Supporting Both Ends of the Lead

Moving house is one of life’s biggest stressors - and it doesn’t just affect us humans. In this episode, we dive into how moving impacts our dogs, how to recognise the signs of stress, and what practical steps you can take to make the process smoother for everyone in the household.Linda shares her own moving experience and the unexpected ways her dogs reacted, while Caroline offers expert advice on how to reduce disruption, keep routines steady, and bring a sense of familiarity to your new home. From planning ahead to creating safe spaces, using scents, and even rethinking how you pack, this episode is packed with insights to help both you and your dogs feel calmer during a big transition.What You’ll Learn in This Episode- Why moving house ranks among the top three most stressful life events.- How dogs pick up on our stress - and the subtle ways it can show in their behaviour.- Simple strategies to keep routines consistent (meals, walks, bed placement).- The importance of familiar scents (blankets, beds, even water!) to ease the transition.- Should your dog stay home or be elsewhere on moving day?- How to reframe packing and suitcases so they don’t trigger anxiety.- Aromatherapy and floral waters: safe ways to introduce calming scents for dogs.- Stress-management tips for humans too - like the “top 3 priorities” system and quick restorative power naps.While this episode marks a short break in the podcast, we welcome listeners to share any questions about human or dog behaviour or emotions that can be answered in upcoming months.https://www.speakpipe.com/bothends

In this week's episode, we dive deep into a profound question from one of our listeners: Can our dogs help us process and explore our stuck emotions? Linda kicks off the discussion by drawing on her background as a zoologist, explaining that dogs can serve as a "simpler model" for understanding our own emotional responses. By observing our canine companions' body language, like changes in breathing or eye movements, we can gain a clearer awareness of our own emotional warning signs.The conversation then explores the incredible power of dogs to bring us positive emotions and pull us out of a negative funk. A fascinating study on sleep sounds is also shared, revealing a surprising comfort found in a dog's snore. Caroline expands on the topic by discussing the role of physical touch in the human-dog relationship. She emphasises the importance of allowing a dog to have a choice in physical contact and provides a simple, respectful method for initiating touch. This respect, she argues, not only deepens the bond with our dogs but also serves as a valuable lesson in how we interact with other humans.Linda adds to this point by sharing a captivating study on eye contact and how showing sincere interest can make you more attractive to others.The conversation wraps up by exploring how dogs can help with "stuck" emotions through the simple act of walking. They also provide a thoughtful and important perspective on using dogs to process traumatic emotions, highlighting the need for professional help in those situations.Finally, Caroline and Linda discuss a lighter topic: the common phenomenon of a reluctant partner becoming completely smitten with a new family dog. They explain that this shift often stems from overcoming fear and learning to nurture a creature that needs them, and that this should always be celebrated, never mocked.Don't miss this heartfelt and insightful discussion that covers everything from emotional well-being to respecting boundaries.Got a question for us?If you have a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast, please visit speakpipe.com/bothends and leave us a message.Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions on emotional and mental wellbeing. If anything feels concerning to you, please consider reaching out to a qualified professional for support.

In this solo episode of Supporting Both Ends of the Lead, Certified Canine Behaviourist Caroline answers a fantastic listener question about how to make travelling with your dog as smooth and stress-free as possible - specifically when heading off on a three-week campervan holiday with a young puppy.Whether you're gearing up for a long road trip or a short weekend away, this episode offers thoughtful, practical guidance to ensure your journey is enjoyable for both you and your dog. You'll learn how to prepare your dog for time on the road, how to set up a safe and comfortable travel environment, what essentials to bring, and how to support your dog throughout the trip and on your return home.We explore key considerations such as safety in transit, how to manage rest and stimulation, what to do about solo time, and why a smooth reintroduction to home life matters just as much as the trip itself. It’s all about preparation, flexibility, and tuning into your dog’s needs - so you can both make the most of your adventure.Have a question of your own? We'd love to hear it. Head to speakpipe.com/bothends to leave us a voice note, and it may be featured in an upcoming episode.Take care of both ends of the lead, and happy travels.

This week, with Linda away, Caroline tackles a common challenge many of you face: how our own anticipation can negatively impact our dog's behaviour on walks. Today's episode focuses on a listener's submission about their dog's reactivity on walks and their own struggle with tensing up on the lead and anticipating negative encounters. Caroline explores how negative anticipation can create a stressful experience for both ends of the lead, and she offers practical tips to help you regain calm and connection before and during your walks.Key Takeaways & Tips:Recognise Negative Anticipation: Just as we anticipate positive events, we can also get stuck in a rut of anticipating negative outcomes on walks, leading to tension and stress for both you and your dog.Mindset Before the Walk:Be mindful of your mindset before even leaving the house. Are you approaching the walk as a joyless task?If you feel tension building, step away from the immediate act of starting the walk. Unclip the lead or simply sit down with your dog for a moment.Paced Breathing: Try box breathing (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4) to bring yourself back to the present moment.Sensory Reset: Use cold water on your wrists or a cold drink to help ground you.Re-establish Connection:Affectionate Touch: If your dog enjoys it, try stroking them to the rhythm of your paced breathing to build oxytocin.Play: Engage in a few minutes of fun play with a favourite toy to shift energy.Simple Training: Practice basic, fun exercises like hand targets or the "name game" (look at you, then chase a treat) to build focus and positive association.During the Walk - Shifting Energy:Lead Strokes: Instead of tensing, gently stroke the lead up and down, giving yourself a physical action to focus on.Scatter Treats: Place treats on the ground to encourage sniffing, a natural displacement behaviour for dogs under stress.Change Your Gaze: The most impactful tip! When you see a "trigger" (something that sparks a reaction in your dog), turn your body 45 degrees away and look at something else in the environment (a tree, a bench, etc.). Guide your dog's attention by moving your own energy away from the trigger. This helps you both move past the situation more calmly.Get Involved!We love hearing from you! If you're facing challenges with your dog and would like support on an upcoming episode, you can:Email: caroline@barketplace.uk Voice Note: Visit https://www.speakpipe.com/bothends to leave us a voice message.Thank you for tuning in and for your continued support!

This episode marks a new segment where Caroline and Linda respond directly to listener calls. This week, they address a heartfelt voice message from a listener grappling with the recent loss of her husband and the profound impact it's had on her and her two dogs.This episode delves into the complex interplay of grief in both humans and their canine companions following a significant loss. Caroline and Linda offer compassionate guidance and practical advice, emphasising self-kindness for the grieving human and understanding the dogs' perspective during this challenging time.Understanding Grief's Impact on Humans and Dogs:Grief often manifests as a "heavy feeling," making it hard to think clearly or plan.Dogs are highly attuned to human emotions and can sense shifts in their human's emotional well-being and predictability.Dogs also experience grief for a lost family member.Releasing Guilt:The hosts strongly advocate for letting go of guilt over your emotions impacting your dogs. It's important to remember that life must continue, even with difficult adjustments.Letting Your Dog Help You:Instead of feeling solely responsible for "helping" your dog, allow them to comfort you.The Power of Touch: Physical contact with your dog can be incredibly therapeutic. If your dog is comfortable, stroke them.Looking and Talking: If touch isn't comfortable for your dog, looking lovingly into their eyes and talking to them can also release bonding hormones and provide comfort. Practical Support for You and Your Dogs:Community Support: Don't be afraid to ask friends, family, or neighbours for help with your dogs, such as walks or short visits, to alleviate guilt and provide your dogs with companionship.Professional Help: Consider a dog walker or sitter, even a few times a week, if financially possible.Filming Your Dogs: If you're concerned about how your dogs are coping when home alone, consider filming them to assess their behaviour.Morning Routines: Give yourself permission to take mornings easier when grief can be most challenging. Daily Walks: Even short walks can provide structure, a sense of accomplishment, and opportunities to connect with others.Adjusting Living Arrangements (The "Bedroom Rule"):Consider allowing your dogs to sleep closer to you, even in your bedroom, if it brings you comfort and doesn't create other issues (e.g., guarding). This can provide extra companionship during a time of loneliness.This marks a "change in privilege" for your dog during a significant life change.Addressing Specific Dog Behaviours:Vet Checks: For older dogs exhibiting new demanding behaviours, a vet check is always recommended to rule out any underlying medical or cognitive issues.Calming Support: For younger dogs showing fear or excessive barking, natural calming supplements might offer short-term support.Mental Enrichment: Simple, quick mental enrichment activities like food scatters, hide-and-seek with food, or "free work" (doggy obstacle courses) can help tire your dogs out mentally without requiring a lot of effort from you.Maintaining Structure:While flexibility is important, maintaining some "cornerstones" or "pillars" of your day, such as consistent mealtimes and bedtimes, can provide comfort and predictability for your dogs.More frequent, smaller meals might also help dogs struggling with appetite due to sadness.Grief and Self-Kindness:Each loss is significant and painful; don't expect to "get used to grief."Practice patience and self-kindness during this time. Grief cannot be hurried and requires time to heal.Embrace support from your "village" when caring for your dogs.Call to Action: If you're struggling with challenges related to living with, training, or connecting with your dog, or any stresses and strains of life with your dog, please share your story by leaving a voice note at speakpipe.com/bothends. Caroline and Linda would love to help in a future episode!

In this insightful and sometimes challenging episode, hosts Caroline Wilkinson and Linda Blair tackle a topic many dog guardians find daunting: finances. They explore how to provide the best care without succumbing to financial stress, especially during economically tricky times.Key Discussion Points----Dogs Come at a Cost: While dogs bring immense joy and mental health benefits, the financial commitment, especially with rising veterinary and insurance costs, can be significant.Reducing Costs Doesn't Mean Reducing Care: A crucial takeaway is that smart financial choices don't equate to compromising your dog's well-being.Planning for the Unexpected: The hosts emphasise the importance of being proactive with financial planning for unforeseen illnesses, injuries, or long-term medical conditions.Importance of Third-Party Liability Insurance: Even without full medical insurance, this coverage protects you if your dog causes damage or injury to others.Don't Equate Food with Love: Linda reminds listeners that affection and attention can be more meaningful to your dog than constant treats.Making Mealtime Engaging: Instead of just bowl feeding, consider hand-feeding, using puzzle toys, or doing "treasure hunts" in the garden with part of their meal to slow down eating and add enrichment.Homemade Treats: Save money by baking your own dog treats using inexpensive ingredients like liver or kidney.Remember, money is a tool, not an end in itself. Your presence and love are the most important things to your dog.What are some of your best tips for managing dog-related expenses without compromising care? Add a comment below.And if you'd like Caroline and Linda's support on a future episode of 'Supporting Both Ends of the Lead', then please leave a message with a brief summary of the challenge you're experiencing alongside your dog at: https://www.speakpipe.com/bothends

In this episode of “Both Ends of the Lead,” we explore the complex and very human emotion of guilt that so often surfaces in our relationships with our dogs. Whether it's frustration during a walk or regret after reacting poorly, guilt can weigh us down - but it doesn't have to define us.Caroline and Linda delve into how to recognise emotional triggers, reflect calmly after the moment has passed, and use that reflection as a tool for growth - for both you and your dog Discover how understanding your own patterns and your dog’s responses can lead to more compassionate, conflict-free connections.Our traditional “Just One Thing” segment encourages simple practices like breathing intentionally and knowing when to reflect - that can transform guilt into grounded, positive action.Have a challenge you’d like help with? We want to hear from you! Submit your voice message at speakpipe.com/bothends for a chance to be featured in a future episode.Tune in and take the first step toward releasing guilt and returning to the joyful heart of dog parenting: love.

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Caroline and Linda tackle a topic that many tend to avoid: pain - both in dogs and humans. With their signature openness and compassion, they explore the emotional and physical aspects of pain, how it manifests in our canine companions, and what we can do to better understand and support them.Caroline shares her experience as a canine behaviourist, revealing how behavioural challenges in dogs often have underlying pain-related causes, and why it's critical for dog guardians to recognise subtle signs. The conversation highlights how pain - especially when unexpected or chronic - can cause dogs to form negative associations and develop fears or phobias, sometimes in surprising ways.Linda draws rich parallels from human psychology, discussing how emotional pain and physical pain are deeply intertwined, both in people and in animals. Together, they unpack real-life examples, from noise phobias and reactive behaviour to trauma responses rooted in past painful events.Listeners will learn:Why dogs may react aggressively or anxiously due to undiagnosed painThe role of anticipation and muscle memory in pain-related responsesHow to help a dog (or a child) recover from pain-related fearWhy relaxation techniques, scent therapy, and environmental support matterThe importance of getting a proper vet check and considering a pain trial if behavioural issues ariseWhether you're a pet parent, behaviourist, or simply an empathetic listener, this episode offers valuable insights into the invisible role pain plays in shaping behaviour—and how we can respond with patience, curiosity, and care.

In this thoughtful and encouraging episode, the hosts of Both Ends of the Lead return with a deep dive into the concept of habit - how it forms, how it affects both humans and dogs, and how we can consciously reshape habits to create less stress and more joy in our lives. Caroline and Linda explore the three-part structure of habits (cue, response, reward), how stress and emotion influence behaviour, and how we can use shaping, positive reinforcement, and thoughtful awareness to change unhelpful patterns. The episode also emphasises the interconnectedness of human and dog well-being and invites listener participation for future Q&A episodes via submitting their challenges at: https://www.speakpipe.com/bothendshttps://www.speakpipe.com/bothendsMain Points and SummaryHosts are thrilled to be back and reconnecting with listeners.The podcast focuses on mutual support for humans and their dogs.Today's topic: rethinking habits - both positive and negative.Habits are learned behaviours, not something we’re born with.They form through repeated experiences in a specific environment.Cited author: Charles Duhigg, The Power of Habit.Habits consist of 3 parts:Cue (Trigger)Response (Behaviour)Reward (Relief or Pleasure)Important distinction: Rewards can be positive (treat, dopamine) or simply relief from stress or discomfort.Habits can be mental, emotional, or physical and often occur without conscious thought.Dogs form habits just like humans, and these can either support or hinder well-being.Example: A dog pulls on the lead → human tightens it → dog gets some desired outcome (space, relief, etc.).This creates a habit loop for both dog and guardian.Emotional drivers like anxiety, fear, frustration often reinforce less helpful habits.Stress impacts both decision-making and reaction times, often causing us to revert to ingrained habits.When stressed, we bypass reasoning - important to slow down and reassess.Professionals (trainers, coaches) provide outside perspective and can help navigate these emotional reactions.Effective change is rarely immediate - it requires patience, consistency, and awareness.For humans: Reward yourself for sticking to new behaviours, even in small ways (e.g., using a coin jar to reinforce your success).For dogs: Focus on shaping behaviour gradually with positive reinforcement.Example: Replace lunging with sniffing games or redirection using treats.Be mindful of physical space, triggers, and arousal levels.Important tip: When trying to replace an undesirable behaviour, the new behaviour must be equally or more rewarding to be effective.Linda shared an example of asking her dog to “sit” when people approach.Caroline explains this may bottle up emotion and lead to a more explosive release.Alternative: Use movement-based redirection (scatter feeding, treat tosses) or create space from the trigger.Strategy: Allow the dog to express energy in constructive ways rather than suppress it.The hosts encourage listeners to submit challenges or questions for future podcast episodes.Share stories or queries at speakpipe.com/bothends.Contributions can be anonymous and will help tailor the podcast to audience needs.Habits influence everything - from daily routines to emotional responses.Awareness, understanding, and reshaping habits (for both dogs and people) can lead to calmer, more joyful lives together.The road to change involves recognising emotional triggers and practicing more helpful behaviours, step by step.

In this episode Caroline and Linda debate another intriguing topic: What is altruism, and what is its purpose? Is altruism only evident in humans, or can dogs behave altruistically? Linda begins by defining altruism. She goes on to explain how scientists discovered the reason for altruistic behaviour—which, it turns out, is to maximise the chance that a species as a whole will survive and thrive. She also lists the many ‘side benefits’ of altruism, including better health, greater happiness, even increased longevity. But can other species—in our case of course, dogs—also behave altruistically? Caroline explains, and adds a cross-species benefit: having a dog in the family can teach children to behave more responsibly and altruistically.  But with altruism, like so many other good qualities, Linda emphasises the importance of balance. Altruism to the exclusion of self-care, she warns, creates a victim mentality, which helps neither helper nor the helped. Caroline closes this episode—the last in the first series—by encouraging listeners to extend kindness to their dog, and to behave altruistically rather than competitively towards other pet parents. Finally, while waiting for the next series of podcasts, everyone is encouraged to send Caroline and Linda examples from their own experience and to offer suggestions for further podcasts, so they can make the next series as relevant to as many listeners as possible.   What's inside this episode? 00:00 Introduction, including a definition of altruism. 02:06 Why altruistic behaviour exists and continues. 04:26 The ‘side benefits’ of altruism. 05:05 Altruistic behaviour of dog to dog is often seen. Altruistic behaviour of dog to humans is more complex. 09:53 The importance of observing animals to help us better understand humans. 11:05 The neurochemical rewards when humans and dogs behave altruistically. 12:07 How having a family pet can encourage altruistic behaviour in young children. 14:48 The importance of maintaining a balance between behaving altruistically towards others and caring for oneself. 18:27 The importance of balancing online social interactions with face to face encounters. 22:26 A reminder to try to be more altruistic than competitive towards other pet parents. 23:56 Encouraging altruism towards your dog. 25:10 Just one thing: ‘Get out there and give!’ 26:00 Caroline and Linda close this episode, explaining it’s the end of the first series of Supporting Both Ends of the Lead. Listeners are encouraged to send in experiences and suggestions about what they’d like to hear in the next series. Sign Up for our FREE SubStack Newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bothendsofthelead.substack.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠ Your Hosts Caroline Wilkinson is a Certified Animal Behaviourist. She is a Full (assessed) Member of the APDT and INTODogs – as well as a Registered Training Instructor (ABTC). Caroline is also a Certified Real Dog Yoga Practitioner and an Applied Canine Zoopharmacognosist. Caroline writes for Pets Radar, as well as a number of trusted pet brands. She also speaks around the country – presenting workshops and webinars with a focus on living more mindfully alongside our canine companions. Dr. Linda Blair is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Chartered Scientist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society and registered as a Practitioner Psychologist in the Health and Care Professions Council. She trained at Harvard and the Institute of Psychiatry in London, and has offered cognitive behavioural and mindfulness-based psychotherapy for over 40 years in the NHS and privately. She has also taught various aspects of psychology at the University of Cambridge and the Open University.

We live in a world where it’s now easier than ever to obtain what we want straight away, without having to wait long if at all.  Linda argues that missing out on anticipation means we’re missing out on a major source of enjoyment in life—that delicious sense of knowing something good is going to happen and imagining what it will be like when it does. She draws on research looking at holiday planning to illustrate her argument. Caroline explains how we can use anticipation when training our dogs. She introduces the ‘Ready Steady Go’ technique (view the training video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e34KeUnPCCQ) and explains how it can be used to decrease dogs’ anxiety and increase their joy. She also reminds us to take into consideration our dog’s breed as well as their own unique characteristics when deciding the best ways to use anticipation when we work with our dogs. At the end of the podcast, Linda and Caroline encourage listeners to think about ways to build more anticipation into their own and their dog’s lives. What's inside this episode? 00:00 Introduction. May as the month of holidays this year, and the joy that can be had anticipating holidays and free time. 04:12 We spend less time in anticipation in today’s world, and why this could be contributing to the decrease in reported happiness. 05:17 Are dogs capable of anticipation? 06:40 How to ensure human anticipation can be as joyful as possible. 07:55 The importance of and value in prioritising our dogs’ needs when we go on holiday. 09:17 Using anticipation and reward when training our dogs. 10:54 The Ready Steady Go technique explained. 15:18 How creating anticipation might enhance our dogs’ digestion. 19:40 Taking into consideration a dog’s breed and unique characteristics when using anticipation as a training aid. 21:40 The joy that can be had when anticipating a future desirable event, and a call for us to enjoy it more often. 24:36 Linda's "Just One Thing" 25:05 Caroline's "Just One Thing" Sign Up for our FREE SubStack Newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bothendsofthelead.substack.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠ Your Hosts Caroline Wilkinson is a Certified Animal Behaviourist. She is a Full (assessed) Member of the APDT and INTODogs – as well as a Registered Training Instructor (ABTC). Caroline is also a Certified Real Dog Yoga Practitioner and an Applied Canine Zoopharmacognosist. Caroline writes for Pets Radar, as well as a number of trusted pet brands. She also speaks around the country – presenting workshops and webinars with a focus on living more mindfully alongside our canine companions. Dr. Linda Blair is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Chartered Scientist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society and registered as a Practitioner Psychologist in the Health and Care Professions Council. She trained at Harvard and the Institute of Psychiatry in London, and has offered cognitive behavioural and mindfulness-based psychotherapy for over 40 years in the NHS and privately. She has also taught various aspects of psychology at the University of Cambridge and the Open University.

It might be the first time your family or friends have been able to get together at Christmas for a few years, which could be quite overwhelming for everyone, including your dog. Whether visiting dogs are the most friendly canine companions or not, meeting inside one dog's home can be unsettling for both sides. And if your dog isn't used to lots of humans visiting of late, then this episode is definitely for you. Caroline shares her top tips for making sure that introductions - and time spent together - go as smoothly as possible. Join us tomorrow for the next in our '12 Days of Stressmas' mini-series. Sign Up for our FREE SubStack Newsletter https://bothendsofthelead.substack.com/subscribe Your Hosts Caroline Wilkinson is a Certified Animal Behaviourist. She is a Full (assessed) Member of the APDT and INTODogs – as well as a Registered Training Instructor (ABTC). Caroline is also a Certified Real Dog Yoga Practitioner and an Applied Canine Zoopharmacognosist. Caroline writes for Edition Dog Magazine, as well as a number of trusted pet brands. She also speaks around the country – presenting workshops and webinars with a focus on living more mindfully alongside our canine companions. As the Founder of digital pet coaching service Barket Place, Caroline has a passion for improving connections between human and hound, with a focus on relationships and reduction of stress for canines living in a human world. She helps pet parents, like you, to work through challenges they may be experiencing with their dog's behaviour, so that they can get back to the important job of loving their dog. Dr. Linda Blair is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Chartered Scientist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society and registered as a Practitioner Psychologist in the Health and Care Professions Council. She trained at Harvard and the Institute of Psychiatry in London, and has offered cognitive behavioural and mindfulness-based psychotherapy for over 40 years in the NHS and privately. She has also taught various aspects of psychology at the University of Cambridge and the Open University. Linda is currently working as a clinician and freelance journalist. She’s written regular advice columns for the Guardian, Telegraph, Daily Mail, The Times, and Psychologies magazine. She’s a contact for the British Psychological Society’s media group, psychology expert for netmums, and author of five self-help books. Linda broadcasts frequently on radio, appears on TV and online, and is in demand as a speaker across the UK.

Stress. It’s a term we hear all too often. But do we really know what it means, and do we truly understand the effect stress has on us and on our dogs? To test yourself, think about how confidently you could answer the following questions: - Is stress always a bad thing, or can it sometimes be a force for good and if so, how? - What are the most common symptoms of stress? - What happens to our bodies and our mental capacities if life becomes so challenging that we feel stressed all the time? - To what extent is our tendency to feel stressed something we’ve learned, and to what extent is it something we have to accept as just a part of who we are? - Can we get rid of unwanted stress, and if so how? - Can we control stress—that is, can we organise our environment and structure our lives so stress is kept to a minimum? In this, Linda and Caroline’s first full length podcast, you’ll discover what stress is all about, and what impact it can have on you and your dog. You’ll learn to recognise the symptoms of stress and to know when to welcome the good sort of stress as a source of positive energy. On the other hand, when stress becomes a drain on your resources rather than an energiser, you’ll discover what you can do to control—even in some circumstances to eliminate—those feelings of exhaustion and overwhelm. Join Caroline and Linda for this not-to-be-missed first podcast in our new series for Supporting Both Ends of the Lead. What's inside this episode? 01:06 Defining Stress - what is it? What can it do to us? And what about our dogs? 09:21 Am I stressed by nature? Is stress down to Genetics or Learning? Linda discusses how stress can be impacted by our own unique DNA. 11:57 How are our dog's stress responses affected by the roles of both nature and nurture? 15:40 Can dogs overcome early stressful experiences later in life? 19:40 What unconditional love can do for over-stressed humans. 20:45 The neurochemistry of stress in humans... 28:58 And dogs. 36:37 Is my dog sleep deprived? Can they get insomnia? 39:30 7 ways to avoid becoming distressed. 51.44 An invitation to start your dog's stress journal and what it might tell you. 56.46 4 ways to reduce stress if you have already become distressed. 1:03:02 Linda's "Just One Thing" 1:03:38 Caroline's "Just One Thing" Sign Up for our FREE SubStack Newsletter https://bothendsofthelead.substack.com/subscribe Your Hosts Caroline Wilkinson is a Certified Animal Behaviourist. She is a Full (assessed) Member of the APDT and INTODogs – as well as a Registered Training Instructor (ABTC). Caroline is also a Certified Real Dog Yoga Practitioner and an Applied Canine Zoopharmacognosist. Caroline writes for Edition Dog Magazine, as well as a number of trusted pet brands. She also speaks around the country – presenting workshops and webinars with a focus on living more mindfully alongside our canine companions. Dr. Linda Blair is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Chartered Scientist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society and registered as a Practitioner Psychologist in the Health and Care Professions Council. She trained at Harvard and the Institute of Psychiatry in London, and has offered cognitive behavioural and mindfulness-based psychotherapy for over 40 years in the NHS and privately. She has also taught various aspects of psychology at the University of Cambridge and the Open University.

Welcome to our world, a brand new way of entertaining and educating those of you who enjoy life as the parent of a four-legged bundle of love. In this short introductory podcast, Certified Animal Behaviourist Caroline Wilkinson and Clinical Psychologist Dr. Linda Blair introduce themselves. You’re about to find out how this podcast series came to be, and why Caroline and Linda are perfectly qualified to be your co-hosts. So, whether you’re out on a walk with your dog or enjoying the comfort of home, we’re delighted to welcome you to the first episode of Supporting Both Ends of the Lead Podcast Series. Sign Up for our FREE SubStack Newsletter https://bothendsofthelead.substack.com/subscribe Your Hosts Caroline Wilkinson is a Certified Animal Behaviourist. She is a Full (assessed) Member of the APDT and INTODogs – as well as a Registered Training Instructor (ABTC). Caroline is also a Certified Real Dog Yoga Practitioner and an Applied Canine Zoopharmacognosist. Caroline writes for Edition Dog Magazine, as well as a number of trusted pet brands. She also speaks around the country – presenting workshops and webinars with a focus on living more mindfully alongside our canine companions. As the Founder of digital pet coaching service Barket Place, Caroline has a passion for improving connections between human and hound, with a focus on relationships and reduction of stress for canines living in a human world. She helps pet parents, like you, to work through challenges they may be experiencing with their dog's behaviour, so that they can get back to the important job of loving their dog. Dr. Linda Blair is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Chartered Scientist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society and registered as a Practitioner Psychologist in the Health and Care Professions Council. She trained at Harvard and the Institute of Psychiatry in London, and has offered cognitive behavioural and mindfulness-based psychotherapy for over 40 years in the NHS and privately. She has also taught various aspects of psychology at the University of Cambridge and the Open University. Linda is currently working as a clinician and freelance journalist. She’s written regular advice columns for the Guardian, Telegraph, Daily Mail, The Times, and Psychologies magazine. She’s a contact for the British Psychological Society’s media group, psychology expert for netmums, and author of five self-help books. Linda broadcasts frequently on radio, appears on TV and online, and is in demand as a speaker across the UK.

In this episode, Linda and Caroline provide those listeners in the UK with some advice to help enhance their experience of the unique run of long weekends we have during the Spring of 2023. If you’re outside of the UK, this episode still provides some important tips to help navigate changes that may occur during any special holiday periods you are lucky enough to celebrate.  Linda discusses how important it is to allow ourselves to enjoy rest and not feel the pressure to ‘do’ the whole time. She invites you to do these celebrations YOUR way. She also provides some great advice on what to do when you’re feeling especially tired during longer periods of celebration. Caroline supports the dogs by talking through the importance of rest and balance - how quiet time is needed amongst all the celebrations and excitement. She also shares how music can help support our dogs when loud activities are happening near to home. Finally, she discusses the importance of some small elements of fluidity in our dog’s routines year-round, so that they find it easier to cope with these sorts of changes. What's inside this episode? 00:00 Introduction 00:45 The stress of BIG occasions. 01:18 The advantage of good weather that allows us to socialise outside. 03:43 How special this run of time is. 05:00 Give yourself permission to rest. 06:00 The importance of balance for your dogs. 08:12 How much sleep does a dog need? 10:00 Fluidity in routine for our dogs. 11:45 The importance of bedtime routine to help us ease into sleep. 12:50 The cues we provide to our dogs that help them to predict what’s happening next. 14:50 Why giving children time to rest is important too. 15:50 Dogs need breaks for effective learning. 16:30 The sad news that a lie-in doesn’t help us feel more rested as adults. 17:56 Power naps over lie-ins. 19:11 Helping your dog through unique celebrations such as street parties for the King’s Coronation. 21:10 Sounds that can help ourselves and our dogs to block out unwanted noise. 23:05 Why familiarity in music can be more relaxing for humans. 25:32 Caroline's "Just One Thing" 25:50 Linda's "Just One Thing" Sign Up for our FREE SubStack Newsletter ⁠⁠⁠https://bothendsofthelead.substack.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠ Your Hosts Caroline Wilkinson is a Certified Animal Behaviourist. She is a Full (assessed) Member of the APDT and INTODogs – as well as a Registered Training Instructor (ABTC). Caroline is also a Certified Real Dog Yoga Practitioner and an Applied Canine Zoopharmacognosist. Caroline writes for Pets Radar, as well as a number of trusted pet brands. She also speaks around the country – presenting workshops and webinars with a focus on living more mindfully alongside our canine companions. Dr. Linda Blair is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Chartered Scientist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society and registered as a Practitioner Psychologist in the Health and Care Professions Council. She trained at Harvard and the Institute of Psychiatry in London, and has offered cognitive behavioural and mindfulness-based psychotherapy for over 40 years in the NHS and privately. She has also taught various aspects of psychology at the University of Cambridge and the Open University.

In this episode, Caroline and Linda ask listeners to join them in considering a challenging question for dog lovers everywhere:  Should we own dogs? The question has arisen because of a Guardian piece published on 4 February. In this challenging article, environmental historian Troy Vettese argues that if we are truly to have empathy for animals, we should think seriously about having pets. Humans, claims Vettese, have chosen to dominate animals for our own benefit, despite at times the cost to the animals themselves. Caroline counters this argument when we consider dogs specifically, because a look at the history of the human-canine relationship suggests we have chosen one another, and that both species benefit from the relationship. She and Linda agree that, given the world we live in now, simply ‘letting our dogs go free’ is neither practical nor kind.  Rather, they conclude, it’s the way we treat our dogs that’s key.  We need to consider their natural behaviours and offer them the opportunity to express those behaviours when safe to do so, and - as Vettese also argue - to see them as autonomous beings with their own lives and desires that should, whenever possible, be respected. Caroline and Linda also stress the importance of encouraging the ethical breeding of dogs; and Linda has now decided that going forward, she will choose to adopt rescue dogs. Listeners are encouraged to discuss this podcast with their loved ones, and to let Caroline and Linda know their thoughts on this important and challenging question. Connect via: https://www.instagram.com/supportingbothendsofthelead What's inside this episode? 00:00 Introduction: Is it ethical to have pets? 02:26 Overview of the history of human-canine relationship. 03:27 The parallels between parenting children and parenting our dogs. 04:30 Why the answer isn’t a simple one. 05:09 A paraphrase of this question, taking into account the need to offer the best quality of life to our dogs. 06:14 The day this podcast is recorded is National Puppy Day, spotlighting the need to fight for the rights of puppies and breed bitches. 08:22 A choice of terms to describe people who own dogs. 09:40 Similarities in aims for parents of humans and of dogs. 10:10 Authoritative parenting defined. 10:48 The need to give dogs an outlet for natural breed specific behaviours. 12:12 Widening the possibilities when it comes to keeping pets. 13:55 Pet acquisition during the pandemic, and the consequences. 14:40 Our responsibilities if we take a dog into our lives. 16:30 The importance of positive parenting. 17:25 The perils of using punishment to try to change behaviour. 19:12 Caroline’s 'Just One Thing'. 19:36 'Linda’s Just One Thing'. 20:19 Call for listeners’ opinions on this important issue. Sign Up for our FREE SubStack Newsletter ⁠⁠https://bothendsofthelead.substack.com/subscribe⁠⁠ Your Hosts Caroline Wilkinson is a Certified Animal Behaviourist. She is a Full (assessed) Member of the APDT and INTODogs – as well as a Registered Training Instructor (ABTC). Caroline is also a Certified Real Dog Yoga Practitioner and an Applied Canine Zoopharmacognosist. Caroline writes for Pets Radar, as well as a number of trusted pet brands. She also speaks around the country – presenting workshops and webinars with a focus on living more mindfully alongside our canine companions. Dr. Linda Blair is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Chartered Scientist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society and registered as a Practitioner Psychologist in the Health and Care Professions Council. She trained at Harvard and the Institute of Psychiatry in London, and has offered cognitive behavioural and mindfulness-based psychotherapy for over 40 years in the NHS and privately. She has also taught various aspects of psychology at the University of Cambridge and the Open University.

It's coming up to National Siblings Day (10th April) so, to celebrate, this episode is focussed on multi-kid and multi-dog households. Caroline and Linda explore the pros and cons of having a sibling, whether it's a human or a doggy one! For the humans, Linda discusses why being an only child - which surprisingly around 40% of us are now - can be preferable for emotional stability, but that having siblings helps you to learn empathy if rivalries are handled correctly by the parent. Caroline explores when is the right time to add another dog into your home, why choosing littermates may not be the best route to take, and how important it is to ensure all the dogs in your home can feel confident when alone - at home or in the world. Like what you're hearing? Join Caroline and Linda for a special webinar for parents of dogs who struggle to be left home alone: https://barketplace.uk/shop/the-stress-of-life-with-a-dog-you-cannot-leave/ What's inside this episode? 00:50 Why being an only child has its perks! 02:45 Should we have multi-dog households? 04:35 Are you ready for a second dog? 06:23 The luck of the draw when it comes to adding a sibling. 07:31 The parental learning achieved with child number 1. 09:44 The unique loss a firstborn child (or dog) can experience. 10:20 The opportunities a new baby provides for an older child. 12:40 Resolving sibling conflict. 14:24 How dogs can help our children to learn caregiving skills and respect for other species. 16:28 How therapy dogs can support our children. 18:45 How you can encourage your current dog's sociability, if you're not ready for a multi-dog household. 20:24 How closer age gaps between siblings cause more intense interactions. 21:22 Littermate syndrome. 24:02 Intense same-gender sibling interactions. 26:25 Multi-sibling or dog households. 27:35 Ensuring your dog is confident when solo, away from their canine siblings. 31:25 Caroline’s ‘Just One Thing’. 31:45 Linda’s ‘Just One Thing’. Sign Up for our FREE SubStack Newsletter ⁠https://bothendsofthelead.substack.com/subscribe⁠ Your Hosts Caroline Wilkinson is a Certified Animal Behaviourist. She is a Full (assessed) Member of the APDT and INTODogs – as well as a Registered Training Instructor (ABTC). Caroline is also a Certified Real Dog Yoga Practitioner and an Applied Canine Zoopharmacognosist. Caroline writes for Pets Radar, as well as a number of trusted pet brands. She also speaks around the country – presenting workshops and webinars with a focus on living more mindfully alongside our canine companions. Dr. Linda Blair is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Chartered Scientist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society and registered as a Practitioner Psychologist in the Health and Care Professions Council. She trained at Harvard and the Institute of Psychiatry in London, and has offered cognitive behavioural and mindfulness-based psychotherapy for over 40 years in the NHS and privately. She has also taught various aspects of psychology at the University of Cambridge and the Open University.

Just before the clocks ‘spring forward’ at the end of March, Linda and Caroline talk about the impact this time shift has on us humans and on our dogs - why it’s stressful, and what you can do to ease that stress. Linda starts by giving reasons why, for humans, the Spring time change is more challenging than the Autumn shift. She explains how you can ‘flow’ into the new time and experience less discomfort, creating small time shifts over a week rather than making the change all in one night, and creating reasons to look forward to getting up earlier.  She also offers listeners some useful techniques if they’re finding it difficult to fall asleep when they start going to bed earlier. Caroline counters Linda’s explanation by pointing out that for our dogs - unlike for us - the Spring shift is probably easier to adjust to than is the Autumn time change. She encourages you to put more positivity into your (now lighter) evening walk, and to spice up those walks with novelty, including walking in new places and creating a ‘sniffari’. Listeners are also encouraged to send in their own suggestions for coping with the time change, so Linda and Caroline can share them with everyone in future podcasts. What's inside this episode? 00:00 Introduction, and why the Spring time change is more stressful for humans than the Autumn shift. 01:58 How to ‘flow’ into the time change with minimal stress. 03:20 Taking the change in small steps, focusing on when you go to bed. 04:24 How to use your extra morning time joyfully while waiting for the actual time change. Introducing Morning by Alan Jenkins. 05:14 How to prepare your dog for the Spring time change, and why this is easier for dogs than the Autumn shift—the opposite of what humans find. 07:42 Why it’s so important to be kind to yourself and to make waking up a time to love. 09:39 How to make your evening walk, now in light, novel and entertaining for both you and your dog. 10:32 Why strolls are better than strenuous walks in the evening. 11:10 Introducing the 'Sniffari'. 13:52 The importance of stories to help you get off to sleep when youtry going to bed earlier. 15:17 How to make use of Andrew Weil’s 4-7-8 sleep technique. 16:30 Making the 4-7-8 more interesting. 17:45 Caroline’s ‘Just One Thing’. 17:58 Linda’s ‘Just One Thing’. Sign Up for our FREE SubStack Newsletter https://bothendsofthelead.substack.com/subscribe Your Hosts Caroline Wilkinson is a Certified Animal Behaviourist. She is a Full (assessed) Member of the APDT and INTODogs – as well as a Registered Training Instructor (ABTC). Caroline is also a Certified Real Dog Yoga Practitioner and an Applied Canine Zoopharmacognosist. Caroline writes for Pets Radar, as well as a number of trusted pet brands. She also speaks around the country – presenting workshops and webinars with a focus on living more mindfully alongside our canine companions. Dr. Linda Blair is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Chartered Scientist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society and registered as a Practitioner Psychologist in the Health and Care Professions Council. She trained at Harvard and the Institute of Psychiatry in London, and has offered cognitive behavioural and mindfulness-based psychotherapy for over 40 years in the NHS and privately. She has also taught various aspects of psychology at the University of Cambridge and the Open University.

In this episode, Linda and Caroline continue the conversation started last week around how separation can impact our dogs - and ourselves! Linda starts by normalising separation anxiety as part of human development, before sharing with us how personality types and parenting styles can impact an individual's ease with time spent alone. She also highlights the importance of valuing face-to-face relationships and minimising time spent with others online. Caroline delves into the concept of separation anxiety in our dogs - what it really is and how we can work out what our dogs are feeling. She shares how our dog's breed, sex, and historical experiences can impact their ability to feel calm alone - as well as highlighting the importance of a secure dog:human bond.  If you struggle with leaving your dog home alone and are finding it to be a great area of stress in your life, please join Caroline and Linda as they address 'The Stress of Life with a Dog You Cannot Leave' in their upcoming webinar: https://barketplace.uk/shop/the-stress-of-life-with-a-dog-you-cannot-leave What's inside this episode? 01:05 Normalising separation anxiety during human development. 02:08 How we rely on each other more than any other species. 03:28 The types of bonds our dogs form with us. 07:58 What happens when humans experience prolonged separation. 09:19 How parenting styles affect how we feel about ourselves independently. 11:23 A secure bond is needed to create trust in alone time for our dogs. 13:04 What is 'Separation Anxiety' for dogs? 16:40 How introverted or extroverted you are can impact your need to be around people. 17:30 Aloneness vs. loneliness. 18:12 Is your dog's breed responsible? 20:10 Is the time of day - or space you're leaving your dog in- impacting their stress levels? 21:58 Minimise online relationships and embrace face-to-face friendships. 23:35 Are you the one not wanting to leave your dog? 25: Join us for our upcoming webinar. 26:02 Don't ignore the signs! 26:20 Caroline's "Just One Thing" 26:40 Linda's "Just One Thing" Sign Up for our FREE SubStack Newsletter https://bothendsofthelead.substack.com/subscribe Your Hosts Caroline Wilkinson is a Certified Animal Behaviourist. She is a Full (assessed) Member of the APDT and INTODogs – as well as a Registered Training Instructor (ABTC). Caroline is also a Certified Real Dog Yoga Practitioner and an Applied Canine Zoopharmacognosist. Caroline writes for Pets Radar, as well as a number of trusted pet brands. She also speaks around the country – presenting workshops and webinars with a focus on living more mindfully alongside our canine companions. `Dr. Linda Blair is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Chartered Scientist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society and registered as a Practitioner Psychologist in the Health and Care Professions Council. She trained at Harvard and the Institute of Psychiatry in London, and has offered cognitive behavioural and mindfulness-based psychotherapy for over 40 years in the NHS and privately. She has also taught various aspects of psychology at the University of Cambridge and the Open University.

In this episode, Linda and Caroline delve into the different types of relationships we have and the communities these create. Linda explores the incredible concept of how our social circles are impacted by the size of the cortex in our brain! And Caroline discusses the concept of human influence on our dogs' lives - both those that live with us and the wider global population.  They discuss the concepts of loneliness and separation - and just how central we humans are to our domesticated dogs' lives. Finally, Caroline answers a listener's question as to how best to encourage calmness in our dogs when guests visit our homes. What's inside this episode? 00:19 Your community of relationships. 01:52 How a species' brain size affects their friendship circles. 05:24 The social devastation of the Pandemic period. 07:45 The part we play in the success of the worldwide dog population. 10:35 The control we have over our dog's human relationships. 11:50 The strength of human presence for dogs. 12:40 Should we ever be away from our dogs? 15:24 Loneliness and alone-ness. 16:30 Starting with a bond built on trust to prevent Separation Anxiety. 19:42 Should we have multiple dogs? 21:12 The human relationships dogs have. 24:00 How dogs feel about - and respond to - guests. 25:50 Encouraging calm when guests visit. 33:00 Caroline's "Just One Thing" 33:18 Linda's "Just One Thing" Sign Up for our FREE SubStack Newsletter https://bothendsofthelead.substack.com/subscribe Your Hosts Caroline Wilkinson is a Certified Animal Behaviourist. She is a Full (assessed) Member of the APDT and INTODogs – as well as a Registered Training Instructor (ABTC). Caroline is also a Certified Real Dog Yoga Practitioner and an Applied Canine Zoopharmacognosist. Caroline writes for Pets Radar, as well as a number of trusted pet brands. She also speaks around the country – presenting workshops and webinars with a focus on living more mindfully alongside our canine companions. Dr. Linda Blair is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Chartered Scientist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society and registered as a Practitioner Psychologist in the Health and Care Professions Council. She trained at Harvard and the Institute of Psychiatry in London, and has offered cognitive behavioural and mindfulness-based psychotherapy for over 40 years in the NHS and privately. She has also taught various aspects of psychology at the University of Cambridge and the Open University.