Found It, Fetched It - Gundog Training for Family Life

The Ladies Working Dog Group

Every fortnight, the Ladies Working Dog Group sits down with gundog experts, guest trainers, behaviourists and fellow handlers to talk about life with a high-drive gundog or working breed — the wins, the stuck weeks, and the stuff nobody warns you about when you bring one home.
This isn't traditional gundog training, and it isn't generic pet advice. It's for women handling dogs bred to work, raising them as family pets, who want guidance that actually fits that reality.
Part of the Ladies Working Dog Group — training, community and support for women with working-breed dogs. More at thelwdg.com.

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21 episodes
Updated Today

Episodes21

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Today · 46 min
213. Ticks, Lyme Disease & What Your Dog Needs You to Know
This episode of Found It, Fetched It features pharmacist and Lyme Resource Centre trustee Arlene Braley and vet Ian Wright (chair of ESCCAP) discussing tick prevention and tick-borne disease risks for dogs and people. Arlene shares her son’s long, severe illness after an unrecognised tick-borne infection, motivating her Lyme charity work and emphasis on knowledge and early action. Ian explains UK tick species and life cycle; peak activity now spans much of the year; practical avoidance (staying on paths, protective clothing, repellents); pet prevention products suited to lifestyle; and the importance of post-walk tick checks. They outline correct tick removal with proper tools and avoiding stressing the tick. Arlene describes human Lyme signs (EM rash, summer flu-like illness, fatigue, headaches, migratory joint pain), the need to document rashes and history, relevant NICE/Royal College guidance, and that there is no prophylactic antibiotic after a bite; they also mention the Tick Surveillance Scheme and available resources and tick-removal tools. 00:00 Ticks Are Everyone’s Problem 01:07 Meet The Guests 04:02 Arlene’s Lyme Story 07:27 Tick Threats Beyond Lyme 09:22 Tick Life Cycle Explained 11:20 Avoiding Bites Outdoors 12:33 Pet Preventatives That Work 15:24 Tick Checks And Hotspots 17:41 Tick Season Is Longer Now 18:48 Safe Tick Removal Basics 20:59 Symptoms After A Missed Tick 23:10 Early Detection Matters 23:53 Chronic Lyme In Pets 25:17 Tick Prevention Planning 27:29 Humans And Tick Risk 28:54 Wait And Watch Signs 29:18 Rash And Early Symptoms 32:34 Disseminated Lyme Symptoms 34:20 Advocating With Your GP 38:02 Treatment Guidance Basics 39:44 Tools And Tick Removal 41:43 Surveillance And Outdoor Safety 44:43 Wrap Up And Resources Link to ESCCAP : https://www.esccapuk.org.uk/page/Ticks/7/ 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. 📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.
July 17 · 32 min
212. When Is Your Dog Ready for a Charity Working Test?
Abbie Reed of Riverlily Working Dogs joins Jo to break down what a charity working test actually involves, from the admin behind the scenes to what your dog needs to be able to do on the day. They talk through the six tests you're likely to face, how judges assess you differently to an official working test, and why your own mindset does more heavy lifting than your training log. In this episode: What separates a charity working test from an official Kennel Club test, and why unregistered and crossbreed dogs are welcome The basic skills your dog needs before you enter: steady to shot, steady to a thrown dummy, a clean retrieve, and a stop whistle A walkthrough of a typical test day, from signing in and the exercise area to being called forward by the judge The six common tests you might face, including the double mark, replacement blind, and the water splash Why eighty percent of how the day goes comes down to the handler's mindset, not the dog's ability How volunteering or helping at a test teaches you faster than training your own dog ever could About Abbie Reed Abbie Reed runs River Lily Working Dogs in Hertfordshire, where she's organised ten charity working tests over the last twelve years. She competes and picks up herself, and she's spent years watching handlers of every level walk into the test ring, which makes her the person to ask when you're wondering whether your dog is actually ready. Key takeaways You don't need a perfect dog to enter a charity working test, you need a dog who's had the basics installed and will have a go. Judges at charity tests are more lenient than official ones, but they still expect a certain level of control before you toe the line. A zero doesn't mean failure, it means you've found exactly what to train next. Volunteering at a test teaches you faster than training alone ever will, because you get to watch dozens of dogs and handlers instead of just your own. Resources mentioned Riverlily Working Dogs — Facebook (Friends of Riverlily Working Dogs, and Riverlily Working Dogs), Instagram, website currently being updated 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. 📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.
July 3 · 28 min
211. When Your Dog Is “Too Difficult” for Training
Jo and Claire Denyer tackle one of the most common worries handlers carry quietly: the belief that a dog needs to behave better before it is ready to see a trainer. They cover why the opposite is true, what so-called difficult behaviour is often really communicating, and how the most challenging dogs frequently become the dogs of a lifetime. In this episode Why your trainer needs to see your dog at his cheekiest, not his best behaved The warning moment most handlers miss in the seconds before their dog disappears after a scent Why difficult young dogs so often mature into the hardest working, most rewarding dogs How watching other dogs at group classes and charity tests fast tracks your own handling What displacement behaviours like scent marking and cushion humping actually mean Claire's recent case of a golden retriever whose recall problem was nothing like it looked About Claire Denyer Claire Denyer is an LWDG Group Expert and professional dog trainer who works with handlers and their dogs every week, from group classes and one-to-one sessions through to behaviour cases referred by local vets. She brings a rare mix of straight talking and genuine compassion, and her whole approach is built on helping the handler, not just the dog. 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. 📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.
June 12 · 41 min
210. Ten Years In: The Award, The Mud, and What We'd Tell Ourselves Now
Ten years ago, the LWDG was bringing in about two hundred pounds a month and felt more like a nice idea than a business. This week marks ten years of the LWDG and ten years of Claire Denyer's Family Dog Services, so to celebrate, Claire turns the tables and interviews Jo in a business blind date. They talk about the exact moments it stopped feeling like a hobby (a national award for one of them, a very muddy fall on her bottom for the other), the bit of the job they still find hardest, how training has changed over a decade, and where they hope to be in another ten years. It's funny, it's honest, and it's the story behind the brand you've been part of. 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. 📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.
May 21 · 25 min
209. Why Your Recall Broke (And It Started in the Garden)
You trained it and you were proud of it. Then one day, in front of people, your dog looked straight at you and carried on sniffing. Recall going wrong feels personal, like the dog is calling you a liar. In this conversation, LWDG Group Expert Claire Denyer explains why recall almost never breaks where you think it does. Claire walks through how to rebuild it from the ground up, why the cheese-word panic never works, and how to use a long line as a way to talk to your dog rather than a way to hold them. If your dog has been stuck on the lead because you no longer trust them, this is the episode that gets you both off it. 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. 📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.
May 8 · 24 min
208. What is Predation Substitution Training (And When It Actually Works)
If you've ever thought that giving your dog a flirt pole or a tug toy would stop them chasing squirrels, this one's going to shift something. Predation substitution training sounds like the answer, give them an outlet for all that chase drive. But as Claire Deyer walks Jo through in this episode, it's not that simple. Here's what actually works, why outlets alone fail high-drive dogs, and when PST becomes part of a real strategy instead of a band-aid. Claire's spent a decade rehabilitating dogs that chase on command and won't stop, and what she's learned will reshape how you think about drive, boundaries, and what your dog actually needs from you. In This Episode What predatory drive actually is and why it's normal (not a flaw) in working dogs Why chasing a toy will never replicate catching a real rabbit, the limitations of outlet training How dogs behave completely differently when you're not watching (and why this matters for prey drive issues) The skills you need alongside PST: reliable recall, stop whistle, steadiness, and self-control How gun dog training fits into predation substitution training Why diagnosing the root cause matters more than picking a training method 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. 📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.
April 24 · 20 min
207. Fear Periods in Puppies and Adolescence
Fear periods are a normal part of puppy and adolescent development, but most handlers go into them underprepared. They know the phrase but not the timing, the signs, or the right response. In this episode, Jo Perrott and LWDG Group Expert Claire Denyer break down both fear periods in practical terms: what they look like, when they happen, and how to work through them without making the dog's experience worse. Claire covers the difference between healthy exposure and flooding, the role of eustress in building resilience, and how the training a dog already has becomes an asset in the second fear period in a way it simply wasn't in the first. In this episode Why fear periods happen and what makes them vary so much from dog to dog The first fear period: why it lands exactly when you bring your puppy home and what to do about it The difference between exposure and socialisation, and why pushing puppies into group play during a fear period creates problems rather than solving them The second fear period: when to expect it, why it blindsides confident dogs, and how hormonal shifts layer on top of it What "go back to basics" actually means in practice, not just as a phrase How to use eustress to build resilience without flooding your dog 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. 📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.
April 10 · 20 min
206. 10 Lessons From 10 Years of LWDG
10 years. Thousands of conversations. One truth: you're not alone in all of this. Jo walks through the 10 lessons from a decade of watching what actually works with working dogs. Why your dog isn't difficult, just a gundog. Why more walks make them fitter, not calmer. Why consistency isn't about being strict. Why the dog you have right now is already the one you wanted. This episode is for anyone who's felt stuck, ashamed, or like they're the only one getting it wrong. 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. 📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.
March 27 · 38 min
205. Knowing Your Dogs Limits
Knowing when to stop isn't giving up. It's one of the most important skills you can build as a handler, and this week Claire and I are getting into exactly that. There's a real difference between pushing a dog and protecting a dog, and the line between them isn't always obvious. Claire talks about stretching a dog's ability, that productive discomfort where a dog is learning something new, might wobble a bit, might show a flash of an old behaviour you thought you'd cracked months ago. That's not regression. That's growth. It can look messy. It's supposed to. But there's another side of that line, and that's where things go wrong. What we cover in this episode The difference between a stretched dog and an overwhelmed one and why the symptoms can look identical if you're not watching closely. The dog isn't being naughty. It's telling you something. Physical fatigue vs. mental fatigue and why mental tiredness is the sneaky one. A physically tired dog slows down. A mentally tired dog starts chewing grass, showboating with the dummy, going off for a random sniff. It looks like misbehaviour. It's actually a dog running on empty upstairs. The bored dog trap because if you never stretch your dog and just keep repeating the same comfortable routine, you'll get behaviours creeping back in too. A bored working dog will find its own entertainment. It won't be the entertainment you wanted. External pressure and where it actually comes from the other handlers, the gamekeeper's nod, the dog two fields over who's been doing this since it was eight weeks old. Claire is straight-talking on this: comparison is not a training plan. Why working dogs will push through pain to do the job and why that means we have to be the ones to make the call. If you're waiting for your spaniel to tap out, you'll be waiting a long time. The warmup read Claire's practical tip for gauging your dog before you even start. Know what your dog looks like at their best, and you'll know when something's off. Finishing on a high not just as a nice idea, but as a training habit. The challenge this week is to finish one session earlier than you think you need to. Just once. See what happens. Claire also shares the story of Indy and Rose, two completely different dogs in terms of mental stamina, self-regulation, and what 'enough' looks like for each of them. There is no universal rulebook. There is only your dog, in front of you, today. And Claire is recording this just two and a half weeks post knee surgery. Still showing up, still delivering. She's very much one of us. Your challenge this week Finish one session earlier than you think you need to. Notice how your dog walks away from it. Notice how you walk away from it. Every session, every stumble, every breakthrough, it all counts. Keep going. We see you. 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. 📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.
March 13 · 26 min
204. The Van, the GunDog, and All of Europe
What if your dog didn’t have to stay home? What if the van, the open road, and your best mate could all go together — across the UK, across Europe, all the way to Croatia? This week I had the loveliest chat with Karen Shepherd, one of our brilliant Society members, who has been taking her Springer Spaniel McCoy all over Europe in her motor home. And I mean all over... Belgium, Croatia, Italy, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia. The dog has a better travel record than most people I know. Now you might know that Ali the campervan and I are very much looking forward to taking Arthur on our own adventures — once we’ve accepted that he has grown to the size of a small Shetland pony. So this conversation was, frankly, research. And it did not disappoint. In this episode we cover What campervan life with a gundog is really like — not the Instagram version, but the actual chaos and the joy of it. Why crate training was the single most important thing Karen did before their first trip. The honest truth about Brexit and what it means for anyone wanting to take their dog into Europe, including the animal health certificate versus getting a European pet passport — and why Karen got McCoy his passport in Bruges. The countries that are brilliant for dogs, the ones where you need a muzzle, and why Germany might just be the most dog-friendly place on earth. How to help your dog settle in a new environment every single night. What Karen wishes she’d known from the start. And the musical road in Hungary that is now firmly on my bucket list. The bit that stopped me in my tracks Karen said something that I keep coming back to. She talked about how all the different environments, the new smells, the new places, the constant low-level stimulation of life on the road, it all adds up to a dog that retires happy. Not a dog that’s been physically hammered into the ground, but a dog whose brain has been properly used. A dog that has genuinely lived his day.Sound familiar? That’s the Two Minds truth right there, just lived out on a campsite in Croatia. Useful links Animal Health Certificate (AHC) — GOV.UK guide to getting an AHC — required every time you leave the UK for Europe. Valid for 10 days from issue. Up to five pets can travel on one certificate. Taking your pet abroad (overview) — GOV.UK full pet travel guidance — the main hub for all UK pet travel rules, updated regularly. European Pet Passport — EU pet passport explained (PetAbroad) — once your dog has one, you no longer need a new AHC each trip. Must be issued by a European vet. McCoy’s was issued in Bruges. AHC explained in plain English — PassPets guide to Animal Health Certificates — a clear breakdown of the whole process, costs and what to prepare. Channel Tunnel with your dog — Eurotunnel LeShuttle pet travel page — the easiest crossing option as you stay in your vehicle throughout. 35 minutes, Folkestone to Calais. Tapeworm and country-specific rules — EU pet travel rules by country (Europa.eu) — muzzle laws, tapeworm requirements, and what differs country by country. Finding dog-friendly campsites across Europe — ACSI Campsites Europe app — the app Karen and many of our members use. Filter by dog-friendly, motorhome pitches, facilities. Available on iOS and Android. Karen’s top three things to have in place before your first trip A dog that travels well and is comfortable in a crate. A long line and a whistle — never leave home without them. Your paperwork sorted well in advance — the AHC requires a vet appointment, which means you need to know your travel dates ahead of time. If this has got you dreaming, good. That’s exactly what it’s supposed to do. We’d love to hear where you’ve taken your dog, or where you’re planning to go. Drop us a comment, come and share it in the community, and if you’ve enjoyed this episode please do leave us a review — it genuinely helps more women find us. See you in two weeks. Jo x 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. 📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.
February 27 · 30 min
203. The Walk You've Been Avoiding Is Actually Your Best Training Session
Does your heart sink every time a bird flushes, a squirrel darts across the path, or a dog bolts past on the beach? You're not alone. And you're definitely not ruining your dog. This week Joanne is joined by LWDG group expert Claire Denyer to tackle one of the biggest myths that keeps working dog owners stuck: that being around wildlife makes a high-drive dog harder to handle. It's actually the opposite. What you'll hear in this episode: Why "my dog would be amazing, he chases everything" is the wrong way around and what gundog training really asks for How seagulls, swans, and deer can become your most powerful free training tool, even if you never go near a shoot Why avoiding difficult environments doesn't build confidence. It shrinks your dog's world and makes the problem worse The real reason high-drive dogs chase bikes, cars, and cats, and what to do about it Why a solid leave is the foundation of a dog you can take anywhere Claire's honest account of working through her own dog Genie's fear and reactivity, because even professional trainers have those walks If you've been holding back from taking your dog somewhere because you don't trust what might happen, this episode will give you the framework to get back out there. The one thing to take away: Country walks, bird flushes, unexpected wildlife moments are not training setbacks. They are real life opportunities to show your dog that excitement and partnership can exist at the same time. Know someone who's convinced they're ruining their dog just by going on normal walks? Send them this one. 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. 📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.
February 13 · 38 min
202. When Ideology Gets in the Way of Training the Dog in Front of You
Dog training advice is louder, more divided, and more confusing than ever. In this episode of Found It, Fetched It, Jo and Claire tackle one of the biggest problems facing dog owners today, rigid training ideologies that stop people from seeing and supporting the dog in front of them. From “never say no” to “only train this way”, they explore how blanket rules and online dogma leave handlers overwhelmed, hesitant, and often stuck with behaviours that could be resolved far more simply. Together they unpack: • Why training isn’t one-size-fits-all • How fear of “doing it wrong” is creating more stressed dogs and handlers • The difference between guidance and ideology • Why context, timing, and the individual dog always matter • How boundaries, communication, and reward work together • The real meaning behind training the dog in front of you Through honest conversation, humour, and real-life examples, this episode is about helping you step away from training pressure and start making confident, balanced decisions for your own dog. If you’ve ever felt stuck between conflicting advice, this one is for you. By the end of this episode, listeners will understand: Training should always adapt to the individual dog and handler Labels and training camps often oversimplify complex behaviour Clear communication builds confidence in dogs Reward and interruption both have a place when used appropriately Dogs need guidance, not confusion or hesitation Progress often comes from understanding motivation, timing, and consistency Every dog’s journey will look different, and that’s normal 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. 📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.
January 27 · 13 min
201. What Changes When You Finally Speak Gundog - Supercar On A Shoestring Series
If training feels hard work rather than teamwork, this episode is for you. In this final live of the week, Joanne pulls together everything we’ve explored and explains what actually shifts when you stop guessing… and start understanding what your dog is telling you. This isn’t about better commands. It’s about better conversations. In this episode, we explore: Why training feels exhausting when you don’t share the same “language” Living with a high-drive dog without understanding their operating system is like being abroad permanently — lots of effort, lots of frustration, and very little ease. Why most handlers over-talk, over-handle, and second-guess Not because they’re doing it wrong — but because they’re trying to communicate in human logic with a dog brain. The moment things start to feel calmer (without calming your dog) When you understand state, arousal, and readiness, your timing improves — and suddenly everything needs less effort. Why this isn’t about obedience — or being stricter It’s about relationship, rhythm, and responding rather than reacting. More like a dance than a drill. How the five topics from this week are actually one problem Being outpaced, doing more exercise, feeling like a passenger, trying to calm drive, and feeling misunderstood all come back to one missing system. The big takeaway: When you finally “get” your dog’s dialect, the tension drops. You stop guessing. You stop battling. And you start working with the dog in front of you. That relief isn’t accidental — it’s teachable. 🎓 What’s next? This episode leads directly into our free masterclass: Holding a Supercar by a Shoestring A live, supportive session on how to finally speak gundog — even if you never plan to see a shooting field. You’ll learn how to: Slow things down mentally (for you) Read what your dog is actually telling you Respond with confidence instead of hesitation 📅 Thursday 29th January ⏰ 7.30pm (UK) Come live if you can — the energy and clarity are different when we do this together. 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. 📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.
January 26 · 12 min
200. Why Direction Comes Before Calm in High Drive Dogs - Supercar On A Shoestring Series
Why Direction Comes Before Calm in High-Drive Dogs In this Monday Morning Mindset episode, Jo explores a truth that changes everything for owners of high-drive dogs: 👉 Calm doesn’t come from slowing your dog down. 👉 Calm comes from direction, boundaries, and leadership. If you’ve ever found yourself saying “I just need them to calm down” — this one’s for you. What This Episode Covers Why “waiting for calm” doesn’t work Taking your foot off the accelerator without steering doesn’t stop the engine. High-drive dogs don’t need us to step back — they need us to step in. The difference between a gap and a void A gap is a moment where the dog waits, steady and available. A void is when the handler checks out — and the dog fills the space by self-appointing. Suppression vs regulation A quiet dog isn’t always a calm dog. Suppression looks still, but it’s pressure waiting to explode. True calm is regulation: • movement with purpose • stopping when asked • thinking even when excited Why boundaries create calm (not conflict) Boundaries aren’t punishment. They’re information. They answer the dog’s constant question: “What do you want me to do next?” Calm is not the destination — it’s the journey Calm is what happens when a dog understands: • what matters • when to act • when to stand down The handler’s role under pressure Dogs can’t regulate if we’re also overwhelmed. You don’t need to be another beach ball under water. You need to be the anchor. Because calm travels down the lead. Key Takeaway High-drive dogs don’t need less of you. They need orientation, direction, and follow-through — especially when things feel intense. When the handler is steady, the dog can be too. Mentioned in This Episode • The Calm Dog Blueprint (free resource) • Why “settle” matters just as much as “sit” • Live masterclass: Holding a Supercar by a Shoestring 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. 📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.
January 25 · 17 min
199. From Passenger to Driver - Supercar On A Shoestring Series
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. In this episode, we cover: 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. The key shift: 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. 🎓 What this leads into 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 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. 📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.
January 24 · 15 min
198. Why More Exercise Is Making Things Worse - Supercar On A Shoestring Series
We’re often told that if a dog is full-on, intense, or hard to live with, the answer is simple: exercise them more. In this episode, I unpack why that well-meaning advice can quietly make life harder, especially if you’re living with a high-drive gundog, and why more walks, more running, and more “doing” doesn’t automatically lead to a steadier dog. I talk about the moment many handlers recognise: when your dog feels fast, sharp, and always one step ahead, and you start to feel like you’re reacting rather than leading. Not because you’re doing nothing, but because you’re doing everything, without the right handling system underneath it. We explore the idea of the supercar on a shoestring, a powerful, capable dog with an engine that’s far bigger than the structure supporting it. I explain why exercise builds fitness, not self-control, and why high-drive dogs don’t come with internal brakes already fitted. This episode also looks at what’s really draining handler confidence: guessing under pressure, repeating cues, changing your mind mid-moment, and trying to wrestle control instead of steering it. I share why effort alone can’t replace structure, and why following through matters more than piling more on. If you’ve ever felt like your dog has suddenly changed overnight, or that what worked yesterday doesn’t work today, you’re not imagining it. Dogs don’t walk out with the same brain every day, and understanding that changes how you train and handle them. Most of all, this episode is here to reassure you: you don’t have a problem dog. You have a powerful one, and once the handling matches the engine, everything feels lighter. Holding a Supercar by a Shoestring A Free Masterclass for Owners of High-Drive Dogs on How to Finally ‘Speak Gundog’ even if You Never Plan to See a Shooting Field. When you sign up, I’ll send you a short reflection, Are You Driving or Just Hanging On, to help you notice whether you’re leading or reacting before the session. Jan 29th 2026 7.30pm 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. 📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.
January 23 · 16 min
197. If your gundog switches on faster than you can think, this is why - Supercar On A Shoestring Series
Have you ever had that moment where everything feels calm… Then suddenly your dog is gone? One second you’re walking together. The next, your gundog has clocked something, made a decision, and acted on it before you’ve even processed what changed. In this episode, Jo explains why this happens, especially with high-drive gundogs, and why it isn’t a training failure or a reflection of your ability as a handler. This conversation isn’t about obedience or control. It’s about understanding speed, drive, and decision-making, so you can stop blaming yourself and start making sense of what’s really going on. In this episode, we explore: Why fast gundogs don’t “warm up”, they switch on instantly How a dog’s decision-making process works differently to a human’s Why you often feel one step behind, even when you’re experienced and committed The mismatch between canine instinct and human consequence-based thinking Why being told to “try harder” doesn’t help in high-drive moments How steadiness and self-control create a vital timing gap you can work with Why even very well-trained dogs still need management in certain environments Jo also shares real-life examples from her own dogs, showing how age, experience, and steadiness change behaviour over time, and why comparison rarely helps when you’re in the thick of it with a young or adolescent gundog. This episode is for you if: Your dog reacts faster than you can think You often replay moments afterwards, wondering what you should have done You feel calm in theory, but flustered in real-life situations You care deeply about doing right by your dog, but feel overloaded in the moment You don’t need more motivation, you need understanding This episode is part of a short series leading into Jo’s free live masterclass, Supercar on a Shoestring, where we go deeper into both the dog’s brain and the handler’s mindset, and how to bring the two into better alignment. Holding a Supercar by a Shoestring A Free Masterclass for Owners of High-Drive Dogs on How to Finally ‘Speak Gundog’ even if You Never Plan to See a Shooting Field. When you sign up, I’ll send you a short reflection, Are You Driving or Just Hanging On, to help you notice whether you’re leading or reacting before the session. Jan 29th 2026 7.30pm 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. 📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.
January 9 · 20 min
196. Why Capable Handlers Still Feel Stuck Training Their Gundog
In this episode, Jo talks about something that quietly affects so many women training gundogs. Not failure. Not lack of effort. But that frustrating sense of being capable and committed, yet still feeling behind or unsure. Jo shares her own early experiences of training without a clear map, relying on instinct, observation, and scraps of information, while everyone else seemed to have a language she hadn’t learned yet. The dogs were doing “okay”, but the mental noise was exhausting. This episode gently unpacks why that feeling isn’t a confidence problem or an effort problem, but a structure problem. You’ll hear about Why missing structure often gets mislabelled as missing ability Why confidence does not come before action, but from clarity and repetition How fear of doing it wrong once keeps handlers stuck and second guessing Why comparing your inside world to other people’s outside is such a trap How learning to read patterns, not personalise problems, changes everything Why asking for help is not failure, but one of the strongest forms of independence Jo also explains why gundogs are more like high performance cars than everyday runarounds, and why trying to train them without the right framework creates unnecessary pressure for both dog and handler.This conversation is about relief, steadiness, and finally naming what’s actually missing so the self blame can ease and progress can feel possible again. At the end of the episode, Jo invites you to a free live masterclass designed especially for owners of high drive dogs. Holding a Supercar on a Shoestring A free training session on how to understand, handle, and enjoy your high drive dog without feeling overwhelmed or behind. 👉 Register here https://ladiesworkingdoggroup.com/supercar-registration If this episode landed for you, you are not alone. You are not behind. And you are very welcome in this space with Ladies Working Dog Group 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. 📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.
Dec 26, 2025 · 31 min
195. Trusting Your Dog's Timeline, Not the Internet's
Ever scroll through social media, see a perfectly trained 10-month-old dog, and feel a knot of pressure in your stomach? If you've ever felt behind, second-guessed your progress, or worried that you're "failing" your young dog, this episode is for you. The pressure to rush our dogs from puppyhood to polished working partner is immense. But the truth is, your dog's development is a biological process, not a competition. Pushing them too fast, too soon, doesn't just create training problems—it can risk their long-term health and your partnership. In this honest conversation, Jo, Claire, and Jemma pull back the curtain on the "working dog age race." We give you permission to slow down, ignore the noise, and become the most important advocate for your dog's unique timeline. In This Episode, We Discuss: The hidden pressure of the "perfect" young dog on social media and how it fuels our self-doubt. Why your dog's physical and mental timeline is non-negotiable (and what's really happening with growth plates and hormones). Navigating the messy, unpredictable, and completely normal stage of adolescence—seeing it as a phase, not a failure. The crucial link between patience in their first two years and a longer, healthier working life for your dog. The real reason a shoot day is the worst place to train your dog, and how to prepare them for the real world without pressure. Join the Conversation If this conversation resonated with you, and you're ready to trade pressure and second-guessing for steady support, we'd love to welcome you into our community. The LWDG is a space for women handlers to share the real, messy moments of training, get expert guidance, and build unshakable confidence alongside their dogs. Join the LWDG Membership: www.thelwdg.com Find us on Instagram: @ladiesworkingdogs Follow us on Facebook: @ladiesworkingdoggroup 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. 📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.
Dec 12, 2025 · 25 min
194. Harnessing Breed Instincts Without Hunting Live Game
STOP WORRYING: Your gundog doesn’t need to hunt live game to be happy! Are you the devoted dog woman who constantly frets that you're not meeting your working breed’s full needs? You are absolutely not alone. This week on Found It, Fetched It, Jo and LWDG expert Claire Denyer demystify the pressure surrounding breed instincts and fieldwork. We dive into why it’s crucial to provide an outlet for your gundog’s natural drives (hello, ‘self-employed’ dogs!), and why tapping into those instincts in a controlled way actually leads to more control, not less. We talk about the "Pandora's Box" myth, the difference between letting your dog chase a squirrel and teaching true self-control, and why turning a naughty sock thief into a helpful laundry loader is the ultimate partnership goal. This episode is packed with warmth and practical advice to help you build a stronger bond, prevent behavioural issues, and celebrate the incredible dog you have.Ready to stop worrying and start training with clarity? Join the thousands of women gaining confidence in their training journey! Click the link below to explore the LWDG Society membership and get a complete plan to follow. ➡️ Visit us: www.thelwdg.com 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. 📚 Not sure where to start with your gundog training? Grab the LWDG Gundog Progress Gap Map. Work out where you exactly where you are and what to work on next, no more guessing needed.