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In this episode, host Nathan Dunleavy talks with Jo Middleton — Director of Studies at Canine Principles, Principal at the ISCP (International School for Canine Psychology), and MD at the International Institute for Canine Ethics (ICE) — about making dog training ethical, accessible, and effective for real life.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Intro: Why education changes everything

02:08 Jo’s journey: rescue roots, ethics, and study leadership

08:24 Consent-based handling & reading “no” in canine body language

14:40 Confidence vs. competence: imposter syndrome in pet pros

18:55 Biggest gaps: nutrition, first aid, equipment, sleep, pain

25:30 Guardians: how to find ethical help you can trust

31:10 Equipment that protects bodies (two-point harnesses)

35:42 Quick-fix culture vs. real behaviour change

40:05 Rehoming support: beyond the rigid “3-3-3” timeline

45:18 Student-friendly learning: CPD hubs, live courses, tutors

50:12 Community & mentorship: finding your voice

54:10 What’s next: CPD accreditation, writer’s retreat, conferences

58:20 Final message: compassion ≠ weakness — it’s strength

Key topics

Ethical dog training & consent-based handling

Canine body language and advocacy at home

Practical CPD routes for trainers, walkers, groomers, vets/vet nurses

Nutrition, pain, sleep, and welfare basics that change behaviour

Safer walking equipment vs. collars/chains/slip leads

Rehoming support that adapts to the individual dog

Confidence & mindset for ethical pet professionals

📚 Resources mentioned

Canine Principles — ethical courses, CPD, first aid

ISCP — canine psychology diplomas; free bite-sized communication course

International Institute for Canine Ethics (ICE) — professional membership, Ethical Canine Professional Register, Three Stages of Adjustment resource

🙌 If this helped you, please like, subscribe, and comment with your biggest takeaway. Share this with a dog guardian or pet pro who’d love ethical, science-based guidance.

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