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 forHow seagulls, swans, and deer can become your most powerful free training tool, even if you never go near a shootWhy avoiding difficult environments doesn't build confidence. It shrinks your dog's world and makes the problem worseThe real reason high-drive dogs chase bikes, cars, and cats, and what to do about itWhy a solid leave is the foundation of a dog you can take anywhereClaire's honest account of working through her own dog Genie's fear and reactivity, because even professional trainers have those walksIf 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.