Soul Touched by Dogs

What if your dog was more than just a pet - what if they were a mirror, a teacher, and a soul companion on your personal journey?

In this profound episode, I’m joined by Dr. Isla Fishburn, a conservation biologist turned canine wellness intuitive and shamanic practitioner. With a background in zoology, wolf conservation, and spiritual healing, Isla offers a truly unique perspective on our relationship with dogs - not as training subjects or health projects, but as complex ecosystems and sacred beings that walk beside us through life, and even beyond.

From the sc...

What do mathematics and misbehaving mutts have in common?

This week on the Soul Touched by Dogs podcast, I sit down with Grisha Stewart, a self-described behaviour nerd who made the leap from math lecturer to world-renowned dog trainer. Yep, from numbers to nosework 😛

Grisha created BAT (Behavior Adjustment Training), a beautifully intuitive method that helps reactive and anxious dogs find calm - not through bribery or correction, but by giving them agency. It’s training as a gentle dance, not a tug-of-war.

We talk about the heartbreak of having a dog who “doesn’t...

Lisa Waggoner – Dogs and Second Chances: Rehabilitation Behind Bars

A heart-opening conversation about connection, compassion, and the power of second chances—for both people and dogs.

In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Waggoner to explore a truly inspiring program where incarcerated men and shelter dogs transform each other’s lives through the power of positive reinforcement.

We talk about how the Jail Dog Program started, what makes it so effective, and how it’s changing lives .. not just for the men involved and the dogs they train, but also for families, communit...

From Dog Training to Artistry: The Inspirational Journey of Denise

In this episode, Denise shares her heartfelt journey from being a dog trainer to founding her own graphic design business, Mighty Dog Graphics.

She discusses her early work with guide dogs and her deep involvement with charitable organizations that train assistance dogs. Denise shares her inspiring story of how her dog Jeffrey's medical challenges led to the founding of her art-based business, which has since thrived for over a decade.

She also talks about her ongoing engagement with the dog training community through...

In this episode, I am joined by canine behavior experts Lisa Hird and Dale McLelland, who share their journey and mission in the dog training industry. Lisa, who operates the Dog Behavior Clinic in Lincolnshire, and Dale, who runs Being Canine in Scotland, have collaborated to create Without Worry Canine Education, aimed at improving dog-owner relationships through practical, respect-based training. We discuss the importance of understanding dog body language, common misconceptions around dog obedience, and the critical role of observation and consistency. Lisa and Dale emphasize the need for hands-on experience, critical thinking about traditional training methods, and fostering...

I’ve got a very special guest for you today. She’s retired after over 5 decades of teaching people how to better understand dogs, the magnificent creatures by our side.

But the lovely Lisbeth Borg de Waard from the Nordic Education Centre for Ethical Dog Trainers offered to make an introduction and she said Yes - Turid Rugaas.

“The worst thing modern dog owners do is micromanage their dogs,” she says.

“We underestimate our dogs. They’re a lot smarter than humans. They understand us better than we understand ourselves but many humans don’t even s...

Navigating the End-of-Life Journey with Animalchemy

In this episode, I am joined by Monique from Animalchemy, who shares her profound insights into the natural end-of-life process for pets. Monique's expertise blends animal medicine with spiritual teachings, providing a unique perspective on how we can offer support during our pets' final stages. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the predictable phases of dying, recognizing signs that may be misinterpreted as pain, and the crucial role of staying calm and present. Monique also highlights how learning about the dying process can deepen our bond with our pets, helping us...

Understanding and Mitigating Stress in Dogs with Diane from Canine Transformations Learning Center

In this episode, I have an insightful conversation with Diane, a specialist in canine behavior and stress management, currently based in Langley, Washington.

With over 25 years of experience, Diane shares her journey from her early days in dog obedience training to her current focus on stress and behavior problems in dogs.

We discuss the evolution of dog training over the decades, highlighting the shift from aversive techniques to positive reinforcement methods. Diane elaborates on how modern urban environments can exacerbate...

Wishful Thinking Isn't Planning

In this episode, I am joined by Peggy Hoyt, an estate planning attorney and animal lover with homes in Virginia and Florida.

Peggy shares her insights on the importance of creating a pet trust to ensure that pets are cared for in the event of the owner's death or disability.

She passionately shares her own experiences with her numerous pets and her motivation to write a book about pet trusts. P

eggy emphasizes the need for assigning both short-term and long-term caregivers, preferably including trustworthy individuals and...

This week's Pawsome Human: Mark Bridger-Pescott - BoneCanis - Barks 'n Words: Better Communication Between Humans and Dogs

In this fun and informative episode, I chat with Mark Bridger Pescott, founder of Bone Canis, a dog training and behavior company based in West Sussex, UK.

Mark introduces his talented team and shares how they've been helping dogs and their owners both locally and internationally via Zoom.

We delve into the common behavioral issues he encounters, such as anxiety, and the importance of understanding dog body language. Mark also explains how dogs can be...