This week on How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, we’re exploring Dog Days and Night Shifts, diving into how to balance your dog’s needs around unpredictable or demanding schedules. Whether you’re a shift worker or just navigating a hectic life, this episode is packed with tips and insights to help you keep your dog happy and engaged, no matter what your day—or night—looks like.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How to break rigid routines and help your dog adapt to changes.
• Why it’s okay to skip walks when you’re tired or it’s unsafe—and how to make up for it with enrichment activities.
• The importance of asking for help from family, friends, or dog walkers.
• Ways to maximize quality time with your dog, even if your schedule is unpredictable.
• This week’s Activity of the Week: Teaching a chin rest—a calming, practical skill for grooming, vet visits, or bonding moments.

Exciting News!
There’s just one week left until the launch of my brand-new mini-course, Busy Life, Happy Dog! Designed for busy dog owners, this course offers simple, five-minute games and activities to keep your dog happy and mentally stimulated. Sign up before 31st January to take advantage of the 50% pre-launch discount. Visit lauracartercanines.com to learn more.

Watch the Podcast on YouTube
Prefer video? This episode is now available on YouTube! Search for Laura Carter Canines to watch the video version.

Connect with Me

• Website: lauracartercanines.com
• Instagram: @lauracartercanines
• Facebook: Laura Carter Canines

Thank you for listening! Let’s make life easier and more fulfilling for you and your dog. See you next week!

In this episode of How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, we explore how just five minutes can transform your bond with your dog. Even the busiest schedules have moments to spare—discover how to use them meaningfully! Highlights: - Turn Waiting Time into Bonding Time: Make the most of moments like waiting for the kettle to boil or the oven to preheat. - Be Prepared: Keep treats and toys handy for impromptu fun. - Have a Plan: Quick reference guides or notes save time and make sessions more effective. - Short and Sweet: Learn why 5-minute sessions leave your dog happy and engaged. - Activity of the Week – Treat Bobbing: A simple, fun game using a bowl of water and treats. Small moments of enrichment add up to a happier, more content dog. You don’t need hours—just intentional effort! Exciting News: Mini Course Pre-Launch: Busy Life, Happy Dog launches 31st January! Get six easy games to enrich your dog’s life in just a few minutes a day. Sign up now for 50% off at https://lauracartercanines.com/busy-life-happy-dog-online/ YouTube Podcast: Watch this episode on my YouTube channel, Laura Carter Canines! Podcast: Listen on Spotify, Apple music, Amazon podcasts and Goodpods Find quick and practical tips for busy owners, and make every moment count. Listen now and see how five minutes can change everything! 👉 Follow me for more tips: Instagram: @lauracartercanines Facebook: @lauracartercanines

In this episode of How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, we’re diving into how to create balance when working and caring for your dog. Whether you’re working from home or taking your dog to the office, managing their needs alongside your responsibilities can be a challenge—but it’s absolutely doable!

Here’s what we covered:
🐾 Setting up your workspace to suit both you and your dog, whether at home or in the office.
🎯 Work-life boundaries: how to train your dog to understand when it’s work time versus playtime.
🛠 Mental breaks: how short, engaging activities can refresh your focus and keep your dog happy.
🚶‍♂️ The role of dog walkers: how they can help keep your dog busy on your busiest days.
🧘 Guilt-free productivity: balancing your responsibilities while nurturing your bond with your dog.
🎁 Activity of the Week: Treats in a Bottle—a fun, simple enrichment game to keep your dog entertained during your workday.

Plus, don’t miss the details about my new mini-course, Busy Life, Happy Dog, launching on January 31st! It’s packed with quick, engaging activities for busy dog owners. Head to lauracartercanines.com for pre-launch savings!

Listen now to discover practical tips for creating harmony in your work-life-dog routine!

Life is busy—school runs, sports practice, errands, work, and everything else that fills our days. But what about your dog? How do you ensure they’re happy and fulfilled when you’re constantly on the go?

In the latest episode of How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, I’m diving into The Busy Family Blueprint. This episode is packed with practical tips to help you seamlessly integrate your dog’s needs into your daily routine, even when time is tight.

Here’s what you’ll discover:
🐾 Quick and easy ways to engage your dog while waiting around during school pickups or sports practice.
🚗 How a simple car ride can provide valuable enrichment for your dog.
🌳 The magic of exploring new walking locations for variety and stimulation.
🎮 Fun activities and games that fit into even the busiest schedules.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or just feeling stretched for time, this episode will help you prioritize your dog’s happiness without adding stress to your day.

Bonus: I also talk about my exciting new mini-course, Quick Wins – Fun in Bite-Sized Bursts, launching at the end of January. It’s perfect for busy dog owners looking for quick and impactful ways to keep their dogs engaged. Visit lauracartercanines.com/mini-courses to learn more!

Don’t let a hectic schedule stand in the way of your dog’s happiness—tune in now and discover how small changes can make a big difference.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauracartercanines

In this episode of How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, we’re diving into all things festive food and treats! The Christmas season is filled with delicious indulgences, but not everything we enjoy is safe for our dogs. From harmful foods to healthy alternatives and tips for rewarding good behaviour, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you navigate the holiday season with your four-legged friend.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• Foods to Avoid: Learn about the festive favourites that are toxic or dangerous for dogs, including chocolate, grapes, raisins, cooked bones, and more.
• Healthy Alternatives: Discover safe, nutritious, and dog-friendly treats that let your pup join in the festive fun without any risks. From carrot sticks to sweet potato chews, we’ve got plenty of ideas to keep tails wagging!
• Rewarding Calm Behaviour: Find out why it’s so important to reward calm, relaxed behaviour during the busy Christmas period—and how to avoid reinforcing pestering or over-excitement.
• Portion Control Tips: With extra treats around, balancing your dog’s diet is key. Learn how to adjust meal sizes and use their regular food creatively throughout the day to keep them healthy and happy.
• Interactive Feeding Options: Explore fun ways to make mealtime more enriching with puzzle toys, treat-dispensing Kongs, scatter feeding, and homemade activities. These ideas are perfect for keeping your dog mentally stimulated and engaged while you’re busy with holiday preparations.
• Activity of the Week: The Dog Wand: This week’s fun game involves creating a “dog wand” with a toy attached to a string. It’s ideal for dogs who are hesitant with toys and provides fantastic physical and mental exercise.

This episode is packed with tips and ideas to keep your dog safe, happy, and included in the holiday celebrations. Whether it’s avoiding risky foods, sharing healthy treats, or engaging them with fun and enriching activities, you’ll walk away with practical advice to make this Christmas enjoyable for everyone.

And don’t forget—our Wags Without Walks membership is the perfect gift for your dog this Christmas! It’s full of enrichment ideas, training games, and monthly challenges to keep your dog entertained and fulfilled, even when walks aren’t an option. There’s a special festive offer running until 25th December at midnight, so don’t miss out!

Links Mentioned in This Episode:
🎁 Wags Without Walks Membership
📘 My Book: The Vet Says Rest

Stay Connected:
🐾 Instagram: @lauracartercanines
🐾 Facebook: @lauracartercanines

Let’s make this Christmas the best one yet—for you and your dog! 🎄🐾

In this episode of How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, we tackle how to keep your dog calm and happy when holiday guests are visiting. From managing over-excitement to creating safe spaces and using enrichment activities, we’ve got you covered with practical tips to make the festive season stress-free for both you and your dog.

What We Covered in This Episode:

• Creating a Safe Space: Setting up a quiet, cosy retreat for your dog away from the holiday hustle and bustle to help them decompress and avoid overstimulation.

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• Managing Over-Excitement: Tips for controlling greetings, using stair gates, leads, and coaching guests to keep interactions calm and positive.

• Enrichment Before and During Visits: How mental stimulation through games like snuffle mats, puzzle toys, and scent work can tire your dog’s brain and help them stay relaxed.

• Impulse Control Games: Fun activities that teach your dog patience and self-control, making them better equipped to handle the excitement of visitors.

Discover More with Wags Without Walks!
If you’re looking for more ways to keep your dog happy and enriched this holiday season, my Wags Without Walks membership is here to help! Packed with fun activities, monthly challenges, and practical games, it’s designed to keep your dog mentally and emotionally stimulated, even when walks aren’t an option. It’s the perfect gift for your dog (and yourself!) this Christmas. Join today at lauracartercanines.com/wags-without-walks.

Want to Learn More?
Check out my book, The Vet Says Rest, available on Amazon! It’s full of tips, tricks, and activities to keep your dog entertained and happy during times of restricted exercise. Perfect for when walks aren’t possible due to weather, injury, or recovery.

Connect with Me on Social Media:
Stay up-to-date with the latest tips, tricks, and activities for you and your dog by following me:

• Instagram: @lauracartercanines
• Facebook: @lauracartercanines

I love seeing what you and your dogs are up to, so tag me in your posts and share your enrichment adventures!

Thanks for tuning in to How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk. Let’s make this festive season joyful and stress-free for you and your furry friend!

To join Wags without Walks go to : www.lauracartercanines.com/wags-without-walks

Welcome to this week’s episode of How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk!

As winter sets in with dark nights and chilly weather, keeping your dog happy and entertained indoors can feel like a challenge. This episode is here to help! We’re diving into fun, creative, and practical Games to Get Through Winter that will keep your dog enriched, engaged, and content when outdoor adventures aren’t an option.

• Tricks and training are a fantastic way to engage your dog’s brain and build their problem-solving skills.

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• • Explore your dog’s five senses with simple, at-home activities.

  
  

  • Discover the joy of scent work, where your dog learns to locate specific scents, such as a red Kong or jar lid.

  
  

  • Learn how Wags Without Walks can help you keep your dog entertained and enriched all winter long.

  
  

  For more enrichment ideas and resources, visit:
  🌐 LauraCarterCanines.com/wags-without-walks
  📸 Instagram: @lauracartercanines
  👍 Facebook: @lauracartercanines

  💬 Let us know your favourite winter game or how you’re keeping your dog entertained indoors—tag us on social media or drop us a message!