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/

Diane's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogsinfocusphotography/

Diane's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dogsinfocusphotography/

Pre-order the book on Amazon: Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1910488747

About the project: https://www.dogsinfocusphotography.com/muzzled-and-misunderstood/

The Muzzle Project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_muzzle_project/

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 Info
Link to our Bookstore

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)
Becki's Website
Becki's Daycare Page (where if you scroll down to the bottom you'll find the painting party video we discussed)
Becki's blog on Daycare
Where to watch Underdog to Superdog

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 
Find out all about Kays Training
DOGx Tickets
Link to the ATA Podcast discussed on the show

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
DOGx Tickets
Link to our Bookstore

Hey, Hey, Hey Bookshelvers! This week we have another DOGx Special for you. We also have been graced with the presence of, the one and only, Jason Light as this topic is very close to his heart.
 
 Every year we have a charity slot at DOGx and this year we’ve managed to get the wonderful Guide Dogs to do a presentation and demo for us. With that in mind we thought it would be wonderful to have Elli Cavazza, a puppy development advisor for Guide Dogs and Mandy Pike, a guide dog user with her dog, Loney on to talk all things Guide Dogs from both perspectives.
 
 The discussion provides a fascinating peek into the world of Guide Dogs, going beyond the public-facing image to explore the detailed, dog-centred approach to training. We find out about Elli’s role, which involves training puppy-raisers and ensuring puppies are well-socialized and prepared for their future, as well as Guide Dogs passionate views on their dog-centric and human-centric approach working in unison.
 
We then get Mandy's perspective as a guide dog partner. She shares her journey, from her initial hesitation as a self-proclaimed "cat person" to her profound bond with her current dog, Lonnie. Mandy openly discusses the challenges and triumphs of working with a dog that is a "work in progress," highlighting the importance of trust, communication, and understanding Loney as an individual first and a guide dog second. There are also some real valuable insights from both Ellie and Mandy for the general public. Enjoy! 

Links:

Find out more about Guide Dogs
DOGx Tickets
Link to our Bookstore

Ahoy There Bookshevers!

We hope this episode finds you well and sat next to fluffy companion. Get yourselves ready for an absolute treat, Bookshelvers! We’re thrilled to welcome back the incredible author and illustrator, Lili Chin, for a deep dive into her latest masterpiece, "Dogs of the World." It's been a whopping 5 years since we last got to chat with Lili so lot's to catch up on and this book is an absolute gem! 

We get chatting about:

• Unpacking the myths that hold us back from seeing dogs as individuals, exploring why breed essentialism can be a disservice to our companions.

• Tackle the tough stuff, including the ethical considerations of language in dog literature and the impact of AI on art and business.

• Get lost in the details of what makes Lili's art so powerful and how her unique perspective as an artist, shapes her work.

• Delve into the nuances of landraces, village dogs, and how the concept of "breed" is more about human culture than canine biology.

We also put Lili to the test with an impromptu game and get her book recommendations... Go on... Get involved... You know you want to!

Links:

• Lili Chin's Website: https://doggiedrawings.net/
  
  
• Lili Chin's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doggiedrawings/?hl=en
  
  
• Lili Chin's Books: https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/collections/author-books-by-lili-chin
  
  
• Ed Yong's "An Immense World": https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/immense-world-book-ed-yong-9781529112115
  
  
• DOGX 2025 Tickets: https://www.pact-dogs.com/dogx2025
  
  

Welcome back, Bookshelvers!

In this weeks episode we welcome back the incredible Cat the Vet (Dr. Cat Henstridge) for her second appearance and another DOGx Speaker Special! Get ready for a deep dive, recorded (humorously!) from under a blanket in her new vet practice – a testament to her dedication to great sound!

Cat, a prominent veterinary surgeon and renowned social media voice, is a trusted source for dispelling misinformation and offering quality advice on all aspects of pet health and welfare. You might also know her from CBBC's 'The Pets Factor' or her many TV and radio appearances. As alluded to above we're beyond thrilled that Cat will also be a speaker at DOGX 2025 on Sunday, October 12th, at Winchester University!

In this jam packed conversation, we cover:

• Behind the Practice Door: Cat's journey to becoming a vet, the common "childhood dream" narrative, and the surprising reality that being a vet is often more about people than just animals.
• The Power of Sound & Scent in Vet Practices: A fascinating tangent on how clinic environments impact animal behaviour and welfare, and why these factors are often underestimated.
• Regulation in the Pet Professional World: A crucial, candid discussion on the lack of consistent regulation in dog training and behaviour compared to the veterinary field. Cat bravely tackles the "soup of acronyms" in qualifications and the vital need for quality control in education.
• Building Bridges Between Professions: How vets and paraprofessionals (like trainers and behaviourists) can better collaborate, refer, and build trust – essential for optimizing animal welfare.
• Navigating Online Misinformation: Cat offers invaluable advice on fact-checking what you see on social media, identifying confidence vs. correctness, and the danger of "kernel of truth" myths.
• The Rise of Tech in Vet Med: An exciting look at new, non-invasive diagnostic tools (like the HTVista and AI for reading X-rays) and how technology is shaping the future of veterinary care.
• The Mark of a Good Professional

If you're invested in animal welfare, ethical practice, and cutting through the noise in the pet world. Prepare for all the honesty, humour, and a whole lot of wisdom (mostly from Cat)!

Cat facts:

Cat Henstridge BVSc ESVPS Cert GP (SAM) MRCVS

Cat graduated from Bristol University in 2003  and works as a small animal veterinary surgeon at Peak vets.  Cat is a published author and writes a number of articles for various veterinary and non-veterinary publications. She is a vet on the BBC Children’s Television Show – The Pets Factor and is passionate about promoting animal welfare. Cat also has a significant social media presence that has gained her millions of views as "Cat the Vet" where her videos educate and entertain in equal measure.

Links:

TikTok
Facebook
Instagram

DOGx Tickets

Ahoy Bookshelvers!

This week, Steve is proper chuffed (that's British for really, really happy) to chat with the one and only Ryan Cartlidge from The Animal Training Academy! Having been an avid listener to the ATA podcast for many years, this is a "pinch me" moment for Steve and if you don't know Ryan, get ready for a big dose of honesty, humility, and a whole bunch of wisdom.

Ryan and Steve dive deep into the messy (and often hilarious) reality of life. Get ready for tales of how Ryan became a zookeeper by accident;  his competent use of cable ties and duct tape, the touching (and slightly terrifying if I'm being honest) story of Reg, the wedge-tailed eagle who helped Ryan cut his teeth in positive reinforcement. Discover the spark that ignited The Animal Training Academy, from workshops to online courses to a thriving membership of 8,000+ wonderful humans, and the wise words that made Ryan work his butt off for his dreams. Plus, brace yourself for (what can only be described as) "The Hallway Poo Situation," It's a raw, relatable peek behind the "perfect Instagram post" that every trainer needs to hear.

We also take on imposter syndrome, burnout, and how Ryan has learned to take the "mask off," embrace vulnerability, and use "clarity squeezes" and "capacity signals" (you'll want to steal these!) to navigate life's pressures. He delves into the power of language and community, explaining why naming your fears can strip them of power and how a supportive community (like PACT and ATA!) is crucial for human learners (that's you!) to thrive. We talk about why we should apply the same positive reinforcement principles to ourselves and our clients, and Ryan even shares his simple 3-questions to transform your training reflections.

All that and, as always, we've got book recommendations galore! This episode is packed with invaluable insights for both aspiring and seasoned trainers, serving as a powerful reminder that we're all human learners on a messy, beautiful journey. Enjoy!

Links:

The Animal Training Academy
The Animal Training Academy Podcast
The "Making Ripples" Podcast
Jim Mackie's Crocodile Training Video
Carol Dweck's Mindset
Ken Ramirez' Animal Training: Successful Animal Management Through Positive Reinforcement

Ali Bender & Emily Strong's Canine Enrichment for the Real World

Ryan Facts:

As the founder of Animal Training Academy, Ryan (KPA CTP) brings over a decade of global experience as a professional animal trainer. His 13-year journey has taken him through New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the US, where he's trained teams, crafted effective animal training programs, and shared his insights in top industry publications. Ryan is also a recognized voice in the field, having spoken at international conferences and lectured at universities on animal behaviour. Through the Animal Training Academy, Ryan is building a vibrant community, connecting hundreds of animal behaviour and training enthusiasts with an ever-expanding resource of lessons and tutorials from highly respected animal experts.

Welcome back, Bookshelvers! We've got an absolute treat for your ears today, a conversation that really gets to the heart of what ethical animal training is all about.

Today, we're incredibly honoured to chat (for a second time) with Jenifer Zeligs, a true luminary in the animal training world. 

Jenifer and Steve dive into some fascinating nuances of animal training. Exploring everything from the subtle differences between dog and horse training, to the often-debated ethics of using negative reinforcement. We also shine a bright light on the absolute importance of clear communication in all our training.

You'll hear us discuss the transformative concept of cooperative care – how it's revolutionising the way animals receive medical treatment and why it's so vital. Jenifer also shares her invaluable experiences as a mentor and the incredible impact her teachings have had on countless students in the field. This conversation truly champions the need for open discussions about training methods and, above all, a compassionate approach to animal care.

Jenifer Facts:

Jenifer Zeligs is a highly respected behavioural consultant and the visionary founder of the Animal Training and Research International Centre in California. With over two decades of experience, she has taught advanced animal care and training of both pets and exotic animals at California State University. Jenifer's extensive experiences in animal training span an immense history of partnerships across the animal kingdom – from profoundly improving the welfare of horses and dogs to pioneering the filming of wild whales using trained sea lions.

Jenifer holds a deep passion for establishing strong connections and interspecies communication, a philosophy she passionately imparts through teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in animal training. She brings an exciting, practical, and revolutionary approach to her work, expertly integrating mindfulness with cognitive, behaviourist, and ethological sciences. Beyond her academic and practical achievements, Jenifer is also an internationally acclaimed author, having released the amazing 'Animal Training 101' and 'Mindful Partners,' and is a practicing Buddhist, further enriching her unique perspective on animal welfare and communication.

If you've been following our DOGX 2025 speaker announcements, you'll know that Jenifer will be sharing her profound insights live with us on Sunday, October 12th, at Winchester University – and trust me, you won't want to miss her talk! We still have a handful of tickets left, so head over to www.dogxconference.com to grab yours before they're gone.