Barks from the Bookshelf

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 Dogs [https://www.uksnifferdogs.com/]Train Your Dog to Save the Environment - Webinar [https://pact-course.thinkific.com/products/live_events/dog-trainers-environment-event]DOGx Tickets [https://www.pact-dogs.com/dogx2025]

We hope this pod finds you well Bookshelvers   This week Steve sails the Barks From Podship solo across the canine geek ocean! Luckily for him he has a wonderful book to get stuck in to!    This week we are thrilled to be joined by the awesome Niki French to talk (amongst other stuff) all about her book 'Stop Walking Your Dog'. There is so much to unpack about Niki and her journey to writing the book as well as all the other amazing “project pies” Niki has her fingers in. This was an insightful and relaxed interview that we feel you’ll love! Amongst other amazing things, Niki shares her insights on the importance of short training sessions and how to make training enjoyable for both dogs and their owners, her favourite games that can enhance the training experience and bond. We delve into various aspects of dog training, focusing on understanding dog behaviour, the significance of boundary games, and the role of calmness in training. We discuss the ACE-free work approach and its benefits, and touch on the challenges of navigating controversies in the dog training industry and where Niki falls on the need for regulation and recognition of trainers' qualifications. Niki shares all about her dog Bodhi, a Battersea rescue, detailing the challenges and triumphs of training him. We talk about 'Don't Walk Your Dog Day' and the concept (and strange controversy) around it. Niki is also kind enough to reflect on her experiences as a writer and the impact of her book on dog training and behaviour discussions. We hope that this conversation will fire you all up, make you smile, make you think and ultimately help highlight the significance of nurturing a dog's well-being through various activities (not just walkies). Of course there’s more… There always is! And this week Steve also pulls out some "stand out" parts of the book with our usual sections.    So what are you waiting for? Indulge your brain box and your chuckle sack simultaneously… WOOF! Niki Facts:   Niki French is a dog-mad, people-loving, award-winning dog trainer, bestselling author, and podcaster.   Niki French is the founder of Pup Talk and author of Amazon best seller STOP! Walking Your Dog.   After a 30-year career as an international Sales and Marketing Director, a serious bicycle accident in 2014 became the catalyst for a complete life change. Niki followed a childhood dream of working with animals and, in 2019, launched Pup Talk and Twickenham Dog Services.   Niki is a Certified ACE Trainer, KAD (Kids Around Dogs) Approved Professional, UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter Member and part of the Pet Professional Network.    She specialises in helping overwhelmed pet parents with nervous, reactive, or over-excitable dogs. Her kind and empowering approach combines practical support with a deep understanding of emotional well-being – for both dogs and people. She’s especially passionate about activities that support dogs physically and mentally, beyond the traditional walk.   She offers 1-2-1 training, often featuring ACE Free Work, in-person in Middlesex, Surrey and West London and online globally. She also supports people with Pup Talk The Pack membership.    Niki lives in Twickenham with boyfriend Ash and their rescue dog Bodie, a handsome Collie Lurcher X. He launched into their lives from Battersea Cats and Dogs Home when he was 8 months old. Links: Link to buy Niki's book here [https://go.puptalk.co.uk/stopwalkingyourdog/] Link to Niki's Puptalk website here [https://puptalk.co.uk/] Link to Niki's Youtube Channel here [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmsrLcS8_se4hLZ7bGqzj8g]

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 here [https://animalbehaviourkent.co.uk/abk-conference-2025] Link to the blog Daniel talked about on the Art of Persuasion here [https://maxandrews.wordpress.com/2011/01/19/the-art-of-persuasion-philosophy-and-debate/] Link to buy tickets for DOGX 2025 here [https://www.pact-dogs.com/dogx2025]

How's tricks you lovely Bookshelvers? It's all go here at PACT HQ and over the last few weeks we've had the absolute pleasure of talking with some amazing guests (all of which will be invading your earholes soon enough). This means that every fortnight we can't contain our excitement when we know release day is incoming. SO.... Without further ado we bring you yet another wonderful human working in the dog profession Clara Hewson! For those of you who aren't yet familiar with The Muzzle Movement we can't wait to share Clara's story with you. It is very important though that we state in all honesty that Clara (and her amazing team) aren't just make muzzles, they're building a movement! It was a genuinely inspirational chat that left Nat and Steve feeling enthused. We cover LOADS, Clara gets down to business talking about bringing her muzzle idea to life! Inspired by loss and a desire to make things better, she reveals the ups and downs of launching a start-up – from finding the funds to leaning on community power. Hear first-hand why she’s so passionate about educating everyone on muzzles. She even explains how design choices are helping to give muzzles a much-needed image makeover!!! We chat about giving muzzled dogs the visibility they deserve and the advocacy efforts supporting their humans AND, learn about the values at the heart of her work. Clara also shares insights into the challenges within the dog world and her exciting plans for future projects to keep pushing dog welfare forward. All that and much more including Nat and Steve updating everyone on Dave the Sparrow and a welcome return of Natalie's Injury Odyssey. Go on... Slip us in your auris interna. You won't regret it. Link to the Muzzle Movements Website here [https://www.themuzzlemovement.com/] Link to DOGX 2025 Tickets here [https://www.pact-dogs.com/dogx2025]

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 book [https://www.amazon.co.uk/ADHD-Unpacked-Everything-survive-thrive/dp/1526679361] Link to Alex's Podcast [https://theadhdadults.uk/] Link to PACT's Free Courses [https://www.pact-dogs.com/pactfreecourses] Link to DOGX tickets [https://www.pact-dogs.com/dogx2025]