Barks from the Bookshelf

Barks from the Bookshelf

Steve Goodall, Natalie Light & Corrin Goodall delve deep into some of the greatest and influential books about Dog Training and Behaviour as well as informative and entertaining interviews with the worlds best animal professionals.

  1. #103 Professor Carri Westgarth - Are Woke Cheese Tossing, Cuddle Fairy Twinkle Twots Presiding Over A Ticking Timebomb Of Training Methods?

    4 DAYS AGO

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

    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 usUnpicking 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.comStart Your Journey: Find out how to become a PACT accredited trainer at pact-dogs.comCarri’s Research: Check out her work at the University of Liverpool or grab her book The Happy Dog Owner.

    1hr 41min
  2. #97 Suzanne Rogers (and Special Guests) - Canine Behaviour In Mind: Applying Behavioural Science to Our Lives with Dogs

    25/11/2025

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

    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 chapterThe 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 MindHuman Behaviour Change for Life PACT CTIC Dog Trainer Course

    1hr 54min
  3. #96 Diane Gollowitzer - Muzzled and Misunderstood: Love Letter to my Muzzled Dog

    11/11/2025

    #96 Diane Gollowitzer - Muzzled and Misunderstood: Love Letter to my Muzzled Dog

    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/

    1hr 39min

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Steve Goodall, Natalie Light & Corrin Goodall delve deep into some of the greatest and influential books about Dog Training and Behaviour as well as informative and entertaining interviews with the worlds best animal professionals.

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