Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese

In this week's episode, Vanessa and Killian explore the fascinating connection between dogs and dolphins, discussing their behaviours, intelligence, and the unique bonds they form with humans. Vanessa shares her personal experiences with dolphins, particularly as a free-diver and marine biologist, highlighting their playful nature and the empathy they share with dogs. The discussion also touches on the ethical considerations of human interactions with dolphins, dolphin therapy and the importance of preserving marine life, especially in our beautiful Irish waters. Find out more about Perfect Paws Dog Training : Instagram:  @perfect_paws_dog_training_ire  Find out more about Ruby Reese: Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial Website: www.ruby-reese.com Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs. 00:00 Introduction 09:12 The Evolutionary Connection Between Dogs and Dolphins 14:57 Unraveling the Intelligence of Dolphins 19:50 Dolphins' Remarkable Perception and Communication 22:27 The Energetic Connection Between Humans, Dogs, and Dolphins 24:09 The Incredible Senses of Dolphins 26:56 Dolphins in the Wild vs. Captivity 30:24 Protecting Dolphins and Dogs 41:14 Outro 

In this episode, Michael and Killian explore the intricacies of running small businesses in Ireland, particularly focusing on the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into organising large events like Pet Expo. We discuss the evolution of Pet Expo over the years, the challenges faced in event planning, the importance of communication with exhibitors and visitors, and the sheer scale of the event. Michael shares insights into the trends in the pet industry and memorable moments from past events, highlighting the dedication of both exhibitors and attendees. Pet Expo 2024 Dublin National Show Centre Swords October 19th and 20th 2024 11am - 6pm Online Tickets available here Find out more about Pet Expo : Instagram: @pet_expo  Website: www.petexpoireland.com Find out more about Ruby Reese: Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial Website: www.ruby-reese.com Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs. Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:16 Behind the Scenes at PetExpo 10:52 The Evolution of PetExpo 20:30 Event Planning and Logistics 33:46 Engaging the Community 40:30 Trends and Challenges in the Pet Industry 51:13 Closing Remarks 53:17 Outro

In this conversation, Anne and Killian discuss the implications of breed specific legislation (BSL) in Ireland, particularly focusing on the upcoming XL Bully ban. We explore the flaws of BSL, the misconceptions surrounding dog behaviour, and the impact of such legislation on responsible dog owners and the dogs themselves. We discuss the need for community-based solutions, education, and awareness to improve dog safety and welfare, rather than punitive measures that unfairly target certain breeds and their owners. Find out more about AniEd : Instagram: @aniedireland Website: www.anied.ie/ Find out more about Dog in Society: Instagram: @dogs_in_society Statement of the ineffectiveness of BSL Find out more about Ruby Reese: Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial Website: www.ruby-reese.com Book Recommendation: “Pit Bull” by Bronwen Dickey Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs. 00:00 Introduction to Breed Specific Legislation 02:19 Understanding Breed Specific Legislation in Ireland 05:12 The Impact of Media on Dog Breed Perception 08:16 The Role of Upbringing and Training in Dog Behaviour 11:14 The Misconception of Dangerous Breeds 14:06 The Limitations of Breed Identification 17:16 Behavioural Nuances in Dogs 20:09 The Stigma Surrounding Certain Breeds 23:13 The Effect of Legislation on Responsible Dog Owners 26:14 The Ineffectiveness of Breed Specific Legislation 29:10 The Societal Impact of Dog Ownership 32:23 Alternatives to Breed Specific Legislation 35:11 Community-Based Solutions for Dog Safety 38:07 The Importance of Education in Dog Ownership 41:21 The Role of Policymakers in Dog Welfare 44:27 Conclusion and Call to Action 58:25 Outro

In this week's episode, Claire Quinlan joins us to discuss the fascinating world of gundogs, exploring their history, evolution, and the differences between show lines and working lines. She emphasises the importance of understanding a gundog's needs, the challenges they may face in homes as pets, and how to choose the right breed of gundog. The conversation highlights the significance of matching a dog's energy with the owner's lifestyle and the potential for a rewarding relationship when their needs are met. Find out more about Snout and About Kerry : Instagram: @snoutandaboutkerry Website: https://snoutandabout.ie/ Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs. 00:00 Introduction 04:28 The Origins and Evolution of Gundogs 08:54 The Distinction Between Working Lines and Show Lines 13:39 Training Gundogs for Other Roles and Sports 19:20 Gundogs as Pets: Challenges and Considerations 25:10 The Rise of Working Line Dogs in Pet Homes 33:43 Enrichment and Fulfilling Breed-Specific Desires 50:30 Conclusion and Outro

In this conversation, Killian from Little Woofers joins Killian from Ruby Reese to discuss the importance of holistic health for dogs, focusing on the often-overlooked aspect of pain and its impact on behaviour. The discussion covers various topics including the subjective nature of pain, the connection between pain and behavioural issues, signs of pain in dogs, the role of gait analysis, common conditions affecting dogs, and the importance of advocating for your dog's health. Killian emphasises the need for pet owners to observe their dogs closely and to take proactive steps in managing their health and well-being. Find out more about Little Woofer : Instagram: @littlewoofersdogtraining Website: www.littlewoofersdogtraining.ie Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 05:43 Understanding Pain in Dogs: Subjectivity and Challenges 07:43 The Link Between Pain and Behavioural Issues in Dogs 12:25 Recognising Signs of Pain in Dogs 14:13 Exploring the Connection Between Pain and Aggression 23:46 Assessing Pain through Gait Analysis 24:05 The Importance of Gait Assessment 26:30 Understanding the Relationship Between Pain and Behaviour 32:25 Practical Tips for Preventing and Mitigating Pain 39:10 Being an Advocate for Your Dog's Health 47:46 Outro 

In this episode we are joined by Louise Griffey, grief recovery specialist, to discuss the topic of grieving the loss of a pet. We explore how grief is emotional pain and that the depth of grief experienced when losing a pet can be just as intense as losing a human. Louise emphasises that every relationship with a pet or human is unique and should not be compared. She encourages us to seek the right kind of support from safe people in your inner circle or from professionals specialising in pet loss. Louise also discusses with Killian the common emotions experienced during grief, such as guilt and regret, and suggests coping strategies, including reframing guilt and finding ways to honour and remember the pet. For friends hoping to support others, we cover how it is important to listen without judgment and criticism, and check in on the person weeks, months, and even years later. We discuss different myths around grief including the stages of grief concept as well as the myth that time alone will heal. Is it really necessary to actively process and feel the pain and how do numbing behaviours impact the healing process. We touch on the questions when is it the right time to get a new pet, how we speak to children around pet loss and where people can look to receive support. Find out more about Light after Loss : Instagram: @Lightafterloss Website: https://www.lightafterloss.ie/  Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:19 Understanding Grief and Pet Loss 05:11 The Intensity of Grief: Comparing Pet Loss to Human Loss 08:18 The Bond with Pets and the Difficulty of Understanding 14:27 Finding Support During Pet Loss 19:38 Guilt and Regret in Pet Loss 23:45 Coping with Guilt and Regret 27:43 Honouring and Remembering a Pet 32:03 Supporting Someone Who Has Lost a Pet 39:00 The Myth of the Stages of Grief 42:42 Time Does Not Heal All Wounds 50:00 Supporting Other Household Pets and Children 54:34 Considering a New Pet After Loss 58:59 Coping with the Loss of a Pet 01:01:48 Outro

In this conversation, Killian and Suzi Walsh discuss the emotional lives of dogs. They explore how dogs experience emotions and the scientific evidence that supports this. They also debunk misconceptions about spoiling dogs and emphasise the importance of meeting their emotional needs. The conversation highlights the role of nature and nurture in shaping a dog's emotions and the significance of positive experiences in their daily lives. Ongoing research is focused on understanding facial expressions in dogs and their unique ability to communicate with humans. Find out more about Suzi and Dogbehaviour.ie: Instagram:  @dogbehaviour.ie Website: dogbehaviour.ie Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs. 00:00-Introduction and Overview 05:42-Scientific Evidence of Dogs' Emotional Experiences 11:33-Common Emotions Displayed by Dogs 16:40-The Role of Upbringing and Environment in Shaping Dog Emotions 21:38-Forming Emotional Bonds with Other Animals 25:42-Processing Loss and Grief in Dogs 28:29-Helping Dogs Cope with Negative Emotions 31:47-The Importance of Positive Emotions in Dogs' Lives 34:45-Dispelling the Myth of Spoiling Dogs and Behaviour Problems 37:04-Understanding Dog Behaviour for Effective Training 37:34-The Power of Positive Reinforcement in Dog Training 38:18-Seeking Professional Help for Complex Behaviour Issues 38:27-Outro

Caroline from Dogsercise joins the podcast this week to talk about the dog sport flyball. Flyball is a fast-paced relay race where dogs jump over hurdles, trigger a flyball box to release a ball, and retrieve the ball back over the hurdles. Caroline explains that flyball is suitable for all breeds of dogs that are healthy and socially capable. She emphasises the importance of proper training and body awareness to prevent injuries. Flyball is still relatively new in Ireland, but Caroline hopes to see more teams and competitions in the future. Find out more about Dogsercise : Instagram: @dogsercise.ie Website: https://dogsercise.ie/flyball/ Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs. 00:00-Introduction to Fly Ball 10:34-Training and Socialisation 15:14-Suitable Dog Breeds 19:58-Building a Strong Bond 28:39-Injury Prevention 35:14-Growing Fly Ball in Ireland 35:16-Prioritising Mental Health for Dogs 35:45-Supporting Small Businesses 36:14-Insights from the Irish Dog Community Survey 36:21-Outro

This week, Killian and special guest Vanessa Fagan discuss the topic of finding the right fit when choosing a dog. They highlight the importance of considering factors such as lifestyle, energy levels, size, age, grooming, and maintenance requirements when selecting a dog breed. They caution against choosing a dog based solely on looks or popular trends, and emphasise the need for thorough research and understanding of the breed's characteristics. They also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of getting a puppy versus adopting an older dog. The conversation covers various topics related to dog ownership, including the importance of honesty and communication between trainers and owners, the development of the dog culture in Ireland, the behavioural characteristics of crossbreeds, the suitability of different breeds for families, the impact of work schedules on dog ownership, and the financial commitment of owning a dog. The key takeaway is that thorough research, open communication, and proper training are essential for successful dog ownership. Find out more about Perfect Paws Dog Training : Instagram:  @perfect_paws_dog_training_ire  Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

This week we speak with Petra from wellbehaved.ie all about agility for dogs. Agility is a team sport that involves a dog and a handler navigating through various obstacles. It originated in the 1970s as a form of entertainment and has since evolved into a professional sport in many countries. Some of the best-known countries for agility are Germany, Czech Republic, and Austria. In Ireland, there are multiple organisations where people can compete in agility. Any dog can participate in agility, but certain breeds are more commonly seen - a dog's physical ability and fitness is usually the more limiting factor. The benefits of agility training include strengthening the bond between the dog and handler, improving physical fitness, and enhancing obedience and behaviour. Basic equipment for agility training can be created at home, and competitions are open to the public and can be watched on platforms like YouTube. Find out more about Wellbehaved.ie : Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellbehaved.ie/  Website: wellbehaved.ie Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

In this episode, Darina and Killian discuss the predatory sequence in dogs, picking up from where they left off in part 1. They explore the remaining steps of the sequence and highlight how predatory instincts are still present in out pet dogs but are expressed very differently. We learn how the instincts can be channeled and enriched in the modern world and Darina and Killian emphasise the importance of individualising enrichment activities based on each dog's preferences and needs. Find out more about Polaris : Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/polarisdogtraining⁠ Website: ⁠https://polarisdog.training/⁠  Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.  00:00-Introduction and Recap of Part 1 03:09-Catch and Grab-Bite 08:20-Kill-Bite and Kill 10:21-Ways to Fulfil Predatory Needs 13:40-Parade 15:56-Dissection 24:11-Consume 26:46-Applying the Predatory Sequence in Training 32:02-The Predatory Sequence Helps Understand Dog Behaviour 35:10-Conclusion and Closing Remarks

In this conversation, Killian and Darina discuss the fascinating topic of predation and the predatory sequence in dogs. We explore the genetic instinctual need of dogs to hunt and how it originated from their ancestral cousins, wolves. We explain the different stages of the predatory sequence and discuss how certain breeds of dogs have been selectively bred for specific traits related to predation. The conversation highlights the importance of providing dogs with natural outlets to satisfy the modern remnants of their instinctual need to hunt and offers suggestions for enrichment activities. This episode explores the different stages of the predatory sequence in dogs, focusing on orienting, sight, stalk, and chase. A second episode will cover the remaining segments of the sequence. Find out more about Polaris : Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polarisdogtraining  Website: https://polarisdog.training/  Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.  00:00-Introduction and Background 08:11-Understanding Predation and the Predatory Sequence 11:41-Orientate 21:33-Sight 26:59-Stalk 32:41-Chase 40:04-Outlook to Part 2

In this episode we are joined by Andy from Fluffy Paw's Doggie Daycare in Naas to discuss the topic of socialising dogs. Andy knows first-hand the importance of socialisation for both the dogs and their humans, as it makes their lives easier and helps them navigate social events and interactions. Andy is a big fan of an individualised approach to socialisation, taking into account each dog's energy, temperament, and experiences. Andy and Killian discuss the challenges of socialising dogs during different life phases, such as the teenage phase when hormones can affect behaviour. Check out this episode for tips and insights into all things socialisation.  Find out more about Fluffy Paws: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluffypaws.ie/  Website: https://fluffypaws.ie/  Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs. 

In this episode, Catherine from “Snout & About” and I dive into the topic of difficult dogs. The definition of a difficult dog is of course highly subjective and often based on the owner's expectations. We discuss how modern society has shifted its expectations for dogs and the challenges that arise from exposing them to human-created, crowded and highly stimulating environments. We explore how to identify triggers and stress in dogs, the importance of managing said stress, and the concept of a cortisol holiday. Additionally, we touch on the impact of human expectations of our dogs and of training and how to handle other people's opinions about our dogs. We wrap up the episode by discussing desensitisation techniques, the importance of building a strong foundation, and why it is important to seek the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviourist sooner than later to help you on your journey.  Find out more about Snout & About : Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snoutandaboutcork/ Website: https://snoutandabout.ie/ Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs. 

In this engaging episode, I had a delightful conversation with Niamh from Polite Paws about the fascinating world of cats and dogs. We delved into the importance of understanding each animal as an individual and recognising their unique responses to each other. Our discussion highlighted the distinct social behaviours, body language, and predatory instincts of cats and dogs, emphasising that understanding these differences is crucial for fostering a harmonious relationship between the two species. We also touched on the risks and challenges posed by free-roaming cats, emphasising the need for responsible pet ownership. Introducing cats and dogs requires a structured approach, starting with scent swapping and progressing to supervised interactions in a divided space. This gradual process helps build tolerance and a calm coexistence. Proper training and preparation are essential, with dogs being trained in behaviours like hand targeting and settling, while cats become comfortable navigating high spaces and having escape routes. It's generally thought to be easier to introduce a dog into a cat's home, as dogs can be trained to respect the cat's space. However, cat tests for rescue dogs are not always reliable indicators of compatibility. In cases of aggression, the safety of both animals is paramount, and seeking veterinary care and professional guidance is crucial if necessary. With careful introduction and training, cats and dogs can influence each other’s behaviours positively and even form strong bonds. Join us in this episode to learn valuable tips and insights on creating a peaceful and happy environment for both cats and dogs. Find out more about Niamh and "Polite Paws": Instagram: @politepawsirl Website: www.politepaws.ie Find out more about us: www.ruby-reese.com Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Very First Podcast Episode 05:40 Introduction of Topic: Cats & Dogs 07:30 Niamh’s Background 09:22 Choosing the Topic: Cats and Dogs 11:25 Differences Between Cats and Dogs 13:21 Misunderstandings and Issues Between Cats and Dogs 16:31 Challenges of Free-Roaming Cats 20:26 Introducing Cats and Dogs Successfully 24:59 Preparing Dogs and Cats for Introduction 27:37 Introducing Dogs to Cats: Step-by-Step Process 33:28 Introducing Cats to Dogs: Building Tolerance 35:47 The Importance of Proper Introductions for Rescue Dogs 40:02 Handling Aggression: Ensuring Safety for All 43:29 The Power of Influence: How Cats and Dogs Impact Each Other 47:21 Conclusions