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What is scent detection training for pets? We teach our dogs to hunt for a specific target scent, and get prizes for finding it. Most dogs find their way through their noses, and it taps into their natural instincts to give them pleasure. It also lowers their heart rate so its perfect for all dogs, especially the nervous or reactive ones. It can be done indoors or outside, and ideal for all ages and mobility levels. It's my girl's favourite game, and it tires her out much more than any physical exercise, as it uses a larger part of the brain. If you listen to this on the release, February 2024, then I have new 2 part workshops at Rokers in Guildford (so excited for this venue!) that you can book via my website www.pippinpetsdogtraining.co.uk/training or if after this date, look out for more dates or book your dog for 1-2-1 scent training. I've even taught this online. If you are further afield, then head to the UK Sniffer Dogs to find a more local instructor to you.

I have the pleasure of chatting with the wonderful Tom Candy, champion and specialist of rescue dogs, as well as being Senior Behaviourist for Dogs Trust. Rescue dogs sometimes get the unnecessary labels of broken or helpless dogs, and for that reason can be easily overlooked. We bust a few myths about some of these labels, talk about the reality of these dogs, and just how much work and effort is done by some of the amazing rescue centres to help these dogs not only adjust but thrive so that they get snapped up into new homes as soon as they can. It's a long chat- an hour, but so insightful and I loved every minute listening to Tom. Here is the link to his facebook page - Simplifying Shelter Behaviour - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550613461377 Need help settling in your rescue dog? Get in touch about my 1-2-1 coaching packages to help and support you with your dog.

The XL Bully has been added to the Breed Specific Legislation under the Dangerous Dog Act. But what does this mean, what do owners have to do, and is it really going to work? I give my thoughts on this new addition to the legislation, and what I think would be better instead....

This is such a common dilemma for dog owners, and especially those that are worried that if their dog sleeps on their bed, they may cause the separation anxiety. Let me dispel some myths here, and say that if you want your dog on your bed, go for it! You're more likely to trigger or exasperate separation anxiety if you shut your dog downstairs and leave them to cry all night. Have a listen here, and also my tips on how to move your dog from your bed to their own if that is what you are wanting to do.

What does this actually mean? Not ever going out? When we train for separation anxiety, for best progress and results, we don't want your dog to get distressed again and this means to never leave them longer than they can currently cope with. However, you do need to go out so this is where you create a village of helpers to sit with your dog for every time you pop away. Hassle - yes, but..... just think that in the future you won't need them at all as your dog will be much happier and settled home alone as you have taught them to feel safe when left in the house without you. It really is one of the main keys to success. If you are not making progress, then is this the reason?

To ensure success for your dog, you need to plan. Knowing what you are doing, and how to progress the exercise or skill is essential for your dog to learn it. How do you know if the training has worked if you don't plan! This applies to tricks, skills, scent detection and separation anxiety. Don't despair - I've released a lovely dog training journal on Amazon that will help you. Fill in the blanks, look back on how far you have come, and look forward to how amazing your dog will be! Quick link here for you! https://amzn.eu/d/eAI04IQ

It's often the first thing owners want to get their dogs to do, but this really should be the last. Your relationship with your dog, building the trust and meeting their welfare needs should be the priority. I have a real problem with the Sit position for most dogs - it can be uncomfortable, exhausting, inappropriate and can bring on early pains and arthritis. In this episode I go through my reasons why I don't teach this anymore. What do you think?

Collies, and collie x's, are exceptional dogs that will work till they drop! But can they make good pets? This is the question I put to Martina Miradoli, the Collie Specialist who runs That'll Do Academy. Being a collie owner for years, she has a deep understanding of the breed, and the differences between the working and show lines, and which type would suit you best depending on what you are wanting to do with them (think time and energy!) She goes through how to keep them happy if you don't have your own farm and how to really get the best out of them without them getting self employed if bored. Lots of tips and advice, and I learnt lots too. Be warned - it's a long one!!! Have a listen, this is also on my YouTube channel - Pippin Pets Visit her website - https://thatlldoacademy.com/ for in person (Manchester, Liverpool areas), online training and her Collie Club membership

There is nothing more frustrating than not getting any consistency or reliability in trying to get your dog to be home alone and happy. But what may be stopping you? One of the key reasons is that we are not consistent in coaching our dogs. In this episode, I go through some tips to help you become more consistent, and therefore get better results - and more spontaneity in your life!

How do you know if your dog has separation anxiety? Learn about what your dog does when you are home and then what do they do when you leave them? Are there new behaviours, or just more frequency or intensity of what they are doing? These can be signs of FOMO, boredom or more likely separation anxiety.

It was a coincidence that Kerry Cadman, a 5* licenced breeder won a copy of my book Adore Your Adolescent Dog in a recent competition. On the cover of my book is a Yorkie! So for this special episode, I am doing a breed focus on the Yorkshire Terrier and have recorded the words that Kerry sent in to me. She was happy to contribute, but too shy to speak directly on a podcast! I hope you enjoy her thoughts. If you want to contact her, then Kerry can be followed on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/adorable_yorkies_of_devon_uk/?hl=en and you can see pics of her adorable pack there too.

England has just announced that they will bring in a ban on the use of shock collars. Yippee! Wales did this over a decade ago. In this episode I go through what an e-collar is, and why they are considered an aversive tool for training. There have been many arguments (mostly by aversive, and balanced trainers) and users of these ecollars about why they need them, and why reward trainers are useless - their words, not mine. These include the rights to be off lead wherever, the alleged rise in sheep attacks, and deaf dogs. There are more accusations in the media that have no founding whatsoever (such as rates of euthanasia and 'ecollars saves lives' - but stats show that just as many, if not more, dogs are PTS after having a shock collar used on them) but I haven't covered all of these. What I do say is to look at your ethics, your values, and what does your gut tell you about using corrections on your dog? Controversial topic - but only if you promote using pain to train.