Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese

In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, host Killian is joined by returning guest Suzy White of Snout and About Kilkenny to explore when it makes sense to involve a dog trainer, a behaviour consultant, or both.

Suzy explains the key difference between the two roles: trainers help dogs learn new skills, while behaviour consultants focus on understanding and modifying existing behaviours by identifying the root cause. The conversation covers common training needs such as loose-lead walking, recall, and everyday communication, as well as behavioural concerns like reactivity, aggression, resource guarding, separation anxiety, fear, pain, and emotional dysregulation.

Killian and Suzy also discuss why behaviour cases often require collaboration between vets, trainers, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and other professionals. They highlight the importance of decompression, enrichment, scent work, dog sports, and rebuilding the human-dog relationship. This episode is especially helpful for dog guardians who are unsure where to start or what kind of professional support their dog may need.

Find out more about Suzi White and Snout and About Kilkenny:

Instagram: @ the_dogcentre

Website: https://www.thedogcentre.ie/

Find out more about Ruby Reese:

Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial

Website: www.ruby-reese.com

Find out more about dognutrition.ie:

Instagram: @dognutrition.ie

Website: dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Canine Behaviour Consulting

05:23 Understanding the Role of Trainers vs. Behaviour Consultants

07:55 Identifying Behavioural Issues in Dogs

10:10 The Importance of Addressing Root Causes

12:38 Collaboration Between Professionals

15:49 The Role of Emotional Regulation

18:33 Navigating Training and Behaviour Consulting

21:15 The Impact of Dog Sports on Behaviour

24:28 Understanding Dog Emotions and Enrichment

27:31 Distinguishing Between Training Needs and Behavioural Issues

30:23 Life Stages and Their Impact on Behaviour

33:16 Credentials and Qualifications in Dog Training

36:14 Finding the Right Professional for Your Dog

38:53 Conclusion and Resources for Dog Owners

41:04 Outro

In this heartfelt episode of "Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese," host Killian delves into the sensitive and often challenging topic of pet euthanasia and grief support. Joined by Louise Griffey from Light After Loss and Dr. Megan Anderson from Rainbow Bridge Vets, the discussion offers a compassionate exploration of how to support pet owners through one of the most difficult times they may face.

Louise and Dr. Megan share their personal journeys into the field of grief and euthanasia support, revealing the experiences and motivations that led them to dedicate their careers to this vital work. They discuss the significant gaps in veterinary training regarding end-of-life conversations and provide insights into how these can be addressed to improve care for both pets and their owners.

The conversation emphasises the importance of compassion, patience, and validated communication during pet euthanasia. Louise and Dr. Megan offer practical advice on creating a safe emotional space during difficult consultations, ensuring that pet owners feel supported and understood.

Listeners will learn about various memorialisation options available for pet owners, such as jewellery and prints, which can play a crucial role in the grieving process. The episode also covers how to support pet owners through anticipatory grief and post-loss coping, providing strategies to help them navigate their emotions.

For veterinary staff, the episode offers practical tips on handling end-of-life discussions ethically and empathetically. Louise and Dr. Megan highlight the role of community and resources in normalising grief and reducing stigma, encouraging open conversations around pet loss.

Finally, the episode explores the development of training courses designed to equip veterinary professionals with the soft skills needed for pet death conversations, ensuring that they can provide the best possible support to grieving pet owners.

Course: Fundamentals of Gentle Euthanasia & Supporting Grieving Pet Owners (https://training.premierskillsinstitute.com/course-detail/on-demand-fundamentals-of-gentle-euthanasia-supporting-grieving-pet-owners/?id=297&schedule_id=)

Course: The Basics of Dog Food and Nutrition - for Dog Professionals

Exclusive Discount: For your loyal podcast listeners we created a special 20% OFF discount code to save on the course. Use Podcast20 at checkout or click on the link above and the discount will be added automatically at checkout.

Find out more about Louise Griffey and Light After Loss :

Instagram: @_lightafterloss

Website: www.lightafterloss.ie 

Podcast: The Pet Loss Journals

Find out more about Dr. Megan Anderson and RAINBOW BRIDGE VETERINARY SERVICES:

Instagram: @rainbowbridgevetsireland

Website: www.rainbowbridgevets.ie 

Find out more about Ruby Reese:

Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial

Website: www.ruby-reese.com

Find out more about dognutrition.ie:

Instagram: @dognutrition.ie

Website: dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup

01:52 Meet the Guests: Louise and Megan

02:48 Understanding Pet Loss and Support Services

03:24 The Journey to Pet Euthanasia and Grief Support

15:47 Supporting Grieving Pet Owners: Strategies and Insights

22:05 Creating Emotional Safety in Consultations

25:50 The Importance of Language in Grief

33:22 Memorialisation and Remembering Pets

40:08 Support Systems for Grieving Pet Owners

51:20 Outro

Understanding Munchausen by Animal Proxy: A Deep Dive into Psychological Abuse in Pets

Disclaimer: This episode discusses topics that may be disturbing to some listeners, including elements of psychological abuse.

In this compelling episode, Killian is joined by Vanessa Fagan, an experienced dog trainer and canine behaviourist, to delve into the unsettling world of Munchausen by Animal Proxy. This psychiatric disorder involves pet owners fabricating or inducing illness in their animals to gain attention or sympathy. Vanessa shares her unique insights and experiences, shedding light on the challenges faced by veterinarians and other professionals in identifying and addressing this form of abuse.Listeners will gain an understanding of the disorder's definition and history, as well as the behavioural cues and signs that may indicate its presence. The conversation also explores the role of social media in amplifying attention-seeking behaviours and the ethical dilemmas faced by those in the veterinary field. Through real-world examples and case studies, Vanessa emphasises the importance of professional collaboration and awareness to combat this growing issue.This episode is essential listening for anyone involved in animal care, psychology, or veterinary medicine, offering valuable resources and links for further exploration. Join us in raising awareness and fostering a more informed community to protect vulnerable animals and their owners.

Dying to Be Ill by Mark Feldman

This episode aims to raise awareness about a critical issue in animal welfare and mental health. Listen, share, and stay informed to help prevent harm to vulnerable animals and their owners.

Find out more about Vanessa and Perfect Paws Dog Training :

Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/perfect_paws_dog_training_ire/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@perfect_paws_training

Find out more about Ruby Reese:

Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial

Website: www.ruby-reese.com

Find out more about dognutrition.ie:

Instagram: @dognutrition.ie

Website: dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to a Difficult Topic

04:28 Understanding Munchausen by Animal Proxy

08:37 Recognising Symptoms in Pet Ownership

12:27 The Complexity of Vet Shopping

15:09 The Darker Aspects of the Disorder

17:06 Raising Awareness and Professional Vigilance

20:11 Understanding Veterinary Perspectives on Animal Health

22:15 Identifying Behavioural Cues in Dogs

24:11 The Importance of Early Diagnosis

27:10 Challenges in Reporting Animal Abuse

30:09 The Complexity of Munchausen by Animal Proxy

33:11 Distinguishing Between Concerned Owners and Abusers

36:08 The Need for Collaboration in Animal Welfare

39:53 Outro

Explore the emotional dynamics of dog training with Killian and expert Catherine Griffin as they delve into blame, guilt, and shame.In this insightful episode, host Killian and guest Catherine Griffin, a certified dog behaviour consultant, tackle the complex emotions that often accompany dog training. They explore how feelings of blame, guilt, and shame can hinder effective training and understanding between humans and their canine companions.Catherine shares her expertise on how societal pressures and unrealistic expectations can lead to feelings of inadequacy among dog owners. She explains that dogs do not share our moral compass, and those guilty looks are often appeasement signals rather than signs of remorse. 

This episode highlights the importance of recognising these emotions and understanding their impact on training and behaviour management.Listeners will learn why the "cookie-cutter" approach to dog training is a myth and how each dog is a unique individual with different motivations. Catherine discusses how social media can fuel perfectionism and create false expectations of "good" dog behaviour. This episode offers practical strategies to shift from blame to curiosity, providing a fresh perspective for those frustrated with contradictory advice or feeling judged in public.Perfect for dog owners and professionals alike, this episode emphasises the importance of trauma-informed, non-judgmental communication. By fostering trust and embracing imperfections, listeners can improve their confidence and their dog's well-being. Catherine's insights offer a roadmap to a healthier, more understanding relationship with dogs, transforming both approach and bond.

Find out more about Snout and About :

Instagram: @snoutandaboutcork

Website: https://snoutandabout.ie/

Find out more about Ruby Reese:

Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial

Website: www.ruby-reese.com

Find out more about dognutrition.ie:

Instagram: @dognutrition.ie

Website: dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Blame, Shame, and Guilt in Dog Training

04:45 Understanding the Dynamics of Blame and Guilt

07:23 The Complexity of Dog Behaviour and Owner Expectations

10:20 The Sentience of Dogs and Human Emotions

13:30 The Impact of Shame on Seeking Help

16:30 Cultural and Societal Expectations in Dog Ownership

20:39 Understanding Dog Ownership Challenges

26:26 The Impact of Social Media on Dog Training

33:05 Contextualising Dog Behaviour

38:20 Shifting Mindsets in Dog Training

41:48 Outro

In this engaging episode of "Tuesday Talk with Ruby Reese," host Killian welcomes back Lea from Snout and About Dublin to discuss the intricacies of adopting and living with high-energy, high-drive dogs. Lea, a seasoned behaviour consultant, shares her personal journey with her newly adopted rescue dog, Albert, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of integrating a high-drive breed into a household. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding individual dog needs, the role of genetics, and the necessity of a strong management system to ensure a harmonious relationship. Lea emphasises the significance of patience, adaptability, and the willingness to make lifestyle changes to meet the dog's needs. The episode offers valuable insights for dog owners and enthusiasts, encouraging them to embrace the unique characteristics of their pets while fostering a supportive environment. Whether you're a seasoned dog owner or considering adoption, this episode provides practical advice and heartfelt stories that resonate with anyone navigating the complexities of pet ownership.

Find out more about Lea and Snout and About Dublin :

Instagram: @lea_snoutandaboutdublin

Website: https://dog-training.ie/

Find out more about Ruby Reese:

Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial

Website: www.ruby-reese.com

Find out more about dognutrition.ie:

Instagram: @dognutrition.ie

Website: dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dog Behaviour and Training

03:56 Understanding High Energy and High Drive Dogs

06:54 Challenges of Adopting Rescue Dogs

09:55 The Importance of Individual Dog Needs

12:33 Managing High Energy Dogs in Family Settings

15:30 Setting Up for Success Before Adoption

18:24 Implementing Management Systems for Behaviour Modification

21:28 Finding Productive Outlets for Dog Drives

24:27 Identifying Needs Behind Dog Behaviours

30:00 Navigating Health Challenges in Dogs

32:29 Finding Balance: Exercise and Pain Management

35:00 Understanding Stress and Enrichment Needs

37:56 Trial and Error: The Journey of Dog Training

42:36 Differences in Training High Drive vs. Low Drive Dogs

47:30 Compromise: Meeting Dog Needs in Human Environments

51:05 The Willingness to Adapt: A Key to Success

57:26 Outro

In this episode, Killian reflects on recurring themes in dog behaviour and training, emphasising the importance of understanding breed traits, individual needs, and the limitations of quick fixes. He discusses how dogs are sentient beings with unique talents and needs, and offers insights on enriching their lives through natural behaviours and routines.

Find out more about Ruby Reese:

Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial

Website: www.ruby-reese.com

Find out more about dognutrition.ie:

Instagram: @dognutrition.ie

Website: dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Reflection on Dog Topics

01:00 Listener Engagement and Podcast Feedback

02:14 Understanding Dog Breeds and Traits

03:42 Predatory Behaviours and Ancestry

05:05 Breed-Specific Behaviours and Individual Preferences

06:31 The Importance of Recognising Individual Dogs

07:14 The Myth of Quick Fixes and Silver Bullets

09:08 Holistic Approaches to Dog Health and Behaviour

12:05 Dogs Are Not Humans or Toys

13:47 Enrichment and Giving Dogs Agency

14:57 The Role of Nature and Senses in Enrichment

16:43 Dogs in Human-Created Environments

17:09 Respecting Dogs as Individual Sentient Beings

18:07 The Importance of Routine and Reliability

18:33 Dogs' Talents and Meeting Their Needs

19:56 Summary and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Killian and Chris delve into the complexities of food allergies in dogs, discussing the differences between food allergies and intolerances, the role of the immune system, common symptoms, and effective management strategies. They emphasise the importance of understanding allergens, the effectiveness of elimination diets, and the need for professional guidance in managing canine allergies. The conversation also highlights common mistakes pet owners make when dealing with food allergies and the long-term outlook for dogs with allergies.

Find out more about Ruby Reese:

Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial

Website: www.ruby-reese.com

Find out more about dognutrition.ie:

Instagram: @dognutrition.ie

Website: dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Food Allergies in Dogs

05:43 The Role of Gut Health

08:23 Symptoms of Food Allergies

11:10 Common Food Allergens

13:49 The Truth About Grain-Free Diets

16:42 Testing for Food Allergies

22:13 The Elimination Diet as Gold Standard

24:15 Understanding Food Allergies in Dogs

28:00 Navigating Elimination Diets

31:09 The Role of Novel Proteins

34:54 Maintaining Gut Health

37:37 Long-Term Management of Allergies

40:29 Common Mistakes in Allergy Management

43:53 Outro

In this episode, Killian and Claire delve into the complexities of canine behaviour, particularly focusing on Canine Compulsive Disorder (CCD). They explore the definition of CCD, its similarities to human obsessive behaviours, and the common signs to look for in dogs. The conversation also touches on breed predispositions, the impact of environment and distress on behaviour, and the importance of seeking professional help. Through real-life case studies, they illustrate the journey of diagnosing and treating CCD, emphasising the need for a multidisciplinary approach and the hope for recovery.

Find out more about Claire and Snout and About :

Instagram: @snoutandaboutkerry

Website: https://snoutandabout.ie

Find out more about Ruby Reese:

Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial

Website: www.ruby-reese.com

Find out more about dognutrition.ie:

Instagram: @dognutrition.ie

Website: dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Canine Compulsive Disorder

02:50 Understanding CCD

05:08 Comparing Canine and Human Compulsions

08:50 Common Behaviours in Dogs with CCD

11:10 Breed Predispositions to CCD

14:50 Underlying Causes of Compulsive Behaviours

18:04 Distress and Environmental Factors

20:54 The Role of Neurotransmitters

24:03 Treatment Challenges and Owner Impact

25:00 Understanding Behavioural Resistance in Dogs

28:47 The Importance of Early Intervention

31:05 Diagnosing Compulsive Behaviours

33:26 Case Study: Tail Chasing in Puppies

40:44 The Role of Sleep in Dog Behaviour

45:18 Hope and Recovery from Compulsive Behaviours

47:55 Outro and Acknowledgments

In this episode, Killian and Catherine Griffin from Snout and About discuss the often-overlooked issue of pain in dogs, emphasising the importance of recognising subtle signs of discomfort and the role of behaviour in understanding pain. They explore the need for collaboration among professionals, including veterinarians, trainers, and physiotherapists, to ensure comprehensive care for dogs. Catherine introduces a new pain awareness app designed to help dog owners and professionals identify potential pain issues, fostering better communication and care for dogs.

PainAware™ – Pain Aware 4 Better Care

Find out more about Snout and About:

Instagram: @snoutandaboutcork

Website: https://snoutandabout.ie/

Find out more about Ruby Reese:

Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial

Website: www.ruby-reese.com

Find out more about dognutrition.ie:

Instagram: @dognutrition.ie

Website: dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of Pain in Dogs

04:04 Understanding Behavioural Problems Linked to Pain

06:59 The Subtle Signs of Pain in Dogs

10:18 The Role of Owners in Recognising Pain

13:21 Training and Pain: A Complicated Relationship

16:08 Collaboration Between Professionals

19:21 The Importance of Veterinary Assessments

22:16 Introducing the Pain Aware App

25:05 The Future of Collaboration in Animal Care

32:53 Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration in Animal Care

35:47 The Importance of Specialisation in Veterinary Care

38:18 Addressing Pain in Dogs: A Sensitive Topic

41:58 Communicating Pain: Professional Perspectives

49:23 Recognising Pain as a Functional Aspect of Life

53:04 Outro

In this episode, Killian and Niamh delve into the complexities of hypoallergenic dogs and the misconceptions surrounding them. They discuss the science behind dog allergies, the individual nature of dogs, and the importance of understanding that hypoallergenic labels do not guarantee a non-allergic response. The conversation emphasises the need for responsible pet ownership, proper grooming, and environmental management to mitigate allergy symptoms. They also highlight the importance of community support in dog adoption, especially for families with allergy concerns.

Mentioned studies:

Vredegoor, D. W., Willemse, T., Chapman, M. D., Heederik, D. J., & Krop, E. J. (2012). Can f 1 levels in hair and homes of different dog breeds: lack of evidence to describe any dog breed as hypoallergenic. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 130(4), 904-909. 

Whitaker, D. T., & Ostrander, E. A. (2019). Hair of the dog: identification of a cis-regulatory module predicted to influence canine coat composition. Genes, 10(5), 323. 

Schoos, A. M. M., Chawes, B. L., Bloch, J., Hansen, B., Stokholm, J., Bønnelykke, K., ... & Bisgaard, H. (2020). Children monosensitized to Can f 5 show different reactions to male and female dog allergen extract provocation: a randomized controlled trial. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, 8(5), 1592-1597. 

Find out more about Niamh and Polite Paws Dog Training :

Instagram: @politepawsirl

Website: https://politepaws.ie/

Find out more about Ruby Reese:

Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial

Website: www.ruby-reese.com

Find out more about dognutrition.ie:

Instagram: @dognutrition.ie

Website: dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hypoallergenic Dogs

06:40 Understanding Allergies and Dog Proteins

09:45 The Science Behind Hypoallergenic Breeds

12:30 Grooming and Environmental Management

15:25 Community Responsibility and Adoption Strategies

18:39 Myths Surrounding Hypoallergenic Dogs

21:49 The Role of Scientific Research

24:30 Conclusion and Future Considerations

39:42 Outro