Many dog owners say they want their dog's behaviours to change... but are we willing to change ourselves? In this episode, we explore a simple idea that has a huge impact on dog training: if nothing has changed, nothing will change. More often than not, lasting behaviour change starts with the owner, not the dog. We discuss how our daily habits, consistency, timing and expectations shape our dogs' behaviour, and why repeating the same actions while expecting different results only leads to frustration. Diving into the science of learning, looking at how operant conditioning creates the repetitions that eventually become classical conditioning—turning trained behaviours into lasting emotional associations and habits. If you're serious about creating long-term change in your dog, this episode will challenge you to first look at the other end of the leash.   Panos' book - The Nooch's Pooches Method: A Comprehensive Guide to Training and Living with Your Dog https://amzn.asia/d/f1wzLQK Find us online >> Panos @ www.npdogtraining.com >> www.facebook.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >> www.instagram.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >> www.lifewithyourdogpodcast.com

In this episode, Panos explores the gap between what people say and what they actually do and why dogs are often the most honest judges of our behaviour. Dogs don't listen to our intentions. They don't care about our excuses. They respond to the patterns we create every day. In this episode: Why actions reveal more than words Why you can't lie to your dog What dogs are actually looking at when deciding who to trust Can dogs tell when we're being fake? What training thousands of dogs has taught us about people Are dogs a reflection of the habits and behaviours of the humans raising them Panos answers listener questions from Nathan, Rebecca and Tom. People hear what you say. Dogs experience what you do.   Panos' book - The Nooch's Pooches Method: A Comprehensive Guide to Training and Living with Your Dog https://amzn.asia/d/f1wzLQK Find us online >> Panos @ www.npdogtraining.com >> www.facebook.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >> www.instagram.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >> www.lifewithyourdogpodcast.com

Bringing home a new baby is one of the biggest changes your family will ever experience—and your dog is going through that transition too.   In this episode, Panos, Luke and Sebastian Lemaire discuss how to prepare your dog before your baby arrives, what to do during pregnancy, and how to create a safe and positive relationship between your dog and your newborn from day one.   Topics covered in this episode:• What to do if you're pregnant and already have a dog• How to prepare your dog for the arrival of your baby• Things every expecting dog owner must do before their baby arrives• How to set your dog and baby up for the best possible relationship• Practical safety strategies for newborns around dogs• Why your dog doesn't automatically know your baby is a human• Common mistakes families make when introducing dogs and babies• How structure, management and training can prevent problems before they start   Sebastian also shares details from his new program, SAFE START: How to Introduce Your Dog to Your Baby, designed to help expecting parents confidently navigate the transition and build a safe, positive foundation between their dog and newborn.   Learn more about SAFE START here:https://www.caninesoncue.com.au/   Whether you're expecting your first child, planning for the future, or already have a newborn at home, this episode is packed with practical advice to help your dog and baby thrive together. Listen now and start preparing before your baby arrives.   Panos' book - The Nooch's Pooches Method: A Comprehensive Guide to Training and Living with Your Dog https://amzn.asia/d/f1wzLQK Find us online >> Panos @ www.npdogtraining.com >> www.facebook.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >> www.instagram.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >> www.lifewithyourdogpodcast.com

On this episode of Life With Your Dog, Panos talks about the concept of Play, Train & Exercise and why the best sessions with your dog combine all three together. Rather than separating walks, obedience and play into completely different activities, Panos explains how engagement, structure, rewards and movement can all work together naturally in everyday life. From structured walks and tug games to obedience around distractions and building functional communication, this episode explores how to create a more fulfilling relationship with your dog while still meeting their mental and physical needs.   Panos' book - The Nooch's Pooches Method: A Comprehensive Guide to Training and Living with Your Dog https://amzn.asia/d/f1wzLQK Find us online >> Panos @ www.npdogtraining.com >> www.facebook.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >> www.instagram.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >> www.lifewithyourdogpodcast.com

In Episode 276, Panos and Luke sit down with Lisa Wray, who spent 16 years working and managing the shelter where Panos has volunteered for over a decade. Lisa shares what it really takes to run a high-functioning shelter—from building a tight-knit team to creating an environment where both staff and dogs can thrive. Her leadership played a key role in improving the welfare of the animals, proving that good people management directly impacts dog outcomes. Drawing from years on the ground, the conversation dives into the realities of shelter life: implementing training systems, understanding behaviour under stress, and balancing structure with compassion. Panos reflects on his 10+ years working alongside Lisa as a volunteer trainer, supporting staff and volunteers in handling and training resident dogs. This episode is packed with practical insights for anyone interested in dog behaviour, shelter work, or what it truly means to lead from the front. Panos' book - The Nooch's Pooches Method: A Comprehensive Guide to Training and Living with Your Dog https://amzn.asia/d/f1wzLQK Find us online >> Panos @ www.npdogtraining.com >> www.facebook.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >> www.instagram.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >> www.lifewithyourdogpodcast.com

Most dog owners are accidentally reinforcing bad behaviour on every walk. In this episode, Panos breaks down the biggest mistake - putting the walk on autopilot. Pulling, scanning, and ignoring you all get rehearsed daily without realising. Walks aren’t just exercise - they’re training. Learn how small changes in structure and intention can completely change your dog’s behaviour.   Panos' book - The Nooch's Pooches Method: A Comprehensive Guide to Training and Living with Your Dog https://amzn.asia/d/f1wzLQK Find us online >> Panos @ www.npdogtraining.com >> www.facebook.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >> www.instagram.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >> www.lifewithyourdogpodcast.com

Buddy Spohn from Lateral K9 joins Panos and Luke for a deep dive into what really drives dog training success. They unpack how to build true motivation in any dog, why scent work is such a powerful outlet, and how modern social media is confusing more dog owners than it’s helping. Training should always feel like play—and explores what that mindset actually creates in dogs over time. The boys discuss the old adage, you don’t always get the dog you want… you get the dog you need. And what you do with that matters. This episode is a mix of practical insight, real-world experience, and a few uncomfortable truths that every dog owner and trainer should hear. Find us online >> Panos @ www.npdogtraining.com >> www.facebook.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >> www.instagram.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >> www.lifewithyourdogpodcast.com

Paul Zubcic from Summerland Dog Training joins Panos to dive into the world of K9 tracking. As a former police K9 handler, Paul shares his real-world experience working tracking dogs and breaks down the fundamentals—what tracking actually is, how dogs follow human scent, and how everyday dog owners can start teaching it themselves. They explore the process of building a reliable tracking dog, common mistakes people make, and how to turn this natural canine ability into a structured skill. Paul also shares some great stories from his time on the job, giving a glimpse into what tracking looks like in real-life scenarios. Tracking is one of the most fascinating skills a dog and handler can develop—and this episode gives you a clear, practical look at how it all works. Find Paul: www.summerlanddogtraining.com Find us online >> Panos @ www.npdogtraining.com >> www.facebook.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >> www.instagram.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >> www.lifewithyourdogpodcast.com

Panos sits down with renowned trainer Jay Jack for a direct and thought-provoking conversation about the craft of dog training and personal development. Jay breaks down his concept of “windows of opportunity” — explaining that most windows in life are natural… except for “work.” Work is not something that magically presents itself. It must be created, pursued, and stepped into deliberately. The conversation then shifts to one of the most important drivers of growth: mistakes. Rather than avoiding them, Jay explains how mistakes are essential for development. Panos and Jay unpack how trainers — and dog owners — can reconcile their errors, take ownership, and use those moments as fuel for long-term progress instead of shame or stagnation. This is an honest, practical discussion about growth, responsibility, and doing the work — in dog training and in life. Find Jay: www.nldogs.com   Find us online >> Panos @ www.npdogtraining.com >> www.facebook.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >> www.instagram.com/lifewithyourdogpodcast >> www.lifewithyourdogpodcast.com

Panos sits down with Dr Will Magness — veterinarian and founder of 5 Hounds dog food, to unpack some of the biggest (and often most misunderstood) topics affecting dogs today.   The conversation explores the three major factors influencing dog health, why Dr Will started 5 Hounds, and the common issues seen in kibble-only diets. It also dives into proper feeding, the link between food and allergies, and the ongoing discussion around early desexing, including ideal timing and possible alternatives.   They examine whether dogs are being over-vaccinated, why yearly vaccinations are still commonly recommended, and what a titre test actually is and when it makes sense.   This is a balanced, practical conversation, not fear-based, not dogmatic — just honest discussion about diet, development, and long-term health.   For anyone serious about raising a healthy, resilient dog, this episode will get them thinking. Find Dr. Will at https://5hounds.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