Episodes

  • 201. What Changes When You Finally Speak Gundog - Supercar On A Shoestring Series

    201. What Changes When You Finally Speak Gundog - Supercar On A Shoestring Series
    Jan 27 2026
    If training feels hard work rather than teamwork, this episode is for you.In this final live of the week, Joanne pulls together everything we’ve explored and explains what actually shifts when you stop guessing… and start understanding what your dog is telling you.This isn’t about better commands.It’s about better conversations.In this episode, we explore:Why training feels exhausting when you don’t share the same “language”Living with a high-drive dog without understanding their operating system is like being abroad permanently — lots of effort, lots of frustration, and very little ease.Why most handlers over-talk, over-handle, and second-guessNot because they’re doing it wrong — but because they’re trying to communicate in human logic with a dog brain.The moment things start to feel calmer (without calming your dog)When you understand state, arousal, and readiness, your timing improves — and suddenly everything needs less effort.Why this isn’t about obedience — or being stricterIt’s about relationship, rhythm, and responding rather than reacting. More like a dance than a drill.How the five topics from this week are actually one problemBeing outpaced, doing more exercise, feeling like a passenger, trying to calm drive, and feeling misunderstood all come back to one missing system.The big takeaway:When you finally “get” your dog’s dialect, the tension drops.You stop guessing.You stop battling.And you start working with the dog in front of you.That relief isn’t accidental — it’s teachable.🎓 What’s next?This episode leads directly into our free masterclass:Holding a Supercar by a ShoestringA live, supportive session on how to finally speak gundog — even if you never plan to see a shooting field.You’ll learn how to:Slow things down mentally (for you)Read what your dog is actually telling youRespond with confidence instead of hesitation📅 Thursday 29th January⏰ 7.30pm (UK)Come live if you can — the energy and clarity are different when we do this together.Thanks for joining us for this episode of Found It, Fetched It. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve got muddy boots and a seasoned dog by your side, we’re here to walk the journey with you. We’re all about real talk, practical tips, and celebrating every little win—because in this world, progress isn’t always perfect, but it’s always worth it.💬 We’d love to hear from youGot a story to share, a question to ask, or just fancy saying hi? Come chat with us on socials or pop over to the website.📚 Want to go further with your training?Holding a Supercar by a ShoestringA Free Masterclass for Owners of High-Drive Dogs on How to Finally ‘Speak Gundog’ even if You Never Plan to See a Shooting Field. When you sign up, I’ll send you a short reflection, Are You Driving or Just Hanging On, to help you notice whether you’re leading or reacting before the session. Jan 29th 2026 7.30pm🎓 The LWDG Society Expert-led courses, community support, and the kind of training that actually makes sense.📱 Stay connected with the pack:Website: ladiesworkingdoggroup.comFacebook: Ladies Working Dog GroupInstagram: @ladiesworkingdogs✨ And remember… Every session, every stumble, every breakthrough, it all counts. You’re not just training a dog. You’re building trust, confidence, and a community that’s right behind you.Keep going. We see you. 💛
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    13 mins
  • 200. Why Direction Comes Before Calm in High Drive Dogs - Supercar On A Shoestring Series

    200. Why Direction Comes Before Calm in High Drive Dogs - Supercar On A Shoestring Series
    Jan 26 2026
    Why Direction Comes Before Calm in High-Drive DogsIn this Monday Morning Mindset episode, Jo explores a truth that changes everything for owners of high-drive dogs:👉 Calm doesn’t come from slowing your dog down.👉 Calm comes from direction, boundaries, and leadership.If you’ve ever found yourself saying “I just need them to calm down” — this one’s for you.What This Episode CoversWhy “waiting for calm” doesn’t workTaking your foot off the accelerator without steering doesn’t stop the engine.High-drive dogs don’t need us to step back — they need us to step in.The difference between a gap and a voidA gap is a moment where the dog waits, steady and available.A void is when the handler checks out — and the dog fills the space by self-appointing.Suppression vs regulationA quiet dog isn’t always a calm dog.Suppression looks still, but it’s pressure waiting to explode.True calm is regulation:• movement with purpose• stopping when asked• thinking even when excitedWhy boundaries create calm (not conflict)Boundaries aren’t punishment.They’re information.They answer the dog’s constant question: “What do you want me to do next?”Calm is not the destination — it’s the journeyCalm is what happens when a dog understands:• what matters• when to act• when to stand downThe handler’s role under pressureDogs can’t regulate if we’re also overwhelmed.You don’t need to be another beach ball under water.You need to be the anchor.Because calm travels down the lead.Key TakeawayHigh-drive dogs don’t need less of you.They need orientation, direction, and follow-through — especially when things feel intense.When the handler is steady, the dog can be too.Mentioned in This Episode• The Calm Dog Blueprint (free resource)• Why “settle” matters just as much as “sit”• Live masterclass: Holding a Supercar by a ShoestringThanks for joining us for this episode of Found It, Fetched It. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve got muddy boots and a seasoned dog by your side, we’re here to walk the journey with you. We’re all about real talk, practical tips, and celebrating every little win—because in this world, progress isn’t always perfect, but it’s always worth it.💬 We’d love to hear from youGot a story to share, a question to ask, or just fancy saying hi? Come chat with us on socials or pop over to the website.📚 Want to go further with your training?Holding a Supercar by a ShoestringA Free Masterclass for Owners of High-Drive Dogs on How to Finally ‘Speak Gundog’ even if You Never Plan to See a Shooting Field. When you sign up, I’ll send you a short reflection, Are You Driving or Just Hanging On, to help you notice whether you’re leading or reacting before the session. Jan 29th 2026 7.30pm🎓 The LWDG Society Expert-led courses, community support, and the kind of training that actually makes sense.📱 Stay connected with the pack:Website: ladiesworkingdoggroup.comFacebook: Ladies Working Dog GroupInstagram: @ladiesworkingdogs✨ And remember… Every session, every stumble, every breakthrough, it all counts. You’re not just training a dog. You’re building trust, confidence, and a community that’s right behind you.Keep going. We see you. 💛
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    13 mins
  • 199. From Passenger to Driver - Supercar On A Shoestring Series

    199. From Passenger to Driver - Supercar On A Shoestring Series
    Jan 25 2026
    If you’ve ever felt like your dog is making all the decisions while you’re just trying to keep up… this episode will land.In this live, Joanne explains one of the biggest missing pieces in gundog training — where the handler actually sits — and why so many capable, caring owners end up feeling out of control despite doing all the right things.This isn’t about being firmer.It’s about timing, influence, and learning how to step into the driver’s seat.In this episode, we cover:What “passenger mode” really looks likeNot doing nothing — but hesitating, overthinking, and leaving gaps where the dog has to decide for themselves.Why timing matters more than speedYou don’t need to react as fast as your dog — you need to teach them to give you time before acting.How influence is lost before the dog runsThe moment your dog commits has already passed — the real work happens in the seconds before.The difference between self-control and steadinessAnd why teaching this gap is what allows teamwork to happen.Why this isn’t about dominanceLeading your dog isn’t control — it’s partnership, clarity, and shared direction.How reward timing shapes decisionsReward doesn’t bribe the next behaviour — it confirms the right choice has been made.The key shift:High-drive dogs don’t slow themselves down.They accelerate when direction is missing.When you learn how to step in earlier, give one clear direction, and see it through, your dog doesn’t push against you — they start working with you.That’s the difference between hanging on… and driving.🎓 What this leads intoThis episode feeds directly into our free masterclass:Holding a Supercar by a ShoestringA live session on how to guide high-drive dogs with confidence, timing, and teamwork — even if you never plan to work them.📅 Thursday 29th January⏰ 7.30pm (UK)Come live if you can — it’s where all of this slows down and becomes usable.Thanks for joining us for this episode of Found It, Fetched It. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve got muddy boots and a seasoned dog by your side, we’re here to walk the journey with you. We’re all about real talk, practical tips, and celebrating every little win—because in this world, progress isn’t always perfect, but it’s always worth it.💬 We’d love to hear from youGot a story to share, a question to ask, or just fancy saying hi? Come chat with us on socials or pop over to the website.📚 Want to go further with your training?Holding a Supercar by a ShoestringA Free Masterclass for Owners of High-Drive Dogs on How to Finally ‘Speak Gundog’ even if You Never Plan to See a Shooting Field. When you sign up, I’ll send you a short reflection, Are You Driving or Just Hanging On, to help you notice whether you’re leading or reacting before the session. Jan 29th 2026 7.30pm🎓 The LWDG Society Expert-led courses, community support, and the kind of training that actually makes sense.📱 Stay connected with the pack:Website: ladiesworkingdoggroup.comFacebook: Ladies Working Dog GroupInstagram: @ladiesworkingdogs✨ And remember… Every session, every stumble, every breakthrough, it all counts. You’re not just training a dog. You’re building trust, confidence, and a community that’s right behind you.Keep going. We see you. 💛
    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
  • 198. Why More Exercise Is Making Things Worse - Supercar On A Shoestring Series

    198. Why More Exercise Is Making Things Worse - Supercar On A Shoestring Series
    Jan 24 2026

    We’re often told that if a dog is full-on, intense, or hard to live with, the answer is simple: exercise them more.


    In this episode, I unpack why that well-meaning advice can quietly make life harder, especially if you’re living with a high-drive gundog, and why more walks, more running, and more “doing” doesn’t automatically lead to a steadier dog.


    I talk about the moment many handlers recognise: when your dog feels fast, sharp, and always one step ahead, and you start to feel like you’re reacting rather than leading. Not because you’re doing nothing, but because you’re doing everything, without the right handling system underneath it.


    We explore the idea of the supercar on a shoestring, a powerful, capable dog with an engine that’s far bigger than the structure supporting it. I explain why exercise builds fitness, not self-control, and why high-drive dogs don’t come with internal brakes already fitted.


    This episode also looks at what’s really draining handler confidence: guessing under pressure, repeating cues, changing your mind mid-moment, and trying to wrestle control instead of steering it. I share why effort alone can’t replace structure, and why following through matters more than piling more on.


    If you’ve ever felt like your dog has suddenly changed overnight, or that what worked yesterday doesn’t work today, you’re not imagining it. Dogs don’t walk out with the same brain every day, and understanding that changes how you train and handle them.


    Most of all, this episode is here to reassure you: you don’t have a problem dog.

    You have a powerful one, and once the handling matches the engine, everything feels lighter.


    Holding a Supercar by a Shoestring

    A Free Masterclass for Owners of High-Drive Dogs on How to Finally ‘Speak Gundog’ even if You Never Plan to See a Shooting Field. When you sign up, I’ll send you a short reflection, Are You Driving or Just Hanging On, to help you notice whether you’re leading or reacting before the session. Jan 29th 2026 7.30pm

    Thanks for joining us for this episode of Found It, Fetched It. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve got muddy boots and a seasoned dog by your side, we’re here to walk the journey with you. We’re all about real talk, practical tips, and celebrating every little win—because in this world, progress isn’t always perfect, but it’s always worth it.


    💬 We’d love to hear from you

    Got a story to share, a question to ask, or just fancy saying hi? Come chat with us on socials or pop over to the website.


    📚 Want to go further with your training?


    Holding a Supercar by a Shoestring

    A Free Masterclass for Owners of High-Drive Dogs on How to Finally ‘Speak Gundog’ even if You Never Plan to See a Shooting Field. When you sign up, I’ll send you a short reflection, Are You Driving or Just Hanging On, to help you notice whether you’re leading or reacting before the session. Jan 29th 2026 7.30pm


    🎓 The LWDG Society

    Expert-led courses, community support, and the kind of training that actually makes sense.

    📱 Stay connected with the pack:

    Website: ladiesworkingdoggroup.com

    Facebook: Ladies Working Dog Group

    Instagram: @ladiesworkingdogs

    ✨ And remember… Every session, every stumble, every breakthrough, it all counts. You’re not just training a dog. You’re building trust, confidence, and a community that’s right behind you.

    Keep going. We see you. 💛
    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • 197. If your gundog switches on faster than you can think, this is why - Supercar On A Shoestring Series

    197. If your gundog switches on faster than you can think, this is why - Supercar On A Shoestring Series
    Jan 23 2026
    Have you ever had that moment where everything feels calm…Then suddenly your dog is gone?One second you’re walking together.The next, your gundog has clocked something, made a decision, and acted on it before you’ve even processed what changed.In this episode, Jo explains why this happens, especially with high-drive gundogs, and why it isn’t a training failure or a reflection of your ability as a handler.This conversation isn’t about obedience or control.It’s about understanding speed, drive, and decision-making, so you can stop blaming yourself and start making sense of what’s really going on.In this episode, we explore:Why fast gundogs don’t “warm up”, they switch on instantlyHow a dog’s decision-making process works differently to a human’sWhy you often feel one step behind, even when you’re experienced and committedThe mismatch between canine instinct and human consequence-based thinkingWhy being told to “try harder” doesn’t help in high-drive momentsHow steadiness and self-control create a vital timing gap you can work withWhy even very well-trained dogs still need management in certain environmentsJo also shares real-life examples from her own dogs, showing how age, experience, and steadiness change behaviour over time, and why comparison rarely helps when you’re in the thick of it with a young or adolescent gundog.This episode is for you if:Your dog reacts faster than you can thinkYou often replay moments afterwards, wondering what you should have doneYou feel calm in theory, but flustered in real-life situationsYou care deeply about doing right by your dog, but feel overloaded in the momentYou don’t need more motivation, you need understandingThis episode is part of a short series leading into Jo’s free live masterclass, Supercar on a Shoestring, where we go deeper into both the dog’s brain and the handler’s mindset, and how to bring the two into better alignment.Holding a Supercar by a ShoestringA Free Masterclass for Owners of High-Drive Dogs on How to Finally ‘Speak Gundog’ even if You Never Plan to See a Shooting Field. When you sign up, I’ll send you a short reflection, Are You Driving or Just Hanging On, to help you notice whether you’re leading or reacting before the session. Jan 29th 2026 7.30pmThanks for joining us for this episode of Found It, Fetched It. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve got muddy boots and a seasoned dog by your side, we’re here to walk the journey with you. We’re all about real talk, practical tips, and celebrating every little win—because in this world, progress isn’t always perfect, but it’s always worth it.💬 We’d love to hear from youGot a story to share, a question to ask, or just fancy saying hi? Come chat with us on socials or pop over to the website.📚 Want to go further with your training?Holding a Supercar by a ShoestringA Free Masterclass for Owners of High-Drive Dogs on How to Finally ‘Speak Gundog’ even if You Never Plan to See a Shooting Field. When you sign up, I’ll send you a short reflection, Are You Driving or Just Hanging On, to help you notice whether you’re leading or reacting before the session. Jan 29th 2026 7.30pm🎓 The LWDG Society Expert-led courses, community support, and the kind of training that actually makes sense.📱 Stay connected with the pack:Website: ladiesworkingdoggroup.comFacebook: Ladies Working Dog GroupInstagram: @ladiesworkingdogs✨ And remember… Every session, every stumble, every breakthrough, it all counts. You’re not just training a dog. You’re building trust, confidence, and a community that’s right behind you.Keep going. We see you. 💛
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    16 mins
  • 196. Why Capable Handlers Still Feel Stuck Training Their Gundog

    196. Why Capable Handlers Still Feel Stuck Training Their Gundog
    Jan 9 2026

    In this episode, Jo talks about something that quietly affects so many women training gundogs. Not failure. Not lack of effort. But that frustrating sense of being capable and committed, yet still feeling behind or unsure. Jo shares her own early experiences of training without a clear map, relying on instinct, observation, and scraps of information, while everyone else seemed to have a language she hadn’t learned yet. The dogs were doing “okay”, but the mental noise was exhausting. This episode gently unpacks why that feeling isn’t a confidence problem or an effort problem, but a structure problem.


    You’ll hear about

    • Why missing structure often gets mislabelled as missing ability
    • Why confidence does not come before action, but from clarity and repetition
    • How fear of doing it wrong once keeps handlers stuck and second guessing
    • Why comparing your inside world to other people’s outside is such a trap
    • How learning to read patterns, not personalise problems, changes everything
    • Why asking for help is not failure, but one of the strongest forms of independence


    Jo also explains why gundogs are more like high performance cars than everyday runarounds, and why trying to train them without the right framework creates unnecessary pressure for both dog and handler.This conversation is about relief, steadiness, and finally naming what’s actually missing so the self blame can ease and progress can feel possible again.

    At the end of the episode, Jo invites you to a free live masterclass designed especially for owners of high drive dogs.


    Holding a Supercar on a Shoestring

    A free training session on how to understand, handle, and enjoy your high drive dog without feeling overwhelmed or behind.


    👉 Register here

    https://ladiesworkingdoggroup.com/supercar-registration


    If this episode landed for you, you are not alone. You are not behind. And you are very welcome in this space with Ladies Working Dog Group

    Thanks for joining us for this episode of Found It, Fetched It. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve got muddy boots and a seasoned dog by your side, we’re here to walk the journey with you. We’re all about real talk, practical tips, and celebrating every little win—because in this world, progress isn’t always perfect, but it’s always worth it.


    💬 We’d love to hear from you

    Got a story to share, a question to ask, or just fancy saying hi? Come chat with us on socials or pop over to the website.


    📚 Want to go further with your training?


    Holding a Supercar by a Shoestring

    A Free Masterclass for Owners of High-Drive Dogs on How to Finally ‘Speak Gundog’ even if You Never Plan to See a Shooting Field. When you sign up, I’ll send you a short reflection, Are You Driving or Just Hanging On, to help you notice whether you’re leading or reacting before the session. Jan 29th 2026 7.30pm


    🎓 The LWDG Society

    Expert-led courses, community support, and the kind of training that actually makes sense.

    📱 Stay connected with the pack:

    Website: ladiesworkingdoggroup.com

    Facebook: Ladies Working Dog Group

    Instagram: @ladiesworkingdogs

    ✨ And remember… Every session, every stumble, every breakthrough, it all counts. You’re not just training a dog. You’re building trust, confidence, and a community that’s right behind you.

    Keep going. We see you. 💛
    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • 195. Trusting Your Dog's Timeline, Not the Internet's

    195. Trusting Your Dog's Timeline, Not the Internet's
    Dec 26 2025

    Ever scroll through social media, see a perfectly trained 10-month-old dog, and feel a knot of pressure in your stomach? If you've ever felt behind, second-guessed your progress, or worried that you're "failing" your young dog, this episode is for you.


    The pressure to rush our dogs from puppyhood to polished working partner is immense. But the truth is, your dog's development is a biological process, not a competition. Pushing them too fast, too soon, doesn't just create training problems—it can risk their long-term health and your partnership.


    In this honest conversation, Jo, Claire, and Jemma pull back the curtain on the "working dog age race." We give you permission to slow down, ignore the noise, and become the most important advocate for your dog's unique timeline.


    In This Episode, We Discuss:

    • The hidden pressure of the "perfect" young dog on social media and how it fuels our self-doubt.
    • Why your dog's physical and mental timeline is non-negotiable (and what's really happening with growth plates and hormones).
    • Navigating the messy, unpredictable, and completely normal stage of adolescence—seeing it as a phase, not a failure.
    • The crucial link between patience in their first two years and a longer, healthier working life for your dog.
    • The real reason a shoot day is the worst place to train your dog, and how to prepare them for the real world without pressure.


    Join the Conversation

    If this conversation resonated with you, and you're ready to trade pressure and second-guessing for steady support, we'd love to welcome you into our community. The LWDG is a space for women handlers to share the real, messy moments of training, get expert guidance, and build unshakable confidence alongside their dogs.


    • Join the LWDG Membership: www.thelwdg.com
    • Find us on Instagram: @ladiesworkingdogs
    • Follow us on Facebook: @ladiesworkingdoggroup

    Thanks for joining us for this episode of Found It, Fetched It. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve got muddy boots and a seasoned dog by your side, we’re here to walk the journey with you. We’re all about real talk, practical tips, and celebrating every little win—because in this world, progress isn’t always perfect, but it’s always worth it.


    💬 We’d love to hear from you

    Got a story to share, a question to ask, or just fancy saying hi? Come chat with us on socials or pop over to the website.


    📚 Want to go further with your training?


    Holding a Supercar by a Shoestring

    A Free Masterclass for Owners of High-Drive Dogs on How to Finally ‘Speak Gundog’ even if You Never Plan to See a Shooting Field. When you sign up, I’ll send you a short reflection, Are You Driving or Just Hanging On, to help you notice whether you’re leading or reacting before the session. Jan 29th 2026 7.30pm


    🎓 The LWDG Society

    Expert-led courses, community support, and the kind of training that actually makes sense.

    📱 Stay connected with the pack:

    Website: ladiesworkingdoggroup.com

    Facebook: Ladies Working Dog Group

    Instagram: @ladiesworkingdogs

    ✨ And remember… Every session, every stumble, every breakthrough, it all counts. You’re not just training a dog. You’re building trust, confidence, and a community that’s right behind you.

    Keep going. We see you. 💛
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • 194. Harnessing Breed Instincts Without Hunting Live Game

    194. Harnessing Breed Instincts Without Hunting Live Game
    Dec 12 2025

    STOP WORRYING: Your gundog doesn’t need to hunt live game to be happy! Are you the devoted dog woman who constantly frets that you're not meeting your working breed’s full needs? You are absolutely not alone. This week on Found It, Fetched It, Jo and LWDG expert Claire Denyer demystify the pressure surrounding breed instincts and fieldwork. We dive into why it’s crucial to provide an outlet for your gundog’s natural drives (hello, ‘self-employed’ dogs!), and why tapping into those instincts in a controlled way actually leads to more control, not less. We talk about the "Pandora's Box" myth, the difference between letting your dog chase a squirrel and teaching true self-control, and why turning a naughty sock thief into a helpful laundry loader is the ultimate partnership goal.

    This episode is packed with warmth and practical advice to help you build a stronger bond, prevent behavioural issues, and celebrate the incredible dog you have.Ready to stop worrying and start training with clarity? Join the thousands of women gaining confidence in their training journey! Click the link below to explore the LWDG Society membership and get a complete plan to follow.

    ➡️ Visit us: www.thelwdg.com

    Thanks for joining us for this episode of Found It, Fetched It. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve got muddy boots and a seasoned dog by your side, we’re here to walk the journey with you. We’re all about real talk, practical tips, and celebrating every little win—because in this world, progress isn’t always perfect, but it’s always worth it.


    💬 We’d love to hear from you

    Got a story to share, a question to ask, or just fancy saying hi? Come chat with us on socials or pop over to the website.


    📚 Want to go further with your training?


    Holding a Supercar by a Shoestring

    A Free Masterclass for Owners of High-Drive Dogs on How to Finally ‘Speak Gundog’ even if You Never Plan to See a Shooting Field. When you sign up, I’ll send you a short reflection, Are You Driving or Just Hanging On, to help you notice whether you’re leading or reacting before the session. Jan 29th 2026 7.30pm


    🎓 The LWDG Society

    Expert-led courses, community support, and the kind of training that actually makes sense.

    📱 Stay connected with the pack:

    Website: ladiesworkingdoggroup.com

    Facebook: Ladies Working Dog Group

    Instagram: @ladiesworkingdogs

    ✨ And remember… Every session, every stumble, every breakthrough, it all counts. You’re not just training a dog. You’re building trust, confidence, and a community that’s right behind you.

    Keep going. We see you. 💛
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins