Does your dog come back when called—or do they decide you’re not interesting enough? Have you ever felt frustrated watching them run in the opposite direction, ignoring your recall cue completely? In this episode of How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, we’re breaking down why recall is so much more than just calling your dog’s name and hoping for the best.

Many owners focus on teaching a recall command, but true recall starts long before you even call your dog. If they’re chasing sheep, jumping on other dogs, or disappearing out of sight, you’ve already lost that invisible connection. Recall isn’t just about bringing your dog back—it’s about keeping them engaged, safe, and wanting to stay close in the first place.

🐾 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why having a recall cue is pointless if your dog ignores you the rest of the time
✅ How to build a connection so your dog naturally checks in with you
✅ The dangers of letting your dog out of sight (even in familiar areas!)
✅ Why walks should be a shared experience, not just independent exercise
✅ How to make recall fun so your dog actually wants to come back

🎾 Activity of the Week: Middle!
Want a recall that’s fast, fun, and reliable? Teach your dog ‘Middle’! This brilliant game gets your dog running straight to you and into position between your legs, making recall exciting and rewarding. Tune in to learn how to teach it and why it’s a game-changer for recall training.

🐶 Exciting News!
🚀 The Reliable Recall online course is launching on 28th February! If you want to stop stressing about your dog running off and start enjoying off-lead time with confidence, this course is for you. Designed with fun, game-based training, it teaches your dog to love staying close and checking in with you—without boring obedience drills.

📢 Sign up now for 50% off before the pre-launch discount expires! Head to the website to grab your spot.

🔗 Links & Resources:
👉 Reliable Recall Online Course –https://lauracartercanines.com/reliable-recall
👉 Wags Without Walks Membership –https://lauracartercanines.com/wags-without-walks

🎧 Subscribe & Review!
Love the podcast? Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you found this episode helpful, leave a review—it helps more dog owners discover how to build a better recall and a stronger bond with their dogs!

#DogTraining #RecallTraining #HowToTrainYourDog #WagsWithoutWalks #HappyDog #ScentWork #DogEnrichment

Does your dog ignore you when you call them back? Have you ever found yourself shouting their name while they disappear into the distance? In this episode of How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, we’re diving into the common mistakes that ruin recall—often without owners even realising it!

Many owners believe recall is just about training a cue, but the truth is, it’s about building a strong bond. If your dog sees the environment as more exciting than you, they’ll struggle to respond. From accidentally punishing your dog when they finally return to forgetting to reward them, this episode breaks down the biggest recall mistakes and how to fix them.

🐾 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The #1 reason dogs ignore recall (hint: it’s not stubbornness!)
✅ Why daily walks might be making your recall worse
✅ How to stop your dog from learning that running away is more fun than coming back
✅ The secret to making recall a rewarding, exciting choice for your dog
✅ Why engagement is more important than exercise

🎾 Activity of the Week: Sausage Tree!
Want to make yourself the most interesting thing on your dog’s walk? Try the Sausage Tree game! This simple scent-based activity taps into your dog’s natural foraging instincts, keeps them focused on you, and strengthens recall in a fun and rewarding way.

🐶 Exciting News!
🚀 The Busy Life, Happy Dog mini-course has officially launched, and the response has been amazing! This course is perfect for busy owners who want to fit effective training into their everyday routine—without needing extra hours in the day.
📢 Coming soon: Reliable Recall! This brand-new course will help you teach your dog to come back every time, no matter what distractions are around. Available in both online and in-person formats in Montrose, Scotland.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Busy Life, Happy Dog Mini-Course – Busy Life, Happy Dog – Online - Laura Carter Canines
• Reliable Recall Course (Online & In-Person) – Reliable Recall: Fun Games to Bring Your Dog Back - Laura Carter Canines

• YouTube Version of This Episode – https://youtu.be/_D39qVd4maM

🎧 Subscribe & Review!
Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you found this episode helpful, leave a review—it helps more dog owners discover the podcast!

#DogTraining #RecallTraining #HowToTrainYourDog #WagsWithoutWalks #HappyDog #ScentWork #DogEnrichment

Mornings can feel chaotic, but they don’t have to be—for you or your dog! In this episode, we’re tackling Mastering the Morning Rush with practical strategies to create a calmer, structured routine. From adjusting your dog’s expectations to using quick enrichment activities, these small changes can make mornings run more smoothly.

Plus, I’m sharing why my dogs don’t get breakfast and why that actually helps keep them calm! Stick with me—I promise it’s not as crazy as it sounds.

What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to set realistic expectations for your dog’s mornings
✅ Simple 5-minute activities to keep them engaged
✅ Why overexcitement happens—and how to prevent it
✅ The power of starting your day first

Activity of the Week: Scatter Feeding
This week, try scatter feeding to keep your dog busy and engaged while you manage the morning rush.

Final Day! ‘Busy Life, Happy Dog’ at 50% Off!
Want more quick, effective ways to keep your dog happy when life is hectic? My mini course Busy Life, Happy Dog is full of 5-minute activities designed for busy owners.

🚨 Today’s the last chance to grab it for just £9.99—50% off!
After midnight, the price goes up, so don’t miss out!

🔗 Busy Life, Happy Dog – Online - Laura Carter Canines

Coming Up in February: Recall!
Next month, we’re diving into Reliable Recall—with a brand-new mini course and podcast episodes dedicated to improving your dog’s recall through fun games and activities. Stay tuned!

🎧 Subscribe & Review!
Enjoyed today’s episode? Leave a review, subscribe, and follow me on Instagram / Facebook @LauraCarterCanines for daily tips and updates.

See you next week for more ways to keep your dog happy—no long walks required!

This week on How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, we’re exploring Dog Days and Night Shifts, diving into how to balance your dog’s needs around unpredictable or demanding schedules. Whether you’re a shift worker or just navigating a hectic life, this episode is packed with tips and insights to help you keep your dog happy and engaged, no matter what your day—or night—looks like.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How to break rigid routines and help your dog adapt to changes.
• Why it’s okay to skip walks when you’re tired or it’s unsafe—and how to make up for it with enrichment activities.
• The importance of asking for help from family, friends, or dog walkers.
• Ways to maximize quality time with your dog, even if your schedule is unpredictable.
• This week’s Activity of the Week: Teaching a chin rest—a calming, practical skill for grooming, vet visits, or bonding moments.

Exciting News!
There’s just one week left until the launch of my brand-new mini-course, Busy Life, Happy Dog! Designed for busy dog owners, this course offers simple, five-minute games and activities to keep your dog happy and mentally stimulated. Sign up before 31st January to take advantage of the 50% pre-launch discount. Visit lauracartercanines.com to learn more.

Watch the Podcast on YouTube
Prefer video? This episode is now available on YouTube! Search for Laura Carter Canines to watch the video version.

Connect with Me

• Website: lauracartercanines.com
• Instagram: @lauracartercanines
• Facebook: Laura Carter Canines

Thank you for listening! Let’s make life easier and more fulfilling for you and your dog. See you next week!

In this episode of How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, we explore how just five minutes can transform your bond with your dog. Even the busiest schedules have moments to spare—discover how to use them meaningfully! Highlights: - Turn Waiting Time into Bonding Time: Make the most of moments like waiting for the kettle to boil or the oven to preheat. - Be Prepared: Keep treats and toys handy for impromptu fun. - Have a Plan: Quick reference guides or notes save time and make sessions more effective. - Short and Sweet: Learn why 5-minute sessions leave your dog happy and engaged. - Activity of the Week – Treat Bobbing: A simple, fun game using a bowl of water and treats. Small moments of enrichment add up to a happier, more content dog. You don’t need hours—just intentional effort! Exciting News: Mini Course Pre-Launch: Busy Life, Happy Dog launches 31st January! Get six easy games to enrich your dog’s life in just a few minutes a day. Sign up now for 50% off at https://lauracartercanines.com/busy-life-happy-dog-online/ YouTube Podcast: Watch this episode on my YouTube channel, Laura Carter Canines! Podcast: Listen on Spotify, Apple music, Amazon podcasts and Goodpods Find quick and practical tips for busy owners, and make every moment count. Listen now and see how five minutes can change everything! 👉 Follow me for more tips: Instagram: @lauracartercanines Facebook: @lauracartercanines

In this episode of How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, we’re diving into how to create balance when working and caring for your dog. Whether you’re working from home or taking your dog to the office, managing their needs alongside your responsibilities can be a challenge—but it’s absolutely doable!

Here’s what we covered:
🐾 Setting up your workspace to suit both you and your dog, whether at home or in the office.
🎯 Work-life boundaries: how to train your dog to understand when it’s work time versus playtime.
🛠 Mental breaks: how short, engaging activities can refresh your focus and keep your dog happy.
🚶‍♂️ The role of dog walkers: how they can help keep your dog busy on your busiest days.
🧘 Guilt-free productivity: balancing your responsibilities while nurturing your bond with your dog.
🎁 Activity of the Week: Treats in a Bottle—a fun, simple enrichment game to keep your dog entertained during your workday.

Plus, don’t miss the details about my new mini-course, Busy Life, Happy Dog, launching on January 31st! It’s packed with quick, engaging activities for busy dog owners. Head to lauracartercanines.com for pre-launch savings!

Listen now to discover practical tips for creating harmony in your work-life-dog routine!

Life is busy—school runs, sports practice, errands, work, and everything else that fills our days. But what about your dog? How do you ensure they’re happy and fulfilled when you’re constantly on the go?

In the latest episode of How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, I’m diving into The Busy Family Blueprint. This episode is packed with practical tips to help you seamlessly integrate your dog’s needs into your daily routine, even when time is tight.

Here’s what you’ll discover:
🐾 Quick and easy ways to engage your dog while waiting around during school pickups or sports practice.
🚗 How a simple car ride can provide valuable enrichment for your dog.
🌳 The magic of exploring new walking locations for variety and stimulation.
🎮 Fun activities and games that fit into even the busiest schedules.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or just feeling stretched for time, this episode will help you prioritize your dog’s happiness without adding stress to your day.

Bonus: I also talk about my exciting new mini-course, Quick Wins – Fun in Bite-Sized Bursts, launching at the end of January. It’s perfect for busy dog owners looking for quick and impactful ways to keep their dogs engaged. Visit lauracartercanines.com/mini-courses to learn more!

Don’t let a hectic schedule stand in the way of your dog’s happiness—tune in now and discover how small changes can make a big difference.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauracartercanines

In this episode of How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, we’re diving into all things festive food and treats! The Christmas season is filled with delicious indulgences, but not everything we enjoy is safe for our dogs. From harmful foods to healthy alternatives and tips for rewarding good behaviour, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you navigate the holiday season with your four-legged friend.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• Foods to Avoid: Learn about the festive favourites that are toxic or dangerous for dogs, including chocolate, grapes, raisins, cooked bones, and more.
• Healthy Alternatives: Discover safe, nutritious, and dog-friendly treats that let your pup join in the festive fun without any risks. From carrot sticks to sweet potato chews, we’ve got plenty of ideas to keep tails wagging!
• Rewarding Calm Behaviour: Find out why it’s so important to reward calm, relaxed behaviour during the busy Christmas period—and how to avoid reinforcing pestering or over-excitement.
• Portion Control Tips: With extra treats around, balancing your dog’s diet is key. Learn how to adjust meal sizes and use their regular food creatively throughout the day to keep them healthy and happy.
• Interactive Feeding Options: Explore fun ways to make mealtime more enriching with puzzle toys, treat-dispensing Kongs, scatter feeding, and homemade activities. These ideas are perfect for keeping your dog mentally stimulated and engaged while you’re busy with holiday preparations.
• Activity of the Week: The Dog Wand: This week’s fun game involves creating a “dog wand” with a toy attached to a string. It’s ideal for dogs who are hesitant with toys and provides fantastic physical and mental exercise.

This episode is packed with tips and ideas to keep your dog safe, happy, and included in the holiday celebrations. Whether it’s avoiding risky foods, sharing healthy treats, or engaging them with fun and enriching activities, you’ll walk away with practical advice to make this Christmas enjoyable for everyone.

And don’t forget—our Wags Without Walks membership is the perfect gift for your dog this Christmas! It’s full of enrichment ideas, training games, and monthly challenges to keep your dog entertained and fulfilled, even when walks aren’t an option. There’s a special festive offer running until 25th December at midnight, so don’t miss out!

Links Mentioned in This Episode:
🎁 Wags Without Walks Membership
📘 My Book: The Vet Says Rest

Stay Connected:
🐾 Instagram: @lauracartercanines
🐾 Facebook: @lauracartercanines

Let’s make this Christmas the best one yet—for you and your dog! 🎄🐾