Barks from the Bookshelf

#99 Patricia McConnell - Away To Me

Howdy Bookshelvers! Let's go way back together to the uncertain times of 2020. When we launched this Podcast we never would have believed that we'd get to chat with so many amazing humans and least of all we never even dreamed we'd talk to our hero Patricia McConnell THREE TIMES. In yet another "pinch me" moment we have the absolute pleasure of talking to Patricia yet again! This time , however, it's all about her first dog-centric work of fiction, Away To Me. If your passions include a love for reading about dogs, mystery, solving murders and immersing yourself in the entangled lives of incredible characters, then look no further. We chat all things writing including how Patricia built the world inside the book. We talk about how education on dogs can be spread through stories and why story telling is a magic skill for communication. We talk about the power of voice when crossing the interspecies divide and much, MUCH more!  Away To Me is on sale from February 24th 2026 from all good booky places and we just know our audience will love it. So kick back on a Wisconsin farm, gather your furry friends, brew yourself a cuppa, source a cowboy hat and delve on in.  WOOF!

#98 New Year Catch Up 2026!

Hey Bookshelvers.  It’s been a minute! We hope you all had a fabulous holiday season and have attached yourself to your new year like a beagle tracks a scent! We are continuing our tradition of New year catch up episodes and today you get the full PACT team to giggle, ponder and wonder on past, present and future. Steve asked everyone four questions to prep for this recording:   What did 2025 teach you?   What are you most looking forward to this year?   What was your favourite book of 2025?   What book are you most looking forward to reading this year?   Who is your hero of 2025?  So you’ll get to hear everyone’s answers share some laughter and memories but also dive into deeper reflections on their past experiences and future aspirations. Oh… and we have an exciting announcement as well.  Settle in grab a cuppa and see you on the other side. WOOF!

#97 Suzanne Rogers (and Special Guests) - Canine Behaviour In Mind: Applying Behavioural Science to Our Lives with Dogs

How's Tricks Bookshelvers!? In this much-anticipated episode, Nat and Steve are finally joined by the amazing Suzanne Rogers (editor of Canine Behaviour in Mind) to discuss this essential book that’s been, criminally, flying under our radar since 2022 (especially as it features a chapter from our very own "Sista Behaviourista")! Suzanne discusses the fascinating process of curating a multi-author book, ensuring a cohesive, non-judgmental thread runs through every chapter, and why it's crucial to amplify voices that promote high animal welfare. We also have some very special guests peppered throughout. We dive into: * The critical importance of a non-judgmental stance in dog training and behaviour work. * Practical tips from co-author Nat's chapter * The concept of "sparking curiosity" (rather than just awareness) to drive genuine behaviour change. * How to build "behavioural momentum" in training—for both dogs and their people. * And, as mentioned above, absolute gold-standard audio contribution from many of the books contributors including pod friends Tamsin Durston and Amber Batson on making training practical and fun. If you are curious about applying behavioural science to your life with dogs, this episode is a must-listen! What are you waiting for? Woof away! LINKS: Buy Canine Behaviour In Mind [https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/canine-behaviour-in-mind-applying-behavioural-science-to-our-lives-with-dogs-suzanne-rogers/6808855?ean=9781789181371&fbclid=IwY2xjawOBU_ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFUS25nczVad3pWWmtlb0tnc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnVVoWxIaQ5SoAAkJIxGIoBFKW5VSgx-KfsIMR6cEdBV7k1Uh7pGnTu24-RP_aem_jObbhhgS3LONvzan1bcBQg] Human Behaviour Change for Life [https://hbcforlife.org/] PACT CTIC Dog Trainer Course [https://www.pact-dogs.com/ctic]

#96 Diane Gollowitzer - Muzzled and Misunderstood: Love Letter to my Muzzled Dog

Word up Bookshelvers As autumn has its chilly grip on us (at least here in the UK), you’ll be pleased to hear we have an episode for you as heart-warming an as a bowl of steaming soup about an equally wonderfully heart-warming book. This week Corrin and Steve have the pleasure of catching up with the awesome Diane Gollowitzer who is not only a good friend of ours but also a fabulous award winning photographer, trick trainer and now published author (WOOHOO).   You'll here in this interview just how much Steve and Corrin LOVE her new book Muzzled and Misunderstood: Love Letter to my Muzzled Dog. This is, not only, a much needed book that tackles a taboo subject head on, but also a bona fide work of art in its own right. Using the power of Diane's breath taking imagery a weaving it with beautiful, honest and vulnerable "letters" written by the guardians to their own dogs: this book is as much a well needed life affirming lift, as it is a crucial text that challenges the status quo. Honestly if you love dogs, you'll love this book. On top of discussing the book in our normal book review style as well as talking to Diane herself, we also update everyone on the ongoing saga of Penguin and discuss the curious case of bedtime Brian Cox... If indeed it is him. Pop it straight in those lug holes... you know you want to. Links: Diane's website: https://www.dogsinfocusphotography.com/ [https://www.dogsinfocusphotography.com/] Diane's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogsinfocusphotography/ [https://www.instagram.com/dogsinfocusphotography/] Diane's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dogsinfocusphotography/ [https://www.facebook.com/dogsinfocusphotography/] Pre-order the book on Amazon: Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1910488747 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1910488747] About the project: https://www.dogsinfocusphotography.com/muzzled-and-misunderstood/ [https://www.dogsinfocusphotography.com/muzzled-and-misunderstood/] The Muzzle Project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_muzzle_project/ [https://www.instagram.com/the_muzzle_project/]

#95 DogX Celebration Special

Hey There Bookshelvers Something a little different for this week as the whole PACT team wanted to talk about what was, frankly, an amazing DogX 2025. Nat, Jay, Corrin and Steve discuss the challenges and triumphs faced by the team, the importance of community and connection, and the memorable moments from the event. We ponder on the purpose behind Dog X, the highlights of the conference, and the contributions of the unsung heroes who made it all possible. We also have little messages peppered through out that were caught by attendees and speakers alike throughout the day. Hope you enjoy! WOOF! DOGx [https://www.pact-dogs.com/dogx2024]Info Link to our Bookstore [https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/barks-from-the-bookshelf?&new-list-page=true]