We Love Dogs

Send us Fan Mail

In episode  42 of We Love Dogs, I’m joined by wildlife protection campaigner, writer and broadcaster Dominic Dyer for a conversation about one of the most difficult and upsetting animal-welfare issues currently facing dogs in Turkey.

You may have seen some of the videos and photographs circulating online showing the treatment of Turkey’s street dogs. Some of the footage is incredibly distressing, but with so much information, footage and claims being shared online, it can be difficult to know exactly what is happening, what has been documented and what can actually be verified.

So in this episode, I wanted to go beyond the social-media headlines and ask Dominic some difficult questions.

We talk about the history of Turkey’s street-dog population and the culture of community dogs, what has changed in recent years, and the legislation affecting street dogs.

Dominic explains what he has seen and learned through his campaigning, the evidence surrounding reports of dogs being removed and killed, and some of the disturbing claims involving poisoning, shooting and mass graves.

We also discuss the importance of separating verified evidence from allegations and unverified information, and how people can be more careful when sharing upsetting content online.

But this isn’t simply a conversation about the horrific side of the situation.

We also look at the public-safety argument, whether Turkey genuinely has a street-dog population problem, and whether there are more humane and effective ways of managing the population.

Dominic explains the potential role of:

🐾 Neutering and spaying
🐾 Vaccination and microchipping
🐾 Catch-neuter-vaccinate-return programme
🐾 Properly funded shelters
🐾 International pressure and campaigning

We also talk about the Turkish rescuers and ordinary people trying to help these dogs, and what people in the UK can realistically do if they want to support animals affected by the situation.

And, because this is We Love Dogs, we look at the bigger question behind all of this:

What happens when dogs become inconvenient to humans, and where should the balance lie between protecting people and protecting animals?

This is an emotional and difficult subject, but the aim of this episode is to have an informed conversation — to ask questions, examine the evidence and allow Dominic to explain what he knows from his experience as a long-standing animal and wildlife campaigner.

Want to connect with Dominic? Details below:

Email: [email protected]

For more information about Dominic’s work, you can also visit Born Free and Wildlife and Countryside Link.

A note from Cheryl

Some of the material discussed in this episode is extremely upsetting.

The purpose of this conversation isn’t to sensationalise what is happening, but to understand the situation, ask difficult questions and look at the evidence and potential solutions.

Listener discretion is advised.

For questions or to work with Cheryl, you can reach her via:
Website: Chel's Tails | Dog Walking and Training
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Chel's Tails Canine Coaching
Instagram: @chelstails
TikTok:@chelstails
Podcast Facebook: We Love Dogs

Send us Fan Mail

This episode is sponsored by Lorraine Tester, Dynamic Dog Practitioner.

As a listener of the We Love Dogs Podcast, you can book a Dynamic Dog Assessment for the exclusive listener price of just £150.

Find out more at Dynamic Dog Assessment and quote WELOVEDOGS150 when booking

Have you ever found yourself wondering why your dog still pulls on the lead, ignores your recall, jumps up at visitors or seems to “forget” everything you’ve been working on?

In this solo episode of We Love Dogs, Cheryl is sharing the biggest training mistakes she see's every single week as a dog trainer—and don’t worry, this isn’t about judging owners. In fact, many of these are mistakes we’ve all made, herself included.

she will explore why dogs don’t come pre-programmed to live in our world, how our expectations can sometimes get in the way of progress, and why things like age, environment, consistency and even our own mindset can have such a huge impact on training.

she'll also talk about:

• Why repeating cues can slow your dog’s learning.
• The importance of rewarding the behaviours you want to see.
• How distractions and different environments affect your dog’s ability to learn.
• Why consistency matters so much.
• How we can accidentally reinforce unwanted behaviours.
• Why comparing your dog to others can hold you both back.
• The importance of celebrating progress, rather than chasing perfection.

Whether you’ve got a new puppy, an adolescent dog testing your patience, or an older dog whose training has hit a plateau, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you understand your dog better and make training feel more enjoyable for both of you.

For questions or to work with Cheryl, you can reach her via:
Website: Chel's Tails | Dog Walking and Training
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Chel's Tails Canine Coaching
Instagram: @chelstails
TikTok:@chelstails
Podcast Facebook: We Love Dogs

Send us Fan Mail

This episode is sponsored by Lorraine Tester, Dynamic Dog Practitioner.

As a listener of the We Love Dogs Podcast, you can book a Dynamic Dog Assessment for the exclusive listener price of just £150.

Find out more at Dynamic Dog Assessment and quote WELOVEDOGS150 when booking

In Episode 40 of We Love Dogs, Cheryl is joined by Shelina Duke, better known as The Poodle Trainer, for a deep dive into one of the world’s most popular and misunderstood breeds.

Cheryl and Shelina explore what makes poodles so unique, including the differences between toy, miniature and standard poodles, their original working history, and what their famous intelligence really means in everyday life. Shelina also shares practical advice on raising a confident puppy, when training should begin, introducing grooming, and the common behaviour challenges she sees most often in poodle owners.

Whether you already share your life with a poodle or you’re thinking about getting one, this episode is packed with helpful insights to help you better understand your dog and build a happier, more confident relationship together.

Want to connect with Shelina? Details below:

(3) Facebook

(1) Instagram

Home - withtheflo

For questions or to work with Cheryl, you can reach her via:
Website: Chel's Tails | Dog Walking and Training
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Chel's Tails Canine Coaching
Instagram: @chelstails
TikTok:@chelstails
Podcast Facebook: We Love Dogs

Lorraine Tester Details:

Lorraine Tester - Dog Trainer and Behaviourist Galen canine myotherapist Norwich

Facebook

Send us Fan Mail

This episode is sponsored by Lorraine Tester, Dynamic Dog Practitioner.

As a listener of the We Love Dogs Podcast, you can book a Dynamic Dog Assessment for the exclusive listener price of just £150.

Find out more at Dynamic Dog Assessment and quote WELOVEDOGS150 when booking

In this solo episode, Cheryl is talking about something she see's almost every day as a dog trainer: the expectations we place on our dogs.

Why won’t they walk nicely on the lead? Why do they still bark, jump up or ignore us when we’ve been working so hard on their training?

The truth is, the problem isn’t always the behaviour itself—it can be the expectations we have around it.

We’ll explore why age, learning history, environment, health and emotions all play a huge role in your dog’s behaviour, and why expecting too much, too soon, can leave both you and your dog feeling frustrated.

This isn’t about lowering your standards or making excuses for unwanted behaviour. It’s about understanding the dog in front of you, setting them up for success, and building a stronger relationship through realistic expectations and thoughtful training.

Whether you’re struggling with your own dog’s behaviour or simply want a fresh perspective, I hope this episode leaves you feeling encouraged, supported and a little kinder—to both your dog and yourself.

If this episode resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another dog owner who might need to hear this conversation.

Want to connect with Cheryl? Details below:

Website: Chel's Tails | Dog Walking and Training
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Chel's Tails Canine Coaching
Instagram: @chelstails
TikTok:@chelstails
Podcast Facebook: We Love Dogs

Lorraine Tester Details:

Lorraine Tester - Dog Trainer and Behaviourist Galen canine myotherapist Norwich

Facebook

Send us Fan Mail

This episode is sponsored by Lorraine Tester, Dynamic Dog Practitioner.

As a listener of the We Love Dogs Podcast, you can book a Dynamic Dog Assessment for the exclusive listener price of just £150.

Find out more at Dynamic Dog Assessment and quote WELOVEDOGS150 when booking

In Episode 38 of We Love Dogs, Cheryl is joined once again by Lorraine Tester to explore the world of Galen Myotherapy and how it can help improve a dog’s comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life.

Cheryl and Lorraine discuss what Galen Myotherapy is, the training and qualifications required to practise it, and how it differs from other forms of canine bodywork. Lorraine shares valuable insights into the subtle signs of pain and muscular discomfort that many owners overlook, as well as behaviours that are often dismissed as simply part of ageing.

They also talk about the importance of working alongside vets, physiotherapists, and hydrotherapists, when owners should seek veterinary advice, and practical ways to support dogs at home—particularly senior dogs living with arthritis or reduced mobility.

Lorraine shares a memorable case from her career, what she finds most rewarding about her work, and leaves listeners with one simple piece of advice that every dog owner can start putting into practice today.

Whether you have a young, active dog or a beloved senior companion, this episode is packed with useful information to help you better understand your dog’s comfort, movement, and wellbeing.

Want to connect with Lorraine? Details below:

Website: www.lorrainetesterdogtrainer.com

Facebook

For questions or to work with Cheryl, you can reach her via:
Website: Chel's Tails | Dog Walking and Training
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Chel's Tails Canine Coaching
Instagram: @chelstails
TikTok:@chelstails
Podcast Facebook: We Love Dogs

Send us Fan Mail

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of domestic abuse, coercive control, trauma, and animal abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of We Love Dogs, I’m joined by Maya Badham, founder of Loop Safeguarding and a specialist in animal-inclusive safeguarding.

Together, Cheryl and Maya explore the often-overlooked connection between dogs, animal welfare, and domestic abuse. Maya shares her expertise on how animals can become part of coercive and controlling relationships, the links between animal abuse and interpersonal violence, and why understanding these connections is so important for dog owners, trainers, behaviourists, and animal professionals.

We discuss how a dog’s behaviour can sometimes reflect the environment they’re living in, the signs that may be missed, and the role that awareness and education can play in safeguarding both people and animals.

This episode contains discussion of domestic abuse, coercive control, trauma, and animal harm. While some listeners may find these topics difficult, they are important conversations that deserve greater awareness and understanding.

If you are affected by anything discussed in this episode, support is available through the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, available 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247.

This is an honest, compassionate, and eye-opening conversation about a side of the dog world that many people never see—but one that has the potential to make a real difference.

To find out more about Maya’s work, visit Loop Safeguarding and follow Maya on social media.

Thank you for listening to We Love Dogs.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline, available 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247.

Want to connect with Maya? Details below:

Website & Mailing List: www.loop-safeguarding.org 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LoopSafeguarding/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayabadham/

For questions or to work with Cheryl, you can reach her via:
Website: Chel's Tails | Dog Walking and Training
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Facebook
Instagram: Instagram
TikTok:@chelstails

Send us Fan Mail

In episode 36 of We Love Dogs, Cheryl is joined by Danny Nelis-Rouse, co-owner of Tug-E-Nuff — the dog training brand known worldwide for its interactive tug toys and play-based training philosophy.

In this conversation, Cheryl and Danny explore why so many dogs disengage during training, “play drive,” and how interactive play can completely transform focus, recall, confidence, and behaviour.

Danny shares the story of how Tug-E-Nuff grew from a homemade toy designed for one dog into a global brand used by trainers and dog owners around the world. We also dive into practical advice for owners whose dogs ignore toys, struggle with motivation, or become frustrated during training sessions.

We discuss:

• Why play is such a powerful training tool  

• Common mistakes owners make during play  

• How toys can improve recall and engagement  

• The role enrichment plays in preventing behaviour problems    

• Insights from Tug-E-Nuff’s latest Play Survey and what it revealed about modern dog ownership  

Whether you’ve got a puppy, rescue dog, working dog, or family pet, this episode is packed with practical tips and fascinating insights into building a better relationship with your dog through play.

Want to connect with Danny? Details below:

Tug-E-Nuff | Award Winning Dog Tug Toys | Play - Train - Bond

Facebook

Email: [email protected] 

(1) Instagram

For questions or to work with Cheryl, you can reach her via:
Website: Chel's Tails | Dog Walking and Training
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Facebook
Instagram: Instagram
TikTok:@chelstails

Send us Fan Mail

In episode 35 of We Love Dogs, Cheryl is joined by highly experienced dog trainer Kamal Fernandez, who many of you will know from the Channel 4 programme The Dog Academy.

Cheryl and Kamal talk all about obedience training, what it actually means, and how Kamal uses reward-based, force-free methods to build reliable behaviour and strong relationships with dogs.

Kamal explains what his training sessions look like in practice, how he teaches behaviours like heelwork, the importance of focus and engagement, and why training should be enjoyable for both dogs and their handlers.

We also discuss rewards, play, building reliability, common mistakes owners make, what to do when things don’t go to plan, and where people should start if they want to improve obedience with their own dog.

A relaxed and insightful conversation packed with practical advice for dog owners and anyone interested in modern dog training.

Want to connect with Kamal? Details below:

(2) Facebook

Home - kamalfernandezonlinetraining.com

Email: [email protected]

For questions or to work with Cheryl, you can reach her via:
Website: Chel's Tails | Dog Walking and Training
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Facebook
Instagram: Instagram
TikTok:@chelstails

Send us Fan Mail

In episode 34 of We Love Dogs, we’re diving into one of the most debated and often misunderstood topics in the dog world—aversive training methods.

From prong collars and e-collars to the idea of “balanced training,” there’s a lot of conflicting information out there. Many dog owners are told that these tools are necessary, especially when dealing with more serious behaviour issues like aggression or reactivity—but what does the science actually say?

To explore this properly, I’m joined by Will Bangura, a highly experienced US-based canine behaviourist with over 35 years of working with dogs, including some of the most complex behavioural cases. Will holds a Master’s degree in psychology and multiple advanced certifications in canine behaviour, and his work is grounded in evidence-based, humane training methods. He specialises in issues such as aggression, anxiety, and severe reactivity, and brings a unique perspective that combines behavioural science with real-world application. Importantly, his perspective is informed by experience across different training approaches, including earlier work using more traditional, aversive-based methods, which allows him to speak with balance and insight on how and why his approach has evolved. 

In this episode, we break down some of the most common claims around aversive training—looking at whether these methods truly resolve behaviour or simply suppress it, what’s happening from a behavioural science perspective, and the potential risks involved.

We also explore what effective behaviour modification actually looks like without the use of aversive tools, and how changing a dog’s emotional response is key to long-term success.

Whether you’re a dog owner, trainer, or simply interested in understanding behaviour on a deeper level, this episode aims to cut through the noise and give you a clearer, evidence-based perspective on what really works—and what it means for the dogs we live with.

Want to connect with Will? Details below:

(3) Facebook

DOG TRAINING PHOENIX | DOG TRAINERS PHOENIX | BEHAVIORIST

Dog Training Today with Will Bangura for Pet Parents, Kids & Family, Pets and Animals, and Dog Training Professionals. This i - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

Book: SNIFF TO SOOTHE: Rewiring Neurobehavioral Patterns of Aggression, Anxiety, and Reactivity Through Structured Scent Work - Kindle edition by Bangura, Will, Parsons, Emma. Crafts, Hobbies & Home Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

For questions or to work with Cheryl, you can reach her via:
Website: Chel's Tails | Dog Walking and Training
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Facebook
Instagram: Instagram
TikTok:@chelstails

Send us Fan Mail

In Episode 33 of We Love Dogs, I’m joined by Natasha Underwood—ecologist, detection dog handler, and founder of NHU Ecology & Detection Dogs.

Natasha has an impressive background in environmental science, with a BSc in Biology/Conservation, an MSc in Environmental Consultancy, and a PhD focused on wetlands, biodiversity, and water quality. Alongside this, she is a certified detection dog handler, trained in conservation detection and scentwork instruction.

In this episode, Cheryl and Natasha explore the fascinating world of detection dogs and the vital role they play in conservation. Natasha shares how she built her business from the ground up, what her day-to-day work looks like, and the wide range of tasks her dogs are trained to detect—from wildlife and ecological targets to specialist scent work.

We also dive into her passion for reward-based, play-driven training, and hear all about her incredible dogs—River, Wren, Molly, and Addie—and the journey of training them to a professional level.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in dogs, training, or the powerful impact dogs can have in the world of science and conservation.

Want to connect with Natasha? Details below:

(1) Facebook

Home | NHU Ecology Dogs

Instagram

For questions or to work with Cheryl, you can reach her via:
Website: Chel's Tails | Dog Walking and Training
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Facebook
Instagram: Instagram
TikTok:@chelstails