Barks from the Bookshelf

Latest Episodes:

#103 Professor Carri Westgarth - Are Woke Cheese Tossing, Cuddle Fairy Twinkle Twots Presiding Over A Ticking Timebomb Of Training Methods? Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Steve is joined again by the legendary Professor Carri Westgarth to unpack a recent controversial BBC article claiming that "woke" training methods are leading to an increase in dog bites. We move past the headlines to look at the real data, why it's a complex and nuanced issue, and why being a "cheese-tossing cuddle fairy" might not be as bad as the BBC suggests.

About Our Guest:

Professor Carri Westgarth is the Chair in Human-Animal Interaction at the University of Liverpool. She is a leading authority who supervises PhD research on all aspects of companion animal welfare and anthrozoology. Her own PhD, conducted within the Liverpool Veterinary Epidemiology Group, specifically explored the complexities of contact between dogs and people.

A Full Member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors, Carri is the author of The Happy Dog Owner and Dog Bites: A multidisciplinary perspective and, quite impressively, a recent winner of a swanky camper van for the price of a fancy sandwich (£7.50).

The "Woke" Headline: Unpacking the recent media narrative that positive training is "permissive" and dangerous.
The Bite Data: What are the figures and what might that tell us
Unpicking the Science: How to know what you're looking at can be trusted?
The Trainer Wars: Fear mongering and bear poking; is it audience capture or marketing & who ultimately loses?
The Pain Link: Carri shares a personal story about her Spaniel, Maple, and how subtle pain can mask as unwanted behavior.
The Regulation Utopia: Why Carri feels licensing and industry regulation may be harder to implement than they look on paper.

Important Links:

DogX 2026 Tickets: Grab your seat for the ultimate training conference at dogxconference.com
Start Your Journey: Find out how to become a PACT accredited trainer at pact-dogs.com
Carri’s Research: Check out her work at the University of Liverpool or grab her book The Happy Dog Owner.

#102 Carrie-Anne Selwyn - Health, Safety & Other "Twiddly S**t" Mar 10, 2026

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In this episode, Steve is joined (for the third time!) by the brilliant Carrie-Anne Selwyn. They dive into the reality of moving a city-dwelling Malinois to the countryside, the nuances of high-level sports, and the "safety vs. training" equipment debate.

Topics Covered:

The Country Move: Living in a barn renovation, "zombie fences," and the weight of land management.
Crufts 2026: A look behind the scenes of qualifying Viper the Malinois for the show ring and how to prioritise welfare over competition.
Managing the "Ferrari": Learning agility with a high-speed breed and the importance of arousal management.
The "Why" of Behaviour: Moving beyond "bad dog" labels to understand displacement behaviors and the human role in the training team.
Positive is Not Permissive: A candid discussion on the being human, and why boundaries are essential for trust.

Find Out More About Carrie-Anne:

Facebook: Carrie-Anne Selwyn
Canine Hoopers World: www.caninehoopersworld.com
TikTok: Join some excellent Malinois noise over @caninehoopersworld

#101 Suzanne Clothier - Lessons in Laughter and Life with Animals Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

Hey. Hey, Hey Bookshelvers!

In this very special episode, Nat and Corrin "fly solo" to sit down with a true icon of the dog world, Suzanne Clothier. While Steve was away, the team dove deep into a conversation that spans far beyond traditional training, touching on the raw reality of farming life, the hilarity of animal antics, and the wisdom that comes from a lifetime dedicated to understanding other species.

We delve into:

The Reality of Farm Life: From Highland cattle forming protective circles against coyotes to the stark difference between "suspicious" sheep and "troublemaking" goats.
Winter Wonderland vs. Mud Season: A playful look at the environmental challenges of rural life and the joy of watching happy cows frolicking in the snow.
Training Through the Ages: Suzanne reflects on her extensive career and the evolution of the industry—sharing how it feels to be the "ancient" wisdom for a new generation of trainers.
The "Pantyhose" Incident: One of the most hilarious animal stories ever told on the pod!
Community and Connection: Why sharing our failures and funny stories is the secret ingredient to building a non-judgmental community of dog enthusiasts.

Find Suzanne Clothier Online:

Website: suzanneclothier.com
Books: Find Suzanne's books and resources here

The 100th EPISODE: We Made It - Melissa McCue-McGrath Interviews Steve & Nat! Featuring Special Guests Feb 10, 2026

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#99 Patricia McConnell - Away To Me Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

Howdy Bookshelvers!

Let's go way back together to the uncertain times of 2020. When we launched this Podcast we never would have believed that we'd get to chat with so many amazing humans and least of all we never even dreamed we'd talk to our hero Patricia McConnell THREE TIMES. In yet another "pinch me" moment we have the absolute pleasure of talking to Patricia yet again! This time , however, it's all about her first dog-centric work of fiction, Away To Me. If your passions include a love for reading about dogs, mystery, solving murders and immersing yourself in the entangled lives of incredible characters, then look no further. We chat all things writing including how Patricia built the world inside the book. We talk about how education on dogs can be spread through stories and why story telling is a magic skill for communication. We talk about the power of voice when crossing the interspecies divide and much, MUCH more!

Away To Me is on sale from February 24th 2026 from all good booky places and we just know our audience will love it.

So kick back on a Wisconsin farm, gather your furry friends, brew yourself a cuppa, source a cowboy hat and delve on in.

WOOF!

#98 New Year Catch Up 2026! Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

Hey Bookshelvers.

It’s been a minute! We hope you all had a fabulous holiday season and have attached yourself to your new year like a beagle tracks a scent! We are continuing our tradition of New year catch up episodes and today you get the full PACT team to giggle, ponder and wonder on past, present and future. Steve asked everyone four questions to prep for this recording:
What did 2025 teach you?
What are you most looking forward to this year?
What was your favourite book of 2025?
What book are you most looking forward to reading this year?
Who is your hero of 2025?
So you’ll get to hear everyone’s answers share some laughter and memories but also dive into deeper reflections on their past experiences and future aspirations. Oh… and we have an exciting announcement as well. Settle in grab a cuppa and see you on the other side. WOOF!

#97 Suzanne Rogers (and Special Guests) - Canine Behaviour In Mind: Applying Behavioural Science to Our Lives with Dogs Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

How's Tricks Bookshelvers!?

In this much-anticipated episode, Nat and Steve are finally joined by the amazing Suzanne Rogers (editor of Canine Behaviour in Mind) to discuss this essential book that’s been, criminally, flying under our radar since 2022 (especially as it features a chapter from our very own "Sista Behaviourista")!

Suzanne discusses the fascinating process of curating a multi-author book, ensuring a cohesive, non-judgmental thread runs through every chapter, and why it's crucial to amplify voices that promote high animal welfare. We also have some very special guests peppered throughout.

We dive into:

The critical importance of a non-judgmental stance in dog training and behaviour work.
Practical tips from co-author Nat's chapter
The concept of "sparking curiosity" (rather than just awareness) to drive genuine behaviour change.
How to build "behavioural momentum" in training—for both dogs and their people.
And, as mentioned above, absolute gold-standard audio contribution from many of the books contributors including pod friends Tamsin Durston and Amber Batson on making training practical and fun.

If you are curious about applying behavioural science to your life with dogs, this episode is a must-listen!

What are you waiting for? Woof away!

LINKS:

Buy Canine Behaviour In Mind
Human Behaviour Change for Life
PACT CTIC Dog Trainer Course

#96 Diane Gollowitzer - Muzzled and Misunderstood: Love Letter to my Muzzled Dog Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

Word up Bookshelvers

As autumn has its chilly grip on us (at least here in the UK), you’ll be pleased to hear we have an episode for you as heart-warming an as a bowl of steaming soup about an equally wonderfully heart-warming book. This week Corrin and Steve have the pleasure of catching up with the awesome Diane Gollowitzer who is not only a good friend of ours but also a fabulous award winning photographer, trick trainer and now published author (WOOHOO).
You'll here in this interview just how much Steve and Corrin LOVE her new book Muzzled and Misunderstood: Love Letter to my Muzzled Dog. This is, not only, a much needed book that tackles a taboo subject head on, but also a bona fide work of art in its own right. Using the power of Diane's breath taking imagery a weaving it with beautiful, honest and vulnerable "letters" written by the guardians to their own dogs: this book is as much a well needed life affirming lift, as it is a crucial text that challenges the status quo. Honestly if you love dogs, you'll love this book.

On top of discussing the book in our normal book review style as well as talking to Diane herself, we also update everyone on the ongoing saga of Penguin and discuss the curious case of bedtime Brian Cox... If indeed it is him.

Pop it straight in those lug holes... you know you want to.

Links:

Diane's website: https://www.dogsinfocusphotography.com/

Diane's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogsinfocusphotography/

Diane's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dogsinfocusphotography/

Pre-order the book on Amazon: Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1910488747

About the project: https://www.dogsinfocusphotography.com/muzzled-and-misunderstood/

The Muzzle Project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_muzzle_project/

#95 DogX Celebration Special Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

Hey There Bookshelvers

Something a little different for this week as the whole PACT team wanted to talk about what was, frankly, an amazing DogX 2025. Nat, Jay, Corrin and Steve discuss the challenges and triumphs faced by the team, the importance of community and connection, and the memorable moments from the event. We ponder on the purpose behind Dog X, the highlights of the conference, and the contributions of the unsung heroes who made it all possible. We also have little messages peppered through out that were caught by attendees and speakers alike throughout the day. Hope you enjoy! WOOF!

DOGx Info
Link to our Bookstore

#94 Becki Gude - Insights into the World of Owner Trained Assistance Dogs and the ADAA (the Assistance Dog Assessment Association) Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

Hey There Lovely Bookshelvers

Today we are thrilled to be joined by the amazing Becki Gude. Becki is a not only a full PACT Member but also a good friend of ours. Becki is affiliated with several outstanding training organisations and charities and specialises in training and assessing assistance dogs for people with various disabilities. Becki also serves on the board of Trustees for the Assistance Dog Assessment Association (ADAA). In this conversation we get an insight into the world of owner trained assistance dogs and what part the ADAA can play in setting standards and giving people the peace of mind that, not only is their dogs welfare covered, but they can perform the tasks needed to help mitigate disabilities in the real world. We also get to talk about Becki's love for day care and wonderful appearance on the telebox for Alan Titchmarsh's Underdog to Superdog. A fascinating conversation that had both Steve and Corrin riveted throughout... We know you're going to love it, feel inspired and know more about this fascinating world.

Links:

The Assistance Dog Assessment Association (ADAA)
Becki's Website
Becki's Daycare Page (where if you scroll down to the bottom you'll find the painting party video we discussed)
Becki's blog on Daycare
Where to watch Underdog to Superdog

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