Dogs with Jobs

Duke is a working cocker spaniel.  A rescue dog, who has, thanks to the training expertise of Service Dogs UK, forged a surprise career as a fully trained PTSD service dog with British army veteran, Pete. Spending Saturday at a busy country show in itself demonstrates the impact Duke has had on the life of his owner and handler. Before his partnership with Duke, Pete couldn't go into a shop. He explains how Duke helps him when he’s at risk of an PTSD episode and the practical and emotional support he provides.  Dogs with Jobs presenter, Kate Fairweather, met Duke and Pete at the South Downs Show in August (and was so transfixed by Duke and Pete that she forgot to take a photo!)... A big thank you to Pete for talking to Dogs with Jobs and giving an insight into how Duke has transformed his life and become part of his wider family.   Connected episodes on assistance dogs Mika, the well being and trauma support dog in the Metropolitan Police  By your side: navigating life with a guide dog over time Ralph, the owner-trained, multi-tasking assistance dog - perfect for a Rogate teenager Darcey, the Canine Partner: an assistance dog relationship in full bloom Benjy, the trainee guide dog's first five weeks on the job Daisy, the autism assistance dog - practical, psychological and emotional support Do you work your dog? Or perhaps you know someone else who might like to come on the show?  I love all and any working dogs and am always looking for dogs to interview.  Get in touch with me, Kate, via team@shineradio.uk. Find more dogs with interesting jobs.  © & ℗ Kate Fairweather, 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sara McCarthy took her Working Cocker Spaniel, Logan, to her local Canicross club a few years ago, to get outside a bit more.  She and Logan have gained so much more from the exhilarating sport of Canicross. Indeed, they love the sport so much that they recently joined the elite group of canine and human athletes that have completed an ultra-marathon. Sara explains the joys of Canicross, the warmth of the Canicross community and the significant physical and mental health benefits of this burgeoning sport.   A joyful and powerful advocate for the sport, she also explains what's next for the duo... the Canicross  triathlon - open water swimming, cycling and running with your dog.  Connected Episodes Canicross Team GB explain the origins of Canicross, and the world of international competition The interview was recorded by Dogs with Jobs presenter, Kate Fairweather at Goodwoof 2025, the dog-centric event on the Sussex estate, Goodwood. Do you work your dog or dogs?   Kate is always fascinated to hear about dogs with interesting jobs -including athletes!  Get in touch to recommend anyone or if you are interested in coming on the show -just email Kate Fairweather at team@shineradio.uk. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran police dog expert, Bernhard Flinks, talks to Kate Fairweather during a break at the UK's National Police Dog Trials 2025.  A wide-ranging conversation with Bernhard, who spent over 40 years in the German police force. Bernhard has been hugely successful in the uniquely German sport, "Schutzhund" (German for Protection Dog), also known as IGP.  This is something of a triathlon for working dogs (tracking, obedience, protection)or working trials for protective breeds - notably German Shepherds but also the other main protection dog breeds.  Schutzhund was given Intangible Cultural Heritage status by UNESCO in 2025.  Bernhard discusses cultural differences between training regimes in Germany and the UK.  Also how approaches to training working dogs have evolved, particularly the balance between negative correction and positive reinforcement techniques. More information from www.flinks.de.  Photo: photo of Bernanrd Flinks (www.Flinks.de).  You may also enjoy these connected episodes: The UK's National Police Dog Trials 2025 P.D. Viper the firearms support dog P.D. Chase and the career arc of a general purpose police dog P.D. Meika, who searches for London criminals' cash, drugs and firearms  P.D. Ted, the explosives detection dog with the West Midlands Police P.D. Jax the victim recovery dog with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary Mika, the well being and trauma support dog in the Metropolitan Police Champ, the engagement dog working in child protection in the Victoria police Keo the well being dog in the UK police; and Mabel the emotional support worker in the Fire Service Do you work your dog? Or perhaps you know someone else who might like to come on the show?  I love all and any working dogs and am always looking for dogs to interview.  Get in touch with me, Kate, via team@shineradio.uk. Find more dogs with interesting jobs.  © & ℗ Kate Fairweather, 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A short but uplifting episode, with a timely update on an important medical research project that seeks to isolate and establish what is hoped will prove to be unique bio-markers for Parkinson's disease. Our interiewee is Claire Guest OBE, whose charity, Medical Detection Dogs has been at the forefront of some remarkable breakthroughs using bio detection dogs. When Dogs with Jobs visited in 2023, the charity was just starting to consider whether its work could extend into Parkinsons - which is hard to diagnose currently. The classic sympoms of Parkinsons, such as tremors, become obvious only late on.  So any contribution towards earlier diagnosis could bring a huge benefit to patients and allow earlier intervention.  Kate Fairweather grabs an update, before Claire disappears to the Literary Corner to read aloud from her book at Goodwoof 2025. Recorded at Goodwoof 2025.  Connected episodes lorin, Iggy and Asher, bio detection dogs and owner, Dr. Claire Guest OBE Hear E-Coli detection dog Plum at work at the charity's training centre.  Medical Alert dogs Do you work your dog or know someone else who might like to come on the show? Get in touch with Kate, via team@shineradio.uk. Find more dogs with interesting jobs.  © & ℗ Kate Fairweather, 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Viper is a German Shepherd just months off retirement after a colourful career in the West Midlands Police as a Firearms Support Dog. Handler, Police Constable Dave Short gives an insight into how the relationship has evolved over the years with Viper, who was his first police dog.  Dave joined the Dog section with 17 years of policing under his belt, but as a newbie in the Dog Unit, learned alongside Viper on the job.  It's a varied life, and Dave and his dogs are deployed in a wide range of situations.  As Viper heads towards retirement with Dave's family, the newest member of the team is trotting along behind.  Six month old German Shepherd, Loki, another has big shoes to fill, but things are looking good so far.  This episode of Dogs with Jobs was recorded at Crufts 2025. You may also enjoy these connected episodes: P.D. Chase and the career arc of a general purpose police dog P.D. Meika, who searches for London criminals' cash, drugs and firearms  P.D. Ted, the explosives detection dog with the West Midlands Police P.D. Jax the victim recovery dog with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary Mika, the well being and trauma support dog in the Met Champ, the engagement dog working in child protection in the Victoria police Keo the well being dog in the UK police; and Mabel the emotional support worker in the Fire Service Do you work your dog? Or perhaps you know someone else who might like to come on the show?  I love all and any working dogs and am always looking for dogs to interview.  Get in touch with me, Kate, via team@shineradio.uk. Find more dogs with interesting jobs.  © & ℗ Kate Fairweather, 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reporting from Crufts, the best known dog show in the world.  On International Women's Day, we hear from Police Constable Sue Cheek, who was the first woman instructor in the West Midlands Police's Dog Unit. Police Dog Chase has already shown his superb recall and restraint in the ring earlier in the day. He'll be taking a starring role in the main arena later as part of the Dog Unit's traditional display...In a show that is half drama, half panto, the dogs thrill the packed audience with their abilities to quel disorder, apprehend burglars and bring down suspects.   Sue takes a few minutes out to chat with Dogs with Dogs presenter, Kate Fairweather about an illustrious career within the West Midlands Police.  It's a last hurah for them all, since both Chase and her specialist explosives dog, Trev, retire alongside her in a few months time - a chance to do all the things together as pets, which you simply can't do as a police dog. You may also enjoy these connected episodes: P.D. Meika, who searches for London criminals' cash, drugs and firearms  P.D. Ted, the explosives detection dog with the West Midlands Police P.D. Jax the victim recovery dog with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary Mika, the well being and trauma support dog in the Met Champ, the engagement dog working in child protection in the Victoria police Keo the well being dog in the UK police; and Mabel the emotional support worker in the Fire Service Do you work your dog? Or perhaps you know someone else who might like to come on the show?  I love all and any working dogs and am always looking for dogs to interview.  Get in touch with me, Kate, via team@shineradio.uk. Find more dogs with interesting jobs.  © & ℗ Kate Fairweather, 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.