Barks from the Bookshelf

Howdy there Bookshelvers. Autumn is approaching rapidly. And whilst you’re fishing out your pullovers and slurping "pumpkin spiced" everything we've got an absolute treat for you! This week we are thrilled to welcome the amazing Kay Attwood, author of Canine Cognitive Skills! Kay’s journey is interesting and inspiring in equal measure and we marvel at her passion and dedication to her craft. Among a whole load of amazing stories we hear how persistent students led her to get creative, leading to a profound discovery about cognitive skills and their application. We talk about how a trainer’s job evolves beyond basic obedience. We discuss kay’s "lightbulb moment" when she realized that asking dogs to think could solve problems that other training techniques alone couldn't touch. We delve into the concept of canine cognitive skills and find out how having owners bursting into laughter can also lead to them accidentally becoming better trainers! It’s an infectious mix of fun and science that has created incredible longevity in her classes—from playful puppies to calm senior dogs. Steve and Corrin also talk through the areas of the book that stand out as well as discussing a recent setback for poor little Penguin ☹ So come on in, get comfy, and get some joy and creativity in those eager lug holes.Links:Buy a copy of Kays book Find out all about Kays TrainingDOGx TicketsLink to the ATA Podcast discussed on the show

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

Welcome back, Bookshelvers! In this weeks episode we welcome back the incredible Cat the Vet (Dr. Cat Henstridge) for her second appearance and another DOGx Speaker Special! Get ready for a deep dive, recorded (humorously!) from under a blanket in her new vet practice – a testament to her dedication to great sound!Cat, a prominent veterinary surgeon and renowned social media voice, is a trusted source for dispelling misinformation and offering quality advice on all aspects of pet health and welfare. You might also know her from CBBC's 'The Pets Factor' or her many TV and radio appearances. As alluded to above we're beyond thrilled that Cat will also be a speaker at DOGX 2025 on Sunday, October 12th, at Winchester University!In this jam packed conversation, we cover:Behind the Practice Door: Cat's journey to becoming a vet, the common "childhood dream" narrative, and the surprising reality that being a vet is often more about people than just animals.The Power of Sound & Scent in Vet Practices: A fascinating tangent on how clinic environments impact animal behaviour and welfare, and why these factors are often underestimated.Regulation in the Pet Professional World: A crucial, candid discussion on the lack of consistent regulation in dog training and behaviour compared to the veterinary field. Cat bravely tackles the "soup of acronyms" in qualifications and the vital need for quality control in education.Building Bridges Between Professions: How vets and paraprofessionals (like trainers and behaviourists) can better collaborate, refer, and build trust – essential for optimizing animal welfare.Navigating Online Misinformation: Cat offers invaluable advice on fact-checking what you see on social media, identifying confidence vs. correctness, and the danger of "kernel of truth" myths.The Rise of Tech in Vet Med: An exciting look at new, non-invasive diagnostic tools (like the HTVista and AI for reading X-rays) and how technology is shaping the future of veterinary care.The Mark of a Good ProfessionalIf you're invested in animal welfare, ethical practice, and cutting through the noise in the pet world. Prepare for all the honesty, humour, and a whole lot of wisdom (mostly from Cat)!Cat facts:Cat Henstridge BVSc ESVPS Cert GP (SAM) MRCVSCat graduated from Bristol University in 2003 and works as a small animal veterinary surgeon at Peak vets. Cat is a published author and writes a number of articles for various veterinary and non-veterinary publications. She is a vet on the BBC Children’s Television Show – The Pets Factor and is passionate about promoting animal welfare. Cat also has a significant social media presence that has gained her millions of views as "Cat the Vet" where her videos educate and entertain in equal measure.Links:TikTok FacebookInstagramDOGx Tickets

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

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

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

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

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