Dog Trainers UnPACT

In this episode of Dog Trainers UnPACT, Steve sits down with fellow trainer Steve Bligh-Williams, founder of The Proud Dog. Steve shares his transition from a 14-year career in the media industry to becoming a PACT ATI and studying to be a Canine Behaviour Technician.

They explore how his rescue Lurcher, Sam, opened his eyes to the reality of pain-related behaviour, fear reactivity, and independent dog personalities. Steve and Steve also dive into crucial topics like male mental health and loneliness in the industry, why owner well-being matters just as much as dog behaviour, how to gamify training with play, and how a bit of tech automation can save hours of admin. What's not to love?

Steve Facts: 

Steve Bligh-Williams is a PACT and ABTC accredited Animal Training Instructor and aspiring Canine Behaviour Technician based in Surrey. After 14 years working in media, burnout led him to change paths, inspired by his scruffy rescue lurcher, Sam. Through his business, The Proud Dog, Steve offers 1:1 training services with a focus on empathy for both dogs and their guardians.

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• The Proud Dog: theprouddog.co.uk | Instagram: @the_proud_dog
• PACT (Professional Association of Canine Trainers): pact-dogs.com (Check out the January CTIC intake!)
• DogX 2026 Conference: dogxconference.com (Get your tickets now!)
• Recommended Reading: Canine Play Behavior: The Science of Dogs at Play -  Mechtild Käufer
• Mental Health Awareness: Boys Get Sad Too

In this episode of Dog Trainers UnPACT, Steve sits down with Zaynab Bukhari, founder of Dogs on Track. Zaynab shares her journey from childhood bird watching and a passion for wolves to becoming a PACT ATI, scent work specialist, and assistance dog advocate.

Steve and Zaynab dive into her experiences navigating the dog training world as a Muslim Pakistani woman, tackling cultural misconceptions surrounding dogs, and addressing the barriers still present in the industry today. They also explore why scent work and tracking are so transformative, why active listening and 'therapy skills' are essential for dog trainers, and the importance of giving dog guardians time and empathy.

Zaynab Facts: 
Zaynab Bukhari is the founder of Dogs on Track and an ABTC-registered Animal Training Instructor through PACT. She is currently completing her Level 5 Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour and is a qualified Detection Dog Handler with the UK College of Scent Dogs. Zaynab specialises in scent work, behaviour, and helping schools introduce therapy dogs, whilst advocating for greater diversity and inclusion across the canine industry.

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Dogs on Track: dogsontrack.co.uk | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogs_on_track/
• PACT (Professional Association of Canine Trainers): pact-dogs.com (Check out the January CTIC intake!)
• DogX 2026 Conference: dogxconference.com (Get your tickets now!)
• UK College of Scent Dogs: ukcsd.com
• Recommended App: Merlin Bird ID

Hey Folks :)

In this episode, Steve sits down with Berni Black—RVN, PACT-accredited Animal Training Instructor, and force-free trainer. Berni shares her journey from dreaming of a career in the emergency services to finding her true calling in veterinary nursing and canine behaviour.

They discuss:

• The power of taking things slow in both veterinary and training settings.
• How to use non-verbal cues to coach dog owners effectively.
• Practical tips for cooperative care and reducing stress during vet visits.
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and using video playback as a tool for progress.
• Why celebrating small wins makes all the difference for handlers and their dogs.

Berni Facts:

Berni is an RVN, a qualified Animal Training Instructor, and a passionate advocate for helping dogs and their humans thrive together. Alongside her work at Three Rivers Vets—where she runs puppy socialisation clinics and works her magic with cooperative care—she is studying with PACT as she progresses into canine behaviour. She also runs Black Dog Training, offering force-free, science-based one-to-one training. At home, she lives with her three dogs: Styx, Luna, and Rhea.

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Black Dog Training
• Three Rivers Vets (Beckles branch)
• PACT Main Website: pact-dogs.com
• DogX 2026 Conference Tickets & Info: dogxconference.com

Welcome back peeps!  In this episode, Steve sits down with his very close friend, Rachael Doe. Rachael shares her journey from library-book-obsessed dog lover to taking over Goodall Dog Training, and how a team of incredible shadowies kept her business thriving while she bravely fought stage four ovarian cancer. Steve and Rachael break down why practical shadowing is vital for up-and-coming trainers, the art of client coaching, why behaviour change takes time, and why you should never judge a client's "concentration face"!

Rachael facts: 

Rachael owns Goodall Dog Training and is a PACT-qualified Animal Training Instructor with the ABTC, a qualified IMDT Dog Trainer, and a UK Sniffer Dogs accredited Bronze instructor. Currently undertaking her Level 5 in canine behaviour, Rachael specialises in providing kind, ethical, and practical training tailored to busy lives.

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Goodall Dog Training: goodalldogtraining.com | Instagram & Facebook: @goodalldogtraining
• PACT (Professional Association of Canine Trainers): pact-dogs.com (Check out the January CTIC intake!)
• DogX 2026 Conference: dogxconference.com (Get your tickets now!)
• Dog Training Advice and Support (Facebook Group): Search on Facebook
• UK Sniffer Dogs: uksnifferdogs.com
• Recommended Tool: Airtable

 In this episode of Dog Trainers UnPACT, Steve sits down with Clinical Animal Behaviourist Danielle Beck (MSc) for a deeply insightful and honest conversation about animal behaviour, trauma-informed practice, and the reality of navigating complex cases.

Danielle shares her journey from childhood dreams of marine mammal training to working with complex behaviour cases and assistance dogs. Together, Steve and Danielle discuss the importance of navigating the 'shades of grey' in dog training, how the 'Meerkat Method' gives clients an empathetic lens to understand arousal and stress, and the emotional weight of behavioural euthanasia.

Dani Facts:

Danielle Beck is a Clinical Animal Behaviourist (MSc) with over 20 years of experience in the animal training and behaviour field. Danielle is the founder of Control The Meerkat, where her work focuses heavily on self-regulation, neuroscience, trauma, and helping nervous systems feel safe—pioneering an approach that treats complex behavioural issues from the inside out rather than through external control.

Beyond her clinical practice working with complex cases and assistance dog teams, Danielle plays a major role in shaping industry standards across the UK and internationally. She is a Director and full member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), a registered instructor and faculty member with the Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT), and an assessor for the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). As an international speaker, lecturer, and mentor to pet professionals since 2020, Danielle brings deep expertise and a refreshingly empathetic, science-based perspective to understanding animal behaviour.

Key Takeaways & Topics Covered:

• From SeaWorld to Science: How early inspirations evolved into ethical, welfare-focused practice.
• Living in the Grey: Moving past dogma and meeting guardians where they are without shame.
• The Meerkat Method: Using neuroscience and relatable storytelling to help clients understand nervous system regulation and arousal.
• The "Business Card Dog" Myth: Why a trainer's dog doesn't define their skill, and the importance of giving dogs agency.
• Taboo Topics in Dog Training: An honest discussion on behavioural euthanasia, grief, and protecting a dog's memory.
• Imposter Syndrome & Mentorship: The power of collaboration over competition in the pet industry.

Recommended Books Mentioned in the Episode:

• The Chimp Paradox by Steve Peters
• The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson
• Don't Shoot the Dog! by Karen Pryor
• Coercion and Its Fallout by Murray Sidman

Important Links & Resources:

• Danielle Beck / Control The Meerkat: controlthemeerkat.com
• PACT Main Website: pact-dogs.com
• DogX 2026 Conference Tickets & Info: dogxconference.com

Hey Folks! In this episode, Steve sits down with Certified Dog Trainer and friend Martina Luisetti, founder of ULI Dog Training. Martina shares her incredible journey from working as a high-flying celebrity makeup artist to finding her true calling in behavioural science through her beloved shelter dog, Uli.

Steve and Martina explore applied behaviour analysis (ABA), using space and predictability in training, ethical considerations around negative reinforcement, and how to navigate imposter syndrome in the dog training industry.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Martina's transition from makeup artistry to dog training.
• The shelter dog, Uli, who sparked a passion for positive reinforcement.
• Using ABA and functional assessments as a clear, gentle coaching tool for dog guardians.
• Thinking outside the box: How Martina used distance as a reinforcer to help her cat, Mozzie.
• Why professionals need to have open, nuanced conversations.
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and the power of supportive trainer communities.

Martina Facts:

Martina is a Certified Dog Trainer and the founder of ULI Dog Training, working with dogs and their families across Leigh-on-Sea, London and St Albans.

Passionate about helping both dogs and their humans thrive, Martina specialises in puppy development, adolescent dogs, reactivity, and supporting dogs who find the world overwhelming. Her passion is rooted in behavioural science, with a strong focus on understanding why behaviour happens rather than simply trying to stop it.

Believing that every behaviour serves a purpose, Martina helps owners build confidence, communication and trust through compassionate, evidence-based training that considers both the dog's emotional wellbeing and the human end of the lead.

When she's not working with clients, she's kept on her toes by her rescue cat, Darlene, who is Martina's muse and owner, really. 

• Website: https://www.ulidogtraining.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ulidogtraining
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ulidogtraining

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Jim Mackie's Crocodile Video: An incredible look at environmental control and reinforcement protocols in action.
• Behaviour Works (Dr Susan Friedman): Free resources and protocols at https://www.behaviourworks.org

PACT & Event Links:

• PACT Main Website: https://www.pact-dogs.com
• DogX 2026 Conference Tickets: Get your tickets at https://www.dogxconference.com

In this episode, Steve sits down with the incredibly inspiring Dee Watts, a PACT student and trainer who is breaking down barriers, challenging industry norms, and redefining the world of dog training. From childhood barn owls to criminal profiling, and overcoming a life-altering functional neurological disorder (FND) diagnosis, Dee’s journey is nothing short of a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and profound communication with Dogs.

What We Covered in This Episode:

• Show & Tell with a Twist: Dee shares her earliest animal memories, which include growing up with a dad obsessed with birds, two resident barn owls (Mika and Stomper), and a pet snake that sparked her lifelong fascination with predatory behaviour.
• From Crime Scene to Canine Behaviour: Dee explains how graduating with a first-class degree in Crime and Investigation crosses over beautifully into dog training—turns out analysing nature vs. nurture and solving criminal minds isn't too different from unpacking dog behaviour!
• Understanding FND: Dee talks about living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), how it impacted her university journey, and what it truly means when the brain and nervous system's signals misfire.
• Oreo the Accidental Assistance Dog: How a tiny, fluffy Pomeranian named Oreo completely changed Dee’s life.
• The Myth of the "Easy" Social Media Fix: Dee and Steve unpack why the dog training world needs a serious reality check when it comes to accessibility. They discuss how general advice can actually hinder certain handlers, and why we must take ore time to look at the individual handler's emotional and physical well-being alongside the dog's.
• Filling the Gap in the Market: Dee’s mission to become an accredited behaviourist and fill a gap that's much needed.

In Dees' words: "Don’t let other people’s limits limit you."

Useful Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Read Dee's Story: Check out Dee's inspiring guest feature on the PACT Lunches blog over at pact-dogs.com/blog/my-journey.
• Follow Dion & Oreo: Keep up with Dee's journey and watch her masterclass in deep communication over on TikTok at @a.pom.with.a.purpose_.
• Work with Dion: Visit Dee's website to stay tuned for her upcoming training services at oreoswaydogtraining.com (currently under construction but coming soon!).
• Danielle Beck (Control the Meerkat): Shout out to Dee’s incredible mentor and friend, Danielle Beck. Check out her game-changing work at controlthemeerkat.com.
• Start Your Journey: Ready to dive into the world of dog training with a community that actually builds you up? Find out more about PACT and start your dog trainer journey at pact-dogs.com.
• Get Your Tickets: Don't miss out on the biggest event in the dog training calendar! Grab your tickets to the DogX Conference at dogxconference.com.

In this episode, Steve sits down with Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) and rescue powerhouse, Sarah Tapsell. From her hilariously inventive childhood tactics to get her very first pet rabbit (involving 100 printed signs and a very confused neighbor), to a sliding-doors moment that steered her away from sports dietetics and straight into ethology, Sarah’s path is anything but linear.

Steve and Sarah unpack the raw reality of frontline rescue work—explaining why it's the ultimate immersive learning environment for dog trainers, how to navigate the heavy emotional toll of complex behavioral cases, and why understanding the true why behind an animal's behavior changes everything. If you've ever felt burnt out, wondered how to get into rescue, or wanted to know how to properly advocate for your own mental health in this industry, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Topics Covered:

• The "100 Pieces of Paper" Strategy: Sarah's childhood campaign for a pet rabbit.
• The Sliding Doors Moment: How a wolf experience at age 19 completely derailed a career in sports dietetics.
• The Pressure Cooker of Rescue: Why shelter work offers an unparalleled immersive learning environment for dog handlers and behaviorists.
• Navigating the Dark Days: Facing compassion fatigue, accepting that "nothing is perfect," and learning how to decompress and advocate for yourself.
• The Danger of Labels: Disregarding the "D-word" (Dominance) and transitioning to understanding true emotional motivations.
• Hopes for the Profession: Why marrying top-tier practical handling with robust theoretical education is vital for the future of animal welfare.

Guest Biography: Sarah Tapsell is a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB), a member of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC), and a PACT-accredited Animal Training Instructor. She has dedicated two decades to animal welfare, rescue, and clinical behavior roles. Sarah has held senior and frontline behavior positions with some of the UK’s most prominent organizations, including Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, the RSPCA, and Dogs Trust, alongside running her own self-employed private clinical practice (OABT) with her colleague Ryan. Specializing in complex, trauma-related, and high-risk behaviors, Sarah brings a strong shelter-medicine perspective to her work. She currently works in rescue as a Senior Clinical Animal Behaviourist and lives near Exmoor with her beloved rescued animals: three Chihuahuas, a Basset Hound, and four mini lop rabbits.

Helpful Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Book Recommendation: Learn more about navigating compassion fatigue and looking after yourself in the industry with Emotional Well-being for Animal Welfare Professionals by Tamsin Durston
• Find Out More About PACT: Ready to take your dog training or behavior journey to the gold standard? Start your journey with PACT here.
• Get Your Tickets to DogX: Don't miss the ultimate dog training event of the year! Grab your DogX tickets here.

Ever wondered how a childhood obsession with garden woodlice can spiral into a top-tier career as a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist? This week, Steve sits down with the incredibly talented Honour Smith (BSc, MSc, CCAB, ABTC-ATI) to unpack her brilliant journey through the animal behaviour world.

Honour shares how she navigated multiple "animal careers" before finding her true calling. We dive deep into why practical skills are just as vital as heavy theory, the art of translating Jedi-level behavior science into human-friendly analogies, and what training cats can teach you about absolute patience. If you've ever battled imposter syndrome or wondered what it really takes to publish groundbreaking research, this episode is your ultimate guide.

What We Covered:

• The Journey: Moving around the UK and stepping out of comfort zones.
• The Lincoln Experience: What actually happens at the famous Lincoln Animal Behaviour Clinic and why the masters program is so revered.
• Theory vs. Practice: Why being "book smart" isn't enough when you're standing in front of a real dog and a real client.
• The Power of Analogy: How a trip to the local pub can explain a dog's core temperament perfectly to an owner.
• Groundbreaking Research: Honour’s journey to publishing her thesis on Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) and catching cognitive decline earlier.
• The "F" Word (Finances): Why charging your worth actually makes clients take training more seriously.

Important Links & Resources:

• Grab your tickets to the ultimate dog event: DogX Dog Conference
• Ready to kickstart your own training journey? Find out more about PACT: PACT Dogs
• Connect with Honour and her team: Lincoln Animal Behaviour Clinic

Welcome back folks :)

In this episode, Steve sits down with the incredible Charlie Houghton, founder of Houghton’s Hounds. We navigate through Charlie's fascinating 10-year career as a Logistics Officer in the Royal Navy and discover how teaching leadership to sailors perfectly prepared her for teaching puppies (and their humans!).

We covered:

• The Navy-to-K9 Pivot: How a passion for adult education and leadership coaching transformed into a career in dog training.
• Public Speaking for Introverts: Why you might need to "fake it 'til you make it" when stepping into the center of a training ring.
• The "Safe Space" Philosophy: Drawing inspiration from trainers like Ollie Juste and the importance of kindness.
• The Money Talk: Why the industry needs to be more transparent about finances and "knowing your worth."
• Lessons from Jet: A candid look at crate training, choice, and why doing better starts with knowing better.

Guest Bio:

Relevant Links:

• Find Charlie: houghtonshounds.co.uk
• Charlie’s Book Recommendation: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt.
• Link to "A Dogs Best Friend" Podcast with Oli Juste: https://open.spotify.com/show/07nvgqwv572548BdNxublI
• DogX Conference Tickets: dogxconference.com
• Start Your Journey with PACT: pact-dogs.com