Poodle People

Unleash your passion for pet grooming and discover the unexpected journey that led Nissa Kyte from the classroom to the grooming table. In this episode, Nissa shares how her love for her Samoyed, Luna, ignited her career in dog grooming and transformed her life. If you're a budding groomer or a pet parent curious about grooming, this conversation is a must-listen! Nissa, a certified groomer from Leicestershire, England, reveals the pivotal moments that shifted her career from teaching to managing a successful home-based grooming business. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of starting from scratch, including the rigorous training process and the importance of creativity in grooming. You'll discover: The unique skills that transferred from her teaching career to grooming. How to elevate everyday grooming practices with innovative techniques. Insights into the grooming certification process in the UK and the various pathways available for aspiring groomers. The significance of building a personal brand and the role of competitions in establishing credibility in the grooming industry. Nissa's journey not only highlights the technical aspects of grooming but also emphasizes the emotional connection between pet and groomer. The stakes are high when it comes to ensuring your pet is not only well-groomed but also happy and healthy. This episode opens the door to countless opportunities for both personal and professional growth in the pet care industry. This conversation is perfect for anyone looking to explore the world of pet grooming, whether you're considering a career change or simply want to learn more about caring for your furry friends. Tune in for an engaging discussion that promises to inspire and educate!

Dog Walking, Wellbeing, and Pet-Friendly Travel with Lori HoyKarin talks with Lori Hoy, a researcher at Leeds Beckett University, about how dog walking shapes well-being, outdoor recreation, and travel experiences in the UK and the US. Lori shares how her research began with her dog Princess Buttercup and grew into studies on responsible recreation, safety, phone use on walks, and dog festivals. In this episode, Lori explains how dog walking became the focus of her PhD during COVID, how UK access laws shape walking habits, and why dog owners often see walks as an obligation for the dog rather than a personal outdoor activity. The conversation also explores the well-being benefits of walks, the role of dogs as social facilitators, and the rising popularity of dog-centered travel and events. Key topicsLori shares how her research started with hospitality and travel, then shifted to dog walking during COVID restrictions in the UK. Princess Buttercup, a small Shih Tzu and Pomeranian mix, inspired Lori’s academic interest in pets, travel, and dog-friendly experiences. As a research assistant at Leeds Beckett University, Lori supports research on responsible recreation in protected sites, especially national nature reserves. In the UK, dogs are often off-leash by default in many outdoor areas, unlike the more leash-restricted culture many Americans are used to. Public footpaths and open-access land create a different countryside experience in England, while also raising questions about livestock, wildlife protection, and safety. Dog walkers may not identify as “outdoor recreationists,” even though they regularly use outdoor spaces. Lori’s research points to well-being benefits from dog walking, including reduced stress, improved mood, and a stronger appreciation for where people live. Phone use on walks is a growing area of interest. Most people bring a phone, and more than half report using it on walks; heavier phone use appears related to lower pet attachment and less connection to nature. Safety matters to walkers, including clear paths, phone signal, potential hazards, and feeling welcome in a space. Lori’s travel research highlights both the benefits and complications of traveling with a dog—from social connection to pet policies, hidden rules, and finding suitable road-trip stops. Dog festivals bring together shopping, training, expert advice, charities, and social connection for dogs and their people.Timestamps00:00 - Lori’s dog-walking research and how it began during COVID00:59 - Shared outdoor leisure spaces, well-being, and protected sites02:25 - Lori’s marketing background and meeting Princess Buttercup03:45 - Why Buttercup inspired research into travel and hospitality with dogs04:59 - What a research assistant does at Leeds Beckett07:28 - Dog population differences and leash culture in the UK and US11:52 - Natural England and responsible recreation on protected sites15:57 - City, suburban, and rural walking differences18:56 - Livestock, public footpaths, and managing risk21:08 - Dog walkers as caretakers—and sometimes unintentional recreationists22:52 - Dog walking and well-being for people and dogs25:09 - How a walk can affect mood and stress26:48 - Phone use on walks and why it matters30:37 - How often people walk dogs in the UK and US32:44 - Rain, cold, and walking dogs in British weather36:10 - Safety, hazards, and feeling welcome outdoors39:19 - Recall training when dogs are off-leash40:58 - Princess Buttercup’s favorite walks44:28 - How Buttercup shaped Lori’s travel research47:14 - The safety paradox of traveling solo with a dog50:24 - Road trips, rest stops, and dog-walking breaks53:55 - Dog festivals as travel experiences55:17 - Goodwoof and what makes a dog festival enjoyable57:45 - What people value about dog festivals

Ken Ramirez shares his extensive experience in animal training, the evolution of positive reinforcement methods, and the impact of Karen Pryor's work on the industry. Discover how modern training techniques have transformed animal care and training worldwide. keywordsanimal training, positive reinforcement, Karen Pryor, clicker training, guide dogs, zoological training, behavior certification, training courses Key topicsHistory of guide dog training and shift from punishment to positive reinforcementKen Ramirez's zoological work with marine mammals, big cats, and birdsThe development and impact of Karen Pryor's clicker trainingGlobal reach and certification of positive reinforcement trainersDetails of the Karen Pryor Academy professional and behavior coursesChapters00:00 Introduction to Ken Ramirez and his background01:49 Ken's early career in guide dog training in the 1970s04:11 The shift from punishment to positive reinforcement in guide dog training07:08 Ken's zoological work with marine mammals, big cats, and birds11:10 Relationship-building with individual animals over species13:08 Global experience and travel in animal training14:57 Karen Pryor's role in popularizing clicker training18:00 The growth of Karen Pryor's organization and international influence21:06 Certification and standards in positive reinforcement training25:00 The structure and offerings of Karen Pryor Academy29:02 Details of the professional training courses and certification process36:14 Advice for aspiring trainers and interested individuals38:01 Resources for learning about positive reinforcement and clicker training41:05 Karen Pryor's books and recommended reading42:59 How to learn more and get involved in training community

In this episode, Ellen Furlong from Transylvania University's Dog Cognition Lab shares insights on dog behavior, training myths, and her research on canine cognition and development. Discover how scientific research is shaping modern dog training and understanding. keywordsdog cognition, dog training, impulse control, dog behavior myths, canine psychology, dog lab, developmental psychology, dog training methods, science communication, animal behavior key topicsDog cognition research at Transylvania UniversityMyths about impulse control in dogsThe impact of generalization in dog trainingThe role of individual needs in trainingScience communication in dog trainingResearch on dog domestication and perceptionThe influence of social cognition on dogsEducational approaches in dog behavior classesThe gap between scientific best practices and public training methods sound bites"Impulse control is not a magic bullet.""We work specifically on impulse control for cars.""Not all dogs can handle all activities."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Transylvania University's Dog Cognition Lab02:01 Impulse Control and Dog Behavior Myths04:11 Research on Dog Cognition and Development05:38 Student Engagement and Research at the Dog Lab07:43 Public Adoption of Modern Dog Training Practices09:10 Science Communication in Dog Training15:03 Individual Needs and Realistic Dog Training Goals17:03 Challenging Cultural Expectations of Perfect Dogs19:33 Background in Primates and Transition to Dogs21:01 Training and Education in Dog Cognition23:56 Ellen's Book on Dog Cognition and Domestication26:19 Creating the Audiobook and Its Focus28:02 Resources and How to Connect with the Dog Lab

The legendary event, Poodle Day, acts as a global cultural bridge, creating a sense of pride and connection among international poodle lovers. Poodle Day is October 3, 2026, and registration opens July 31. Register at https://poodleday.com/parade/I am so pleased that I had a chance to talk to the people behind the scenes, include Poodle Day founder, Sue Rose. Join us as we explore the history, growth, and community spirit behind Poodle Day, a beloved annual celebration that brings poodle enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. Discover how Sue Rose and Diana Kerr have nurtured this event into a vibrant showcase of companionship, breed pride, and local collaboration.In this episode:The origins of Poodle Day and the vision behind the event starting in 2010The role of NorCal Poodle Rescue and its significance in the breed-specific rescue communityHow the event has evolved from a simple parade to a multi-day celebration with wine tastings, parties, and fun competitionsLessons learned from 17 years of organizing and growing the event sustainablyInsights into judging, breed standards, and what makes a winning poodleThe community connections fostered through Poodle Day, including international visitors and local volunteersThe importance of preserving breed integrity and challenging stereotypes about poodles