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!

Essential for owners of chase-obsessed dogs or those navigating high prey drive behaviour.

Does your dog chase everything that moves? In this episode of Positive Playtime by Tug-E-Nuff, we sit down with expert dog trainer and behaviourist Tracey McLennan to talk all things prey drive in dogs - what it really is, where it comes from, and how you can manage it through play and training.

Tracey shares her personal experience living with high prey drive dogs, as well as science-backed insights from her research and work with hundreds of reactive, chase-obsessed pups.

You’ll learn:

• The #1 myth about prey drive most owners believe

• The 10 critical stages of prey drive - and which ones your dog might show

• Whether you can truly train prey drive out of your dog

• The dangers of ignoring it - and what that can lead to

• How to turn chasing into a controlled, positive behaviour

• Practical play-based tips to work with your dog’s instincts, not against them
  

🐶 Whether your dog won’t listen once they spot a rabbit, or you’re simply curious about what prey drive means, this one’s for you.

Helpful links:

💻 Tracey’s website: Dog Training with a Difference

🎓 Free prey drive training course: Transform your high prey drive dog with one easy course – for free

🧸 Tracey’s toy recommendations:

• The Clam Treat Dispenser

• Pocket Fauxtastic Tug

• Rabbit Skin Pocket Squeaker

Chaser toys: Tug-E-Nuff Chaser Toy Collection

Take the Power of Play course for free: https://www.tug-e-nuff.com/blogs/power-of-play-the-online-course

Find the perfect toy for your dog with our Toy Quest Quiz: https://www.tug-e-nuff.com/pages/toy-picker

🐾 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!

Curious about mantrailing? This episode breaks down how nosework can benefit every dog.

Looking for a new enrichment activity that’s fun, low-pressure, and perfect for all dogs? In this episode of Positive Playtime by Tug-E-Nuff, we’re joined by mantrailing expert and Trailing K9s founder, Kathryn Jones, to explore how this nosework sport (aka hide and seek for dogs!) can build confidence, reduce stress, and strengthen your bond.

Even if your dog has zero obedience training, mantrailing is a dog-led activity that’s accessible for all ages and breeds - including nervous, reactive, or overly excited dogs. It’s enriching, non-competitive, and a great way to boost your dog’s mental wellbeing.

You’ll learn:

• What mantrailing is and why it’s growing in popularity

• How it benefits reactive, anxious, and excitable dogs

• Why mantrailing can be more inclusive than traditional training

• How to get started and what you’ll need
  

Useful links from the episode:

• Toy Picker Quiz – Find your dog’s perfect tug toy

• Free Power of Play course

• Start mantrailing with Kathryn

• Book Kathryn’s workshops

• Join the Mantrailing Facebook group
  

🐾 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!

A must-listen for dog owners looking to better understand aggression and reactivity.

Is your dog’s behaviour being misunderstood as aggression?

In this episode of Positive Playtime by Tug-E-Nuff, we uncover the truth about dog aggression with world-renowned expert Michael Shikashio. Whether you’re a dog owner, trainer, or simply curious, this conversation offers practical insights and a fresh perspective on how to support dogs showing aggressive behaviours.

You’ll learn:

• What aggression in dogs really means (and doesn’t mean!)

• Whether dog aggression can be prevented through training

• If playing tug can actually make dogs aggressive – or help reduce reactivity

• How play can build confidence, help dogs cope with triggers, and accelerate learning
  

Michael has mentored thousands of dog professionals across the globe and spoken at major conferences in the U.S. and Mexico. He’s also the host of the podcast The Bitey End of the Dog, focused entirely on dog aggression.

Take our Toy Quest Quiz to discover the perfect interactive toy to build engagement and reduce stress during training.

More from Michael:

• Aggressive Dog Webinars

• Listen to The Bitey End of The Dog:

• • Spotify

  • Apple Podcasts
    

🐾 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!

Perfect for anyone wanting to deepen connection through play-based communication.

In this episode of Positive Playtime by Tug-E-Nuff, dog trainer Justine Schuurmans breaks down what many dog owners - and even some trainers - often miss when it comes to dog communication and behaviour.

We explore how understanding your dog’s emotional world can completely shift your training experience. If you want to build trust, connection, and respect through play, this episode is for you.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

✅ How to use play to build stronger bonds with your dog

✅ What your dog’s behaviour is really telling you

✅ How to meet your dog’s needs more effectively

✅ Tips for helping others interact safely and respectfully with your dog

Justine also shares her powerful DIAL Method - a practical tool for understanding and communicating with your dog. You’ll hear how this method helps simplify training and deepen your connection.

🛍️ Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Take the Power of Play course (free): https://www.tug-e-nuff.com/blogs/power-of-play-the-online-course

• The Dial Method: https://www.thefamilydog.com/Blue-dial

• Family Edition of The Dial Method: https://www.thefamilydog.com/families-with-kids

• Chaser Toys: https://www.tug-e-nuff.com/collections/chaser-toys

• Frisbee & Ball Toys: https://www.tug-e-nuff.com/collections/frisbee-and-ball-toys

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

🐾 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!