LWDG II Week No.42 [ The Inner Game of Training ]

I’ve been reading The Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy Gallwey, and it’s got me thinking about how much training dogs (or anything, really) is an inner game.

Gallwey talks about two sides of our minds—one that overthinks and one that’s intuitive. It reminded me of all those times I tried too hard to control every little thing in training, only to have my dogs teach me that sometimes, we just need to let go.

This week, let’s explore how we can quiet the over-analytical part of our brain and trust our instincts—and our dogs’ abilities—more.

Let’s dig into this idea of the two parts of our minds—the one that’s constantly analysing and the one that just knows what to do. Timothy Gallwey’s The Inner Game of Tennis talks about these two “selves” as Self 1 and Self 2.

In dog training, Self 1 is the part of your brain that overthinks: “Am I giving the right command? Is my dog responding fast enough? What if this goes wrong?” It’s like a running commentary in your head, and when we listen to it too much, we start micromanaging our dogs’ every move.

Self 2, on the other hand, is your intuitive side—the part that already knows what to do. It’s the same with your dog; they have natural instincts they can rely on if given the space to learn through experience.

Here’s how to apply these ideas in training:

1. Non-Judgmental Observation: Instead of immediately stepping in when your dog makes a mistake, take a step back. Observe what’s happening without labeling it as “good” or “bad.” This allows you to respond in a way that’s more supportive rather than reactive. By letting your dog figure things out, you encourage natural learning, just as Gallwey describes in tennis—letting go of judgment allows growth.
2. Focus on the Bigger Picture: Just like in tennis, where focusing too much on technique can disrupt flow, over-analsing your dog’s every movement can hinder progress. Trust that the repetitions will teach your dog, and focus on the end goal rather than perfect execution in every moment. Never Forget, the best learning happens when both you and your dog are relaxed and engaged in the process.
3. Trust Your Dog’s Self 2: Dogs have an innate ability to learn through doing. Instead of controlling every action, trust their instincts. For example, in recall training, instead of constantly repeating commands or worrying about every step, let your dog learn from the experience. They’ll respond better when they feel trusted rather than micromanaged.
4. Give Yourself Permission to Let Go: Training isn’t about absolute perfection. It’s about building a relationship with your dog. When you’re relaxed, your dog will be too, and training becomes a much more enjoyable experience for both of you.

By allowing both yourself and your dog to operate from a place of trust and instinct rather than control, you’ll see a shift in how your training flows.

So this week, practice letting go of the constant need to correct and trust that learning will happen naturally over time. I genuinely think you’ll be amazed at how much progress you make by simply stepping back and letting your instincts (and your dog’s!) lead the way.

Ivonne shared, “I’m glad that I found LWDG; my mindset is getting much better .”
Vicky responded, “The LWDG has changed my life with my dog. He’s 100% better than he was before I started here.”

These are just two examples of how LWDG is about more than learning—it’s about creating lasting change for you and your dog.

If you’re stuck or know it’s time to move beyond learning and take real action, we’ve got something exciting: our £1 Trial! For just £1, you’ll get a full week of access to everything LWDG offers:

• All our training courses
• All coaching session recordings
• All mindset training resources

It’s time to turn your learning into action because true progress happens when you start doing. We’ve seen members go from stuck to thriving in just 7 days.

If you’re not a member and you’re ready to experience that transformation for yourself, sign up today and take that first step toward success!

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I’m super excited to explore the accessories section. When it comes to traveling with our dogs, the right accessories can make all the difference, whether it’s ensuring comfort, safety, or convenience.

One item I’ll be on the lookout for is compact, space-saving dog gear—like collapsible water bowls, portable feeding stations, and even lightweight crates designed for easy, on-the-go use. These accessories are perfect for those of us who love to hit the road with our dogs but don’t want to pack the entire house!

I can’t wait to share some of the coolest finds from the show with you all. Keep an eye out for my top picks that will make traveling with your gorgeous gundog easier and more enjoyable than ever! If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your dog travel kit, this is going to be an exciting time to find something new and practical.

In this episode, Claire Denyer and I dig deep into the challenges and realities of multi-dog households. We explore common misconceptions—like getting a second dog to fix issues with the first—and really look at the importance of understanding your current dog’s personality before making the leap.

We cover key considerations like financial and training commitments, as well as strategies for effective integration if you do decide to bring a new dog into the family.

Tune in for tips on managing multiple dogs and why sometimes, the best solution may be exploring new activities with your current dog instead of rushing into getting another one.

Listen now: Episode 153 of Found It, Fetched It

Whatever stage you’re at, know that the LWDG community is here to support you, cheer you on, and celebrate every little win along the way.

Much Love

For those who want to save some cash, opt for our annual membership and you’ll unlock access to an exclusive 3 months free. It’s truly incredible that we’re sharing our proven systems and training secrets, plus doing it for less! Join our annual membership here!