Eps. 119 Training vs Free Thinking episode artwork

EPISODE · Dec 2, 2025 · 18 MIN

Eps. 119 Training vs Free Thinking

from The Dynamic Dog Owner · host Debbie Potter

In this episode Debbie discusses the shift she observes between dogs in focused training mode versus free thinking mode, and why this matters for successful training. She explores how some dogs can perform trained behaviours beautifully when given instructions but struggle to make good choices independently without constant human direction. Debbie explains why teaching dogs to think freely and manage their own emotions is just as important as teaching specific skills, using examples from reactivity training and comparing the concept to different parenting styles. She encourages dog parents to notice whether their dogs can only behave well when actively being told what to do, or if they've learned to make calm choices independently. Get your 3 Day Free Trial at The Potter Pawcademy - Start Now! https://potter-pawcademy.mn.co/plans/1820577?bundle_token=01b2cc425e6324dc8f034beb4fc55837&utm_source=manual Get our emails - https://mailchi.mp/potterpaws.co.uk/jointhelist

In this episode Debbie discusses the shift she observes between dogs in focused training mode versus free thinking mode, and why this matters for successful training. She explores how some dogs can perform trained behaviours beautifully when given instructions but struggle to make good choices independently without constant human direction. Debbie explains why teaching dogs to think freely and manage their own emotions is just as important as teaching specific skills, using examples from reactivity training and comparing the concept to different parenting styles. She encourages dog parents to notice whether their dogs can only behave well when actively being told what to do, or if they've learned to make calm choices independently. Get your 3 Day Free Trial at The Potter Pawcademy - Start Now! https://potter-pawcademy.mn.co/plans/1820577?bundle_token=01b2cc425e6324dc8f034beb4fc55837&utm_source=manual Get our emails - https://mailchi.mp/potterpaws.co.uk/jointhelist

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Eps. 119 Training vs Free Thinking

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This episode was published on December 2, 2025.

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In this episode Debbie discusses the shift she observes between dogs in focused training mode versus free thinking mode, and why this matters for successful training. She explores how some dogs can perform trained behaviours beautifully when given...

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