Barks from the Bookshelf

#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]

#94 Becki Gude - Insights into the World of Owner Trained Assistance Dogs and the ADAA (the Assistance Dog Assessment Association)

Hey There Lovely Bookshelvers Today we are thrilled to be joined by the amazing Becki Gude. Becki is a not only a full PACT Member but also a good friend of ours. Becki is affiliated with several outstanding training organisations and charities and specialises in training and assessing assistance dogs for people with various disabilities. Becki also serves on the board of Trustees for the Assistance Dog Assessment Association (ADAA). In this conversation we get an insight into the world of owner trained assistance dogs and what part the ADAA can play in setting standards and giving people the peace of mind that, not only is their dogs welfare covered, but they can perform the tasks needed to help mitigate disabilities in the real world. We also get to talk about Becki's love for day care and wonderful appearance on the telebox for Alan Titchmarsh's Underdog to Superdog. A fascinating conversation that had both Steve and Corrin riveted throughout... We know you're going to love it, feel inspired and know more about this fascinating world.  Links: The Assistance Dog Assessment Association (ADAA) [https://www.theadaa.org/] Becki's Website [https://www.surreycaninecorner.co.uk/] Becki's Daycare Page [https://www.surreycaninecorner.co.uk/doggy-daycare-reigate] (where if you scroll down to the bottom you'll find the painting party video we discussed) https://www.surreycaninecorner.co.uk/doggy-daycare-reigateBecki's blog on Daycare [https://www.surreycaninecorner.co.uk/blog]Where to watch Underdog to Superdog [https://www.channel5.com/show/alan-titchmarsh-s-underdog-to-superdog/season-1/episode-4]

#93 Kay Attwood - Canine Cognitive Skills

Howdy there Bookshelvers.   Autumn is approaching rapidly. And whilst you’re fishing out your pullovers and slurping "pumpkin spiced" everything we've got an absolute treat for you! This week we are thrilled to welcome the amazing Kay Attwood, author of Canine Cognitive Skills! Kay’s journey is interesting and inspiring in equal measure and we marvel at her passion and dedication to her craft. Among a whole load of amazing stories we hear how persistent students led her to get creative, leading to a profound discovery about cognitive skills and their application. We talk about how a trainer’s job evolves beyond basic obedience. We discuss kay’s "lightbulb moment" when she realized that asking dogs to think could solve problems that other training techniques alone couldn't touch. We delve into the concept of canine cognitive skills and find out how having owners bursting into laughter can also lead to them accidentally becoming better trainers! It’s an infectious mix of fun and science that has created incredible longevity in her classes—from playful puppies to calm senior dogs. Steve and Corrin also talk through the areas of the book that stand out as well as discussing a recent setback for poor little Penguin ☹ So come on in, get comfy, and get some joy and creativity in those eager lug holes. Links: Buy a copy of Kays book  [https://www.kay9services.co.uk/shop/canine-cognitive-skills/] Find out all about Kays Training [https://www.kay9services.co.uk/] DOGx Tickets [https://www.pact-dogs.com/dogx2025] Link to the ATA Podcast discussed on the show [https://atamember.com/making-ripples/]

#92 Kathy Callahan & Helen St. Pierre - Old Dog, New Dog - Supporting Your Aging Friend and Welcoming a New One

Howdy Bookshelvers   It's been a long time coming but we’re back for a full on book review show (insert fanfare here). Nat and Steve delve into the expertly written and wonderfully cathartic the book "Old Dog, New Dog" by Kathy Callahan and Helen St. Pierre. The book looks at the joys, challenges and intricacies of our older and younger dogs and goes a long way to answering that old age question: Should we get a puppy as a companion for our older dog? As well as the usual deep dive sections we get to interview Kathy & Helen and discuss the importance of fostering a harmonious relationship between the old and the young, along with discovering how to promote a peaceful coexistence, and prepare and live through the emotional journey of caring for dogs at different life stages. Whether you're a seasoned dog owner or a new puppy parent, we hope this episode offers valuable guidance and heartfelt stories that resonate with every dog lover.   On top of all that lovely stuff, Nat and Steve discuss dog centred horror movies, how to be mindful (or in Steve’s case how to be mindful about not being mindful) and Nat’s act of resistance. It’s all go gang… but all bloomin'great! Links: Buy Old Dog, New Dog [https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/old-dog-new-dog-a-guide-to-supporting-your-aging-best-friend-and-welcoming-a-new-one-kathy-callahan/7834345?ean=9781608689965]DOGx Tickets [https://www.pact-dogs.com/dogx2024] Link to our Bookstore [https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/barks-from-the-bookshelf?&new-list-page=true]