Simplifying Shelter Behaviour

In this episode, Tom is joined by Samantha Wayland of Samantha Wayland Dog Training, co-founder of the Rescue Dog Care Network (RDCN), to explore how rescue staff, volunteers and trainers can better support people adopting dogs from overseas. Drawing on her experience fostering 60 to 70 dogs, Samantha shares why preparing adopters before their dog arrives is so important, particularly when it comes to setting realistic expectations and helping experienced owners recognise that every dog is different.They discuss how we can help adopters understand their individual dog's needs, encourage them to offer choice and go at the dog's pace, and empower them to advocate for their dog. Samantha and Tom also reflect on the value of being a sounding board for adopters overwhelmed by conflicting information, building trusting relationships so people feel able to ask for help early, and why investing time upfront saves time, and placements, later on.about Samantha Samantha Wayland is a dog trainer and rescue behavioural consultant based in Thurrock, Essex, and co-founder of the Rescue Dog Care Network (RDCN). Her journey began in 2015 when she and her family started fostering overseas rescue dogs, and as more fearful and shut-down dogs came into their care, Samantha immersed herself in canine behaviour, trauma-informed training and fear-free approaches. Today she specialises in nervous and shut-down dogs, supporting both dogs and their people to build trust and confidence at their own pace, and works with rescues to deliver pre-arrival sessions for adopters of overseas dogs. Her approach is force free, science led and non-judgemental, and her own rescue dog Zylvie, who arrived completely shut down, remains the inspiration behind her work.Links Supporting overseas rescue dogs with Toby Craze https://open.spotify.com/episode/5wNuKRbYkY6jMNghSCJXA4?si=92deb75fe500420aRescue dog care networkhttps://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/997555108739648/&ved=2ahUKEwjjz57zhKaXAxXJVfEDHYRpCagQFnoECCMQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2Xk9WuSnRtOO_UEpAwYjmLSamatha Wayland https://www.samanthawaylanddogtraining.com

About this episode In this episode, we discuss how to best support deaf dogs both in a kennel environment and how they move into their new homes. They explore how communication through visual and tactile cues can replace verbal signals,helping dogs feel secure and understood. The conversation highlights the importance of building a trusting relationship, creating consistency between caregivers, and offering gentle, structured support during transition. Caroline gives us some amazing practical tips as well as helping us possibly challenge our perceptions! About Caroline LewisCaroline is the founder of Help at Hand Dog Behaviour, and Deaf Not Difficult. a member of the International Companion Animal Network and the Dog Welfare Alliance. All meaning she is passionate about ethical force free methods, whilst ensuring standards are high for the welfare of dogs.She has always been around dogs, rescuing her first dog when she was 12 years old. Her two dogs – Molly, a Labrador Retriever and Morris a rescue, who is deaf are her inspirations to be the best she can be.Always wanting to fully understand dogs, and work in a force free way, led her to train with Sheila Harper and then Turid Rugaas to ensure she works at the deepest level possible. Her quest for the most up to date methods, fully backed with scientific research, means she only learns from likeminded people, including many elements of cpd with Dr Amber Batson.Whilst Caroline works with all dogs of all ages, she is known for the work she does in and around rescue centres advising on rehabilitation, behaviour, rehoming and always ensuring dogs are understood including those displaying complex behaviours. Combined with a huge passion for deaf dogs, running courses in the UK and internationally to remove them is conceptions, and show how amazing they are.Www.help-at-handdogbehaviour.com

This episode explores practical strategies for improving the daily lives of shelter animals through kennel enrichment. The discussion emphasizes how enrichment is not just about keeping animals entertained but about reducing stress, promoting natural Behaviours, and improving overall well-being—ultimately making them more adoptable.Key points include:· Why enrichment matters: A kennel environment can be stressful and monotonous for animals. Enrichment provides mental stimulation, comfort, and opportunities for animals to express species-appropriate Behaviours.· Types of enrichment: From food puzzles, scent games, and chew toys, to music, visual barriers, and soft bedding, shelters can use simple, low-cost tools to make kennels more engaging. Rotating enrichment items is highlighted as a way to keep things fresh.· Role of staff and volunteers: Everyone in the shelter can contribute. Staff can integrate enrichment into daily routines (like feeding and cleaning), while volunteers can help create toys, run playgroups, or provide one-on-one interaction.· Building a culture of enrichment: Success comes when enrichment becomes part of the shelter’s standard of care. Training staff and volunteers, sharing ideas, and celebrating creative solutions encourages consistency and innovation.· Impact on outcomes: Animals with better enrichment show reduced stress Behaviours, increased sociability, and improved adoptability, which benefits both the animals and the shelter as a whole.The big take away here is enrichment doesn’t need to be complex—what matters most is consistency, creativity, and a team-wide commitment to improving the lives of animals in care. About Mik MoellerMik is a professional certified dog trainer. He worked at the San Francisco SPCA as the canine Behaviour specialist for 18 years. He has his CPDT-KA and his CBCC –KA certifications. He is a recognized expert in shy/fearful dogs, reactive dogs meaning those dogs who bark and lunge on leash and canine enrichment. Mik graduated from the renowned San Francisco SPCA Dog Training Academy in 1999 and awarded special certification for dog-dog aggression in 2002 by Jean Donaldson. Mik frequently writes articles and lectures both nationally and internationally on leash reactivity, canine body language, dog play, canine enrichment and scent games, dog park etiquette and how to work with shy/fearful dogs. He also developed and taught the Reactive Rover dog training classes.His teaching motto is you can teach an old dog new tricks and he brings a sense of humor to his classes to help the two legged students learn to understand their dogs Behaviour and provide tools to help them get the Behaviour they want in a positive, force-free, fun environment. Links AHS Behaviour- https://www.azhumane.org/pet-Behavior-tips/Moeller Dogs- https://www.facebook.com/p/Moellerdog-100054231800397/Contact- [email protected]