A Dog's Life with Anna Webb

Latest Episodes:

Barking at the Nation Nov 26, 2023

Show notes

This week Anna chats to broadcaster Jo Good about the journey of the famous ‘dog slot' on BBC radio that she's co-hosted with Anna for 14 years and now is broadcast across the UK. Recapping on how they met, they talk about the media and dogs and how post pandemic the world of dogs has shifted. Anna and Jo touch on interviews and the messages to get across, reminisce about their first dogs that were TV and radio naturals, and about how this year is quite landmark with legislation tightening its grip with Public Space Protection Orders, the XL Bully ban, and what’s in store for 2024, not least Jo’s YouTube channel ‘MiddleAgedMinx’ that is not to be missed!

Jo's website and Instagram

Listen to Barking At The Moon on Late Night Jo on BBC Radio

Petli App is like a revolution to help everyone get the best out of their dog, and optimise the unique journey you and your dog will share.

Check out the Petli APP here and follow them on Instagram

If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

For advertising and sponsorship opportunities contact info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

Caroline Alupo Returns Nov 19, 2023

Show notes

This week Ethologist and Behaviour expert Caroline Alupo is back to discuss why she co-founded the training app called Petli (Petli.App). We chat about the reasons pet parents might feel intimidated to go to dog training classes. Or maybe they simply do not have the time, or could they have underestimated the commitment and time dogs need everyday!? The Petli app is such a good idea!! It makes training indoors / in the park / in the garden really accessible in bit sized sessions lasting only a few minutes. There are classes and programs for everyone from puppies to seniors. There are simple tests and challenges to work through and there are experts like Caroline on hand to contact for additional advice. As Caroline explains it's way more than just training, which some people assume will be strict and boring, but you’ll discover it's fun, and so will your dog. Caroline explains that the company’s tag line: Your Dog’s Best Friend is a reminder why owners should take the time to expand their dogs skills sets, as positively trained dogs are happy dogs. And make for happier more confident owners. We chat about the extras in Petli that allow you to delve into articles written by experts that can also de-mystify your dog’s behaviour, giving you a deeper understanding of what makes your dog tick.

Petli App is like a revolution to help everyone get the best out of their dog, and optimise the unique journey you and your dog will share.

Check out the Petli APP here and follow them on Instagram

If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

For advertising and sponsorship opportunities contact info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

Bonus: Paleo Ridge at the London Vet Show Nov 17, 2023

Show notes

In this special bonus episode Anna catches up Paleo Ridge at the London Vet Show, talking about why the company is supporting the Raw Feeding Vet Society RFVS at the event.

In response to the demand from customers to learn more about feeding a whole food species appropriate diet, the RFVS were inundated with interest fromVets at the show. Grabbing a few minutes with Paleo Ridge’s Will Green and Esther Logue, we chatted about a shift in perceptions. As dog owners opt for healthier eating themselves, it's inevitable that pet parents are transferring their learning to their pets.

Understanding the impact diet: ingredients that support and fuel at a cellular level, feeding a raw balanced complete diet to your dog is beneficial to their health. Over the years Anna has received a lot of antagonism from Vets on feeding an unprocessed, natural whole food diet, which she found very disappointing. As a canine nutritionist, Anna agrees with Paleo Ridge’s philosophy that by pre-empting health issues, is a way to keep dogs and their owners happy. Feeding ingredients that are bioavailable and nutrient dense - ‘Letting food be thy medicine (as Hippocrates said in 600BC), can transform health. Offering an exclusive Vet Club for practices, Paleo Ridge aims to educate!! Offering free advice, special packages and in-practice freezer options for vet practices.

We touch on the myths around Raw Food Feeding, and why the RFVS want to help de-mystify such preconceptions and help Vets fulfill the demand from their customers. Being open to change and learning about nutrition is the key not just for dogs, but for humans too.

Raw Feeding Vet Society RFVS

Check out the Petli APP here and follow them on Instagram

If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

For advertising and sponsorship opportunities contact info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

Nikki Tibbles and Sam Toft Nov 12, 2023

Show notes

We’re joined by Nikki Tibbles, CEO of Wild at Heart Foundation (WAH) and the Artist, Sam Toft at the Panter & Hall Gallery on Pall Mall.

We chat to Nikki about the truly amazing welfare projects helping dogs in need around the globe. Talking about their work, Nikki explains that 75% of the world’s dog population are strays.

Over the years WAH has raised funds to set up vet services in regions like India where the stray dog population must be reduced for the welfare of dogs. With thousands of sterilisations, sending 5.5 tons of dog food, working with charities helping Ukrainian canine refugees. Helping with rabies vaccines, and parasite control, Nikki explains why WAH works collaboratively, and sustainably setting up practice clinics.

Most recently WAH is partnering with food banks to help dog owners struggling to feed their dogs in the cost of living crisis. Nikki’s passion is to stop puppy farms, stop online sales, and promote adoption here in the UK with rescues brimful post pandemic.

Sam concurs with rescuing, and her own rescue a German Shepherd called Betty is a police dog, trained, but rejected in Romania. Having spent so much work on Betty explains why rescuing and rehabilitating dogs is just so rewarding. Fulfilling a talent and true love of dogs, Sam once wanted to become a dog trainer. In her Art, Sam illustrates her ‘imaginary’ family and friends, and bring dogs into her art as characters that resonate. The wonderful naivety of Sam’s work is accessible capturing moments of joy, reflection, sadness and fun.

Offering a range of art works and ceramics for auction, Sam also sketched the many dogs attending through the evening- including Mr Binks!

For Sam Toft at Panter & Hall click here

Follow Sam on Instagram

To donate to Wild at Heart Foundation and follow on Instagram

Check out the Petli APP here and follow them on Instagram

If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

For advertising and sponsorship opportunities contact info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

Bonus: Help the XL Bullies Nov 08, 2023

Show notes

As an important midweek announcement, tune into our mid-week bulletin

We’re joined by Amber Ellis @theofficialbullycoalition and Felix Robinson @PetTrustUk talking about the urgent fundraising appeal initiated by Sophie Coulthard @dontbanmelicenseme

The funds raised so far have allowed for Barrister John Cooper to be appointed and serve Thérèse Coffey, EFRA and DEFRA, with a Pre Action Protocol Letter in Judicial Review. The capital is to fund the Judicial Review on the XL Bully ban as the case proceeds. With a tight deadline, groups are campaigning to raise the remaining funds to ensure the suit goes forward. As part of the banning so many owners face the fact that the ban is based on measurements. Or as it stands there is only one measurement which is 19 inches or more in height. A chunky build, some wrinkles, and muscular shoulder blade are the definitions.

Felix explains why she on realising this, and that her Boxer, Sammy, fits this ‘type’ measurement (as do millions of other breeds and mixes). Understanding the fear of going out with your dog Pet Trust UK has created a digital dog tag containing proof of insurance, exemption, vets, and a raft of other valuable information be in one place - making supplying proof of paperwork is simple in the event its needed.

As a landmark situation years after the Dangerous Dogs Act has clearly not worked, the Judicial review will challenge its restrictions as breaking the Animal Welfare Act, and the Five Freedoms. It will also present the science behind why banning a breed is NOT the way forward, rather licensing, education, support at all levels in line with a nation of animal lovers.

To help with the fund raising go here

Check out the Petli APP here and follow them on Instagram

If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

For advertising and sponsorship opportunities contact info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

Around the World in 80 Dogs Nov 05, 2023

Show notes

We’re chatting to Illustrator Kristyna Litten on her latest booked called Around The World in 80 Dogs! As a coffee table book it appeals to ’grown ups and children' alike. It’s a journey through dogdom, highlighting therapy dogs, rare breeds, the history of dogs to all the great jobs dogs do with their supersonic sense of smell. And a section on the most popular designer cross breeds. There’s a fun central pullout where breeds are located highlighting why they’re originate from. Plus the book brings to life why dogs are our best friends from sensing our emotions, to knowing when we’re on our way home, to even sniffing out the elusive truffle. It's a perfect Christmas gift, and with only 45 days to go, we suggest grabbing your copy soon. Click here to order!

Follow on Instagram @KristynaLitten

Check out the Petli APP here and follow them on Instagram

If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

For advertising and sponsorship opportunities contact info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

Caroline Alupo Oct 29, 2023

Show notes

We’re joined by Caroline Alupo, a canine behavioural consultant with 18 years experience and a master's degree in Ethology.

Specialising in PTSD in dogs, Caroline and I discuss how trauma affects dogs just as it does people. How dogs communicate their stress in different contexts and how to help overcome their fears. We chat about how science concurs children are deeply affected in some cases losing their imagination.

We talk about diagnostic tools, prognosis and how tore-balance your dog. In the process we discuss how the bond between you and your dog gets stronger through building communication, focus, and trust.

Discussing how emotional intelligence is now recognised in dogs, Caroline’s study underlines the importance of compassion and understanding that every dog is an individual. We chat about episodic memory and why contexts (similar to in people) can trigger reactions in dogs.

Caroline is also the co-founder of the dog app called Petli. As a new and really useful App, I’m very excited to shout about it, and recommend that everyone takes a look.

I know how many of us are intimidated by dog training classes, worry we might be the worst in the room, anticipate reactions from your dog and more.

That’s part of the reason why Petli is so good - it offers pet parents the chance to train their dogs in their own time, either to practice in-between training classes, or to top up your training in an older dog. The App is skilfully designed to put the fun back into dog training. It takes steps very slowly in precise increments, so your dog learns the cues and you learn to become adept at understanding your own individual dogs limits of concentration, and of course what works best as the reward.

Check out the Petli APP here and follow them on Instagram

If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

Ira Moss Returns Oct 22, 2023

Show notes

This week we’re joined by Ira Moss, CEO of All Dogs Matter, London’s independent re-homing charity.

We discuss the situation in rescue with XL Bully types, being abandoned since the news of the XL Bully imminent ban. Ira explains that when the breed is banned it will be illegal for rescues to re-home these dogs and they will face euthanasia.

One of Ira’s bugbears is buying dogs online, as a recently new phenomenon which are a shop window for puppy farmers and make it far too easy for anyone to buy a dog. And sell them when the dog is wanted.

We talk about French Bulldogs and why ADM is overloaded with ex breeding bitch Frenchies, and others that have behavioural issues making them undesirable and abandoned. We agree that so much needs to be changed in the world of dogs, where pooches have become commodities and the ‘must-have' accessory.

We also chat about cats and how they’re being abandoned with cat rescues also full to the brim!

Support All Dogs Matter here or follow them on Instagram

Join Doghood, the new dog community app.

If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.

If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

Timmy Alexis Carrington-Ward Oct 15, 2023

Show notes

This week we’re joined by Broadcaster and inspirational personality, Timmy Alexis Carrington-Ward, and his CockaPoo called Bosley. We chat about how dogs have helped Timmy through bouts of depression, and why since childhood Timmy has been passionate about dogs. We talk about the journey that is a lifetime with a dog. Highlighting how it's important to bring another dog into your life, as he did after his first Cockapoo, Archie-Rio, crossed the bridge. We discuss Psychics and some paranormal experiences, which Timmy is proud to embrace as being normal. We talk about Bosley and in being completely different in personality to Archie has brought with him some challenges! So we talk about some of his quirks and how best manage them and train new cues that should pre-empt unwanted behaviours. And we chat about Timmy’s chat show with a difference! Its called 'Here She Is’ - its an eclectic mix of sketches, stand up, celebrity guests, song, and dance. And well worth checking out on YouTube.

Follow on Instagram

Join Doghood, the new dog community app.

If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.

If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

The Terrier Tax Oct 08, 2023

Show notes

We’re joined by Vet and Environmentalist, Andrew Prentis, who joins us the day after 2023 was declared the hottest day on record. We discuss why pet ownership should become more sustainable. Referencing that a Labrador emits more C02 in its lifetime than an average 4 x 4, and the fact that dogs and cats consume 20% of the world’s meat supply. Highlighting that pets help with companionship, physical exercise, mindfulness, and so much more, that surely the carbon paw-print is sustainable from a societal perspective compared to air travel, buildings’ emissions, and industry. Andrew postulates that dogs and cats could become Vegan, and that its time to choose smaller dog breeds. We also discuss the ’Terrier Tax’ where treats, chews and accessories for small dogs are often priced the same as for bigger dog versions - a smart move by food firms? Do we need all these accessories for dogs? Is capitalism getting in the way of pets’ welfare and the need to shift to more sustainable options?

More about Andrew

Join Doghood, the new dog community app.

If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.

If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits