really need a walk? 🐾

In this episode of Positive Playtime, we sit down with bestselling author and award-winning dog trainer Niki French to explore a bold question: Are daily dog walks always the best thing for your dog?

Niki shares why skipping the daily walk might actually reduce anxiety and improve your dog’s well-being - and busts some of the most common myths about dog walking.

Whether your dog is anxious, excitable, or reactive, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you create a calmer, more connected daily routine.

In this episode, Niki reveals:

✅ Why traditional walks might be stressing your dog out

✅ The truth behind dogs who return from walks more anxious

✅ Do you really need to walk your dog every day?

✅ How to swap stressful walks for enrichment & play

✅ What to do instead to keep your dog happy and fulfilled

✅ Why giving yourself permission to change the routine can be game-changing

“But you can’t just stop walking your dog… or can you?” Tune in to find out.

Helpful links:

🎮 Game ideas your dog will love: https://tinyurl.com/y4trt3ku

🐶 Niki’s favourite Tug-E-Nuff tuggy: https://www.tug-e-nuff.com/products/bright-fauxtastic

📖 Niki’s bestselling book Stop Walking Your Dog: https://go.puptalk.co.uk/stopwalkingyourdog/

🐾 What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? Let us know in the comments or leave us a review – we’d love to hear from you!

Especially valuable for Border Collie owners looking to improve recall, reduce obsession, and build balance.

Struggling with your Border Collie’s recall? Wondering how to manage their natural herding instincts?

In this episode of Positive Playtime, we’re joined by Martina Miradoli, renowned Border Collie trainer and founder of That’ll Do Academy. Martina shares her expertise on using play-based training methods to improve recall, manage high-drive behaviour, and curb ball obsession in Border Collies.

Key takeaways from this episode:

✔️ The crucial role of play in recall training

✔️ Understanding herding instincts in Border Collies

✔️ The truth about chasing behaviour in dogs

✔️ The best thing for your Collie to chase

✔️ How to recognise and prevent unwanted behaviours before they become bad habits

✔️ Alternatives to fetch that strengthen your bond and keep your dog happy & healthy

More resources & connect with our guest:

Get Martina’s expert training tips on Instagram: @bordercollie_geek

Check out That’ll Do Academy: thatlldoacademy.com

Find the perfect Tug-E-Nuff training toy for your dog: Toy Quest Quiz

🐾 What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? Let us know in the comments or leave us a review – we’d love to hear from you!