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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 KAD approved professionals on Yappily 👉 Find Debbie / Kids Around Dogs: Website: kidsarounddogs.co.uk Find Yappily / The Yappy Hour: Follow/subscribe for more dog behaviour, welfare, and real-life training conversationsIf this episode helped, leave a review and share with a parent or dog guardian

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: Poodle personality: sensitive, intelligent, emotionally tuned-inWhy repetition backfires for many poodlesBarking, overstimulation, and “always on” behaviourFOMO vs separation anxietyCalm enrichment vs high-arousal “puzzle toys”Toy vs miniature vs standard poodlesGrooming handling, coat changes, and early prepThe poodle myth that keeps causing training problems Follow Shelina Duke: Website: Go With The FloSocials: Shelina, The Poodle Trainer (Facebook + Instagram + YouTube)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. 💡 Episode HighlightsTrauma in dogs = ongoing emotional overwhelm, not just one bad momentAggression and reactivity are often the loudest form of communicationShut-down dogs and appeasing dogs are frequently overlooked in behaviour supportYou can’t “train trauma out” – but you can create conditions where healing is possibleAssistance dogs are not robots; they can experience trauma and need decompression too 🔍 About Our Guest – Danielle BeckDanielle 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 🐶 About The Yappy Hour & Yappily 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

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 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 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 startedHow observation helps identify hidden stress or painWhy “less is more” when supporting reactive or anxious dogsThe importance of sensory experiences in building calm and confidenceHow ACE is helping in vet practices, grooming salons, rescue shelters and morePractical 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 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

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. 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 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 labelWhy trust and choice matter so much in behaviour changeHow to handle setbacks and bad daysTools and mindset shifts that help guardians and dogs thriveJay’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. 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

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 behaviourCommon behavioural challenges and how to tackle themThe truth about dachshunds' "stubborn" reputationWhy responsible breeding is crucial and what to look for in a breederManaging barking, reactivity, and separation anxietyTips for raising a well-adjusted dachshund from puppyhood to adolescenceEssential health considerations like IVDD and PRA 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

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. 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