Life With Your Dog

Ep269 - How to proof your dog's training

• Training your dog isn’t about flashy skills or perfect reps in perfect conditions — it’s about reliability in the real world.
• In this episode, we break down what proofing really means and why so many dog owners get stuck when behaviour “falls apart” outside the training session.
• We talk about why you started training in the first place, how your lifestyle should shape your dog’s training, and why rushing the process usually backfires.
• We cover the importance of developing your own communication with your dog, creating consistency across environments, and understanding that some behaviours aren’t “fixed” — they’re managed.
• Training, at its core, is about learning a shared language and culture with your dog, not blindly following rules forever.
• Learn the rules first… then earn the right to break them.This episode is a practical reminder that there’s no one right way — you need to find your way with your dog.

• Find us online >>
• Panos @ www.npdogtraining.com >>
• Luke @ www.instagram.com/itslukebadman >>
• www.facebook.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >>
• www.instagram.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >>
• www.lifewithyourdogpodcast.com

 

 

Ep268 - Perspective & context with Dan Camilleri (Hooked on Hounds)

• Dan returns for round two, and this one goes deep.
  In this episode, we unpack intrinsic motivation in dogs—from prey drive to play drive—and how those drives differ, overlap, and actually show up in real-world training. Not theory for theory’s sake, but how these concepts matter when you’re working dogs day in, day out.
• Dan shares lessons learned from years of working dogs, alongside his experience with reactivity in pet dogs. Watching dogs work provides perspective—how dogs think, act, and learn—and that perspective is often missing when people rely solely on what they see online.
• We also talk context. Techniques, clips, and hot takes on social media mean nothing without experience behind them. Keeping an open mind is easy to say, harder to do—especially when exposure is limited.
• A strong episode to kick off the year and a big thanks to Dan for joining us again.
• Find Dan at Hooked On Hounds www.hookedonhounds.com

 

• Find us online >>
• Panos @ www.npdogtraining.com >>
• Luke @ www.instagram.com/itslukebadman >>
• www.facebook.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >>
• www.instagram.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >>
• www.lifewithyourdogpodcast.com

Ep267 - Structured walking: The 20-20-20 rule

• Most dog owners walk their dogs every day… and still end up with pulling, reactivity, and chaos on the leash. Why is that?
• In this episode, Panos and Luke break down the 20/20/20 Rule — a simple, repeatable walking structure that balances discipline, freedom, and training.
• You’ll learn why the walk should be split into three clear phases:
  • A structured loose leash walk to set the mental tone
  • Free time with purpose — including real-world training
  • A structured return to help your dog regulate and settle
• This episode explains how to stop turning walks into overstimulation sessions and start using them to build focus, reliability, and a calmer dog at home.
• If your dog “gets plenty of walks” but still behaves like they’ve had three coffees, this one’s for you.

 

• Find us online >>
• Panos @ www.npdogtraining.com >>
• Luke @ www.instagram.com/itslukebadman >>
• www.facebook.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >>
• www.instagram.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >>
• www.lifewithyourdogpodcast.com

Ep266 - The "Mutt Nut" Simon Moody

• In this episode Panos sits down with Simon, “The Mutt Nut”, a UK-based trainer who’s worked at both extremes of the dog-training world — from sled dogs in Norway, to street dogs across Europe, to guide dogs, pet dogs and heavy-duty aggression cases through rescue organisations.
• Simon’s known for his no-nonsense motto: “Cut the fluff and focus on what works.”We dive deep into his journey, the lessons he’s collected from wildly different environments, and how those experiences shaped his training philosophy.
• Simon opens up about industry myths, why trainers conflict, where owners go wrong, and how he blends motivation, play, and tools to get real-world results.
• We also unpack reactivity and aggression, the lifestyle vs training debate, what play really means to a dog, and why modern pet owners are struggling more than ever.
• If you’re a trainer, an owner, or someone trying to navigate the noise in today’s dog-training landscape, this episode will give you clarity, perspective, and a whole lot of practical gems.
• Find Simon- www.themuttnut.com

 

• Find us online >>
• Panos @ www.npdogtraining.com >>
• Luke @ www.instagram.com/itslukebadman >>
• www.facebook.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >>
• www.instagram.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >>
• www.lifewithyourdogpodcast.com

Ep265 - Sliding scales of reactivity & confidence building: Calem Dunphy of K9 Kuriosity

• This episode, we sit down with Calem from K9 Kuriosity for a deep dive into the realities of working with reactive dogs and the owners guiding them.
• We cover his concept of the sliding scales and how owners can better understand thresholds, triggers, and progression when addressing reactivity.
• Calem shares his approach to building true confidence and resilience in dogs, what it actually looks like beyond the buzzwords, and how trainers can help dogs develop steadiness in real-world environments.
• We also talk about the dog-training industry itself: pathways in, what new trainers should expect, and what it really takes to build skill and longevity in the field.
• Find Calem at www.k9kuriosity.com

 

• Find us online >>
• Panos @ www.npdogtraining.com >>
• Luke @ www.instagram.com/itslukebadman >>
• www.facebook.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >>
• www.instagram.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >>
• www.lifewithyourdogpodcast.com

Ep264 - Domesticating a dingo pup: Samantha Walsh of Man’s Best Friend

• In this episode, Panos sits down once again with Samantha Walsh from Man’s Best Friend to discuss a unique case — a rescued dingo pup and the long, delicate process of helping him adapt to suburban life in Sydney.
• After reaching out to Sam for advice and guidance, Panos shares his client’s story and the challenges of domesticating a dingo in a busy urban environment.
• Together, they unpack the key elements of this journey — from husbandry, slow socialization, and body language, to feeding routines, management, environmental conditioning, and even what happens to dingos during a full moon.
• They also dive into the importance of trust, routine, and patience when raising a dingo pup, plus tips to give these incredible animals the best chance at a stable, fulfilled life alongside humans.
• This is Sam’s second time on the show — be sure to check out Episode 234 for more of her invaluable insights into dingo behaviour and rehabilitation.
• A huge thanks to Sam for her continued help and expertise, and for sharing her knowledge to support others working with these remarkable animals.
• Find Sam at www.mansbestfriendaustralia.com.au

 

• Find us online >>
• Panos @ www.npdogtraining.com >>
• Luke @ www.instagram.com/itslukebadman >>
• www.facebook.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >>
• www.instagram.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >>
• www.lifewithyourdogpodcast.com

Ep263 - What makes a puppy class great? [Puppies 101]

• Panos and Luke break down what truly makes a great puppy class. From choosing an experienced trainer to understanding the importance of environment, structure, and socialisation, they share insights from years of hands-on experience working with puppies and their owners.
• They discuss how to tailor group sessions to individual dogs, why having a calm adult dog in class can accelerate learning, and how to strike the right balance between free play and focus.
• Whether you’re a new puppy owner or a trainer wanting to refine your approach, this episode is packed with practical advice to help set young dogs—and their humans—up for long-term success.
• Tune in to other episodes focused on puppy training and development by searching in your podcast app "Puppies 101" to learn how to build confident, well-mannered puppies through the right kind of class experience.

 

• Find us online >>
• Panos @ www.npdogtraining.com >>
• Luke @ www.instagram.com/itslukebadman >>
• www.facebook.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >>
• www.instagram.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >>
• www.lifewithyourdogpodcast.com

Ep262 - Why won't my dog listen when I'm out in public? [Q&A]

• In today’s Q&A episode, Panos answers a question from Eric, whose dog listens perfectly at home but forgets everything the moment they step outside.
• We break down why dogs struggle to generalise behaviours, how environmental distractions affect focus, and the step-by-step process of proofing commands so your dog listens anywhere — not just in the living room.
• Panos shares practical strategies for building engagement, using the right rewards, and creating a training plan that works in the real world.
• Whether you’re working on recall, leash manners, or calm focus, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on — and how to fix it.

 

• Find us online >>
• Panos @ www.npdogtraining.com >>
• Luke @ www.instagram.com/itslukebadman >>
• www.facebook.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >>
• www.instagram.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >>
• www.lifewithyourdogpodcast.com

Ep261 - When dogs bite

• Why do dogs bite? The truth is, it rarely happens “out of nowhere.” In this episode, Panos and Luke break down the many reasons dogs resort to biting—from fear aggression and pain to resource guarding, prey drive, rough play, and even social conflict.
• Exploring real-world situations like strangers entering property, kids running around, or someone touching a dog in public.
• Also talking about injured or sick dogs, how unmanaged play can lead to accidents, and why some dogs simply push boundaries.
• You’ll learn the common triggers, how to recognise the warning signs, and—most importantly—what you can do to prevent a bite from happening in the first place.
• Whether you’re a dog owner, trainer, or just someone who wants to stay safe around dogs, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you understand and manage dog behaviour.

 

• Find us online >>
• Panos @ www.npdogtraining.com >>
• Luke @ www.instagram.com/itslukebadman >>
• www.facebook.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >>
• www.instagram.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >>
• www.lifewithyourdogpodcast.com

Ep260 - Off-leash dogs, shiny coats, & couch privileges [Q&A]

• In this episode, Panos answers some of your most common and practical dog training questions:

• "What should I do if an off-leash dog approaches us on a walk?"
  We’ll cover how to advocate for your dog, maintain safe space, tools to have on hand like a spare leash, the importance of situational awareness, and even what to do if things escalate into a bite.

• "How do you keep your dog healthy and shiny like Chilli?"
  We’ll talk about the role of diet quality, supplements such as Canineceuticals, regular exercise, and grooming routines that keep dogs looking and feeling their best.

• "Is it okay to let my dog sleep on the couch?"
  It comes down to your choice, but I’ll break down factors like teaching “on/off” commands, respecting household rules, hygiene considerations, and whether your dog’s behaviour is under control.

   

• Find us online >>
• Panos @ www.npdogtraining.com >>
• Luke @ www.instagram.com/itslukebadman >>
• www.facebook.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >>
• www.instagram.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >>
• www.lifewithyourdogpodcast.com