The Yappy Hour

Kids and dogs living together? In this episode of The Yappy Hour powered by Yappily, Nathan Dunleavy is joined by Debby Lucken, dog trainer, behaviourist, author, and founder of Kids Around Dogs (KAD).

We talk about dog body language and stress signals, consent and boundaries, active supervision, preventing problems before they start, and what to do if your child is afraid of dogs, or if your dog feels unsure around children.

Whether you’re a dog parent/guardian, a parent, a teacher, or a pet professional, this conversation is packed with practical, welfare-led guidance for safer, calmer family life.

What you’ll learn:

✅ Subtle signs your dog is uncomfortable (yawning, lip-licking, shaking off)

✅ Why active supervision matters with kids and dogs

✅ How to teach kids consent and respectful interaction

✅ Preventing common issues like toy snatching, jumping up, and rough play

✅ Support for fear of dogs (kids and adults) and rebuilding trust

Find Kids Around Dogs professionals on Yappily 👉

Find Debby / Kids Around Dogs:

1. Website: kidsarounddogs.co.uk
2. Kids Around Dogs (KAD) Facebook page

Find Yappily / The Yappy Hour:

1. Follow/subscribe for more dog behaviour, welfare, and real-life training conversations
2. If this episode helped, leave a review and share with a parent or dog guardian

Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:10 How Kids Around Dogs began

06:40 Why kids + dogs can be tricky (and overlooked)

11:55 Most-missed stress signals in dog body language

18:30 Consent & boundaries with family dogs

24:40 Prevention: home set-up + active supervision

31:10 Handling toys, jumping up & resource concerns

38:40 Fear of dogs: Debbie’s protocol

46:30 Nervous dogs around children

53:10 Final advice for families + where to find KAD

English Toy Terriers (ETTs) are loyal, funny, elegant little dogs and they’re also one of the UK’s vulnerable native breeds. In this episode of The Yappy Hour (powered by Yappily), host Nathan Dunleavy chats with Nikki Cole from Delightful Dogs Dog Training about what makes the English Toy Terrier so special, how dog trends affect breed visibility, and how to choose a dog responsibly and ethically.

We cover:

✅ English Toy Terrier temperament, lifestyle fit + coat care

✅ Why ETTs get mistaken for Doberman puppies or Miniature Pinschers

✅ What “vulnerable breed” means (and why awareness matters)

✅ How to find a responsible breeder (health testing, paperwork, red flags)

✅ Advice for guardians moving from large breeds to small dogs

✅ Enrichment for terriers: scent work, trick training + safe shredding outlets

✅ Under-the-radar UK breeds worth exploring

Connect with Nikki Cole (Delightful Dogs Dog Training):

📍 Website: DelightfulDogsDogTraining.co.uk

📍 Facebook: Delightful Dogs Dog Training

Ethical qualified pet business or Dog Pro? Join us at Yappily!

⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with a fellow dog lover.

Welcome to The Yappy Hour, powered by Yappily, the podcast for dog lovers who want to better understand and connect with their canine companions. I’m your host, Nathan Dunleavy, and today we’re talking all things poodle behaviour and training.

In this episode, Nathan is joined by Shelina Duke, founder of Go With The Flo and creator of The Poodle Training Space. Shelina shares poodle-specific training insights, including barking, calmness, enrichment, grooming, handling, and why poodles need a different approach than many other “smart” breeds.

In this episode we cover:

1. Poodle personality: sensitive, intelligent, emotionally tuned-in
2. Why repetition backfires for many poodles
3. Barking, overstimulation, and “always on” behaviour
4. FOMO vs separation anxiety
5. Calm enrichment vs high-arousal “puzzle toys”
6. Toy vs miniature vs standard poodles
7. Grooming handling, coat changes, and early prep
8. The poodle myth that keeps causing training problems

Follow Shelina Duke:

1. Website: Go With The Flo
2. Socials: Shelina, The Poodle Trainer (Facebook + Instagram + YouTube)
3. Community: The Poodle Training Space (Facebook group)

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with a fellow poodle person.

Welcome to The Yappy Hour, powered by Yappily – the podcast for dog guardians who want to better understand and support their canine companions.

In this episode, host Nathan Dunleavy is joined by Danielle Beck – trauma-informed behaviourist, aggression case specialist and creator of Control The Meerkat.

Together they dive into:

What trauma in dogs really is (and what it isn’t)

How fear, reactivity and “aggression” are often signs of emotional overwhelm

Why aggression is communication, not a personality trait

How trauma can develop even in kind, well-intentioned homes

The difference between a reactive dog and a trauma-impacted dog

Where to start with a dog who is shut down, fearful or over-aroused

The role of safety, consent, agency and choice in helping dogs heal

How enrichment, free work and pattern games support recovery

What happens when an assistance dog develops behaviour struggles

The emotional impact on guardians and how to balance both ends of the lead

If you live with a sensitive, reactive or traumatised dog, this conversation will help you reframe what you’re seeing, take the pressure off, and focus on safety, connection and small, meaningful steps forward.

• Trauma in dogs = ongoing emotional overwhelm, not just one bad moment
• Aggression and reactivity are often the loudest form of communication
• Shut-down dogs and appeasing dogs are frequently overlooked in behaviour support
• You can’t “train trauma out” – but you can create conditions where healing is possible
• Assistance dogs are not robots; they can experience trauma and need decompression too

Danielle Beck is a trauma-informed clinical animal behaviourist, aggression case specialist and creator of Control The Meerkat. She works with complex behaviour cases, trauma-impacted dogs and assistance dogs, with a focus on emotional safety, consent and welfare-first support.

🌐 Website: daniellebeck.co.uk

🐾 Project: Control The Meerkat

The Yappy Hour, powered by Yappily, is the podcast for dog lovers who want ethical, science-based advice they can trust.

Yappily is the UK’s directory for qualified, kind and ethical dog professionals – from dog trainers and behaviourists to groomers, walkers, licensed boarders and doggy daycare providers.

🔎 Find local and ethical dog care near you: yappily.co.uk

Struggling with an anxious or nervous dog?

In this episode of The Yappy Hour, powered by Yappily, host Nathan Dunleavy talks with canine behaviourist Helen Motteram, founder of the Pet Professional Network (PPN).

Helen shares the emotional story of her rescue dog Sally and how that difficult, life-changing journey led her into behaviour work.

They dive into understanding dog anxiety, spotting subtle stress signals, and how to support dogs who find the world overwhelming.

Perfect for guardians of nervous dogs, rescue dogs with difficult histories, or anyone who wants a kind, welfare-led understanding of canine behaviour.

In this episode you’ll learn:

How rescue dog Sally inspired Helen’s behaviour career

What anxiety really looks like in dogs (beyond barking or lunging)

Early stress signals you should never ignore

The everyday triggers that overwhelm sensitive dogs

Why anxious dogs benefit from shorter, calmer walks

How enrichment, sniffing and cone-work create safety

The role of choice, agency and consent in reducing anxiety

How guardians can cope emotionally and feel less alone

Practical advice for anyone welcoming a nervous rescue dog

About Helen Motteram

Helen is a canine behaviourist and founder of the Pet Professional Network (PPN). She specialises in helping anxious and nervous dogs feel safer and more understood.

She also works with corvids (crows, rooks and ravens) and mentors pet professionals worldwide.

Search online for: “Helen Motteram PPN” or “Helen Motteram behaviourist”.

About The Yappy Hour (powered by Yappily)

The Yappy Hour is the podcast for dog lovers who want to better understand and support their canine companions. Powered by Yappily, the ethical UK directory for trusted pet professionals.

If you enjoyed this episode, please:

🔗 Share it with a fellow dog guardian

🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Find local and ethical dog trainers, dog behaviourists, dog walkers, groomers, dog pros and pet businesses near you.  Yappily is the UK directory built to help you find trusted pet care professionals you can feel good about working with.

📍 Search verified and trusted listings on Yappily

All About Whippets: Training, Temperament & Living with This Sensitive Breed (with Jack’s Mum Dog Training)

In this episode of The Yappy Hour (powered by Yappily), host Nathan Dunleavy chats with Vanessa from Jack’s Mum Dog Training about what makes Whippets so special and sometimes challenging!

They cover breed differences, recall that works, separation-anxiety prevention, home safety, and enrichment ideas for this elegant, soulful sighthound.

Topics covered:

Whippet temperament & sensitivity

Show vs working vs racing lines

Safe puppy setup: floors, gates, leads

Recall games & chase-play for sighthounds

Separation anxiety & home-alone training

Enrichment ideas & energy management

Living with kids, cats & other dogs

Comfort, coats & cosy living

Positive training & avoiding overwhelm

Vanessa’s mentoring journey & lessons learned

Subscribe & Review

If you love Whippets (or just dogs!), hit Subscribe and leave a review. It helps more pet parents find us.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

03:00 Meet Vanessa & Jack’s Mum Dog Training

10:00 What Defines a Whippet

18:00 Show vs Working Lines

26:00 Puppy Safety Tips

33:00 Recall for Sighthounds

40:00 Separation Anxiety Support

48:00 Daily Enrichment

55:00 Kids & Cats

01:02:00 Comfort and Care

01:07:00 Mentoring Insights & Wrap-Up

Find local and ethical dog trainers, dog behaviourists, dog walkers, groomers, dog pros and pet businesses near you.  Yappily is the UK directory built to help you find trusted pet care professionals you can feel good about working with.

📍 Search verified and trusted listings on Yappily

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.

Find local and ethical dog trainers, dog behaviourists, dog walkers, groomers, dog pros and pet businesses near you.  Yappily is the UK directory built to help you find trusted pet care professionals you can feel good about working with.

📍 Search verified and trusted listings on Yappily

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.

Find local and ethical dog trainers, dog behaviourists, dog walkers, groomers, dog pros and pet businesses near you.  Yappily is the UK directory built to help you find trusted pet care professionals you can feel good about working with.

📍 Search verified and trusted listings on Yappily

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.

Find local and ethical dog trainers, dog behaviourists, dog walkers, groomers, dog pros and pet businesses near you.  Yappily is the UK directory built to help you find trusted pet care professionals you can feel good about working with.

📍 Search verified and trusted listings on Yappily

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!