The Yappy Hour
Welcome to The Yappy Hour! This is the podcast all about dogs -made for dog parents. I’m Nathan Dunleavy, and with the help of the Yappily team, we’re here to make life with your dog easier and more fun. Each week, we’ll chat about the things every dog parent wants to know. Need tips on choosing the right breed? Wondering how to help a nervous or worried dog? Not sure how to get your pup comfortable with vet visits? Don’t worry, we’ve got it all covered. We’ll also have some brilliant expert guests - who’ll share...
What’s really in your dog’s food? Inside the pet food industry with Clayton Payne
In this episode, Nathan sits down with Clayton Payne, pet industry veteran, Chief Commercial Officer of The Bug Factory, and host of Pet Business Disruptors, for a refreshingly honest look behind the scenes of the pet food world.
From growing up in his parents' pet shop to building a wholesale business for 22 years and now farming insects as a sustainable protein source, Clayton has seen every corner of this industry.
Whether you're a curious dog guardian, a raw feeding convert, or someone just trying to do better by your dog, this conversation is packed with...
Rachel Rodgers on Separation Anxiety and Rescue Dogs. Essential listening if you're adopting a dog.
If you've ever brought home a rescue dog and felt like you were failing — this episode is for you.
Rachel Rodgers is a registered clinical animal behaviourist, founder of Nose to Trail, and a specialist in separation anxiety with a background spanning over 15 years in UK rescue centres including Dogs Trust and the RSPCA. In this episode, she and host Nathan Dunleavy have an honest, warm, and deeply practical conversation about why rescue dogs are more prone to SA, what the early signs really look like, and why so many cases go unrecognised or get made worse wi...
Caroline Griffith on Dog Nutrition and what every dog guardian really needs to know
Sound note: we did have some technical issues in the first 14 minutes of this episode, but they get much better after, so please bear with us!
In this episode of The Yappy Hour, Nathan is joined by Caroline Griffith — canine nutrition consultant, founder of the Canine Holistic Science Academy, and the driving force behind the Natural Dog Expo. With over 25 years of experience in natural dog care, Caroline cuts through the noise around dog nutrition with calm, evidence-backed clarity. Whether you're feeding raw, kibble, or somewhere in between, this conversation will leave you feeling more informed, more co...
Hannah Capon from Canine Arthritis Management on dog arthritis: early signs, pain, behaviour & how to help your dog
Content note
This episode includes a brief mention of suicide.
***
Arthritis in dogs is far more common than many people realise, and it does not just affect older dogs.
In this episode of The Yappy Hour, Nathan is joined by Hannah Capon, founder of Canine Arthritis Management (CAM), to talk about the early signs of arthritis in dogs, how pain can affect behaviour, and what dog guardians can do to help their dogs live more comfortable lives.
They explore why arthritis is often missed, why dogs are not necessarily “hi...
Victoria Stilwell on reactive dogs. A force-free guide to reactivity, trust and real life training
Victoria Stilwell on reactive dogs, force-free training and the Reactivity Zones Approach
In this episode of The Yappy Hour powered by Yappily, Nathan Dunleavy is joined by world-renowned dog trainer, author, educator and TV presenter Victoria Stilwell.
Known for It’s Me or the Dog, The Dog Academy, the Victoria Stilwell Academy and Positively, Victoria has helped shape modern dog training across the world. In this conversation, she shares her compassionate and practical thoughts on one of the most emotionally charged topics for dog guardians: living with a reactive dog.
Together, Nathan and Vi...
Tom Candy from Simplifying Shelter Behaviour on why rescue dogs struggle after adoption and how you can help them
Have you recently adopted a rescue dog and found the first few weeks harder than you expected? Or are you thinking about adoption and want to know what you're really signing up for? This episode is for you.
Nathan sits down with Tom Candy, animal behaviour specialist at Dogs Trust, to talk honestly about why rescue dogs struggle after adoption and, more importantly, exactly what you can do to help them settle in and thrive.
With 15 years of rescue and shelter experience, Tom shares practical, compassionate advice that every dog adopter needs to hear before...
German Shepherd dog training with Sue Kewley of The Happy Shepherd on understanding emotional needs, busting myths & building connection
German Shepherd dog training with Sue Kewley of The Happy Shepherd: understanding emotional needs, busting myths & building connection
Welcome to The Yappy Hour, powered by Yappily!
In this episode, host Nathan Dunleavy sits down with Sue Kewley, founder of The Happy Shepherd, for an in-depth conversation about one of the world's most iconic breeds, the German Shepherd Dog (GSD).
Sue has dedicated over 35 years to understanding, training, and breeding German Shepherds. She shares her expertise on what makes these dogs so special, the common misconceptions that harm them, and how to build a...
Debby Lucken (Kids Around Dogs) on Kids & Dogs: Body Language, Boundaries, Dog Phobias & Safe Family Life
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 sa...
Debby Lucken (Kids Around Dogs) on Kids & Dogs: Body Language, Boundaries, Dog Phobias & Safe Family Life
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 sa...
Debby Lucken (Kids Around Dogs) on Kids & Dogs: Body Language, Boundaries, Dog Phobias & Safe Family Life
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 sa...
Discover the English Toy Terrier with Nikki Cole: Vulnerable Breeds, Responsible Breeders & Choosing a Dog Responsibly
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...
Shelina Duke: Poodle Training Tips & Techniques for Toy, Miniature & Standard Poodles
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, intellig...Danielle Beck Trauma-Informed Dog Behaviourist on trauma, “aggressive dogs” & helping sensitive dogs feel safe
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
<...Helen Motteram from Pet Professional Network (PPN) on how to help anxious and nervous dogs thrive
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...
All About Whippets: Training, Temperament & Living with This Sensitive Breed with Jack’s Mum Dog Training
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 & chas...
Maya Badham on the Partnership Planet Model: Building True Dog–Human Connections
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 mean...
Separation Anxiety in Dogs with Rosee Riggs: Myths vs. Facts Every Dog Guardian Should Know
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 predi...
Jo Middleton on Ethical Dog Training: Consent-Based Handling, Smarter Canine Education & Confidence for Pet Pros
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...
Colin Spence’s Guide to Rottweilers: temperament, trust-based training & real-life care
Trainer & behaviourist Colin Spence joins The Yappy Hour host Nathan Dunleavy to share his expert Rottweiler guide — from temperament and trust-based training to enrichment, arousal management, body language, and breeder research. Whether you share life with a Rottie or are simply breed-curious, this is a practical, myth-busting conversation.
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome & why Rottweilers are misunderstood
03:12 Colin’s story: falling in love with the breed
07:10 Temperament: loyal, people-oriented, emotionally soft
12:25 Trust-first puppy work: confidence > commands
16:58 Reading body language in large guardian breeds
22:40 Enrichment that works: freedom, scenting & tug...
Dog enrichment explained: How to keep your dog happy, calm & fulfilled with Shay Kelly
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...
Slow down, sniff around: Sarah Fisher on ACE Free Work & understanding your dog
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...Teenage Dogs: Navigating the Challenges of Canine Adolescence with Behaviourist Daniel Shaw
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
📍Whet...
How to support sensitive & complex dogs that struggle in everyday situations with Jay Gurden
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 episod...
Raising happy dachshunds, a heart-to-heart with sausage dog specialist Nicky Hammel
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...Canine Hoopers - the fun inclusive dog sport for all breeds and abilities with Carrie Ann Selwyn of Canine Hoopers World
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 in...
Grooming without the drama! How to keep your dog calm, happy, and mat-free with Sue Williamson
In this episode of The Yappy Hour, host Nathan Dunleavy is joined by Sue Williamson, a consent-based groomer and behaviourist. Sue shares her journey from the corporate world to becoming a grooming advocate, focusing on stress-free, dog-centric grooming practices.
Learn how to decode calming signals, prevent matting, and use tools that enhance comfort for sensitive pups. Discover the impact of grooming on a dog's emotional and physical well-being, and how pet parents can support positive grooming experiences at home. Tune in to find out how to transform a typically stressful grooming session into a calm and enriching...
Compassionate canine connections: Sally Gutteridge on ethical dog training, rescue dogs & advocacy
Host: Nathan Dunleavy
Guest: Sally Gutteridge, bestselling dog writer, advocate, and rescue dog handler
In this heartwarming episode, Nathan Dunleavy sits down with Sally Gutteridge, a bestselling author, ethical dog trainer, and former military dog handler. Sally opens up about her incredible journey from working with military dogs to rescuing and rehabilitating traumatised dogs, including ex-puppy farm survivors.
What You’ll Learn:
The importance of positive, science-based dog trainingHow to help rescue dogs decompress and build trustWhy understanding canine body language is crucialThe impact of trauma on a dog's behaviour and how to...Living with a Border Collie? Join breed expert Martina Miradoli for training tips, behaviour advice & managing high-energy, herding dogs.
Welcome to Yappy Hour, powered by Yappily - the podcast for dog lovers who want to build better relationships with their dogs!
In this episode, host Nathan Dunleavy is joined by Border Collie specialist and founder of That’ll Do Academy, Martina Miradoli. If you're living with (or considering owning) a Border Collie, this episode is packed with essential advice for understanding this intelligent, driven, and sometimes challenging breed.
We discuss:
What makes Border Collies uniqueTheir work ethic, herding drive & natural instinctsHow to meet their needs without over-exercisingHow to manage behaviours like car chasing or...Rethinking daily dog walks and why less can be more with Niki French from Pup Talk
Are daily dog walks always the best thing for your pup?
In this thought-provoking episode of The Yappy Hour, host Nathan Dunleavy chats with dog trainer, author, and advocate Niki French to challenge the traditional approach to dog walking.
Niki, author of Stop Walking Your Dog and creator of #DontWalkYourDogDay, shares why not all dogs benefit from daily walks and how alternative enrichment activities can be even more fulfilling.
If you’ve ever felt guilty about skipping a walk or wondered if there’s a better way to meet your dog’s needs, this e...
How probiotics are revolutionising dog health – from skin & ears to teeth with Ingenious Probiotics
Did you know probiotics can do more than support gut health?
In this episode of Yappy Hour, host Nathan Dunleavy sits down with Jo Flanagan from Ingenious Probiotics to explore how probiotic-based pet care is transforming the way we look after our dogs. From soothing allergies and skin conditions to preventing ear infections and improving dental health, probiotics are a game-changer.
We dive into:
🐾 Why probiotics are essential for your dog’s skin, ears, and dental health
🐾 How they help reduce allergies, infections, and irritation
🐾 The connection between microbiome health and...
Find your dog’s superpower with the magic of Scent Work with Jamie Pound from UK Sniffer Dogs
Discover how scent work can transform your dog’s life! In this episode of The Yappy Hour, host Nathan Dunleavy chats with Jamie Pound, founder of UK Sniffer Dogs, about how engaging your dog’s nose can reduce stress, boost confidence, and enhance behaviour. Whether your pup is anxious, high-energy, or just needs mental stimulation, scent work is the game-changer you’ve been looking for.
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...
A heartfelt approach to dog training, training for connection not compliance with Vicki Main
In this episode of The Yappy Hour, host Nathan Dunleavy chats with Vicki Main from Love Your Paws about training dogs for connection, not compliance.
Vicky shares how understanding a dog's unique perspective leads to better training outcomes, the importance of breed-appropriate enrichment, and how thoughtful training strengthens bonds. Whether you have a sensitive dog or simply want to deepen your relationship with your dog, this episode is packed with invaluable and thoughtful insights.
Find local and ethical dog trainers, dog behaviourists, dog walkers, groomers, dog pros and pet businesses near you. Yappily is the U...
Dog first aid, vet visits & canine care with Dr. Sophie Bell from Animal Love Pet First Aid
In this episode of The Yappy Hour, host Nathan Dunleavy chats with Dr. Sophie Bell from Animal Love Pet First Aid about essential pet first aid skills, reducing vet visit stress, and how accessible pet education can empower dog guardians and professionals alike.
How tug toys can transform dog training using the power of play with Tug-E-Nuff’s Danny Nelis-Rouse
In this episode of The Yappy Hour powered by Yappily, host Nathan Dunleavy chats with Danny from Tug-E-Nuff about the vital role of play in dog training. Discover how interactive tug toys can strengthen the bond between you and your dog, boost training success, and improve motivation. Whether you have a playful pup or a more reserved dog, this episode is packed with insights on choosing the right toy and making playtime more rewarding.
Find local and ethical dog trainers, dog behaviourists, dog walkers, groomers, dog pros and pet businesses near you. Yappily is the UK directory b...
How to raise and train a happy boxer with breed expert Justyna Marszalek from Bombproof Boxer
Thinking about getting a Boxer or already have one bouncing around your home? 🐶💨 In this episode of The Yappy Hour, host Nathan Dunleavy is joined by Justyna from Bombproof Boxer, a breed specialist dedicated to helping Boxer dog guardians better understand and train their high-energy, intelligent companions.
Together, they explore what makes Boxers unique, the importance of breed research, common misconceptions, and expert training & socialisation tips. Whether you're a first-time Boxer owner or a long-time lover of the breed, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you raise a happy boxer!
Find local and et...
The Muzzle Movement: Keep Your Dog Safe & Understand Why Muzzles Matter
In this episode of The Yappy Hour, host Nathan Dunleavy is joined by Clara from The Muzzle Movement, an initiative dedicated to destigmatizing muzzles and educating dog guardians on their importance.
Clara shares the inspiring story behind The Muzzle Movement, from crafting a single muzzle for her rescue dog, Tolly, to running a multi-award-winning business that’s changing the narrative around muzzles. She dives into the misconceptions surrounding muzzle use, explaining why every dog regardless of breed, age, or behaviour should be muzzle trained.
Nathan and Clara also explore the controversial XL Bully ban, discussing it...
Practical tips for sensitive dogs with Sarah Jones of My Anxious Dog and the #DogsInYellow day
In this episode of The Yappy Hour Podcast, host Nathan Dunleavy chats with Sarah Jones, founder of My Anxious Dog and the #DogsInYellow campaign. Discover her inspiring journey of advocating for anxious dogs and practical tips for dog parents. Whether you’re a dog guardian or simply love dogs, this episode is packed with helpful insights.
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...
Why your emotions matter to your dog with expert advice from Andrew Hale
Welcome to the first episode of The Yappy Hour, powered by Yappily! 🎉
Join host Nathan Dunleavy as he kicks off this exciting journey into the world of dogs, their behaviours, and the unique emotional connections we share with them.
In this episode, we’re joined by Andrew Hale, a highly respected certified behaviourist with a background in human psychology. Andrew introduces us to the groundbreaking concept of Dog-Centered Care, which focuses on understanding dogs as individuals and nurturing a deeper emotional connection with them.
Find local and ethical dog trainers, dog behaviourists, dog walke...
