Simplifying Shelter Behaviour

By Simplifying Shelter BehaviourEducation

Simplifying Shelter Behaviour episodes

May 05 Ep. 61 community interventions, changing the traditional animal control approach with Rachel Horton
In this episode we discuss community interventions to support owners and animals in need as an alternative to traditional animal control models
30 min
April 22 Ep. 60 Considering a Good Death: A Hospice Approach for Animals," with Helen St. Pierre

In this thoughtful and compassionate episode, Helen St. Pierre explore one of the most meaningful, and often avoided, conversations in veterinary and pet care: what does a good death look like for an animal in hospice? Drawing from their experience, they walk listeners through a practical yet humane framework built around three core considerations: Function, Purpose, and Joy.
Tom and Helen open by addressing the most observable measure of an animal's quality of life, physical function. They discuss how caregivers and veterinary teams should assess whether an animal can still eat, drink, breathe, and move without significant pain or distress. When an animal can no longer maintain baseline physical function, or when doing so causes suffering, it becomes a meaningful signal in end-of-life planning.
The episode then moves into perhaps its most emotionally resonant segment: purpose. Tom and Helen explore the idea that animals often live with a sense of relational purpose, does the dog still greet its owner at the door, does the cat still seek companionship? When that spark of connection begins to fade and the animal withdraws from the relationships and routines that once gave its days meaning, this shift deserves careful attention.
Tom and Helen close the framework with the most personal measure of all: joy. Can the animal still experience moments of pleasure, a favorite treat, a patch of warm sunlight, a gentle pat? They remind listeners that joy doesn't have to be constant to be meaningful, but when an animal can no longer access the small pleasures that once defined its daily life, caregivers are gently invited to consider whether continued life is a gift or a burden.
Tom and Helen close by reminding listeners that choosing a good death for an animal in hospice is not an act of giving up, it is an act of profound love and advocacy. By returning to these three questions, can they function, do they have purpose, can they still feel joy, families and care teams are given a compassionate compass to guide one of the hardest decisions they will ever face.

Links
https://olddogsgotohelen.com

55 min
April 10 Ep. 59 Reactivity Training in the Shelter: What We've Learnt with Jess wheatcraft
In this episode, we're joined by Jessica Wheatcraft, who shares her honest reflections on years spent working with reactive shelter dogs, those that lunge, bark, and snap at the world around them.
Jessica talks through how her approach has evolved over time, what she wishes she'd known earlier, and why so many well-intentioned training efforts fall flat in the shelter environment. She offers a thoughtful look at what actually moves the needle for these dogs, and how the people around them play a bigger role than most realise.
Whether you work in a shelter, volunteer on weekends, or have recently adopted a reactive dog, this is a conversation full of practical wisdom and hard-won insight.
About Jessica Wheatcraft
Jessica Wheatcraft is a canine behaviour specialist with years of hands-on experience working with reactive and hard-to-place shelter dogs. Passionate about bridging the gap between behaviour science and real-world shelter practice, she has dedicated much of her career to helping dogs that are often overlooked find and keep their forever homes. Jessica is known for her compassionate, honest approach and her commitment to supporting the people who work alongside these dogs every day.
51 min
March 25 Ep. 58 Quality of Life for Dogs, Staff and Adopters with Kelly Bollen
This episode explores the multidimensional concept of quality of life (QoL) within animal shelters, emphasising its impact not only on dogs, but also on staff and adopters. Framed through a behavioural welfare lens, the discussion highlights the interdependence between canine wellbeing, human experience, and organisational outcomes.
For dogs, QoL is positioned as more than the absence of distress, encompassing the presence of agency, predictability, social choice, and opportunities to engage in species-typical behaviours.
The episode also addresses staff wellbeing as a critical, often overlooked component of shelter QoL. High workloads, emotional labour, and ethical stressors, particularly around euthanasia and capacity pressures, are identified as key contributors to burnout and empathic strain. The importance of psychologically informed workplace practices is emphasised, including training in behaviour, clear decision-making frameworks, and fostering a culture of support, autonomy, and reflective practice.
Adopters are considered the third pillar of QoL, with a focus on setting realistic expectations and supporting successful human–dog relationships post-adoption. The discussion highlights the role of transparent communication, behavioural matchmaking, and post-adoption support in reducing returns and improving long-term welfare outcomes.
Across all groups, the episode advocates for a shift from throughput-driven models to welfare-centred decision-making. Data-informed approaches, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous evaluation are presented as essential to sustaining improvements.
About Kelly
As the principal consultant for Kelley Bollen Consulting, LLC, Kelley works with animal welfare organizations to educate staff and volunteers about all things behavior to improve the quality of life for cats and dogs in shelters..

Kelley has a Master's Degree in Animal Behavior, is a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant (CABC) and a professional member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).

Kelley is a nationally recognized expert in the field of shelter behavioral care and has worked with animal welfare organizations for over 20 years.

Links
https://www.kelleybollen.com/about
https://www.humanenetwork.org/animal-shelter-behavior-course
47 min
March 12 Ep. 57. Intergrating behaviour into shelter operations with Dr. Meghan Herron

In this episode we discuss the importance of integrating behaviour into all of our shelter practices, including how we can do this successfully, what some of the challenges are and what structures look like in a range of shelter operations with and without behaviour teams.
About Dr. Herron
Dr. Meghan Herron serves as the senior director of behavior, research and education at Gigi’s, a shelter organization dedicated to improving the lives of shelter dogs. Prior to this role, she spent over a decade as an associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at the Ohio State University and currently holds an adjunct position with the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. She also holds adjunct teaching positions at the University of Florida, St. Matthews University, Lincoln Memorial University and Virginia PolyTech University.
With extensive experience working with shelter and rescue animals in both the Columbus, Ohio, and Philadelphia areas, Dr. Herron has a deep commitment to behavior problem prevention and improving the quality of life and adoptability of shelter animals. As a published author and international speaker, she has delivered engaging, educational and evidence-based presentations to veterinarians, animal care professionals and pet owners across the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia.
Dr. Herron is the lead editor on the book “Decoding Your Cat” and a contributor to “Decoding Your Dog.” Her most recent work, “Introduction to Animal Behavior and Veterinary Behavioral Medicine,” a textbook designed to provide a strong foundation in animal behavior concepts, as well as an introduction to clinical behavioral medicine, is available now from Amazon and other major retailers.
Dr. Herron graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in zoology and obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She then went on to complete a three-year residency program in behavioral medicine at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine and is now board certified as a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behavior.
Links
Gigi’s rescue - https://gigis.org
1 hr 3 min
February 24 Ep. 56 Muzzle and Misunderstood- Improving the Perception of Muzzle Dogs in Shelter and Rescue.
In this episode, we explore how dog shelter and rescue professionals can reshape public perception of muzzles, using one of the most powerful tools available: photography. While muzzles are often misunderstood as symbols of aggression, they are valuable tools for safety, training, enrichment, and responsible handling. The challenge isn’t the muzzle itself it’s the story the image tells.
We’ll discuss how intentional, positive imagery can transform that narrative. From capturing relaxed body language and soft facial expressions to showcasing bright, well-fitted basket muzzles during enrichment walks or training sessions, the right photos can normalize muzzle use and build adopter confidence.
By reframing muzzles through thoughtful visual storytelling, Daine has created the amazing book, Muzzled and Misunderstood.
About Diane Gollowitzer
Diane is an award-winning dog photographer based in Winchester, UK. She specialises in high-end wall art and provides a highly personalised service where everything is tailored to the dog's and the owner's needs.
Her sessions are stress-free and a lot of fun, where the dogs are allowed to be dogs. Her philosophy is that everyone deserves artwork of their dog no matter if they are trained or not if they are allowed off lead or not, or if they are nervous, anxious, or reactive.
Diane started a personal project where she photographs dogs who are wearing muzzles. The inspiration was her terrier, Deedee, who can be reactive and wears a muzzle on our walks. I want to break the stigma around muzzles and muzzled dogs. Diane then invited the guardians of the dogs to write letters to them about their relationship and experiences
Links
Diane’s Website- https://www.dogsinfocusphotography.com
Muzzled and Misunderstood Book-
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Muzzled-Misunderstood-Diane-Gollowitzer/dp/1910488747
Muzzle Movement Discount Code- https://themuzzlemovement.com/?ref=fofhKIPajXn36l
18 min
February 11 Ep. 55 Medical and behaviour, can we separate them? With Dr. Èlise Christensen
In this episode, veterinary behaviourist Dr. Elise Christensen examines the role of underlying medical conditions in shaping animal behaviour within shelter environments. She discusses how pain, systemic illness, and stress-related physiological changes can manifest as behavioural concerns that are often misattributed to behaviour or training concerns. Emphasizing evidence-based assessment, Dr. Christensen underscores the importance of comprehensive medical evaluation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and informed behavioural interpretation. The discussion highlights behaviour as a critical indicator of health and welfare, with significant implications for clinical decision-making, risk assessment, and adoption outcomes in shelter medicine.
About Dr. Elise Christensen
Dr. C is a Cornell-trained veterinary behaviorist and every high school parent's nightmare: a pet psychiatrist. Brilliant, struggling animals are the only puzzles she wants to solve.
If one of these Complex Pets is pushing you to the edge, you belong here.
Her boutique veterinary behavior service blends the academic with the practical, helping families move from stuck to hopeful. So they can graduate faster.
She lectures internationally to veterinarians, trainers, and shelter professionals, and partners with pediatricians and family doctors to help Amazing Pet People and their Complex Pets thrive together.
Links
https://www.drcvetbehavior.com/
50 min
January 14 Ep. 54 want more time, money and resources. Here where to start Behaviour edition with Leeron Liftik
Ep. 54 want more time, money and resources, here’s where to start. Behaviour edition with Leeron Liftik
In this episode, we explore the journey of Leeron Liftik into shelter and rescue dog behaviour, shaped by early hands-on work in high-pressure shelter environments. Seeing how many decisions about dogs were made with limited evidence sparked a shift toward behavioural science and data-driven approaches.
Leeron discusses how thoughtfully collected behaviour data can improve outcomes for dogs, reducing stress, supporting better adoption matches, and helping shelters make fairer, more consistent decisions. The conversation highlights the role of collaboration across stakeholders, from shelter staff and trainers to researchers and policymakers, and the importance of using data ethically, with the dog’s lived experience at the centre. Through small data based changes Leeron talks us through how he was able to create more time, money and resources for his teams, something we all strive to do!
About Leeron Liftik
Leeron Liftik is a dog trainer and behaviour specialist with a background in shelter and rescue environments. Their work focuses on understanding canine behaviour in high-stress contexts and improving outcomes for dogs through evidence-based training and assessment.
Leeron has worked closely with shelters, trainers, and welfare organisations to support safer handling, better adoption matches, and reduced relinquishment. With a strong interest in the role of data in animal welfare, Leeron advocates for practical, ethical use of behavioural information to inform decision-making across the rescue sector.
Driven by a commitment to both compassion and clarity, Leeron’s approach bridges hands-on training experience with behavioural science to help dogs and the people supporting them.
Links
Sourdough video! https://fb.watch/ECmzYwLKEv/?fs=e
51 min
December 17, 2025 Ep. 53 L.E.G.S and Total Welfare Model for Shelter and Rescue with Dr Kim Brophey
In this episode, Tom is joined by Dr. Kim Brophey, applied ethologist, author, and founder of Family Dog Mediation®, for an in-depth conversation on the L.E.G.S.® model, Family Dog Mediation, and the Total Welfare Model. Together, they explore how moving beyond one-size-fits-all training and behaviour labels can transform outcomes for dogs and the people who care for them.
Dr. Brophey breaks down the L.E.G.S. framework, Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self, and explains how understanding the whole dog allows shelter and rescue professionals to make better assessments, reduce mislabelling, and support safer, more successful placements. The discussion highlights how Family Dog Mediation shifts the focus from “fixing” dogs to mediating between dogs, humans, and their environments.
The episode also dives into the Total Welfare Model, emphasizing ethical, practical decision-making that balances individual dog welfare, public safety, and organizational capacity. Packed with real-world insight, this conversation offers shelter and rescue teams a more humane, sustainable approach to behaviour, advocacy, and long-term success.
About Dr. Kim Brophey
Kim Brophey, owner of The Dog Door Behavior Center, is an academically educated applied ethologist (member of The International Society for Applied Ethology), an awarded member (Outstanding Trainer of the Year 2009) of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers since 2000, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants since 2006, and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) since 2002. Kim is an established and well-respected leader in the dog training and behavior field , speaking locally and nationally at universities and conferences for 20 years. Kim has authored a ground-breaking book for dog owners to translate and deliver comprehensive canine science to the public - MEET YOUR DOG, developed a trademarked model of dog welfare and behavior - Dog L.E.G.S., and delivered a popular TED talk - "The Problem With Treating Your Dog Like a Pet".
Kim's unique background and commitment to the whole picture of behavioral health from the integrated applied ethology perspective of dog behavior and welfare have positioned her as Asheville's most trusted, veterinarian referred, shelter and professional field active (serving on board of directors for the Asheville Humane Society and the IAABC), and community awarded (Voted "Best of WNC Dog Trainer" for 6 years).
Kim Brophey specializes in complex problems such as fear, aggression, and anxiety and is consistently reviewed by clients as an invaluably compassionate and effective resource for understanding and solving serious behavior challenges that traditional dog training has failed to address. For those seeking assistance with basic puppy training, manners, and therapy and service dog training, Kim continues to provide expert council and services to meet those goals as well.
Links
Family Dog Mediation- https://www.familydogmediation.com
Conferences- https://legsinmotionconference.com
Total welfare app- https://www.totalwelfareapp.com
BAT meets LEGS: Total Welfare for dogs and people- https://school.grishastewart.com/courses/batlegs?ref=352ff9
49 min
December 03, 2025 Ep.52 Behind the Kennel Door, Behaviour Assessments with Dr. Liam Clay
In this episode, we’re joined by behaviour specialist Dr Liam Clay, whose research focuses on canine behaviour assessment, behavioural problems and adoption suitability in shelter environments. Together, we unpack what behaviour assessments in shelters actually tell us about a dog and what they don’t.
About Dr. Clay
Dr. Clay studied at the University of Queensland (UQ), from which he holds his honours in stress and behavioral problems and a doctorate in canine behavior assessment, behavioral problems, and adoption suitability. He also became the first veterinary technician specialist in behavior in Australia in 2020. Dr. Clay is the director of Future Proof Training Academy as well as Applied Animal Behaviour Consultants. He is an adjunct lecturer and researcher with the UQ School of Veterinary Science, where he researches and supervises students in the areas of canine behavior problems, shelter behavior, behavior assessments, One Health, and behavior therapy.
48 min

About Simplifying Shelter Behaviour

From the publisher's feed

Shelter and Rescue can be difficult environments for workers and the animals in their care. This podcast, hosted by Tom Candy BSc (Hons) MSC CCAB, CSBS, CDBC. Brings together some of the leaders in…