Sit, Paws and Listen

Welcome to Sit, Paws and Listen with Will HodgettsIn this episode Will is joined by Lauren Davis, aka The Sleep Vet, to explore the often-overlooked world of canine sleep and why proper rest is just as important as exercise, food and training.From puppies and working dogs to older dogs living with joint problems, Lauren explains how much sleep dogs need, why daytime naps matter, and how their environment can make a huge difference.The conversation also covers choosing the right dog bed, supporting dogs with osteoarthritis, reducing slips with better flooring, and spotting the early signs that your dog may be struggling with pain or mobility.They also discuss puppy socialisation, the importance of restorative sleep, and what the future could look like for canine sleep tracking and wearable technology.Connect with Lauren: Lauren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesleepvet/The Sleep Vet: https://www.instagram.com/thesleepvet/Vet Relieve UK: https://www.instagram.com/vetrelieveuk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Sit, Paws and Listen with Will HodgettsIn this episode Will is joined by animal welfare lawyer and policy expert Vanessa Barnes to explore the future of responsible dog breeding and the importance of putting health before appearance.Vanessa explains the Innate Health Assessment (IHA), a free, ten-point visual assessment designed to help breeders, vets, owners and regulators identify physical traits linked to poor welfare, including breathing difficulties, restricted mobility and problems caused by extreme conformation.The conversation explores why the goal isn't to ban breeds, but to reduce exaggerated features and preserve healthier dogs for future generations. They discuss flat-faced breeds, eye and tail abnormalities, merle genetics, caesarean dependence, responsible breeding, consumer choice and the challenges facing regulators.With nearly 1,700 dogs already assessed, the IHA is gaining momentum in the UK and internationally,Connect with Vanessa Barnes and IHA:Vanessa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-barnes-7a6a2840IHA:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Sit, Paws and Listen with Will HodgettsWhat if better behaviour starts with better communication?This week Will is joined by Australian canine behaviourist and author Sarah Rutten, who has more than 20 years of experience helping people understand their dogs through force-free, reward-based training.Sarah explains what force-free training really means and why using food, play, patience and positive reinforcement can create stronger relationships between dogs and their guardians. They explore why punishment and aversive tools such as choke chains, prong collars and shock collars can often increase fear, reactivity and aggression rather than address the root of the problem.The conversation also looks at the importance of puppy socialisation, particularly during those crucial early weeks, and why skills such as recall should be introduced from the beginning. Sarah challenges common myths around dominance, pack hierarchy and the idea that dogs are simply “badly behaved”, explaining how many behaviour issues actually come down to communication.They also discuss the impact of keeping puppies isolated until vaccinations are complete, lessons from the rise of pandemic “COVID dogs”, Sarah’s books and AI-assisted training app, and the wider ethics of how we choose to train our pets.Ultimately, this is a conversation about changing the way we see our dogs, from animals that need controlling to intelligent, social beings that deserve understanding, structure and compassion.Because sometimes the best way to improve your dog’s behaviour is simply to understand them better.Connect with Sarah Rutten & The Canine PerspectiveFacebook: The Canine PerspectiveFree Facebook Community: The Canine Perspective CommunityLinkedIn: Sarah Rutten on LinkedInThe Canine Perspective App: Access the appBook: The Canine Perspective: Force-Free Methods for Pawtential — available on Amazon UK: Buy the book on AmazonWebsite: The Canine PerspectiveSarah works with clients all around the world, offering online programmes and support, meaning distance is no barrier to accessing The Canine Perspective. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Sit, Paws and Listen with Will HodgettsBehind every police dog, military dog, prison dog, and service horse is a remarkable story of loyalty, courage, and sacrifice. But what happens when their working life comes to an end?In this inspiring episode, Will Hodgetts is joined by Lady Bathurst, founder of the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA), to discuss the incredible work the charity does in supporting retired service animals and the people who cared for them throughout their careers.From covering unexpected veterinary costs to providing emotional support for handlers, Lady Bathurst shares the powerful mission behind the charity and why these animals deserve the very best retirement after dedicating their lives to protecting ours.Why this episode matters:Service animals dedicate their lives to protecting our communities, often placing themselves in harm's way alongside their handlers. Yet once they retire, many still require specialist care, ongoing medical treatment, and financial support.This episode shines a light on the extraordinary work of the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals and reminds us that while these animals may finish their service, they should never be forgotten.Whether you're a dog lover, work in emergency services, or simply want to hear an inspiring story of compassion and commitment, this is an episode that celebrates the heroes we don't always see.Connect With Lady B and the NFRSA: NFRSA: https://www.instagram.com/nfrsa_official?igsh=ZTVxd2g4NThybTUyLady Bathurst: https://www.instagram.com/cotswold_lady_b/?hl=enwww.nfrsa.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Sit, Paws and Listen with Will HodgettsWhat does the future of responsible dog breeding really look like?In today's episode, Will is joined by Victoria Ellsmore to explore how science, education, and ethical breeding can improve the lives of dogs for generations to come.From healthier breed standards and genetic diversity to the influence of social media and advertising, Victoria explains why welfare should always come before appearance. Together, they discuss the challenges facing modern dog ownership and how collaboration across breeders, charities, researchers, and the pet industry can create lasting positive change.Whether you're a breeder, dog owner, or simply passionate about canine welfare, this is an essential conversation about shaping a healthier future for our four-legged companions.Connect With VictoriaAll Tails Media: https://www.instagram.com/alltailsmedia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.