In this episode, host Nathan Dunleavy speaks with Maya Badham, founder of S-A-H-S-D-A and creator of the Partnership Planet Model. Maya shares her powerful journey from supporting trauma survivors to reimagining how we live with dogs — not as projects to train, but as partners to respect.

💡 What you’ll discover:

The roots of the Partnership Planet Model

Why control and compliance limit connection with dogs

How co-regulation, autonomy, and stewardship transform relationships

Practical examples of responding through partnership, not obedience

Redefining what “success” as a dog guardian really means

If you’ve ever wondered what true partnership with your dog could look like, this episode is a must-listen.

🐾 Subscribe for more heart-led conversations about dogs, training, and life together. Don’t forget to like, share, and leave us a review — it helps other dog lovers find us!

Dog Separation Anxiety Myths Busted with Rosee Riggs | Gentle, Evidence-Based Help

If you’ve been told to “crate and cry it out,” this episode is for you. Certified separation anxiety pro behaviour consultant Rosee Riggs explains what SA really is, why common internet tips backfire, and the calm, step-by-step plan that helps dogs feel safe being home alone.

In this episode you’ll learn:

Why crates, cameras, and quick-fix hacks can worsen fear

How to set up managing absences (so your dog avoids panic while you train)

The power of predictability and a simple safe signal

How to do gradual desensitisation without triggering anxiety

Lifestyle changes that reduce overall stress (sleep, sniffy walks, pain checks)

When to get qualified, force-free professional support

Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:08 Why separation anxiety is misunderstood

05:42 Biggest myths (crates, “cry it out,” food distractions)

14:30 Predictability & safe signals

19:25 Why gadgets aren’t shortcuts

24:10 Managing absences (your first step)

28:36 Desensitisation done right

34:10 Consistency beats intensity

38:15 Lifestyle tweaks & co-factors

44:00 Reframing your role as guardian

48:10 One myth we’d erase forever

51:00 Where to find Rosee

Guest

Rosee Riggs — Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Behaviour Consultant

Work with us / stay connected

• Subscribe for more dog-behaviour deep dives

• If this helped, please like 👍, comment, and share with a friend who’s supporting an anxious dog

Disclaimer

This episode is educational and not a substitute for an individual assessment from a qualified, force-free professional.

Welcome to The Yappy Hour powered by Yappily!

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.

🐾 The Yappy Hour is powered by Yappily — helping dog lovers and pet professionals learn, grow, and support happier dogs.

Trainer & behaviourist Colin Spence joins The Yappy Hour host Nathan Dunleavy to share his expert Rottweiler guide — from temperament and trust-based training to enrichment, arousal management, body language, and breeder research. Whether you share life with a Rottie or are simply breed-curious, this is a practical, myth-busting conversation.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome & why Rottweilers are misunderstood

03:12 Colin’s story: falling in love with the breed

07:10 Temperament: loyal, people-oriented, emotionally soft

12:25 Trust-first puppy work: confidence > commands

16:58 Reading body language in large guardian breeds

22:40 Enrichment that works: freedom, scenting & tug play

28:55 Arousal vs. pain: what guardians should look for

34:20 Media myths & shifting the narrative

40:10 Is a Rottweiler right for you? Lifestyle & breeder tips

46:05 Daily routines: purpose, presence & calm leadership

51:20 Where to find Colin & final takeaways

🎙️ The Yappy Hour, powered by Yappily — supporting dog lovers with expert, welfare-first advice.

Subscribe for weekly conversations with leading trainers & behaviourists.

Share this episode with fellow Rottweiler lovers!

Enrichment is essential, not optional — and in this episode of The Yappy Hour we dive into how to keep your dog truly happy, calm, and fulfilled.

Host Nathan Dunleavy chats with canine enrichment expert and author Shay Kelly, who shares why enrichment matters, how it prevents behaviour problems, and simple enrichment ideas you can do at home today.

Whether you have a playful puppy, a senior dog, or a nervous rescue, this episode is packed with practical, budget-friendly advice to help you strengthen your bond and give your dog a life worth living.

🐾 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Shay Kelly

04:30 – What enrichment really means (beyond puzzle toys)

12:10 – The 5 types of enrichment every dog needs

19:40 – Why safety is the foundation of enrichment

28:15 – Enrichment for puppies vs. senior dogs

38:00 – How enrichment helps nervous or anxious dogs

46:00 – Budget-friendly enrichment ideas you can try today

55:00 – How enrichment prevents behaviour problems

1:04:00 – Final thoughts: enrichment is essential, not optional

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Yappy Hour for more expert conversations on dog training, behaviour, and wellbeing.

In this episode of The Yappy Hour, powered by Yappily, your host, Nathan Dunleavy, sits down with internationally respected behaviourist and educator Sarah Fisher. Sarah is the founder of ACE (Animal Centred Education) and the creator of ACE Free Work, a structured yet gentle approach that helps dogs thrive through observation, trust, and choice.

🐾 Whether you live with a nervous rescue, a high-energy adolescent, or a senior dog, this episode will change how you see your dog.

🎧 What you'll learn:

• What ACE Free Work is and how to get started
• How observation helps identify hidden stress or pain
• Why “less is more” when supporting reactive or anxious dogs
• The importance of sensory experiences in building calm and confidence
• How ACE is helping in vet practices, grooming salons, rescue shelters and more
• Practical ways to use Free Work at home, in daily life, or out on walks

🌐 Learn more about Sarah and ACE Free Work:

https://www.animalcentrededucation.com

https://www.tilleyfarm.org.uk

This week, Nathan is joined by clinical animal behaviourist Daniel Shaw of Animal Behaviour Kent to talk about one of the most misunderstood stages in your dog’s life: adolescence.

We explore:

🐶 What’s really going on in your teenage dog’s brain

⚠️ Why training may seem to fall apart — and why that’s normal

🥴 How to spot the difference between temporary wobbles and deeper behavioural challenges

💚 The importance of connection, co-regulation, and emotional safety

👣 How to support your dog (and yourself) through the ups and downs of adolescence

📍Whether your dog is barking more, listening less, or suddenly unsure of the world, this episode offers compassionate, science-based guidance — and a whole lot of reassurance.

In this episode of The Yappy Hour, host Nathan Dunleavy chats with Jay Gurden a dog behaviour expert, author, and founder of Good Guardianship, about how to truly support sensitive, complex, or "reactive" dogs.

Jay shares powerful advice on how to build trust, reduce stress, and avoid the trap of “fixing” behaviours. You’ll learn how to read subtle body language, help your dog decompress, and become the advocate your dog needs in a busy world.

Whether you're struggling with reactivity, over-arousal, fear-based behaviours, or just want to deepen your bond with your dog, this episode is full of practical tips and heartfelt reassurance.

Topics covered:

• What “reactive” really means and why we’re moving away from that label
• Why trust and choice matter so much in behaviour change
• How to handle setbacks and bad days
• Tools and mindset shifts that help guardians and dogs thrive
• Jay’s own experience with her sensitive dog, Finn

🎧 Grab a cuppa, settle in, and listen to this supportive, insightful episode that will leave you feeling empowered and understood.

For more episodes visit the Yappily pod page!

Decoding the Dachshund | Yappy Hour Podcast with Nicky Hammel

Welcome to The Yappy Hour, powered by Yappily – the podcast for dog lovers who want to deepen their bond with their four-legged friends. In this episode, host Nathan Dunleavy chats with Nicky Hammel, a licensed breeder and behaviourist specialising in long-haired dachshunds.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to read and understand dachshund behaviour
• Common behavioural challenges and how to tackle them
• The truth about dachshunds' "stubborn" reputation
• Why responsible breeding is crucial and what to look for in a breeder
• Managing barking, reactivity, and separation anxiety
• Tips for raising a well-adjusted dachshund from puppyhood to adolescence
• Essential health considerations like IVDD and PRA

Listen to more episodes on The Yappy Hour Pod Page

If you enjoyed this episode, hit the like button, share it with a fellow dog lover, and subscribe to The Yappy Hour to never miss an update.

Join Nathan Dunleavy on this episode of Yappy Hour as he welcomes Carrie-Anne Selwyn, the founder of Canine Hoopers World. Discover how the inclusive and low-impact dog sport, Hoopers, is transforming the way dog guardians connect with their pets.

Carrie-Anne shares her journey from pet dog trainer to international Hoopers advocate, the benefits of Hoopers for all breeds and ages, and how anyone can get started with minimal equipment. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity, a confidence builder for reactive dogs, or a new way to bond with your pup, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice.

Listen in to learn how Hoopers can be practised casually at home or competitively, and how it fosters trust, focus, and teamwork between dogs and their guardians.

Tune in now to find out why Hoopers is the perfect sport for every dog, no matter their size, age, or ability!

Listen to more episodes on the pod page!