Life With Your Dog

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

In this engaging discussion, Calem Dunphy, founder of K9 Kuriosity and expert in training reactive dogs, shares his insights on building canine confidence and resilience. He introduces his innovative sliding scales framework for understanding triggers and motivation. Calem emphasizes the importance of teaching dogs to make choices over mere obedience and highlights strategies for handling arousal post-play. He also shares practical tips for new trainers and reflects on his journey into the dog training industry, making it a must-listen for dog enthusiasts.

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

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

Discover why dogs often listen at home but struggle outdoors. Learn about the impact of environmental distractions and how to proof commands in various settings. Get practical training tips for building engagement, using rewards effectively, and conditioning your leash for better focus. Explore strategies to gradually increase distractions and maintain enthusiasm during short training sessions. This informative discussion emphasizes training for real-world scenarios to ensure your dog listens anywhere.

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

Discover practical tips for managing off-leash dog encounters with advice on maintaining safe distances and using tools like a spare leash. Learn how to keep your dog’s coat shiny and healthy through diet, exercise, and grooming routines. Finally, explore the pros and cons of allowing your dog on the couch, including training commands and hygiene considerations. It's a fun mix of training insights and canine care that any dog owner will find valuable!

Thinking about adding a second dog to your family? Before you bring home that new puppy, it’s crucial to make sure your existing dog is everything you want him to be—obedient, calm in the house, and good with other dogs. Adding another dog won’t solve behavioural issues; it will usually make them worse. In this episode, Panos and Luke break down the step-by-step process for setting your dogs up for success when introducing a new puppy. From preparation and first meetings on neutral ground, to managing at home, to building a healthy long-term relationship, you’ll learn how to create harmony between your dogs from the very beginning. You’ll also hear pro tips on reading body language, avoiding common mistakes, and managing challenges like jealousy, hyperactivity, and resource guarding. If you’re planning to grow your pack, this episode is your guide to making the transition as smooth as possible.   Find us online >> Panos @ www.npdogtraining.com >> Luke @ www.instagram.com/itslukebadman >> www.facebook.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >> www.instagram.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >> www.lifewithyourdogpodcast.com

We’re excited to welcome back Elijah, founder of Apex Dog Training in Sydney, for his second appearance on the show. Since his first episode, Elijah has continued to build his reputation as a skilled trainer and educator—growing his Apex Dog Training Community, helping countless owners work through challenging behaviours, and further refining his approach to training. In this episode, we catch up with Elijah on what’s changed since we last spoke: the biggest lessons he’s learned, memorable cases that shaped his journey, and how his philosophy has evolved with experience. We dive into the balance of tools, food, toys, and lifestyle management, as well as how Elijah navigates the ever-changing dog training industry. Elijah also shares insights on creating meaningful online education, the realities of running a training business, and how he keeps his own mindset and lifestyle aligned with his passion for dogs. If you enjoyed Elijah’s first appearance, you’ll love this follow-up conversation packed with wisdom, reflection, and inspiration for dog owners and trainers alike. https://www.apexdogtraining.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  

Panos sits down with Jacob Morgan from Yorkshire Canine Academy — a trainer who’s built a strong reputation both on the field and online. We dive into the balance between giving dogs freedom and maintaining structure, and how Jacob tailors his advice to suit different dogs and owners. Jacob shares how he got into dog training and finding his passion in helping dog owners with their dogs. Also how dog sports have accelerated his learning, and the key principles he adapts from competition to help everyday pet owners. We also explore the realities of having a large social media following, from the responsibility of giving advice in short clips to mixing humour with education to reach more people. You’ll hear valuable tips on how to filter training information online, avoid overwhelm, and focus on what truly works for you and your dog. Whether you’re a trainer or just passionate about helping your dog live their best life, this episode is packed with insight and takeaways you can apply right away. Jacob's Australia Seminars: https://yorkshirecanineacademy.co.uk/australia-seminars Find yorkshire_canine_academy on all social media platforms.   Find us online >> Panos @ www.npdogtraining.com >> Luke @ www.instagram.com/itslukebadman >> www.facebook.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >> www.instagram.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >> www.lifewithyourdogpodcast.com