Barks from the Bookshelf

Howdy Bookshelvers It's been a long time coming but we’re back for a full on book review show (insert fanfare here). Nat and Steve delve into the expertly written and wonderfully cathartic the book "Old Dog, New Dog" by Kathy Callahan and Helen St. Pierre. The book looks at the joys, challenges and intricacies of our older and younger dogs and goes a long way to answering that old age question: Should we get a puppy as a companion for our older dog? As well as the usual deep dive sections we get to interview Kathy & Helen and discuss the importance of fostering a harmonious relationship between the old and the young, along with discovering how to promote a peaceful coexistence, and prepare and live through the emotional journey of caring for dogs at different life stages. Whether you're a seasoned dog owner or a new puppy parent, we hope this episode offers valuable guidance and heartfelt stories that resonate with every dog lover. On top of all that lovely stuff, Nat and Steve discuss dog centred horror movies, how to be mindful (or in Steve’s case how to be mindful about not being mindful) and Nat’s act of resistance. It’s all go gang… but all bloomin'great! Links:Buy Old Dog, New DogDOGx TicketsLink to our Bookstore

Hey, Hey, Hey Bookshelvers! This week we have another DOGx Special for you. We also have been graced with the presence of, the one and only, Jason Light as this topic is very close to his heart.  Every year we have a charity slot at DOGx and this year we’ve managed to get the wonderful Guide Dogs to do a presentation and demo for us. With that in mind we thought it would be wonderful to have Elli Cavazza, a puppy development advisor for Guide Dogs and Mandy Pike, a guide dog user with her dog, Loney on to talk all things Guide Dogs from both perspectives.   The discussion provides a fascinating peek into the world of Guide Dogs, going beyond the public-facing image to explore the detailed, dog-centred approach to training. We find out about Elli’s role, which involves training puppy-raisers and ensuring puppies are well-socialized and prepared for their future, as well as Guide Dogs passionate views on their dog-centric and human-centric approach working in unison. We then get Mandy's perspective as a guide dog partner. She shares her journey, from her initial hesitation as a self-proclaimed "cat person" to her profound bond with her current dog, Lonnie. Mandy openly discusses the challenges and triumphs of working with a dog that is a "work in progress," highlighting the importance of trust, communication, and understanding Loney as an individual first and a guide dog second. There are also some real valuable insights from both Ellie and Mandy for the general public. Enjoy!  Links:Find out more about Guide DogsDOGx TicketsLink to our Bookstore

Ahoy There Bookshevers!We hope this episode finds you well and sat next to fluffy companion. Get yourselves ready for an absolute treat, Bookshelvers! We’re thrilled to welcome back the incredible author and illustrator, Lili Chin, for a deep dive into her latest masterpiece, "Dogs of the World." It's been a whopping 5 years since we last got to chat with Lili so lot's to catch up on and this book is an absolute gem! We get chatting about:Unpacking the myths that hold us back from seeing dogs as individuals, exploring why breed essentialism can be a disservice to our companions.Tackle the tough stuff, including the ethical considerations of language in dog literature and the impact of AI on art and business.Get lost in the details of what makes Lili's art so powerful and how her unique perspective as an artist, shapes her work.Delve into the nuances of landraces, village dogs, and how the concept of "breed" is more about human culture than canine biology.We also put Lili to the test with an impromptu game and get her book recommendations... Go on... Get involved... You know you want to!Links:Lili Chin's Website: https://doggiedrawings.net/Lili Chin's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doggiedrawings/?hl=enLili Chin's Books: https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/collections/author-books-by-lili-chinEd Yong's "An Immense World": https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/immense-world-book-ed-yong-9781529112115DOGX 2025 Tickets: https://www.pact-dogs.com/dogx2025

Welcome back, Bookshelvers! In this weeks episode we welcome back the incredible Cat the Vet (Dr. Cat Henstridge) for her second appearance and another DOGx Speaker Special! Get ready for a deep dive, recorded (humorously!) from under a blanket in her new vet practice – a testament to her dedication to great sound!Cat, a prominent veterinary surgeon and renowned social media voice, is a trusted source for dispelling misinformation and offering quality advice on all aspects of pet health and welfare. You might also know her from CBBC's 'The Pets Factor' or her many TV and radio appearances. As alluded to above we're beyond thrilled that Cat will also be a speaker at DOGX 2025 on Sunday, October 12th, at Winchester University!In this jam packed conversation, we cover:Behind the Practice Door: Cat's journey to becoming a vet, the common "childhood dream" narrative, and the surprising reality that being a vet is often more about people than just animals.The Power of Sound & Scent in Vet Practices: A fascinating tangent on how clinic environments impact animal behaviour and welfare, and why these factors are often underestimated.Regulation in the Pet Professional World: A crucial, candid discussion on the lack of consistent regulation in dog training and behaviour compared to the veterinary field. Cat bravely tackles the "soup of acronyms" in qualifications and the vital need for quality control in education.Building Bridges Between Professions: How vets and paraprofessionals (like trainers and behaviourists) can better collaborate, refer, and build trust – essential for optimizing animal welfare.Navigating Online Misinformation: Cat offers invaluable advice on fact-checking what you see on social media, identifying confidence vs. correctness, and the danger of "kernel of truth" myths.The Rise of Tech in Vet Med: An exciting look at new, non-invasive diagnostic tools (like the HTVista and AI for reading X-rays) and how technology is shaping the future of veterinary care.The Mark of a Good ProfessionalIf you're invested in animal welfare, ethical practice, and cutting through the noise in the pet world. Prepare for all the honesty, humour, and a whole lot of wisdom (mostly from Cat)!Cat facts:Cat Henstridge BVSc ESVPS Cert GP (SAM) MRCVSCat 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 FacebookInstagramDOGx Tickets

Ahoy Bookshelvers! This week, Steve is proper chuffed (that's British for really, really happy) to chat with the one and only Ryan Cartlidge from The Animal Training Academy! Having been an avid listener to the ATA podcast for many years, this is a "pinch me" moment for Steve and if you don't know Ryan, get ready for a big dose of honesty, humility, and a whole bunch of wisdom.Ryan and Steve dive deep into the messy (and often hilarious) reality of life. Get ready for tales of how Ryan became a zookeeper by accident;  his competent use of cable ties and duct tape, the touching (and slightly terrifying if I'm being honest) story of Reg, the wedge-tailed eagle who helped Ryan cut his teeth in positive reinforcement. Discover the spark that ignited The Animal Training Academy, from workshops to online courses to a thriving membership of 8,000+ wonderful humans, and the wise words that made Ryan work his butt off for his dreams. Plus, brace yourself for (what can only be described as) "The Hallway Poo Situation," It's a raw, relatable peek behind the "perfect Instagram post" that every trainer needs to hear.We also take on imposter syndrome, burnout, and how Ryan has learned to take the "mask off," embrace vulnerability, and use "clarity squeezes" and "capacity signals" (you'll want to steal these!) to navigate life's pressures. He delves into the power of language and community, explaining why naming your fears can strip them of power and how a supportive community (like PACT and ATA!) is crucial for human learners (that's you!) to thrive. We talk about why we should apply the same positive reinforcement principles to ourselves and our clients, and Ryan even shares his simple 3-questions to transform your training reflections. All that and, as always, we've got book recommendations galore! This episode is packed with invaluable insights for both aspiring and seasoned trainers, serving as a powerful reminder that we're all human learners on a messy, beautiful journey. Enjoy!Links: The Animal Training AcademyThe Animal Training Academy PodcastThe "Making Ripples" Podcast Jim Mackie's Crocodile Training Video Carol Dweck's Mindset Ken Ramirez' Animal Training: Successful Animal Management Through Positive ReinforcementAli Bender & Emily Strong's Canine Enrichment for the Real World Ryan Facts:As the founder of Animal Training Academy, Ryan (KPA CTP) brings over a decade of global experience as a professional animal trainer. His 13-year journey has taken him through New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the US, where he's trained teams, crafted effective animal training programs, and shared his insights in top industry publications. Ryan is also a recognized voice in the field, having spoken at international conferences and lectured at universities on animal behaviour. Through the Animal Training Academy, Ryan is building a vibrant community, connecting hundreds of animal behaviour and training enthusiasts with an ever-expanding resource of lessons and tutorials from highly respected animal experts.

Welcome back, Bookshelvers! We've got an absolute treat for your ears today, a conversation that really gets to the heart of what ethical animal training is all about.Today, we're incredibly honoured to chat (for a second time) with Jenifer Zeligs, a true luminary in the animal training world. Jenifer and Steve dive into some fascinating nuances of animal training. Exploring everything from the subtle differences between dog and horse training, to the often-debated ethics of using negative reinforcement. We also shine a bright light on the absolute importance of clear communication in all our training.You'll hear us discuss the transformative concept of cooperative care – how it's revolutionising the way animals receive medical treatment and why it's so vital. Jenifer also shares her invaluable experiences as a mentor and the incredible impact her teachings have had on countless students in the field. This conversation truly champions the need for open discussions about training methods and, above all, a compassionate approach to animal care.Jenifer Facts:Jenifer Zeligs is a highly respected behavioural consultant and the visionary founder of the Animal Training and Research International Centre in California. With over two decades of experience, she has taught advanced animal care and training of both pets and exotic animals at California State University. Jenifer's extensive experiences in animal training span an immense history of partnerships across the animal kingdom – from profoundly improving the welfare of horses and dogs to pioneering the filming of wild whales using trained sea lions.Jenifer holds a deep passion for establishing strong connections and interspecies communication, a philosophy she passionately imparts through teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in animal training. She brings an exciting, practical, and revolutionary approach to her work, expertly integrating mindfulness with cognitive, behaviourist, and ethological sciences. Beyond her academic and practical achievements, Jenifer is also an internationally acclaimed author, having released the amazing 'Animal Training 101' and 'Mindful Partners,' and is a practicing Buddhist, further enriching her unique perspective on animal welfare and communication.If you've been following our DOGX 2025 speaker announcements, you'll know that Jenifer will be sharing her profound insights live with us on Sunday, October 12th, at Winchester University – and trust me, you won't want to miss her talk! We still have a handful of tickets left, so head over to www.dogxconference.com to grab yours before they're gone.

Alright, fellow dog fanatics, prepare for an episode of Barks from the Bookshelf that's got more bounces than a super-excited Border Collie! Steve and Corrin are back from their beach break (and likely still shaking sand out of their ears) to dive into a seriously fun chat with the brilliant Danny Nelis-Rouse from Tug-E-Nuff!Ever wondered how a passion for pups turns into a booming business? Danny spills the beans on his journey, inspired by his own furry companions. We get the inside scoop on:Making Toys That Last: How Tug-E-Nuff battles the chew-monster challenge.Eco-Friendly Fetch: Their awesome commitment to sustainability – because a happy planet means happy dogs!The Power of Play: Why a good game of tug is more than just fun, it's bond-building magic!Myth-Busting for Mutts: Danny's take on debunking common training misconceptions.Growing Old Playfully: How they might look forward to designing toys for our "golden oldies" and their changing play needs.Plus, we talk about the sheer joy of seeing your product loved, the importance of your feedback in creating awesome toys, and how to keep that business passion burning bright.And if that wasn't enough, Steve and Corrin dish on their own dog ownership joys, tease some very exciting upcoming webinars and DOGX conference snippets, and give you a sneak peek at future podcast guests. Get ready for a listen that's as fun as a squeaky toy and as insightful as a perfectly timed recall! WOOF!Danny Facts:Danny Nelis-Rouse, Managing Director of Tug-E-Nuff, the award-winning tug-toy company exclusively for dogs Danny Nelis-Rouse left a corporate career in call centres behind to join his family business Tug-E-Nuff in 2013. Since then, he's played an integral role in reshaping Tug-E-Nuff's direction toward the broader dog training market, establishing it as more than just another business selling dog toys. Today, Tug-E-Nuff is known across the UK, US and Europe for its quality range of interactive training toys - each designed to bring change, enrichment and positivity to dogs of all breeds and backgrounds through the power of play. Links:Get your DOGX Tickets hereTug E Nuff Website hereTug E Nuff Partner Programme here

Alrighty then Bookshelvers, settle in with your favourite beverage (and maybe a tasty morsel, or two, for your furry co-listener) because this episode is a HOOT! We’re still wiping away tears of laughter reminiscing with our amazing guests, the legendary Jamie and Gemma Pound from UK Sniffer Dogs. We spend a bit of time reminiscing on the hilarious antics and, shall we say, memorable moments from behind-the-scenes shenanigans at Crufts. Let’s just say what happens at Crufts, mostly stays at Crufts... until it’s shared on a podcast!We also get the fascinating origin story of UK Sniffer Dogs – how sniffing completely turned their dog training world upside down (in the best possible way!) and the incredible positive waves it sends through a dog's behaviour. Spoiler: it’s pretty magical. We chat about why making dog training feel less like homework and more like a party is crucial for both ends of the lead, and the sheer joy of finding your dog-loving tribe.But it's not all giggles and games (okay, it mostly is!). We dive into the serious business of making dog training a genuinely inclusive and enjoyable space for everyone. Think less "drill sergeant" and more "super-fun camp counsellor." Jamie and Gemma spill the beans on:Classroom Zen: Smart setup and management so classes are calm, cool, and collected (well, mostly!).Engagement Secrets: Techniques to get those tails wagging and brains buzzing.Scent Work Superpowers: Why scent work is like a magic wand for dogs who find the world a bit much (yep, we’re talking about our beloved reactive pups!). Seriously, this stuff is versatile, super safe, and a fantastic outlet for dogs of all ages, creeds, and sniffing abilities.The sniffing adventures don't stop there! We explore some of the innovative tools that make scent work even more exciting, how to make sure every dog can join in (no matter their ability), and the eternal quest for the perfect sniffing venue (because not all lampposts are created equal).And for our fellow dog pros listening, we even peek into the business end of things – making your passion profitable while keeping it accessible. Because sharing the joy of dog training shouldn’t break the bank!Naturally, this being "Barks from the Bookshelf," we couldn't let them go without squeezing out some top-tier book recommendations to get your human brains just as engaged as your dog's nose.So, pop in those earbuds, prepare for some laugh-out-loud moments, and get ready to be inspired by the wonderful world of UK Sniffer Dogs!Links:UK Sniffer DogsTrain Your Dog to Save the Environment - WebinarDOGx Tickets

We hope this pod finds you well Bookshelvers This week Steve sails the Barks From Podship solo across the canine geek ocean! Luckily for him he has a wonderful book to get stuck in to!  This week we are thrilled to be joined by the awesome Niki French to talk (amongst other stuff) all about her book 'Stop Walking Your Dog'. There is so much to unpack about Niki and her journey to writing the book as well as all the other amazing “project pies” Niki has her fingers in. This was an insightful and relaxed interview that we feel you’ll love! Amongst other amazing things, Niki shares her insights on the importance of short training sessions and how to make training enjoyable for both dogs and their owners, her favourite games that can enhance the training experience and bond. We delve into various aspects of dog training, focusing on understanding dog behaviour, the significance of boundary games, and the role of calmness in training. We discuss the ACE-free work approach and its benefits, and touch on the challenges of navigating controversies in the dog training industry and where Niki falls on the need for regulation and recognition of trainers' qualifications. Niki shares all about her dog Bodhi, a Battersea rescue, detailing the challenges and triumphs of training him. We talk about 'Don't Walk Your Dog Day' and the concept (and strange controversy) around it. Niki is also kind enough to reflect on her experiences as a writer and the impact of her book on dog training and behaviour discussions. We hope that this conversation will fire you all up, make you smile, make you think and ultimately help highlight the significance of nurturing a dog's well-being through various activities (not just walkies). Of course there’s more… There always is! And this week Steve also pulls out some "stand out" parts of the book with our usual sections.  So what are you waiting for? Indulge your brain box and your chuckle sack simultaneously… WOOF!Niki Facts: Niki French is a dog-mad, people-loving, award-winning dog trainer, bestselling author, and podcaster. Niki French is the founder of Pup Talk and author of Amazon best seller STOP! Walking Your Dog. After a 30-year career as an international Sales and Marketing Director, a serious bicycle accident in 2014 became the catalyst for a complete life change. Niki followed a childhood dream of working with animals and, in 2019, launched Pup Talk and Twickenham Dog Services. Niki is a Certified ACE Trainer, KAD (Kids Around Dogs) Approved Professional, UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter Member and part of the Pet Professional Network.  She specialises in helping overwhelmed pet parents with nervous, reactive, or over-excitable dogs. Her kind and empowering approach combines practical support with a deep understanding of emotional well-being – for both dogs and people. She’s especially passionate about activities that support dogs physically and mentally, beyond the traditional walk. She offers 1-2-1 training, often featuring ACE Free Work, in-person in Middlesex, Surrey and West London and online globally. She also supports people with Pup Talk The Pack membership.  Niki lives in Twickenham with boyfriend Ash and their rescue dog Bodie, a handsome Collie Lurcher X. He launched into their lives from Battersea Cats and Dogs Home when he was 8 months old.Links:Link to buy Niki's book hereLink to Niki's Puptalk website hereLink to Niki's Youtube Channel here

Alrighty then Bookshelvers!?It's time to get comfy, pop the kettle on, slip those nice socks you like on and open your ears, minds and hearts! This episode was a real treat because we (finally) got to chat with the brilliant Daniel Shaw from Animal Behaviour Kent, and ooooh boy, did we cover some fascinating ground! We talk about Daniels super interesting journey into the world of dog behaviour and training and why understanding the brain side of things (yep, we're talking neuroscience) not only rings his bell but is absolutely key to effective training. We talk about how to inject fun into training and being sure that our interactions are enjoyable, positive experiences for everyone involved. He also gave us some wise nuggets all about interpreting science and reminded us just why being great communicators is crucial in our industry, especially when we're trying to help the humans on the other end of the leash make changes. We chatted about our shared passion for putting on conferences and zoomed in on the upcoming ABK conference with its theme of 'resilience' in dogs front and centre and a mind blowing list of the speakers appearing this year. We also got to give you all a peek behind the curtain at the challenges of putting on such a huge events like the ABK and DOGX conferences and how much thought goes into choosing just the right people to speak. We also got excited about the latest buzz in dog behaviour and emotions research – there’s always something new to learn! As well as all that truly top notch chitchat hosts Steve and Corrin delve into the psychology behind human behaviour, superstition and scientific reasoning alongside sharing a surprising kitchen mishap and BIG news on Dave the Sparrow! Delay no further dog geek… this’ll make your inner ears sing with joy Link to buy tickets to the ABK Conference hereLink to the blog Daniel talked about on the Art of Persuasion here Link to buy tickets for DOGX 2025 here

How's tricks you lovely Bookshelvers?It's all go here at PACT HQ and over the last few weeks we've had the absolute pleasure of talking with some amazing guests (all of which will be invading your earholes soon enough). This means that every fortnight we can't contain our excitement when we know release day is incoming. SO.... Without further ado we bring you yet another wonderful human working in the dog profession Clara Hewson! For those of you who aren't yet familiar with The Muzzle Movement we can't wait to share Clara's story with you. It is very important though that we state in all honesty that Clara (and her amazing team) aren't just make muzzles, they're building a movement! It was a genuinely inspirational chat that left Nat and Steve feeling enthused. We cover LOADS, Clara gets down to business talking about bringing her muzzle idea to life! Inspired by loss and a desire to make things better, she reveals the ups and downs of launching a start-up – from finding the funds to leaning on community power. Hear first-hand why she’s so passionate about educating everyone on muzzles. She even explains how design choices are helping to give muzzles a much-needed image makeover!!! We chat about giving muzzled dogs the visibility they deserve and the advocacy efforts supporting their humans AND, learn about the values at the heart of her work. Clara also shares insights into the challenges within the dog world and her exciting plans for future projects to keep pushing dog welfare forward. All that and much more including Nat and Steve updating everyone on Dave the Sparrow and a welcome return of Natalie's Injury Odyssey.Go on... Slip us in your auris interna. You won't regret it.Link to the Muzzle Movements Website hereLink to DOGX 2025 Tickets here

Hey there fellow Dog Geek Extraordinaires. A bit of stray off our, well-trodden, dog training and behaviour path today. We invited the wonderful Professor Alex Conner (co-author of ADHD Unpacked and co-host of the ADHD Adults Podcast) onto the podcast. For a while now we’ve been planning on having a conversation that advocates for compassion and understanding in what it must be like for neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with ADHD diagnosis, navigating a neurotypical world. We also thought it might be helpful to understand how ADHD might impact both trainers and people who might be attending classes or 121’s. What unfolded was a fascinating conversation that enabled us to delve into the complexities of ADHD, discussing its impact on communication and relationships, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting one another within our relationships and communities.We get to explore the intricate relationship between dog training and ADHD, delve into the parallels in understanding behaviour, the importance of environment and the need for emotional acceptance. We find out how dog body language can inform our understanding of ADHD, the impact of genetics versus environment, and the challenges faced by individuals with ADHD in various settings. Alex effortlessly and expertly addresses misconceptions about ADHD and the societal perceptions that contribute to a stigmas. We hear how things people might take for granted, like the setting of boundaries and self-care, can be unique challenges faced by individuals with ADHD. We explore how personal experiences shape their understanding of self-worth and the importance of community support. Of course, we touch on the complexities of dog training, the nuances of behaviour, and the importance of understanding both dogs and humans and the significance of empathy in fostering connections.On top of all that top notch audio goodness Nat and Steve talk about Alex’s book, discuss the challenges of understanding neurodiversity, discuss the arrival of spring and the emotional connection they feel towards nature (particularly a sparrow named Dave). Steve also briefly flirts with the concept of utopia and it's potential pitfalls (through the lens of B F Skinner). We ramble about the importance of emotional awareness, the dynamics of social media, and the influence of culture on behaviour, all while introducing a BRAND NEW segment dedicated to a beloved figure in the bookshelver community…. The Greg Pattison Moment!!!Don’t just sit there! Poke us right up your ear canals!!!Link to Alex's bookLink to Alex's PodcastLink to PACT's Free CoursesLink to DOGX tickets

Happy Spring Time Bookshelvers!As the temperatures are rising in the UK and spring has truly sprung we thought it would be a great time to spring clean our noggins about all things dog businesses. We are thrilled this week to bring you a talk with the wonderful Gretta Ford. Not only is Gretta a member of PACT, an ABTC Registered Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB), a full member of the APBC and FABC (which is pretty darn impressive) but Gretta is also a business strategist for trainers and behaviourists! Steve and Nat speak from experience when they say that Gretta has helped them out with all sorts in terms of the business side of PACT and we wanted an informal chat that would be beneficial to people with both existing businesses in the dog training world AND those of you starting out. We cover A LOT! Including: The challenges faced by dog trainers in building successful businesses, The importance of having that “business mindset”, the crowded market for dog training services, and the emotional burdens that come with running a business, the need for support and fresh perspectives in the industry, the significance of focusing on one's own business and the importance of emotional health in the face of external pressures. We talk about the dreaded imposter syndrome and the importance of a stoic mindset. We explore strategies for effective marketing, the significance of having a strong online presence through a website, and the challenges of navigating social media. The discussion also touches on the potential for passive income streams, the role of gratitude in professional relationships, and the environmental impact of business practices in the dog training industry. We also chatted about the super interesting topic of the significance of aligning personal and business values, particularly in the dog training industry AND niching in dog training. All that as well as hearing all about Gretta’s journey! All that along with some waffle from Nat and Steve about their brand spanking NEW FREE course and haberdashery’s and what you may find within one… don’t ask.You know you’ll be have a better brain for listening so what on earth are you waiting for? Get it in your lug holes human!LINKS:Link to Gretta's amazing Set Up To Succeed website hereLink to Gretta's Dog Training & Behaviour website hereLink to PACTS free Breed & Body Language Course here

Howdy doody Bookshelvers!We’re thrilled to bring you another one of our awesome DOGX 2025 speakers today… drumroll please… It’s Roz Pooley! We had a ball chatting with Roz and got into a LOT! From sharing her journey from a retail background to becoming a prominent figure in dog training and behaviour, her experiences in dog walking, the evolution of training methods, and the importance of understanding dog behaviour and social dynamics. We also discuss the significance of continuous learning and adapting to the changing landscape of dog training, while also getting Roz’s perspective on the unique roles that different dogs play within their social groups. We also couldn’t chat with Roz without discussing the overwhelming influence of social media on guardians and the pressure of perfection in dog training and the unrealistic expectations placed on trainers and their dogs. We wax lyrical about a world where a more realistic and empathetic approach to dog training that embraces imperfection and prioritizes the well-being of both dogs AND  their owners might exist. We touch on the impact of seasonal changes on dog behaviour and share a spoiler of what Roz will be talking about at DOGX! All this and our usual waffle for your earbud pleasure! Go on… pop it in your auditory canalLink to The Mutty ProfessorLink to DOGX TicketsLink to PACT'S Free Courses

Greetings BookshelversWe are coming to you a few days late this week as the team is currently knee dee in Crufts shenanigans. If anyone of you are visiting Crufts this year do pop by and see us at Hall 3 stand 117 as we'd love to meet some podcast listeners!Todays offering has been a long time coming. As many of know PACT are a member organisation of the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). We set up a special podcast to speak to Hanne Grice and Jane Williams so they could tell you folks all about the ABTC. We took a whole bunch of Bookshelver questions and amalgamated them to ask Hanne and Jane. We had a blast exploring its structure, purpose, and the importance of being a registered practitioner. We talk about the rigorous assessment processes, the need for regulation in the industry, and our (and others) community's role in supporting that mission. Hanne and Jane also talk about the importance of ethical training and the ongoing efforts to improve standards within the animal behaviour and training sector. We tried our best to get all questions answered but we did have time constraints that meant we couldn't get to them all. We'll just have to invite them back :) You'll get the idea of just how passionate we all are about the importance of open communication and ethical considerations in our industry.Link to find out more about the ABTC:  https://abtc.org.uk/Link to get a DOGX ticket at a discounted rate until 10th march 2025: https://www.pact-dogs.com/dogx2025Link to interesting paper all about regulation: https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1011&context=paij  Link to interesting paper all about regulation: https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1011&context=paij

The wonderful human being that is Chirag Patel is this years DOGx 2025 Keynote Speaker so it was only a matter of time before we got together to chat! What resulted was one of our favourite ever episodes and we couldn’t be any more excited for this years conference. Click the link below NOW to register your interest to know when the tickets go on sale at an exclusive early bird rate and make bloomin’ sure you botty is on one of those seats!Register your interest for DOGX 2025 now!https://www.pact-dogs.com/dogx2025#register-your-interestThis was a jam packed show where we left no stone unturned. We explore Chirag's early experiences with the dog named Kane that sparked it all, how some wonderful early mentorship opportunities have shaped his views on giving back to the training community, delve into how we us trainers can foster creativity and the importance of observation. We also discuss mindfulness, how engaging fully with clients can lead to wonderful outcomes and where we should be putting our efforts in terms of inspiring the next wave of awesome animal trainers. We celebrate the realities of where positive training has got us and talk through the potential pitfalls of any movement that doesn’t follow the evidence. Chirag also muses on how societal changes have evolved our training styles and talks about being a proud Radical Behaviourist. No chat with Chirag would be complete without a good dose of Skinner and Chirag talks passionately about Skinner's philosophies including areas he wrote about that many haven’t explored.  On top of all that we also chew the fat over how social media can distort perceptions of animal training practices, How the very nature of scientific inquiry requires a level of uncertainty to flourish AND the importance of balancing technical knowledge with practical application when it comes to dog training.As an added “Bookshelver bonus” we’ve also captured Nat’s LIVE reaction to seeing Benson Boones performance at the Grammys (spoiler…she enjoyed it) Honestly this was one of our favourite shows EVER and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it from start to end! Now make like a Benson, flip off a piano and get this episode in you ear-holes... WOOF!

Grab yourselves a Wethers Original Bookshelvers... Let's chat about about getting old “Dogs are living up to twice as long as they did 40 years ago which has implications for ageing dogs’ healthcare and wellbeing. As the life expectancy of canine golden oldies increases, so does the amount of time our dogs spend in poor health, but it may be difficult for us to distinguish between normal age-related changes and serious diseases that require veterinary treatment. To help address this, BSAVA PetSavers funded a major research project at the University of Liverpool – Old Age Pets – to help vets and owners provide the best care for their senior and geriatric dogs.”We were thrilled to talk with the amazing  Lisa Wallis and Carri Westgarth about their fascinating research on aging in dogs at what their research found. We touch on cognitive development, owner and veterinary perceptions, and how the practical applications of their research led to the creation of an exciting practical resource called the Aging Canine Toolkit. Lisa and Carri share fascinating insights from their experiences researching this topic we all discuss the need for more open conversations about aging and how best to care for our dogs in their twilight years.All that and the usual tangential banter including a discussion about the reality show 'Traitors' which we are all addicted to.Go on… Pop it in your brain holes! WOOF!

In our first episode of 2025, Steve, Nat and Corrin celebrate the New Year with light-hearted waffely banter and reflections on our holiday experiences. We dangle the carrot and discuss upcoming podcast episodes featuring special guests, share funny stories about injuries during the holidays, and provide updates on what PACT has in store and future plans for the podcast. We also look reflect on last years successes, particularly the free canine body language course, and share exciting plans for future events, including DogX 2025. Then in the second half we talk on the importance of dog happiness and training goals, hopes and what we want to see more (and less) of in the upcoming year. 

In our last episode for 2024 the whole gang reflect on a year of wonderful podcasts and answer a Santa's sack full of Bookshelver questions. Thank you so much to all who've listened to us this year and we really hope you have some lovely festive time off. We'll be back in 2025 for another year of dog podding! BIG LOVE! 

Greetings Bookshelvers!We sincerely hope you're all keeping warm and toasty whilst listening this week as the weather in the UK has taken a frosty U-turn! No matter though as we have a very warm and wonderful podcast featuring the amazing Jennifer Holland talking about her book Dog Smart. We had an absolute blast exploring the intelligence and emotional lives of dogs, sharing personal anecdotes about our own dogs, and delving into Jennifer's impressive career as a journalist. Jennifer discusses her writing process and the emotional connections formed with dogs, the impact of dog interactions on human emotions, and the importance of understanding dog welfare. The conversation also delves into the potential for improved communication between dogs and humans, the overwhelming sensory experiences of dogs, the celebration of 'dogness', and the growing interest in canine cognition. The conversation also delves into Jennifer's adventurous experiences, including diving with sharks and her time on the 'vomit comet'.Steve flies solo this week so strap in for tangential meanderings around his headspace ;) Links:Buy Dog Smart hereSign up to receive our "PACT LUNCHES"