Episodes

  • How the devil are you lovely Bookshelvers?!

    The dust has now settled after another fabulous DOGX and with Nat away on her holidays and corrin run off her feet it falls to Steve to host this episode SOLO (what could go wrong?). Luckily Nat and Corrin were around when we interviewed the wonderful, awesome, trail blazing human that is Gwen Bailey about her book The Perfect Puppy. We discuss her journey in dog training, the evolution of her book 'The Perfect Puppy', and the changes in training techniques over the years. She reflects on her experiences in kennels, the importance of communication with dog owners, and the impact of her work on the dog training landscape. The team and Gwen also delve into the complexities of dog training, discussing the challenges of reaching puppy owners, the impact of educational resources like books as well as the flexibility of training curriculums, and the significance of consent-based handling. We sing from the rafters about the importance of collaboration among training organisations and explore the fundamental qualities that make a good dog trainer.

    On top of all that we have a segment of interviews Steve did running around at lunch time at DOGX (where he mentions potatoes at least 500 times).

    Enjoy!

    Gwen Facts:

    Gwen worked for a leading UK national animal welfare charity from 1988-2002 and pioneered the use of dog behaviour knowledge in the rehoming of unwanted animals.

    She was the first person to be appointed by a national animal welfare charity as a full time Animal Behaviourist, eventually heading a team of behaviourists.

    Gwen has successfully solved behaviour problems in thousands of rehomed dogs, helping to prevent dogs with behavioural problems being passed from home to home and improving the rehoming success rate.

    Gwen has lectured at national and international conferences, run training courses for staff at animal charities around the world and has written many books & education leaflets. She is a past Chair of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors and a past Trustee for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

    In 2003, Gwen founded and now runs Puppy School, a large network of professionally-trained puppy tutors which is a Practitioner Member of the Animal Behaviour and Training Council. Puppy School tutors have collectively helped to have a positive training impact on more than 100,000 puppies and their owners, and continue to run excellent classes around the country.

    Links:

    The Perfect Puppy on Amazon

    Puppy School

  • Howdy Bookshelvers!

    We hope this podcast finds you warm and snuggly by a fire with a dog on your lap. This week Corrin and Steve are joined by the wonderful award winning author, PhD, certified dog trainer, animal behaviourist and returning guest Zazie Todd to discuss everything about her brand spanking new book Bark!

    We love chatting with Zazie. She is always so compassionate, practical, and deep rooted in science as well as being open to difficult conversations and generous with the absolute universe of knowledge inside her head. We get to discuss her journey as an author, the importance of a deep understanding of dog behaviour, and the emotional challenges faced by dog guardians dealing with dogs with fear and anxiety. We slap a heavy emphasis on the significance of positive reinforcement and counter conditioning in dog training when it comes to fear, while also addressing misconceptions surrounding anthropomorphism that just might be holding us back. Zazie shares insights on the role of professionals in the field and the need for a lovely, supportive community for dog trainers and much, much more.

    Steve and Corrin talk through windy beach walks and fat seal pups as well as going through our normal book review sections. Put simply you’re gonna LOVE it!

    Zazie Facts:

    Zazie Todd, PhD, is the award-winning author of Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy and Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy. She is the founder of the popular blog Companion Animal Psychology, where she writes about everything from training methods to the human-canine relationship. Todd also writes a blog for Psychology Today, Fellow Creatures. She lives in Maple Ridge, BC, with her husband, one dog, and two cats.

    Links:

    Buy Bark! here (but better off going to a local bookshop right?!)

    Sign up to Zazie's newsletter here

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  • Autumnal Greetings Bookshelvers!

    We are back to normal scheduling now after another amazing DOGX 2024 and the UK has plummeted into Autumn! To celebrate the seasonal change we have the Pumpkin Spiced Latte of Dog Sports Herself Carrie-Anne Selwyn! Steve and Nat welcome back Carrie to discuss her journey with dogs, the impact of COVID-19, and the exciting sport of Hoopers. The conversation delves into Carrie's experiences with various dog breeds, particularly her Malinois V, and the challenges of managing dog behaviour in public spaces. They explore the importance of risk assessment in dog training and the emotional rollercoaster of living with reactive dogs. Carrie, Steve, and Nat delve into the complexities of dog training, focusing on socialization, emotional wellbeing, and the role of sports like Hoopers in enhancing the bond between dogs and their handlers. They discuss the importance of ethical training practices, the emotional connections formed through dog sports, and the need for a supportive community among dog trainers. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating dog behaviour and the significance of understanding each dog's unique needs and genetics. As ever... Get it your earholes!!!!

    Carrie facts:

    Carrie-Anne Selwyn is a Dog trainer, podcaster, speaker, international hoopers judge and competitor and the founder of Canine Hoopers World.

    Originally a riding instructor Carrie also worked at a groomers and a cattery. After passing her level 3 animal care Carrie pursued a career in dog training in 2012 Becoming a qualified trainer with the IMDT.

    She is now an ambassador for the Pet Profesional network, a guest speaker for the Distictive dog trainer and IMDT and PPG Australia.
    A course tutor and assessor for the IMDT. Carrie also has two successful podcasts Canine Hoopers World and the Dog Training Dictionary.

    Carrie has taught internationally both in person and virtually. She set up Canine Hoopers World in 2019 and has taught over 500 instructors how to teach hoopers in over 20 different countries.

  • Something a little short and a little special for you Bookshelvers. As many of you know Steve writes little songs and jingles for the podcast and we've been asked to pop this particular one out as a stand alone. Enjoy #stopbillybigdogs

  • What is happening out there Bookshelvers!?

    As the dog world goes doolally on the socials we thought we'd bring you some doolally of our very own! This week we give (a long overdue) welcome to the awesome Debby Lucken, who shares her experiences in writing her book 'It Started With A Sit'. The discussion covers her journey in the dog training world, the challenges of balancing family life with work, and the importance of pets in family dynamics. Debby reflects on her personal stories, the creative process behind her book, and the significance of honest storytelling. The conversation also touches on the complexities of adoption assessments and the cultural differences in dog ownership. We get deep into the weeds discussing the emotional landscape of parenting, the importance of community support, and the role of professionals in navigating family dynamics. Debby is full of empathy and understanding in both parenting and dog training and a real advocate of safely involving children in dog training responsibilities.

    On top of all that quality dog chat Steve, Nat & Corrin navigate the complexities of the dog training industry, discussing the current turbulence and the importance of community support, explore various themes surrounding dog ownership, parenting, Fall down a Greg Wallace giggle hole, and, of course, discuss insights from the book and answer your questions.

    We hope you enjoy!

    Links:

    Buy "It Started With a Sit"

    DOGx Tickets

    Subscribe to receive a weekly PACT LUNCH

  • Hey Hey Hey Bookshelvers!

    I think we can all think of people in our lives that have had a huge effect on who we are and where we ended up. Well this week Corrin, Nat and Steve talk to the wonderful Sally Bradbury who has been a mentor and inspiration for all of us. Sally has had a really interesting career as a dog professional and has co-authored TWO books about dog training (one with Steve). We talk about her start in the world of dogs, the start of the amazing Facebook group Dog Training Advice and Support, Jack & Billy - Puppy Tales and Dog Training and Behaviour Solutions: The stress-free way to live in harmony with your dog. We also take various trips down memory lane to when we all worked together. Enjoy!

    Sally Facts:

    Sally Bradbury has worked with dogs all her adult life from RSPCA kennel maid in her teens to founding and running her own very successful dog training business for 20 years. She was a founder member of the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers)

    Over the years she has given a loving home to many dogs that didn't get the best start in life. Her passion is helping and supporting new puppy owners on raising their puppy to avoid the many pitfalls that results in so many youngsters being handed into rescues in their first year.

    She is now retired and living in Wales with her husband and numerous Border Collies.

    Links:


    Dog Training advice & Support Facebook page

    Dog Training & Behaviour Solutions


    Jack and Billy

  • Greetings to you Bookshelvers!

    What a corker of an episode we have for you today! Yet another returning guest here at Barks HQ today as we talk to the award winning scientist and all round brilliant human being, the one and only, Marc Bekoff about his wonderful book The Emotional Lives of Animals.

    Marc has recently revised this ground breaking book (first released in 2007) and we thought it would be a great opportunity to catch up and talk about it. Marc's predictions that, after the books initial release, our understanding of animal cognition and emotion would grow “richer, more accurate, and possibly different,” has certainly come true with an explosion of research that has warranted this revision and super charged what was already a "must own" book in the stratosphere of bookshelf must haves.

    Full of engrossing animal stories of empathy, joy, grief, anger, embarrassment and love we defy anyone reading it to leave this book without a new found and concrete understanding of the depths of non human animals lived experiences. As we know, with knowledge also comes responsibility and this book shines a big bright light on how we should use this knowledge to inform how humans can go forward and change how we care for and treat the animals we share our lives with. Jump aboard Bookshelvers... You're gonna love it!

    Marc Facts:

    Marc Bekoff, author of The Emotional Lives of Animals, is professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a former Guggenheim fellow. He has published more than a thousand scientific and popular essays and thirty books. He lives in Boulder.


    Links:

    DOGx Tickets

    Subscribe to receive a weekly PACT LUNCH

  • Hey there Bookshelvers!

    A midweek podcast extra!? What’s going on? Well…we’re going off piste a little today but with good reason.

    Many of you may know that there is a lot of division within the dog training industry (what’s new we hear you cry). Lately there has been a call for unity and a call for people with different training styles, ethics and core beliefs to come together and talk it out for the good of the dogs and humans. Here at PACT headquarters we thought we would record an episode talking through some of key points that are being debated and, more importantly, what we think about the question of unity and whether or not, we feel having these conversations/debates is useful.

    We decided to predominantly record this for our PACT members and, of course, for anyone else that is listening that is a professional in the dog training industry, has an interest in becoming a dog trainer in the future or just loves dogs and wants what is best for them and their guardians moving forward. Having become directors of one of the training organisations that seem to be looked down upon in these discussions we thought we should go on the record and fight the good fight for animal welfare, wellbeing and ethics.

    I would imagine that most of our listeners are pretty clear on where our ethical standards are. Those who listen will also have a good idea of what the science, especially welfare sciences, are informing us about the use of aversive methods on ALL individuals. So although we thought we’d discuss these topics this certainly isn’t a bridge to try to combine our ethical approach with one that we do not support. On top of that we are also individuals with different takes on different things so we really hope you enjoy this episode. Topics we cover include:

    · What does regulation mean to us?

    · What are ethics vs morals and how should that inform the decisions we make when interacting with animals?

    · Is there an issue with a lack of practical training being offered by organisations. Is the landscape too theoretical?

    · Should we have discussions between camps?

    · Gish gallop & unfair debating tactics we see

    · Time it takes to train purely positively

    · Boundaries. Where are the lines in the sand?

    · What makes an excellent trainer?

    We have titled this talk “Le Chat Part un” I hope this is taken in the good hearted and tongue in cheek way it is intended and we have more to talk about so let us know if you’d be up for us recording a “Le Chat Part Deux” and we’ll get on it.

  • Join us this week Bookshelvers for a special episode with our BFF from across the pond Melissa McCue McGrath! There's SO much love we have for Melissa and we were thrilled to catch up with her to talk about everything that's happened between her last appearance and now (including her triumphant DOGx talk in 2023). Full of laughs and love we hope you'll enjoy this informal catch up. Slight trigger warning if you don't feel like hearing a story about a (narrowly avoided) septic tank disaster is Corrin and Steve's garden you might want to skip a little bit of this. As for those robust listeners... You're welcome!

  • Slap on a Wolf Fleece Bookshelvers... it’s about to get chilly!

    This week we find ourselves transported back through time to ancient Siberia for a fascinating conversation about how, where and why dogs became our BFF's! We were thrilled to have archaeologist Dr Angela Perri join us for an episode all about Dog Domestication (Steve especially as he has been going on about this interview for WEEKS)! Angela has researched the story of early prehistoric dogs on sites across the globe and recently her and her team published a paper proposing a new theory as to where domestication may have taken place and how dogs spread across the world. Steve and Angela talk theories, the challenges of finding answers, the wonder of science, how you might observe domestication happening on your front door and MORE. Steve also reads out a PACT Lunch about music and dogs. This is such an interesting episode ENJOY!

    Angela facts:

    Dr Angela Perri is an archaeologist with primary interests in human-animal interactions, paleoecology, and paleoenvironments. Her research largely focuses on the nature of human-environmental interactions by analysing early relationships between humans, animals, climate, and landscapes. She particularly interested in the effects of climate change on prehistoric animal biodiversity and human responses to these changes.

    Links:

    Click here to see the 8000 year old cave art we discussed

    DOGx Tickets

    Subscribe to receive a weekly PACT LUNCH

  • Well, well, well Bookshelvers you find us a fizzy as a feisty Foxhound as we set about round two of speaking with the brilliant Simone Mueller. As well as a wee bit of spoilers about Simone’s upcoming talk at DOGx2024 we spend the majority of our conversation talking about, one of, the most searched dog training topics online… Loose Lead Walking. Why is it so bloomin’ hard to train? What is happening to cause the pulling? Thoughts on equipment, management strategies, outlets and training games and strategies to succeed. If you haven’t got a copy of Simone's book “Walking Together” it is a much needed and worthy book to have on those shelves.

    There's also a not to be missed (ahem) section where Nat, Corrin and Steve reminisce about the school days and words they used to think were cool. We also have a brand new Stevie song for you called “What Comes Natural Mate”, inspired by Simone's PST training books. All this absolutely free!? YES PLEASE!

    Simone Facts:

    Simone Mueller, MA is a certified dog trainer and dog behaviour consultant (ATN) from Germany. She specialises in force-free anti-predation training and is the author of the three books of the Predation Substitute Training series. Simone is proud to be an Associate Trainer at the Scotland-based Lothlorien Dog Training Club (AT-LDTC) and a member of The Initiative of Force-Free Dog Training, the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) and the Pet Dog Trainers of Europe (PDTE).

    LINKS

    Learn more about Simone: http://www.predation-substitute-training.com

    DOGx Tickets

    Subscribe to receive a weekly PACT LUNCH

  • Hey, Hey, Hey Bookshelvers!

    You find us feeling as focused as a sincere sighthound silently stalking a stag! Why you ask? Well it’s all to do with this amazing conversation we’ve had with Professor Carri Westgarth. To say we’re excited to share it with you is, one heck of, an understatement. We really do cover VAST number of topics including some difficult subjects like: fatalities from dog bites, breed bans and how to increase public safety. On top of that we discuss both of Carri’s books (The Happy Dog Owner & Dogs Bites), Dave the virtual dog and the endless possibilities he brings and much, much more. Steve also goes solo with the intro and outro this week AND reads an exclusive audio version of a piece he wrote that fits with the general tone of todays conversation. So pop that kettle on and immerse yourself in dog geekery for a couple of hours.

    Carri Facts:

    Professor Carri Westgarth is Chair in Human-Animal Interaction at the University of Liverpool with a passion for understanding the relationships we have with our pets. With a background in animal behaviour and dog training she has trained in veterinary epidemiology and human public health. Her research interests focus on the implications of dog ownership for human health and wellbeing, but also how owner management of their dogs can impact dog welfare. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods are used to tackle her primary research questions of how to improve population health through the promotion of dog walking, and how to prevent dog bites. Her expertise on understanding and changing the behaviour of dog owners is sought by many organisations wishing to prevent dog bites and promote ‘responsible’ dog owner behaviour, such as her work as a consultant for Royal Mail. She is also a Full Member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors and founder of the Merseyside Dog Safety Partnership. In her spare time Carri teaches dog training classes, and previously was a professional Assistance Dog Instructor. Her practical experience in many areas relating to dogs, combined with a multi-disciplinary academic perspective, gives unique strength and relevance to her expertise.

    Links:

    The Merseyside Dog Safety Partnership

    Buy "The Happy Dog Owner" on Amazon

    Buy "Dog Bites" on Amazon

    Subscribe to receive a weekly PACT LUNCH

    DOGx Tickets



  • HOW DO YOU ALL DO BOOKSHELVERS!?

    Another fortnight has passed and that means another sparkling new episode of Barks from the Bookshelf is here to tickle your, dog nerd, ear buds into joyus submission. This week is a WHOPPER of an episode BUT it’s a whopper for a very good reason! This week We are thrilled to interview the wonderful force of nature that is Linda Michaels, M.A., Psychology about her book The Do No Harm Dog Training & Behaviour Handbook. As many of you already know, Linda will be crossing the Atlantic and speaking at the DOGx 2024 conference this October. You’ll get a glimpse into the “force of nature” that is Linda Michaels during this interview as we discuss her origins, the decisions and processes that led to the book itself, the development of the Hierarchy of Dog Needs, activism and some, good old psychology as well. We also get a taster of what’s to come at DOGx. There really isn’t enough words to describe Linda’s role in moving the dog training and behaviour world forward so you’ll just have to listen. On top of all that Corrin, Nat and Steve talk through the book and answer your Bookshelver questions in their own rambling style.

    Linda Facts:

    Linda Michaels, M.A., Psychology, author of the ground-breaking, best-seller, The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behaviour Handbook— Featuring the Hierarchy of Dog Needs pioneers the “First, Do No Harm” ethics approach in dog training. With an advanced degree in psychology and animal behaviour, research conducted in behavioural neurobiology, and five years of shelter and rescue experience, Linda’s work bridges a gap between science, dog trainers, and pet parents with hands-on skills with dogs, wolfdogs, and the famed Belyaev foxes. Linda tells us, “My shelter experience working with the most difficult behavioural cases helped lay the foundation for all of the work I do today in animal care and training, protecting both the physical and the emotional well-being of the heartbeats at our feet.”

    Linda is considered one of the modern-era, trailblazing experts and influencers in canine behaviour consulting and animal welfare advocacy. Her internationally acclaimed Hierarchy of Dog Need teaching tool, now translated into 14 languages, is endorsed by canine scientists and ethologists as well as trainers, new and seasoned, and is available FREE. The Hierarchy of Dog Needs offers a clear, dog-centric alternative to the outdated, teaching paradigms widely used today.

    The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behaviour Handbook combines compassion with science in an easy-to-follow roadmap to success, providing answers to common and complex dog behaviour problems. Illustrating the most effective methods endorsed by the greatest minds in dog training and behaviour, dog lovers are taken on a journey to understanding and meeting their dog’s needs. The first section of The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behaviour Handbook is devoted to detailing each item on the Hierarchy of Dog Needs. By addressing needs first, pet parents and trainers often find that many behaviour problems may all but disappear. The meticulously researched handbook tackles the most challenging issues faced by dog lovers and pet professionals, including: nutrition, veterinary and grooming visits, basic training skills, aggression, and separation anxiety. With a foreword by Dr. Marc Bekoff, co-founder with Jane Goodall of the Ethologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the handbook is scientifically supported with 18 pages of scholarly journal citations and a detailed index.

    You may find Linda in international trade magazines, and as a featured expert in Psychology Today online, Newsweek online, Huffington Post Live, Wolf Dog Radio, as an APBC, Dog-Centered Care, Barking Up the Right Tree International Festival for Reactive Dogs, KIENO Summit, Puppy Blueprint, Dog Wisdom webinar presenter, and speaker at the inaugural Pet Professional Guild Summit on “Understanding Research—Making the Case for Force-free Dog Training.”

    Linda founded the wildly popular Do No Harm Dog Training Facebook group where you can easily find her, and recently launched the DoNoHarmDogTraining.com swag store.

    Links:

    Amazon Link to purchase The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook:

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/1732253706?ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_6R09BF50YG2ZBDZPKCHB&language=en-US

    The Do No Harm Website & Store:

    https://www.donoharmdogtraining.com/

    DOGx Tickets:

    https://www.pact-dogs.com/dogx2024

    Subscribe to receive a weekly PACT Lunch:

    https://www.pact-dogs.com/

  • We hope we find you well Bookshelvers!?

    What an insightful and delightful chat we had with Dr Chris Little here at Barks HQ. This was one of those chats FULL of great advice and stories. Have you ever wanted to nurture a better relationship with your vet? Would you like to simultaneously increase your knowledge of dogs as well as gain a deeper understanding of important and common diseases that our dogs might develop? Well if this is you then The Dog Care Handbook is the book for you! Arguably, no other book we’ve read and aimed at the public provides such a wide-ranging remit covering the health and well-being of our dogs. Chris takes us all through a journey into understanding and cultivating relationships with our veterinarian friends as what the landscape looks like from within the veterinary world. Nat and Steve review the book and Steve drops the (not so secret) big news he’s been sat on! Enjoy us massaging your inner ears for a tiny wee while… woof!


    Chris Facts:

    Dr Chris Little is a vet who recently retired from clinical work after more than 40 years. He taught at Glasgow University Veterinary School for a decade but spent the bulk of his career in companion animal practice. Initially a keen surgeon, the focus of his interests gradually evolved towards diagnostics and medicine, especially cardiology. Chris has published widely in the academic literature and lectured both in the UK and abroad. He is married with two adult children and two dogs.

    Links:

    DOGx Tickets
    PACT Lunches

  • HOW THE DEVIL ARE YOU BOOKSHELVERS!?

    What a treat we have in store for you this week here at Barks HQ. We are joined by yet another awesome author, the excellent Simone Mueller. Not only has Simone written some of the most helpful, accessible and informative books on how to work with a dog with a high predatory behaviours but she will also be presenting a talk at this years DOGx Conference. We talk about the squirrel event that caused Steve to first read Hunting Together, how Simone approaches training, on both sides of the lead, the emotions we all feel when faced with a dog that has higher than average drives/needs and how to provide outlets that work WITH dogs. We talk through the dangers of using pain and intimidation to tackle these behaviours and what is going on inside our dogs when arousal goes through the roof. This really was an interesting conversation that we know you'll all love. We also tackle some very interesting and well thought out listener questions, get an audio PACT blog from Natalie AND have some wild canid visitors LIVE during recording!!!! Prepare those lug holes gang X

    Simone Facts:

    Simone Mueller, MA is a certified dog trainer and dog behaviour consultant (ATN) from Germany. She specialises in force-free anti-predation training and is the author of the Predation Substitute Training series. Simone is proud to be an Associate Trainer at the Scotland-based Lothlorien Dog Training Club (AT-LDTC) and a member of both the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) and the Pet Dog Trainers of Europe (PDTE). Follow Simone’s work on Facebook and Instagram: #predationsubstitutetraining

    Links:

    Learn more about Predation Substitute Training: http://www.predation-substitute-training.com
    Links:

    DOGx Tickets
    PACT Lunches

  • HOW'S TRICKS BOOKSHELVERS???

    We are back with a informative, funny and life affirming chat with the wonderful Cat Henstridge (known to all as Cat the Vet). Cat is known to many of you as the voice of reason for the veterinary profession on social media. Her informative, entertaining videos dispense crucial information to the public and professionals alike. We get to talk all things "Cat" as well as her advice for trainers when it comes to, the sticky subject of, how to conduct yourself and navigate the world of social media. This is a must listen and it was a very free flowing conversation. On top of all this top content the team reviews the food (and other aspects) of their recent environmental soiree as well as Corrin reading out a rousing blog about coming together for the better of our companion animals at the end. Prepare for ear love!

    Cat facts:

    Cat Henstridge BVSc ESVPS Cert GP (SAM) MRCVS

    Cat graduated from Bristol University in 2003 and works as a small animal veterinary surgeon at Peak vets. Cat is a published author and writes a number of articles for various veterinary and non-veterinary publications. She is a vet on the BBC Children’s Television Show – The Pets Factor and is passionate about promoting animal welfare. Cat also has a significant social media presence that has gained her millions of views as "Cat the Vet" where her videos educate and entertain in equal measure.

    Links:

    TikTok
    Facebook
    Instagram

    DOGx Tickets
    PACT Lunches

  • HEY HEY HEY Bookshelvers!

    We are back this week with another DOGx 2024 special for you! This episode we get to interview the awesome Belinda (Bee) Johnson & Fran Murtaugh of the wonderful charity Dog Aid. It never fails to amaze us as to how this amazing charity change the lives of physically disabled people by enabling them to train their own pet dog to become a fully fledged assistance dog. They have an incredible and talented community of voluntary professional dog trainers across the U.K. and in this episode you can here all about the important work they do. This was a genuine joy to record and we will be excited to see them talk and demo at this years DOGx.

    Dog Aid Facts:

    Dog A.I.D. (created in 1992) changes lives by enabling physically Disabled people across the U.K. to train their own pet dog to become an accredited Assistance Dog, supported by our team of dedicated and experienced volunteer dog trainers. A Dog A.I.D. trained Assistance Dog increases independence by helping with practical tasks, builds confidence, reduces isolation and the need for care.

    Find out more or volunteer here: https://dogaid.org.uk/

    On top of this we paint a vivid image of how Nat shares her life with a "Rubber Ducky" and run a (non sponsored) ad for Belvita

    There are still a few tickets left for DOGx 2024 so be quick to grab one here: https://www.pact-dogs.com/dogx2024

  • Hey Hey Hey Bookshelvers!

    We hope this podcast finds your eyes well :) We have a treat in store today for you listeners. We are talking to the wonderful Ryan Dillon who will be presenting at this years DOGx 2024. We chat all things dog research, how to work in a team, self reflection and a bit of bakery to make us all hungry. Nat, Corrin and Steve also talk through what they thought of the recent APBC conference. Hope you all enjoy!

    Ryan Facts:

    Ryan is the owner of Oxfordshire Animal Behaviour and Training (OABT) and has worked with over 1,000 clients and their pets. Because of his enthusiastic and upbeat approach to teaching, he often leads the puppy classes which have gained popularity around Abingdon. Ryan also takes on behaviour consultation cases with Charlotte, runs OABT’s behaviour rehab training sessions and produces tutorial videos and handouts for clients. His empathetic and supportive approach makes Ryan popular amongst his clients.

    Ryan is a qualified dog trainer with the Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT) and a recognised animal training instructor with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). He is currently recognised as a pre-certified clinical animal behaviourist with the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) and a candidate member of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians. He is working towards full membership of both organisations (certified clinical animal behaviourist and full member, respectively).

    Ryan earned a distinction in the BSc(hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare degree at Oxford Brookes University in 2019 and a distinction in the Clinical Animal Behaviour Master’s degree at the University of Lincoln in 2020. He plans to start a PhD in Animal Behaviour and Cognition in the next few years.

    Alongside running OABT, Ryan is also a lecturer at Oxford Brookes University and Abingdon and Witney College, teaching on the animal behaviour-related degrees. He is also a tutor and assessor at PACT, whereby he teaches and supports students on their journey to becoming qualified dog trainers.

    Link to buy DOGx tickets: https://www.pact-dogs.com/dogx2024/

    Link to sign up to PACT Lunches: https://www.pact-dogs.com/

    Link to FREE Canine Body Language course: https://pact-course.thinkific.com/courses/PACTtastercourse

  • BRACE YOURSELVES BOOKSHELVERS... FOR THE APOCALYPSE COMETH!

    Well that's not strictly true BUT what if it did? What if a cataclysmic event wiped us hoomans off the face of the earth and left our dogs to fend for themselves without us? What would happen??? This is the premise of the wonderful book "A Dog's World" written by returning guest Jessica Pierce and co-authored with Marc Bekoff. We always say that BFTBS is NOT a review show, it's a recommends show and Nat and Steve couldn't recommend this book enough. A fascinating topic and super clever premise that opens up a world of learning about our canid companions. Not only do we delve deep into this topic with Jessica herself, we also talk about our presence and experience at Crufts, sagittal crests, dog bed addiction and answers some bloomin' wonderful bookshelver questions. We also have a very special "Story Time With Steve" section at the end all about Steve's recent trip to Crete where he befriended a free roaming dog called Bella. Put it in your head dog lovers!

    Sign up to recieve our "PACT LUNCHES": https://www.pact-dogs.com/

    Book a spot at DOGX 2024 and meet us in person: https://www.pact-dogs.com/dogx2024

  • HEY, HEY, HEY BOOKSHELVERS! You're going to want to get this episode in your eardrums like a man trailing Bloodhound vacuums scent into their nostrils!

    Not only is Tamsin Durston... 1. A returning guest... 2. An all round wonderful human being... 3. An excellent writer who has authored an excellent book we all need in our lives... But on top of ALL this Tamsin is a confirmed speaker at this years DOGX conference! Tamsin talks all things well-being in this in depth and fascinating episode which is a must for all dog professionals and anyone looking to be kind to themselves and those around them.

    As well as all the usual segments we use to delve into Tam's book, Nat, Corrin and Steve also spend far too long discussing whether the eye is a part of the brain, Jay's best joke ever, the etymology of the phrase "your toast" and other standard "Barks from" madness. So pull up a chair, rub a dog and submerge your earholes.

    Tamsin Facts:

    Tam is a Registered Veterinary Nurse, Clinical Animal Behaviourist, and accredited Dog Training Instructor with 27 years experience working predominantly for Blue Cross and Dogs Trust. She has also undertaken an MSc in Human Behaviour Change, in order to underpin animal welfare activity with evidenced behavioural science, and is currently studying for an MSc in Human-Animal Interaction and Wellbeing. Employed full-time as Dogs Trust’s Veterinary Intervention Development Manager, Tam leads a team working to embed canine behavioural principles within veterinary practice. This commitment includes steering the Dog Friendly Clinic initiative to optimise veterinary care provision for dogs, owners, and veterinary teams alike. As well as providing emotional support for animals, Tam is keen to optimise human workplace mental and emotional health and has researched and authored a book, ‘Emotional Well-being for the Animal Welfare Professional’.

    Link to Tamsin's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Emotional-Well-being-Welfare-Professionals-Concise/dp/1789247799

    Link to register interest in DOGX 2024: https://www.pact-dogs.com/dogx2024/