In this episode, Chantal and Angelique sit down with Dr. Amy Cook, creator of The Play Way—a therapeutic approach that utilizes social, toy-free play to help shy and fearful dogs build confidence, reduce reactivity, and foster trust.

We explore:

• The Science Behind Social Play: How interactive play can serve as a powerful tool in behavior modification, especially for dogs experiencing fear and anxiety. ​

• Applicability to Behavior Issues: Identifying which behavioral challenges benefit most from The Play Way and understanding its limitations.​

• Initiating Play: Techniques to respectfully invite play, ensuring the dog feels safe and in control.​

• Elements of Therapeutic Play: Breaking down the components that make play a successful intervention.​

• Tailoring Play to Individual Dogs: Adjusting play styles to suit high-energy breeds versus more reserved dogs, and strategies for engaging dogs unfamiliar with play, such as rescues.​

• Common Mistakes and Assessing Readiness: Recognizing pitfalls in implementing The Play Way and determining when a dog is prepared to engage, particularly if they're fearful or shut down.​

Dr. Cook also shares her perspective on misconceptions in dog behavior and provides information on accessing her Play Way course or other online Fenzi courses for those interested in learning more.

Does your dog explode off the start line in agility? Bark non-stop when waiting for their turn? Struggle to stay focused in high-energy environments? In this episode, Angelique from Treat to Train and Chantal from CK9 Training, break down the power of pattern games—a simple yet effective way to help your dog stay engaged, regulated, and ready to perform.

We’ll explore how these structured games can improve impulse control, reduce frustration, and build confidence, whether you're training for agility, working on reactivity, or just aiming for calmer walks.

Your mindset plays a huge role in your dog’s agility performance!

In this episode, Angelique from Treat to Train and Chantal from CK9 Training break down how your energy, confidence, and mental game impact your dog in the ring. Learn how to handle ring nerves, use visualization techniques, and develop resilience to perform at your best.

Tune in for practical tips to strengthen your mental game and help your dog thrive on the course!

This week, Chantal and Angelique are joined by the amazing Gemma—owner of All About the Dog Academy Ltd and the founder of the Dynamic Dog Practitioner Program.

Gemma is an ISCP Canine Behaviour Practitioner (ISCP Dip.Canine.Prac), a Canine Myofunction & Rehabilitation Therapist (OCN London Dip.CMRT), and has certifications in a range of holistic techniques.

In this episode of the Barkology Podcast, Chantal and Angelique dive into the fascinating world of contrafreeloading—a behavioral phenomenon where animals choose to work for food even when identical, freely available food is present.

Drawing insights from the research, we explore:

- The surprising findings from research on contrafreeloading in dogs.

- How factors like stimulus changes and environment influence dogs’ preferences.

- Why some dogs engage with puzzle feeders while others go straight for the free meal.

- Practical ways to use this knowledge to improve your dog’s mental stimulation and well-being.

References:

Rothkoff, L., Feng, L., & Byosiere, S. E. (2024). Domestic pet dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) do not show a preference to contrafreeload, but are willing. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 1314.

Osborne, S. R. (1977). The free food (contrafreeloading) phenomenon: A review and analysis. Animal Learning & Behavior, 5(3), 221-235.

In this episode, Chantal and Angelique chat to the amazing Chirag Patel.

Chirag Patel runs Domesticated Manners and first started by helping dogs and their people in 2004 but has since evolved to now offering assistance to both domestic and wild animals in a wide range of setting internationally. This includes a range of pets in the home, laboratories, zoos, organisations such as The Police, Dogs Trust, Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, British Columbia SPCA and Kong amongst others.  Domesticated Manners has its home base in the London / Essex border although he has consulted with clients and taught workshop/ seminars all over UK, Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, Mexico and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Chirag has also started DogStoryTV where he shares free tips, tricks and stories to better your bond with your dog.

Join us as we explore how P.A.W.S. empowers you to tackle behavioral challenges holistically, enhancing your bond with your dog and fostering lasting positive change.

If you love nosework and getting your dog sniffing, this episode is for you. In this episode, Chantal and Angelique talk to Dr Rob Hewings from The College of Scent Dogs.

Dr. Robert Hewings, a retired dog handler and instructor who served for 30 years at the London Metropolitan Police. He has an impressive background in dog handling and training, backed up by excellent academic qualifications. He holds a BSc in Canine Training and Behaviour, a Masters's Degree in Professional Practice Police Dog Training, and a Doctorate of Professional Practice in Canine Scent Detection Training. He has lectured at universities both locally and internationally. Dr. Hewings is an expert in scent work and has unmatched skills in this area, as evidenced by his best selling books "Scent Training for Every Dog" and "Tracking for Every Dog”

Rob's passion for scent detection training is truly contagious! He has a unique talent for inspiring canines and their human companions to learn more. He is dedicated and enthusiastic about his craft, and he genuinely enjoys teaching and improving the skills of these remarkable animals.

Part 2 of last weeks episode with Dr Tim Lewis.

Tim Lewis Ph.D. approaches canine research through the lens of an evolutionary ecologist. His formal, non-canine education began in Augustana College in Illinois, where he received his bachelor's degree in biology, followed by masters and doctorate in wildlife ecology from Wisconsin-Madison. Tim taught for two decades at Wittenberg University in Ohio where he was an award winning professor in biology before moving on to teach at the University in St. Paul, Minnesota.

In this episode, Chantal and Angelique talk to Dr Tim Lewis.

Tim Lewis, Ph.D., approaches canine research through the lens of an evolutionary ecologist.

Tim’s formal, non-canine education began at Augustana College in Illinois, where he received his bachelor’s degree in biology, followed by a master’s and doctorate in wildlife ecology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Tim taught for two decades at Wittenberg University in Ohio where he was an award-winning professor of biology; now he is a professor of biology at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. His classes include ecology, evolution, mammalian ecology, forest biology, tropical ecology, and general biology survey. He frequently uses dogs to illustrate biological ideas, and even taught a class built around dog biology for university students and friends of dogs.

His research ranges across many species, including wolves, deer, squirrels, turtles and, of course, dogs. He has presented findings of his research in journals, at conferences, and as an invited speaker for more than 30 years. He currently cohabitates with two Border Collies, prefers herding with his dogs to most other activities beside walks, and hovers on the edges of the dog agility and canine freestyle worlds with his wife, who competes in those sports and teaches others to do so.