The Yappy Hour

In this episode, host Nathan Dunleavy sits down with Hayley Miles, founder of Halo Pups and host of the Chihuahua Podcast, to talk all things Chihuahuas and small breed dogs. Hayley shares her personal journey rehabilitating a reactive rescue Chihuahua and explains why so-called "small dog syndrome" isn't real at all.This conversation is essential listening for any dog guardian who's ever felt judged for having a "spicy" small dog. Grab a cup of tea and settle in for this one.What you'll learn in this episode:✅ Why "small dog syndrome" is a myth, and what's really going on when small dogs growl, snap, or bark✅ How pain and dental issues can be mistaken for behavioural problems in Chihuahuas✅ Why over-handling and picking dogs up too often can cause fear and reactivity✅ How to spot subtle stress signals like the "kiss to dismiss" and whale eye✅ Simple training swaps that make a big difference for tiny dogs (treat size, lead weight, tags)✅ Why scent work and hand targeting are two of the best tools for small dog guardians✅ How to advocate for your dog when well-meaning strangers want to touch themKey takeaways:• Growling and snapping are communication, not defiance — they deserve the same respect as a larger dog's warning signs• A vet check should always be the first step with a reactive small dog, as pain is often the root cause• Teaching a nose-to-hand target gives you a hands-off way to move your dog and can double as an emergency recall• You are your dog's advocate — it's okay to say no when strangers want to pet or pick up your dogConnect with HayleyHalo Pups websiteHalo Pups Facebook pageThe Chihuahua Podcast🐾 Find ethical, qualified pet professionals near you at Yappily the directory for dog guardians who care about doing right by their dog.🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Yappy Hour and leave us a review, it helps more dog guardians find us!

Tracey Ordish of Dishy's K9 Care on Living With an Anxious Dog: Hope, Confidence & Small WinsIf you've ever felt alone caring for a dog who finds the world overwhelming, this episode is the reassurance you've been waiting for.In this episode, host Nathan Dunleavy talks with Tracey Ordish, canine behaviour trainer and founder of Dishys K9 Care, about the emotional reality of living with an anxious dog. Tracey draws on her own background supporting her son through social anxiety to explain why she puts the guardian's wellbeing at the centre of her training approach, and shares a real client transformation story that shows just how much progress is possible with patience and the right support.In this episode:✅ How to recognise the subtle signs of anxiety in your dog, long before it escalates✅ Why supporting the guardian's emotional wellbeing is the real foundation of helping an anxious dog✅ A simple traffic light system to map out your dog's triggers and progress✅ Why comforting a fearful dog does not "reward" the fear, and what to do instead✅ How family inconsistency can unintentionally set back your dog's progress✅ Why progress with an anxious dog is rarely linear, and how to keep going through setbacks✅ How reframing success around your own dog's small wins builds real, lasting confidenceKey takeaways:• Anxiety in dogs shows up in small, everyday ways many guardians miss until it builds up• You are not failing your dog. You just haven't learned what he needs yet• Building the guardian and dog relationship comes before fixing any specific behaviour• Small, consistent wins matter more than chasing a perfect end result• With patience and the right support, anxious dogs and their people can thrive together📧 Feeling like you're the only one struggling with an anxious dog? You're not. Get in touch with Tracey and start where you are.Dishys K9 Care🐾 Subscribe to The Yappy Hour for more conversations that help you understand, connect with, and care for your dog.🐕 Find ethical and qualified pet professionals near you at Yappily.co.uk

Struggling with an anxious or nervous dog?In this episode of The Yappy Hour, powered by Yappily, host Nathan Dunleavy talks with canine behaviourist Helen Motteram, founder of the Pet Professional Network (PPN).Helen shares the emotional story of her rescue dog Sally and how that difficult, life-changing journey led her into behaviour work.They dive into understanding dog anxiety, spotting subtle stress signals, and how to support dogs who find the world overwhelming.Perfect for guardians of nervous dogs, rescue dogs with difficult histories, or anyone who wants a kind, welfare-led understanding of canine behaviour.In this episode you’ll learn:How rescue dog Sally inspired Helen’s behaviour careerWhat anxiety really looks like in dogs (beyond barking or lunging)Early stress signals you should never ignoreThe everyday triggers that overwhelm sensitive dogsWhy anxious dogs benefit from shorter, calmer walksHow enrichment, sniffing and cone-work create safetyThe role of choice, agency and consent in reducing anxietyHow guardians can cope emotionally and feel less alonePractical advice for anyone welcoming a nervous rescue dogAbout Helen MotteramHelen is a canine behaviourist and founder of the Pet Professional Network (PPN). She specialises in helping anxious and nervous dogs feel safer and more understood.She also works with corvids (crows, rooks and ravens) and mentors pet professionals worldwide.Search online for: “Helen Motteram PPN” or “Helen Motteram behaviourist”.About The Yappy Hour (powered by Yappily)The Yappy Hour is the podcast for dog lovers who want to better understand and support their canine companions. Powered by Yappily, the ethical UK directory for trusted pet professionals.If you enjoyed this episode, please:🔗 Share it with a fellow dog guardian🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode!Find local and ethical dog trainers, dog behaviourists, dog walkers, groomers, dog pros and pet businesses near you.  Yappily is the UK directory built to help you find trusted pet care professionals you can feel good about working with.📍 Search verified and trusted listings on Yappily

In this episode, host Nathan Dunleavy speaks with Maya Badham, founder of S-A-H-S-D-A and creator of the Partnership Planet Model. Maya shares her powerful journey from supporting trauma survivors to reimagining how we live with dogs — not as projects to train, but as partners to respect.💡 What you’ll discover:The roots of the Partnership Planet ModelWhy control and compliance limit connection with dogsHow co-regulation, autonomy, and stewardship transform relationshipsPractical examples of responding through partnership, not obedienceRedefining what “success” as a dog guardian really meansIf you’ve ever wondered what true partnership with your dog could look like, this episode is a must-listen.Find local and ethical dog trainers, dog behaviourists, dog walkers, groomers, dog pros and pet businesses near you.  Yappily is the UK directory built to help you find trusted pet care professionals you can feel good about working with.📍 Search verified and trusted listings on Yappily

Welcome to The Yappy Hour powered by Yappily!In this episode, host Nathan Dunleavy talks with Jo Middleton — Director of Studies at Canine Principles, Principal at the ISCP (International School for Canine Psychology), and MD at the International Institute for Canine Ethics (ICE) — about making dog training ethical, accessible, and effective for real life.⏱️ Chapters00:00 Intro: Why education changes everything02:08 Jo’s journey: rescue roots, ethics, and study leadership08:24 Consent-based handling & reading “no” in canine body language14:40 Confidence vs. competence: imposter syndrome in pet pros18:55 Biggest gaps: nutrition, first aid, equipment, sleep, pain25:30 Guardians: how to find ethical help you can trust31:10 Equipment that protects bodies (two-point harnesses)35:42 Quick-fix culture vs. real behaviour change40:05 Rehoming support: beyond the rigid “3-3-3” timeline45:18 Student-friendly learning: CPD hubs, live courses, tutors50:12 Community & mentorship: finding your voice54:10 What’s next: CPD accreditation, writer’s retreat, conferences58:20 Final message: compassion ≠ weakness — it’s strengthKey topicsEthical dog training & consent-based handlingCanine body language and advocacy at homePractical CPD routes for trainers, walkers, groomers, vets/vet nursesNutrition, pain, sleep, and welfare basics that change behaviourSafer walking equipment vs. collars/chains/slip leadsRehoming support that adapts to the individual dogConfidence & mindset for ethical pet professionals📚 Resources mentionedCanine Principles — ethical courses, CPD, first aidISCP — canine psychology diplomas; free bite-sized communication courseInternational Institute for Canine Ethics (ICE) — professional membership, Ethical Canine Professional Register, Three Stages of Adjustment resource🙌 If this helped you, please like, subscribe, and comment with your biggest takeaway. Share this with a dog guardian or pet pro who’d love ethical, science-based guidance.Find local and ethical dog trainers, dog behaviourists, dog walkers, groomers, dog pros and pet businesses near you.  Yappily is the UK directory built to help you find trusted pet care professionals you can feel good about working with.📍 Search verified and trusted listings on Yappily

In this episode of The Yappy Hour, powered by Yappily, your host, Nathan Dunleavy, sits down with internationally respected behaviourist and educator Sarah Fisher. Sarah is the founder of ACE (Animal Centred Education) and the creator of ACE Free Work, a structured yet gentle approach that helps dogs thrive through observation, trust, and choice.🐾 Whether you live with a nervous rescue, a high-energy adolescent, or a senior dog, this episode will change how you see your dog.🎧 What you'll learn:What ACE Free Work is and how to get startedHow observation helps identify hidden stress or painWhy “less is more” when supporting reactive or anxious dogsThe importance of sensory experiences in building calm and confidenceHow ACE is helping in vet practices, grooming salons, rescue shelters and morePractical ways to use Free Work at home, in daily life, or out on walks🌐 Learn more about Sarah and ACE Free Work:https://www.animalcentrededucation.comhttps://www.tilleyfarm.org.ukFind local and ethical dog trainers, dog behaviourists, dog walkers, groomers, dog pros and pet businesses near you.  Yappily is the UK directory built to help you find trusted pet care professionals you can feel good about working with.📍 Search verified and trusted listings on Yappily