Brain and Behaviour

Tom Candy is a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist with extensive experience in rescue, welfare, and canine training. He holds a BSc in Bio-Veterinary Science and an MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour from the University of Lincoln. Starting in rescue at just 15 years old, Tom has since worked across rehoming centres as a Senior Training and Behaviour Advisor, supporting teams in managing complex behaviour cases. He’s also a Certified Canine and Shelter Behaviour Consultant with the IAABC, a faculty member at the Grisha Stewart Academy, and the founder of Simplifying Shelter Behaviour – a podcast and online platform dedicated to sharing evidence-based insights with rescue professionals.

Episode Summary

In this conversation, Tom delves deep into the behavioural and ethical complexities of working in dog rescue and rehoming. He shares stories from his frontline experience, discusses how to navigate misinformation in the training world, and provides a thoughtful take on difficult decisions like behavioural euthanasia. With a focus on compassion and practicality, Tom explains how rescue professionals can support dogs and their owners through judgement-free education, early intervention, and honest communication.

Key Topics

1. The reality of behaviour work in shelters and rescues

2. How to handle misinformation and build trust with dog owners

3. When and how to discuss behavioural euthanasia

4. Ethical challenges in rescue and rehoming decisions

5. Proactive solutions: early intervention, better adoption matches, and flexible support

6. The impact of societal change, stress, and expectations on pet relinquishment

7. Creating systemic support to prevent crisis points for dogs and their people

Take-Home Message

Effective behaviour support in rescue is about meeting dogs and people where they are—without judgement. Success comes from trust, empathy, and helping everyone make informed, compassionate decisions.

Call to Action

Learn more from Tom at Simplifying Shelter Behaviour on Facebook, Instagram, and podcast platforms. For more professional development, visit abklearn.co.uk.

Join us at the ABK Conference 2025 on July 12–13 at the Ashford International Hotel, Kent, or via livestream from anywhere in the world. This year’s theme is “Raising Resilient Dogs”, featuring leading voices in dog behaviour, neuroscience, and welfare.

Tickets and full agenda: animalbehaviourkent.co.uk/abk-conference-2025

More information

Website: https://animalbehaviourkent.co.uk

ABK Learn Platform: https://www.abklearn.co.uk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@animalbehaviourkent261

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalbehaviourkent

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Animalbehaviourkent

Twitter (X): https://x.com/AnimalKent

For more on evidence-based training, canine behaviour science, or upcoming events, visit animalbehaviourkent.co.uk or explore our learning platform at abklearn.co.uk.

Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].

Dr. Katriina Tiira is a behavioural geneticist and the founder of SmartDog, a company offering scientific cognition and personality testing for dogs. She holds a PhD and has researched canine genetics and cognition for over 20 years.

Summary

Katriina explains how cognitive traits and genetic differences influence dog behaviour. She introduces the SmartDog test system and discusses how trainers and breeders can use cognitive profiling in practical ways.

Key Topics

1. Genetics and personality in dog behaviour

2. Testing cognition: methods and insights

3. Breed differences and individual variation

4. Using test results in training and breeding

5. Supporting dogs with different cognitive profiles

Take-Home Message

Understanding cognition helps us train and care for dogs in ways that match who they are—not just what they do.

Call to Action

Learn more at smartdog.fi or visit abklearn.co.uk for professional development opportunities.

Join us at the ABK Conference 2025 on July 12–13 at the Ashford International Hotel, Kent, or via livestream from anywhere in the world. This year’s theme is “Raising Resilient Dogs”, featuring leading voices in dog behaviour, neuroscience, and welfare.

Tickets and full agenda: animalbehaviourkent.co.uk/abk-conference-2025

More information:

Website: https://animalbehaviourkent.co.uk

ABK Learn Platform: https://www.abklearn.co.uk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@animalbehaviourkent261

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalbehaviourkent

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Animalbehaviourkent

Twitter (X): https://x.com/AnimalKent

For more on evidence-based training, canine behaviour science, or upcoming events, visit animalbehaviourkent.co.uk or explore our learning platform at abklearn.co.uk.

Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].

Guest Bios:

Dr. Kathy Murphy graduated from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons UK in 1999, initially working in mixed clinical practice before studying for two post graduate clinical qualifications. In 2009 she was awarded a highly prestigious Wellcome Research Training Fellowship to study for her PhD, in Behavioral Neuroscience, at The Queens College, University of Oxford, UK. She subsequently worked in the USA as Assistant Professor of Neuroscience and Anesthesiology at the Icahn School of Medicine NYC; and is now back in the UK, where she held a clinical-academic position as Director of the Comparative Biology Centre at Newcastle University before becoming Director of Barking Brains Ltd (a neuroscience outreach program for the animal behavior and training community) and joining Behavior Vets LLC. 

Dr. Murphy’s clinical interest has always been anesthesia, analgesia, since the age of 13yo and she has recently completed a residency at the European College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. In addition to her primary career roles she was Trustee and Veterinary Advisor to the Rottweiler Welfare Association for 14 years, is a co-founder of Ethics First (a collective which lobbies for ethical decision making in clinical practice), is an Oversight Committee Member for the UK Dog Behavior and Training Charter, sits on numerous National and International boards, working groups and ethical review panels, and most of all loves spending time with her own 5 dogs and supportive husband.

Bobbie Bhambree (CDBC, CPDT-KA) is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and Certified Professional Dog Trainer. She is a faculty member of CATCH Canine Trainers Academy and Agility University. Additionally, she is one of the founders and regular contributors to a passion project called Brain Camp, where neuroscience, behavior, and dog sports intersect. Bobbie founded Dogology Behavior Consulting in 2024.

Bobbie began her career in 2003 as a pet behavior counselor at the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center, where she implemented behavior modification programs for dogs surrendered by the public or seized by Humane Law Enforcement. In 2007, she joined the Humane Society of Westchester, spending the next nine years as their shelter trainer. During her tenure, she created and implemented dog training and enrichment programs, counseled adopters, trained volunteers, participated in community outreach programs, and conducted evaluations.

In 2016, Bobbie became the Director of Pet Behavior at the North Shore Animal League America in Port Washington, NY. There, she managed a team of canine and feline trainers focused on developing behavior modification and enrichment programs for shelter animals. She also deployed with the ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Behavior Team, working in the field to support dog fighting busts, puppy mill cases, and hoarding cases.

Bobbie has presented at the Lemonade Conference, hosted by IAABC and Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, the HeartDog International Wellbeing Summit in 2022, the Control Unleash Conference in 2024, and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) in 2024. She is also a co-creator of the Resilience Framework, a framework for resilience-building interventions, and has been interviewed for several podcasts on this subject.

Over the years, Bobbie has successfully competed in agility at various venues with several of her dogs, including Marvel, who placed third in Performance Speed Jumping and Performance Grand Prix at the Mid-Atlantic Regionals in 2019. She has authored several articles for the agility-focused publication Clean Run and is passionate about helping dog sports teams struggling with behavior issues. Bobbie regularly teaches behavior workshops for the dog sports community.

Currently, Bobbie shares her life with two terriers, a Pitbull, a border collie/whippet mix, a border collie/Croatian Sheepdog mix (Marvel, Heady Topper, Eleanor Rigby, Phuncky, and Drazen), and a very supportive husband in southern New Jersey.

In this episode, Daniel Shaw speaks with Trish McMillan about how dogs can help other dogs. They explore how well-socialized dogs can be used to assist fearful or reactive dogs in overcoming anxiety and building confidence through social support. Trish discusses the concept of social facilitation, where dogs learn appropriate behavior by observing their peers. She shares practical techniques for setting up playgroups, utilizing helper dogs, and creating low-stress environments in shelters and training settings. The episode also highlights her work with Shelter Behaviour Hub and her upcoming courses on defensive handling.

This episode was recorded a few months before Trish's incredible dog Theodore sadly passed away. Theodore was a truly inspirational dog and you can find more about him by visiting https://www.facebook.com/teothepitbull/

Bio

Trish McMillan is an internationally recognized expert in animal behavior, sheltering, and training. She holds a Master’s degree in Animal Behavior and is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). Trish spent nearly eight years with the ASPCA, contributing to their behavior and sheltering work, including writing the defensive handling section of Animal Behavior for Shelter Veterinarians and Staff. She now runs her own consulting business in North Carolina, focusing on behavior and shelter consulting, and offers online mentorship through the Shelter Behaviour Hub. Additionally, she co-founded Losing Lulu, a support group for those who have experienced grief from behavioral euthanasia.

Mentioned Links:

1. https://www.shelterbehaviorhub.com/ — Mentorship programs and behavior courses.

2. https://www.trishmcmillan.com/ — Consulting and training services.

3. https://www.losinglulu.com/ — Support group for behavioral euthanasia grief.

To learn more from Trish, you can also join us at the ABK Conference 2025 on July 12–13 at the Ashford International Hotel, Kent, or via livestream from anywhere in the world. This year’s theme is “Raising Resilient Dogs”, featuring leading voices in dog behaviour, neuroscience, and welfare.

Tickets and full agenda: animalbehaviourkent.co.uk/abk-conference-2025

Dr. Moira Hechenleitner is a veterinarian and Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) with over 16 years of experience helping dogs and their guardians navigate separation-related issues. She holds a postgraduate qualification in Animal-Assisted Therapy and is a founding board member of the Chilean Association of Professional Dog Trainers. Moira works internationally, offering consultations and support through SeparationAnxietyDog.com, delivering expert guidance in both English and Spanish.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Daniel Shaw speaks with Dr. Moira Hechenleitner about the complex world of separation-related behaviours in dogs. They explore the terminology, underlying causes, and challenges surrounding separation anxiety. Moira offers valuable insights into differentiating between true separation anxiety, adaptation challenges, confinement issues, and other contributing factors like medical conditions and frustration behaviors.

The conversation dives into the importance of individualised assessments, the role of predictability and variability in treatment, and how to structure effective support for clients and their dogs. Moira also discusses her own streamlined, tech-forward training model and how she uses daily data tracking to improve outcomes.

Key Topics Covered:

1. ​Identifying types of separation-related behaviours
2. ​The value of predictability in treatment
3. ​Supporting clients through remote, data-driven training
4. ​Misdiagnosis and why it matters
5. ​Reassessing “suspend all absences” in context

Take-Home Message:

Not all alone-time issues in dogs are the same—understanding the specific cause behind a dog’s behaviour is critical for successful intervention. With the right assessment, structure, and support, we can help dogs build resilience and reduce stress, while also empowering guardians with clear, compassionate strategies.

If you’re working with a dog who struggles to be alone, don’t guess—get a proper assessment. Visit SeparationAnxietyDog.com to learn more about Moira’s services.

Mentioned Links:

1. ​Moira’s website: https://www.separationanxietydog.com

Join us at the ABK Conference 2025 on July 12–13 at the Ashford International Hotel, Kent, or via livestream from anywhere in the world. This year’s theme is “Raising Resilient Dogs”, featuring leading voices in dog behaviour, neuroscience, and welfare.

Tickets and full agenda: animalbehaviourkent.co.uk/abk-conference-2025

More information:

Website: https://animalbehaviourkent.co.ukABK Learn Platform: https://www.abklearn.co.ukYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@animalbehaviourkent261Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalbehaviourkentFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalbehaviourkentTwitter (X): https://x.com/AnimalKent

For more on evidence-based training, canine behaviour science, or upcoming events, visit animalbehaviourkent.co.uk or explore our learning platform at abklearn.co.uk.Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].

Dr. Simon Gadbois is a behavioural scientist and neuroscientist at Dalhousie University, Canada, where he directs the Canid and Reptile Behaviour and Olfactory Cognition Lab. His research integrates animal psychology, neuroscience, and ethology, with a focus on olfactory cognition in dogs. His projects include wildlife conservation detection, biomedical scent detection (PTSD and diabetes), and locating unmarked graves. Simon is also known for his outspoken critique of pseudoscience and ethical oversights in animal training culture.

Summary:

In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Gadbois shares insights into animal behaviour science, from foundational theories of learning and motivation to practical applications in scent work and training. He explores the tension between scientific research and mainstream dog training ideas, discusses the ethical implications of tool use and training choices, and offers a strong case for more rigorous, nuanced science communication. The episode is both a critical analysis and a passionate call for better integration between academic science and practical dog work.

Key Topics:

1. ​Classical vs. operant conditioning: applications and misunderstandings
2. ​Motivation, the seeking system, and the role of dopamine
3. ​The problem with pop neuroscience in the dog world
4. ​Ethical frameworks in training and the case against relying solely on “what works”
5. ​The role of science literacy and academic bias in behaviour theory

Take-Home Message:

Not all scientific claims in the dog world are created equal. Understanding the source, depth, and context of behaviour science is critical to making ethical and effective choices for animals. We must build bridges between academic knowledge and practical work without oversimplifying the science.

Challenge assumptions, read beyond the popular sources, and stay curious. For further learning, check out Simon’s research and explore broader neuroscience literature. You can also deepen your education at abklearn.co.uk or attend the 2025 ABK Conference.

Links:

1. ​Simon Gadbois: http://Simon.gadbois.org
2. ​ResearchGate profile: researchgate.net

Join us at the ABK Conference 2025 on July 12–13 at the Ashford International Hotel, Kent, or via livestream from anywhere in the world. This year’s theme is “Raising Resilient Dogs”, featuring leading voices in dog behaviour, neuroscience, and welfare.

Tickets and full agenda: animalbehaviourkent.co.uk/abk-conference-2025

More information:

Website: https://animalbehaviourkent.co.ukABK Learn Platform: https://www.abklearn.co.ukYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@animalbehaviourkent261Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalbehaviourkentFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalbehaviourkentTwitter (X): https://x.com/AnimalKent

For more on evidence-based training, canine behaviour science, or upcoming events, visit animalbehaviourkent.co.ukor explore our learning platform at abklearn.co.uk.Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].