In this episode, we explore Sensory Activities—fun ways to engage your dog’s five senses and mentally stimulate them at home.

From scent games to sound-based activities, this episode shows you how to enrich your dog’s environment without needing to cover long distances.

Inspired by Sarah Fisher’s ACE Freework, i'll also discuss how sensory activities help dogs of all ages and abilities build confidence and relax. These activities are ideal for engaging your dog in a fulfilling, low-impact way.

I’m Laura Carter, a professional dog trainer with a passion for enriching dogs’ lives. After moving to Scotland, I began focusing on helping owners find fun, creative alternatives to walks. I’ve been competing in scent work trials with my dogs Siri and Mungo, and I run workshops designed to give dogs of all ages and abilities the mental enrichment they need to stay happy and fulfilled.

Download my free guide, "Do You Find Walking Your Reactive Dog Stressful?", and learn more about Wags Without Walks, my online programme designed to provide fun and enriching activities for dogs, even when walks aren’t always possible.

Head to https://lauracartercanines.com for your freebie and more details!

In Episode 2 of our TESS mini-series, we dive into Equipment Games, a fantastic way to help your dog build confidence around everyday objects like crates, muzzles, cones, and ramps. Equipment games introduce your dog to these items in a stress-free, positive environment, helping them feel comfortable long before they need to use them. These games are not only practical but also provide mental stimulation and fun, allowing your dog to explore new objects without pressure.

I’m Laura Carter, a dog trainer and scent work competitor based in Scotland. With over 15 years of experience, I’m passionate about helping pet owners find creative ways to keep their dogs engaged, especially when walks aren’t always possible. In this series, I’m sharing my TESS system, a programme designed to give dogs mental stimulation and enrichment, no matter their age or physical condition.

To learn more about keeping your dog happy without walks, download my free guide, "Do You Find Walking Your Reactive Dog Stressful?".

You’ll also want to check out Wags Without Walks, my online programme full of fun, walk-free activities.

Head over to https://lauracartercanines.com for your freebie and more details about the programme.

In the first episode of the TESS mini-series, I explore the world of Tricks & Training—a fun and effective way to keep your dog mentally engaged, even when walks aren’t possible.

Whether your dog is learning to spin, bow, or touch their nose to your hand, teaching tricks is a brilliant way to enrich their life, build your bond, and give them a sense of accomplishment.

Trick training can be adapted for dogs of all ages, breeds, and abilities, and in this episode, I’ll guide you through the simple steps to get started.

I’m Laura Carter, a professional dog trainer with over 15 years of experience. Since moving to Scotland, I’ve been teaching classes and running workshops focused on enriching dogs’ lives, even when walks are limited. My goal is to help dog owners discover the joy of creating a mentally stimulating environment for their pets. When I’m not training, you can find me competing in scent work trials with my Dalmatian, Siri, and my Spaniel, Mungo.

Want more ways to enrich your dog’s life? Download my free guide, "Do You Find Walking Your Reactive Dog Stressful?", and discover more activities to keep your dog happy.

You can also learn about Wags Without Walks, my online programme filled with fun games and activities for when walks aren’t an option.

Visit https://lauracartercanines.com to get your freebie and explore the programme!

In this final episode of our mini-series "Busy Life, Happy Dog," we focus on how to make the most of the small moments in your day to keep your dog happy and engaged. We’re calling this episode "5 Minute Fixes," where we explore quick, effective ways to connect with your dog and add a bit of fun to their routine, even when time is tight.

Discover how just a few minutes of interaction can make a big difference in your dog’s well-being. From using interactive toys during your downtime to incorporating mini training sessions into everyday activities, we’ll cover a range of tips that help you maximize those little pockets of time. Plus, I’ll share a fun story about my experience as a trainer on the Channel 4 show Superstar Dogs and how even short bursts of engagement can be incredibly rewarding.

For more ideas and resources, visit ⁠⁠⁠lauracartercanines.com⁠⁠⁠ to learn about 'Wags Without Walks,' and follow us on social media @LauraCarterCanines for more tips and updates.

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, share it with fellow dog lovers, and leave a review to help spread the word!

In this third episode of our mini-series "Busy Life, Happy Dog," we explore how to transform your dog’s walk into a fun, engaging experience that goes beyond just physical exercise. While the focus of our podcast is finding ways to keep your dog happy without relying solely on walks, today we’re using the term "walk" loosely to highlight how this time outdoors can be a golden opportunity for mental stimulation and bonding.

Learn how to keep your dog focused on you during walks by incorporating simple games, tricks, and activities that make you the source of fun and engagement. We’ll discuss the benefits of varying your walking routine, from exploring new locations to introducing scent work and agility exercises. Plus, I’ll share a fun story about my alpacas—Dougal, Fergus, Hamish, and Haggis—and how we sometimes take them for walks too!

For more ideas and resources, visit ⁠⁠lauracartercanines.com⁠⁠ to learn about 'Wags Without Walks,' and follow us on social media @LauraCarterCanines for more tips and updates.

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, share it with fellow dog lovers, and leave a review to help spread the word!

In this second episode of our mini-series 'Busy Life, Happy Dog,' we dive into the common barriers that might be stopping you from including regular games and activities in your dog’s daily routine. Whether it’s a lack of time, uncertainty about where to start, or the belief that physical exercise alone is enough, we address these challenges head-on.

Discover how even small, daily activities can prevent behavioral issues, strengthen your bond with your dog, and keep them calm and content, no matter how busy life gets. We’ll also explore why mental stimulation is just as crucial as physical exercise and how it can help prevent overstimulation and stress. Plus, get practical tips on making playtime a natural part of your dog’s day, even with a packed schedule.

For more ideas and resources, visit ⁠lauracartercanines.com⁠ to learn about 'Wags Without Walks,' and follow us on social media @LauraCarterCanines for more tips and updates.

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, share it with fellow dog lovers, and leave a review to help spread the word!

In this first episode of our mini-series 'Busy Life, Happy Dog,' we explore why it’s crucial to include games and activities in your dog’s daily routine, especially when walks aren’t always possible. Discover how mental stimulation can prevent behavioural issues, strengthen your bond with your dog, and keep them calm and well-behaved, even when life gets busy.

We also discuss how over-reliance on physical exercise can sometimes lead to overstimulation and stress, and why engaging your dog’s mind is key to their overall happiness. Plus, get practical tips on how to incorporate these activities into your routine.

For more ideas and resources, visit lauracartercanines.com to learn about 'Wags Without Walks,' and follow us on social media @LauraCarterCanines for more tips and updates.

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, share it with fellow dog lovers, and leave a review to help spread the word!

Welcome to the first episode of "How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk!"

I'm Laura, a professional dog trainer with over 15 years of experience, and I'm thrilled to have you join me.

In this episode, I introduce myself and share why I'm passionate about helping you keep your dog entertained and healthy indoors.

I discuss various reasons why walks might be limited, from medical needs to weather conditions, and explore the benefits of indoor activities.

I'll also introduce my membership programme, "Wags Without Walks," and share a fun, easy game called "Find It" to try with your dog.

Tune in for tips, tricks, and activities designed to strengthen your bond with your pet and keep their tails wagging.

Connect with me at lauracartercanines.com. Also on Facebook and Instagram