Guns and Noses

Are you accidentally confusing your dog with the way you give cues?In this episode, we’re breaking down a simple but powerful concept: the cue sandwich.Because when it comes to dog training, the order of your words matters more than you think.Inside this episode, you’ll learn:What a cue sandwich is (Cue → Reward → Cue)Why saying “good dog” before a cue can reduce clarityHow to help your dog understand cues faster when teaching new behavioursHow to use this method for real-life tasks like fetching specific itemsWhy clearer communication leads to better responsesIf your dog is slow to respond, seems confused, or struggles to understand what you’re asking, this episode will help you tighten up your communication and make things click.Because sometimes…It’s not what you’re saying—it’s the order you’re saying it in. 💛To join the Guns and Noses Insider's Club as a founder head here: Insider Club | Guns and NosesUse code FOUNDER at checkout, I would love to see you Inside the Club

Does your dog seem fine one moment… and then suddenly react the next?In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most important concepts in dog training: over and under threshold.Because behaviour doesn’t come out of nowhere—there’s always a build-up.Inside this episode, you’ll learn:What “threshold” actually meansThe difference between a dog that can learn vs a dog that is reactingWhy training doesn’t work when your dog is over thresholdHow to spot the early signs before behaviour escalatesHow to keep your dog in a state where they can succeedIf your dog struggles with reactivity, pulling, or ignoring cues in certain situations, this episode will help you understand why—and what to do instead.Because the key to progress isn’t working through the reaction…It’s working before it happens. 💛

Is your dog more interested in the rest of the world than they are in you? Walking your dog shouldn't feel like a game of tug-of-war. In this episode, we’re stripping back the complicated gear and going back to the basics of engagement. We dive deep into why "rewarding the eyes" is the single most effective way to teach a rock-solid position and a loose lead.In this episode, you’ll learn:The Pre-Walk "Ignition": Why skipping a warm-up is setting your dog up for failure, and how to get their brain in gear before you leave the driveway.The Magnet Effect: Why your hand placement is the "GPS" for your dog. If you’re feeding in front of you, you’re accidentally inviting them to pull!Feeding the Position: How to use your trouser seam as the ultimate anchor point for a perfect heel.Capturing the Check-In: Why the eyes are the gateway to a calm walk and how to mark the exact moment your dog chooses you over a distraction.Whether you have a puppy just starting out or an adult dog who thinks they’re a sled dog, this episode provides the tactical shifts you need to transform your daily stroll into a collaborative dance.Key Takeaway: Treat placement isn't just about giving a snack; it's about communicating exactly where the "value" is. Stop managing the leash and start managing the connectionwww.gunsnnoses.co.uk

Does your dog pull on the lead no matter what equipment you use?Tried different leads, harnesses, or tools… but nothing seems to truly fix it?In this episode, we’re breaking down a common myth in dog training: the idea that the lead is the problem.Because pulling, lunging, and reactivity aren’t caused by the lead—they’re driven by what your dog is feeling.Inside this episode, you’ll learn:Why changing equipment doesn’t solve the root issueWhat’s really behind pulling and lead reactivityHow arousal, frustration, and environment play a roleWhy the lead can actually amplify what your dog is experiencingWhat to focus on instead for real, lasting progressIf your walks feel like a constant battle, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on—and how to start changing it.Because it’s not about the lead…it’s about what’s happening underneath. 💛

Do you find yourself repeating cues like “sit… sit… sit…” and wondering why your dog still isn’t responding?In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most common mistakes in dog training: repeating yourself—and why it actually teaches your dog not to listen.Because it’s not disobedience… it’s learning.Inside this episode, you’ll learn:Why repeating cues weakens your trainingWhat your dog is actually learning when you say things multiple timesThe difference between lack of understanding, arousal, and environmentHow to build clearer communication so your dog responds the first timeWhat to do instead of repeating yourselfIf your dog ignores cues, responds slowly, or only listens after you’ve asked multiple times, this episode will help you understand why—and how to fix it.Because when you say less…your words start to matter more. 💛

Does your dog struggle to settle when you stop on a walk?Pulling, sniffing, whining, or constantly fidgeting instead of relaxing?In this episode, we’re looking at a skill that’s often missed in dog training: teaching your dog to do nothing.Because calm behaviour isn’t automatic—especially in busy, stimulating environments. Many dogs are dealing with overstimulation, high arousal, or reactivity, which makes switching off feel impossible.Inside this episode, you’ll learn:Why your dog finds it difficult to settle when you’re not movingThe difference between a dog that is still vs a dog that is truly calmHow overstimulation and arousal affect your dog’s ability to relaxWhat your dog’s body language and breathing are telling youSimple, practical ways to help your dog learn to switch off in real-life situationsIf your dog is reactive, easily overexcited, or struggles to relax outside the house, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on—and how to start changing it.Because sometimes, the most valuable thing you can teach your dog…is how to just be. 💛

Living with a nervous dog can be challenging. You want to help them feel safe and confident, but sometimes it’s hard to know what the right approach is.In this episode we explore why some dogs feel worried about the world and what we can do to support them. From giving dogs space and allowing them to go at their own pace, to building confidence through small wins and simple training exercises.If your dog is cautious around people, other dogs or new environments, this episode will help you understand what they might be feeling and how you can start helping them feel more secure.For a discount of 15% off my Anxious Dog Products, use the link below with code GUNSANDNOSEShttps://myanxiousdog.co.uk/r?id=rt1soaFind us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/gunsandnosesOr head to the website at https://www.gunsnnoses.co.uk

Sometimes the best thing you can do for your dog’s training… is stop training.In this episode we talk about why giving your dog breaks during training, play and everyday life can make a huge difference to their learning, focus and emotional balance.If your dog suddenly “forgets” behaviours, gets overexcited, or switches off completely, it might not be stubbornness — it might just be a tired brain.Learn how short resets, sniff breaks and pauses can help your dog regulate themselves and come back ready to learn again.www.gunsnnoses.co.uk

Those first five minutes of a training session can make or break everything that follows. In this episode, Helen explores why dogs don’t transition environments as quickly as we expect, and how skipping the warm-up leads to frustration. You’ll learn a simple 5-minute protocol to regulate arousal, build engagement, and set your dog up for success before asking for anything big.Manners Beyond the Gate - Field proof lead walking eBook | Guns & Noses

Proprioception — your dog’s awareness of where their body is in space — could be the missing piece in your training. In this episode, we explore why enthusiastic, high-drive dogs often struggle with coordination, why speed isn’t the same as control, and how slow, thoughtful body work can improve steadiness, focus, and emotional regulation. If you’re living with a Ferrari engine, this episode is about building the steering.

Sleep is one of the most overlooked foundations in dog training. In this episode, Helen explores why rest is essential for emotional regulation, learning, and behaviour. From resource guarding to reactivity, many “training problems” can be intensified by sleep deprivation. Discover how environment, bed location, busy family homes, and constant interruptions affect your dog’s nervous system — and why creating a protected, low-traffic sleep space can change everything. Sometimes behaviour isn’t about more training… it’s about more rest.

Rewards in training aren’t about bribing dogs or distracting them from the world — they’re information.In this episode, Helen explores what it really means when a dog refuses food, how the nervous system influences learning, and why enthusiastic, “goofy” dogs are often misunderstood. You’ll learn how to spot when a dog is in fight-or-flight, why slowing down matters for recall and lead walking, and how pausing in the moment can help dogs feel safe enough to think again.A calm, reflective conversation for anyone training a dog with enthusiasm.

In this episode, we slow things right down and take a closer look at one small behaviour that tells us a lot about how our dogs are coping with the world around them: the shake-off.You’ll learn why dogs shake off during training, after loud noises, busy environments, or challenging moments — and how these shake-offs are your dog’s way of processing learning and releasing pressure from their nervous system.We’ll explore the difference between shake-offs during learning versus shake-offs after stressful encounters, how they relate to trigger stacking, and why noticing them early can help prevent bigger reactions later on.You’ll also hear how shake-offs compare to the ways humans regulate stress — like sighing, stretching, or taking a moment to reset — and how you can support your dog by responding rather than reacting.This episode is for owners of enthusiastic dogs who want to understand behaviour, build confidence, and support emotional wellbeing without force or pressure.Slow down. Observe more. Your dog is already communicating.

As shoot season winds down, this podcast is a space to pause and reflect.Hosted by Helen, a force-free gundog trainer, each episode explores what our dogs show us in the field and in everyday life — from moments of brilliance to the inevitable “I know best” decisions.We talk about preparation versus performance, slowing down busy nervous systems, and why observation is where the real magic happens.A supportive, honest podcast for owners of enthusiastic dogs who want to train with clarity, kindness, and confidence.