Simplifying Shelter Behaviour

This week Tom is joined by Amy Fitzsimmons from Dog Possible Austin for a really practical chat about life for dogs in shelters. Amy brings along plenty of real dogs she has worked with, and it's their stories that shape the whole conversation, showing how small, simple changes can make a big difference to how a dog copes in kennels.

Tom and Amy talk about getting more out of the time dogs spend with staff and volunteers, why every dog doesn't need the same thing, and how slowing down can actually be better for both the dog...

In this episode, we're joined by researcher Lauren Powell, whose work looks at why people get pets, what they expect from them, and why so many end up back in shelters. The conversation moves through four threads: the genuine benefits pets bring to our lives, the gap between what new owners expect and what actually happens, how that gap drives relinquishment, and the specific behaviour problems that push cat owners to give up their pets.

A recurring theme in Powell's research is that people go into pet ownership more optimistic than the evidence supports. Her 2018 study of...

About This Episode

In this episode, we're chatting with Dr. Ly about animal welfare and how research into one welfare, is changing how we think about supporting animals. We dig into the reasons why animals end up needing care, what affects whether owners can reclaim them, and the real challenges faced by caregivers looking after them. Understanding how we support owners over and above relinquishment is, in my opinion, essential to the future of our industry and I loved getting Dr Ly's view on things!

About Dr Ly

Lexis’ research focuses on ways we...

In this episode, Lorenzo JW Fox and I explore coregulation, how a calm human nervous system can help a stressed dog settle and why it matters so much for shelter dogs. We talk about the quiet power of presence and touch, how Constructional Affection builds a fearful dog's comfort with people by handing them control of the interaction, and why Leslie McDevitt's Control Unleashed pairs so well with a coregulation approach through predictability, rhythm, and choice. The throughline is agency: helping dogs feel safe enough to regulate, then handing that skill back to them.

About...

This episode really got my brain turning! The amazing Adrian Ray-Avalani brought their linguistic background to the table and spoke to us about a parent-child communication framework that helps us support owners in our conversations, and helps owners in the conversations they have with their dogs! You can nearly hear the cogs in my brain turning as Adrian talks us through how to build good communication across a dog team, and how we can improve the way we communicate with our clients through understanding, expectation, and conversation.

About Adrian Ray-Avalani

Adrian Ray-Avalani has always been...

Episode Summary

In this episode, Tom Candy and Kelly Dunbar to talk about Open Paw, the training and enrichment programme reshaping how rescue centres care for dogs and cats. Co-developed in the US in 2000 by behaviourist Kelly Gorman Dunbar and, British behaviourist and author Dr Ian Dunbar, Open Paw has spent over two decades proving that shelter animals don’t have to be “unlucky inmates” waiting out their stay, they can be active “students” building the social and life skills that make them irresistible to adopters.

•     What Open Paw is, a structured enrichment and training programme for she...

In this episode Tom is joined by Dr. Karen Griffin to discuss quality of life in shelter dogs and how her current research project is exploring this topic. Focusing on adapting Maslow's Hierarchy the research group aims to better understand QoL in dogs pre and post adoption

Here's a focused episode summary based on those two core ideas:

In this episode, Jo Middleton introduces the idea of an animal's emotional bank account — a framework for understanding how every interaction with a shelter or rescue animal either deposits trust, safety, and positive association, or withdraws it. For animals arriving from neglect, abuse, or prolonged kennel stress, the account is often deeply overdrawn. Jo explores how carers and new adopters can shift the balance through consistent, low-pressure positive experiences: predictable routines, choice and agency, calm handling, and simply being a reliable presence. The emphasis is on unde...

In this episode, Karen Deeds discusses box feeding (the "Dopamine Box"), a technique originally developed in the bite sport world that she has adapted for pet dogs, shelter animals, and behaviour modification. The method is simple in concept — teaching a dog to eat out of a box — but powerfully effective: the box becomes a contextual cue that triggers dopamine release through eating, building confidence, reducing anxiety, and creating positive associations with stressful environments. Karen has modified the approach for worried or reactive dogs by varying box types (opaque for sound-sensitive dogs, translucent or transparent for those working through visual trig...

In this episode we discuss community interventions to support owners and animals in need as an alternative to traditional animal control models

In this thoughtful and compassionate episode, Helen St. Pierre explore one of the most meaningful, and often avoided, conversations in veterinary and pet care: what does a good death look like for an animal in hospice? Drawing from their experience, they walk listeners through a practical yet humane framework built around three core considerations: Function, Purpose, and Joy.

Tom and Helen open by addressing the most observable measure of an animal's quality of life, physical function. They discuss how caregivers and veterinary teams should assess whether an animal can still eat, drink, breathe, and...

In this episode, we're joined by Jessica Wheatcraft, who shares her honest reflections on years spent working with reactive shelter dogs, those that lunge, bark, and snap at the world around them. Jessica talks through how her approach has evolved over time, what she wishes she'd known earlier, and why so many well-intentioned training efforts fall flat in the shelter environment. She offers a thoughtful look at what actually moves the needle for these dogs, and how the people around them play a bigger role than most realise. Whether you work in a shelter, volunteer on weekends, or have...

This episode explores the multidimensional concept of quality of life (QoL) within animal shelters, emphasising its impact not only on dogs, but also on staff and adopters. Framed through a behavioural welfare lens, the discussion highlights the interdependence between canine wellbeing, human experience, and organisational outcomes.

For dogs, QoL is positioned as more than the absence of distress, encompassing the presence of agency, predictability, social choice, and opportunities to engage in species-typical behaviours.

The episode also addresses staff wellbeing as a critical, often overlooked component of shelter QoL. High workloads, emotional labour, and ethical stressors...

In this episode we discuss the importance of integrating behaviour into all of our shelter practices, including how we can do this successfully, what some of the challenges are and what structures look like in a range of shelter operations with and without behaviour teams. About Dr. Herron Dr. Meghan Herron serves as the senior director of behavior, research and education at Gigi’s, a shelter organization dedicated to improving the lives of shelter dogs. Prior to this role, she spent over a decade as an associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at th...

In this episode, we explore how dog shelter and rescue professionals can reshape public perception of muzzles, using one of the most powerful tools available: photography. While muzzles are often misunderstood as symbols of aggression, they are valuable tools for safety, training, enrichment, and responsible handling. The challenge isn’t the muzzle itself it’s the story the image tells.

We’ll discuss how intentional, positive imagery can transform that narrative. From capturing relaxed body language and soft facial expressions to showcasing bright, well-fitted basket muzzles during enrichment walks or training sessions, the right photos can normalize muzzle...

In this episode, veterinary behaviourist Dr. Elise Christensen examines the role of underlying medical conditions in shaping animal behaviour within shelter environments. She discusses how pain, systemic illness, and stress-related physiological changes can manifest as behavioural concerns that are often misattributed to behaviour or training concerns. Emphasizing evidence-based assessment, Dr. Christensen underscores the importance of comprehensive medical evaluation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and informed behavioural interpretation. The discussion highlights behaviour as a critical indicator of health and welfare, with significant implications for clinical decision-making, risk assessment, and adoption outcomes in shelter medicine.

About Dr. Elise Christensen Dr. C is...

Ep. 54 want more time, money and resources, here’s where to start. Behaviour edition with Leeron Liftik In this episode, we explore the journey of Leeron Liftik into shelter and rescue dog behaviour, shaped by early hands-on work in high-pressure shelter environments. Seeing how many decisions about dogs were made with limited evidence sparked a shift toward behavioural science and data-driven approaches. Leeron discusses how thoughtfully collected behaviour data can improve outcomes for dogs, reducing stress, supporting better adoption matches, and helping shelters make fairer, more consistent decisions. The conversation highlights the role of collaboration across stakeholders, from shelter st...

In this episode, Tom is joined by Dr. Kim Brophey, applied ethologist, author, and founder of Family Dog Mediation®, for an in-depth conversation on the L.E.G.S.® model, Family Dog Mediation, and the Total Welfare Model. Together, they explore how moving beyond one-size-fits-all training and behaviour labels can transform outcomes for dogs and the people who care for them.

Dr. Brophey breaks down the L.E.G.S. framework, Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self, and explains how understanding the whole dog allows shelter and rescue professionals to make better assessments, reduce mislabelling, and support safer, more su...

In this episode, we’re joined by behaviour specialist Dr Liam Clay, whose research focuses on canine behaviour assessment, behavioural problems and adoption suitability in shelter environments.  Together, we unpack what behaviour assessments in shelters actually tell us about a dog and what they don’t.

About Dr. Clay

Dr. Clay studied at the University of Queensland (UQ), from which he holds his honours in stress and behavioral problems and a doctorate in canine behavior assessment, behavioral problems, and adoption suitability. He also became the first veterinary technician specialist in behavior in Australia in 2020. Dr. Clay i...

In this episode, veterinary behaviourist Dr. Sophie Liu dives into the complex world of shelter dogs and frustration-related behaviour, why it happens, how it looks, and what we can practically do to help these dogs cope and thrive. The conversation starts by unpacking what frustration actually is for dogs in a shelter setting: the emotional state that sits between “I want something” and “I can’t get it.” Dr. Liu explains how limited freedom, barriers (kennel doors, leashes, gates), unpredictable routines, and social isolation can all turn normal emotions into chronic frustration. We also discuss strategies to support frustrated dogs and h...

Ep.50 Simplifying Puppy Raising in Shelter and Rescue with Suzanne Clothier 

In this episode, Tom talks with Susanne Clothier about what it takes to raise behaviourally healthy puppies, with a focus on the special considerations for those growing up in rescue or shelter settings. Suzanne shares her experiences with supporting puppies’ emotional and social development, creating positive early experiences, and building a foundation for lifelong well-being.

About Suzanne Clothier 

Suzanne Clothier’s work reflects a lifetime shared with dogs and many other animals, as well as her extensive professional experience.

She has been w...

About this episode

In this episode, we discuss how to best support deaf dogs both in a kennel environment and how they move into their new homes. They explore how communication through visual and tactile cues can replace verbal signals,helping dogs feel secure and understood. The conversation highlights the importance of building a trusting relationship, creating consistency between caregivers, and offering gentle, structured support during transition. Caroline gives us some amazing practical tips as well as helping us possibly challenge our perceptions!

About Caroline Lewis

Caroline is the founder of Help at...

Ep. 48 Gamification for Grooming with Victoria Shepherd

In this episode we discuss Victoria journey to becoming a holistic grooming professional. A big passion for Victoria is gamification for grooming and she takes us through some of these games, and easy techniques to support grooming both in and out of the shelter!

About Victoria Shepherd

Originally from Salt, Staffordshire, Victoria returned to the UK in September 2020 after living in the US for nearly 30 years. She has had many careers over the years, including executive assistant...

This episode explores practical strategies for improving the daily lives of shelter animals through kennel enrichment. The discussion emphasizes how enrichment is not just about keeping animals entertained but about reducing stress, promoting natural Behaviours, and improving overall well-being—ultimately making them more adoptable.

Key points include:

·       Why enrichment matters: A kennel environment can be stressful and monotonous for animals. Enrichment provides mental stimulation, comfort, and opportunities for animals to express species-appropriate Behaviours.

·       Types of enrichment: From food puzzles, scent games, and chew toys, to music, visual barriers, and soft bedding, shelters can use simple, low-cost...

About this episode

Join us as we delve into Dr. Erica Feuerbacher’s groundbreaking work in applied animal behavior. In this episode, we explore how what we often consider simple—like petting—can deeply influence a shelter dog’s emotional well-being and adaptability. From reinforcement theory to practical applications in rescue environments, we'll explore how science supports more thoughtful, humane interactions with dogs in shelters—and ultimately improves their welfare and outcomes. we also discuss Eric's over research into pair housing dogs, separation related issues and more!

About Erica

I am an Asso...

In this episode, we sit down with renowned trainer Grisha Stewart to explore how Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT)can be applied to support shelter dogs. We dive into the foundations of BAT and how it helps dogs build resilience, reduce reactivity, and make better choices in challenging environments.

Together, we unpack practical tools such as set-ups that create safe learning opportunities, lead handling skills that support calm communication, and the importance of recognizing a dog’s threshold to prevent overwhelm. Grisha also explains how to spot and nurture glimmers—the subtle signs of curiosity and comfort that guide progress...

In this episode I’m joined by Kat Creagh an animal welfare scientist who reviews policies and procedures for a large uk animal welfare charity. In this discussion we tackle some of the complicated questions around capacity to care and how we can best support the behavioural health of animals we are helping! There is no perfect solution to this problem and one of the discussions that continually kept appear is the importance of having discussions as individual organisations about our aims, hopes and ability. This episode will pose some questions to help start the conversation ar...

In this episode Tom and Andrew Hales explore what it means to approach emotional experiences with Compassion Acceptance Knowledge and Empathy. Focusing on how we can take care of ourselves and those around us Andy explores the CAKE model and how it can impact the work we do in shelter and rescue, before moving on to discuss resilience, support and most importantly looking after ourselves to ensure we can turn up everyday and be the person we need to be, with no negative affect on ourselves!

About Andrew Hale

Andrew Hale BSc, ISCP.Dip.Canine...

Ep. 42 How do we Choose the Doggy in the Window, Decision Making of Adopters with Lawrence Minnis. In this episode we discuss Lawrence’s research looking at decision making of adopters. This important topic matches perfectly to behaviour as our end goal is getting dogs successfully rehomed. Join us as we look at reasons adopters select dogs, how we can support adopters and tips for reviewing and improving your own adoptions practices as an organisation and individuals

About Lawrence

Lawrence is a 2nd year PhD student in the Animal Behavior & Cognition Lab, under Dr. Doris Bi...

Ep.41 the Look at That Game for Reactivity in Shelter with Kim Palermo

In this episode I’m joined by Kim Palermo to took about the look at that game. There are many reasons why our dogs bark and lunge at stimuli in the environment, and there are also many methods and philosophies that are meant to “fix” this behavior. But what if you could go beyond fixing? What if you could actually have a conversation with your dog about the environment and their triggers? And help them change from being a reactor to a reporter? Control Unleas...

In this episode I’m joined by Sarah Ellis and Vicky Halls from International Cat Care. During the show we discuss ICCs approach to Cat Friendly Care, how we can improve welfare, rehoming and support for the Cats in our shelters and rescues. Shelters and rescues can be stressful places for all animals, but Cats in particularly can often struggle in silence. Learn from two of the leaders in the cat welfare and behaviour space how we can identify Cats who are struggling and what steps we can take to improve overall welfare both in care and beyond.

...

Ep. 39 Research to Support Welfare with Dr. Lisa Gunter 

In this episode we dive into some of the amazing research of Dr Lisa Gunter and her Colleagues. Dr Gunters contributions to the field have a massive positive impact on dogs in shelter and rescue, from improving perception and rehomability to reducing stress there’s some great practical implementations of research to take away from this episode. 

About Dr. Lisa Gunter 

Lisa Gunter, PhD, MA, CBCC-KA is an Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech in the School of Animal Sciences and directs the Companion Animal Research...

Ep. 38 Supporting Rehoming to Homes with Children with Michelle Stern.

This week we look at what we can do before, during and after rehoming, to support a dog moving from shelter or rescue into a home with children. Wether existing children or a growing family join myself and Michelle as we discuss green and red flags for the dog and the homes. How to best prepare a dog and how we can support the transition with the aim of a happy life for all of the family

About Michelle Stern 

Michelle Stern cares a...

In this episode I’m joined by Dr Findy Wills, a vet behaviourist with a passion for shelter and rescue dogs. Findy joins the pod to talk about differing attachment styles and how we can support these in shelter and rescue, and gives us some insights into her PHD studies that are currently underway,

About Findy

Dr Findy started as a small animal veterinarian in Newcastle NSW after graduating from the University of Sydney with first class honours. She has since been servicing the area for the past 15 years. In...

In this episode I’m joined by Jess Feliciano to look at how using food in training maybe more complicated than it seems! Off the back of her amazing presentation at Micheal Shikashios’ aggression in dogs conference, we discuss four main ways that’s treats might be the enemy! As well as the great friend we know they can be.

We look at

backward conditioning and poison cue

Oops moments

false sense of security

Reinforcement of undesirable behaviour

And ho...

in this episode Carm Aufderheide Joins me to talk about how we can become conflict Olympians. Working in shelter and rescue can often lead to difficult, emotionally charged situations. Being able to handle these to the best of our abilities can really aid welfare by gaining a better understanding of struggles, pressure and behaviour from the owners point of view.

Carm discusses how we can create safe environments for people, Understand our own emotions and those of others and how we can support ourselves as well as owners.

About...

Ep. 34 Smelly Toys are Best with Skylar Howard.

In this episode Skylar joins me to discuss her recent paper looking at if scent improves dog’s interactions with toys. Improving the use of toys is a great way to improve enrichment but also in terms of where to focus resources and funds! Skylar investigated this topic as part of her master’s degree and breaks down the paper and results for us to see the practical impact the study can have!

About Skylar Howard

Skylar is the dog...

In this episode were joined by Devan Amundsen to discuss successful ways of introducing our shelter and rescue dogs to adopters dogs. Introductions can be tricky, often with a lot of pressure attached due to the potential loss of a good home, accidental fights or unsuccessful re-homes .Devan does an amazing job of exploring the multifaceted aspects of this topic and provides great tips for making doggy dating a success.

About Devan

https://www.animalwelfareunited.com/about_1/about-devan

Ep. 32 cross collaboration and community programs with Beverly McKee In this episode we look at how cross collaboration and community programs can help support animals, guardians and community’s to improve welfare and behaviour. Beverly joins us to talk about different types of community programs, how they were set up and what impact they have had in the city of Toronto. About Beverly McKee Beverley is the Program Manager, Public Training Services and Care Support at Toronto Humane Society. She is a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and a Certified Professional Dog Tr...

Ep. 31 Prognosis Setting for Behaviour and Welfare in Shelters with Dr. Wailani Sung In this episode join me and Dr.Sung as we discuss how we can set prognosis for our behaviour and welfare cases to support decision making and planning in shelter and rescue animals. Dr Sung did an amazing job of navigating this difficult conversation, providing several tips and suggestions around identifying prognosis, tracking progress, and working together to achieve best outcomes for each individual in our care. About Dr. Sung Dr. Wailani Sung has a passion for helping owners prevent or effectively manage behavior problems in...