The Yappy Hour

Yappily

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 their advice and stories. From puppy training to living life with a dog, we’ll talk about it all! So, why listen? The Yappy Hour is more than just tips and tricks. It’s about celebrating the special bond between you and your dog, learning together, and having a good laugh while you’re at it. Pop in your headphones and join us for some fun, simple advice to improve dog guardianship. Whether you’re walking your dog, on your way to work, or relaxing at home, The Yappy Hour is here for you. Subscribe now and join us - we’re excited to have you with us! 🐾 If you're looking for local and ethical dog service we can help with that at https://yappily.co.uk/

  1. Hannah Capon from Canine Arthritis Management on dog arthritis: early signs, pain, behaviour & how to help your dog

    3 DAYS AGO

    Hannah Capon from Canine Arthritis Management on dog arthritis: early signs, pain, behaviour & how to help your dog

    Content noteThis 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 “hiding” pain, and how subtle changes in movement, mood, posture, or behaviour can all be important clues. Hannah also explains why weight, flooring, lifestyle, and exercise choices matter so much for managing joint pain and supporting long-term well-being. This is an important conversation for anyone living with a dog who seems to be slowing down, moving differently, or showing changes that do not quite feel right. In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ Why arthritis is not just an old dog condition ✅ How young dogs can develop arthritis too ✅ The subtle early signs of pain many guardians miss ✅ How pain can influence behaviour, anxiety, and reactivity ✅ Why weight management matters so much ✅ Simple changes at home that can make a big difference ✅ How to approach exercise and movement safely ✅ Why early support can improve a dog’s quality of life Key takeawayDogs with arthritis can still live happy, active, fulfilling lives, but early recognition and the right support matter. Links and resourcesCanine Arthritis Management (CAM) The Pain Vet Looking for a qualified professional to support your dog? Explore trusted, ethical pet businesses on Yappily: 👉 https://yappily.co.uk

    1 hr
  2. Victoria Stilwell on reactive dogs. A force-free guide to reactivity, trust and real life training

    8 MAR

    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 Victoria explore what dog guardians often misunderstand about reactivity, why so many people feel shame and isolation when their dog struggles in public, and how Victoria’s Reactivity Zones Approach offers a force-free, real life framework built around safety, trust, choice and predictability. They also discuss the difference between the comfort zone, tolerance zone and discomfort zone, how to recognise subtle signs of stress before barking and lunging happen, and why progress with reactive dogs is rarely linear. This episode is packed with hopeful, humane guidance for anyone supporting a reactive dog or working in force-free dog training and behaviour. In this episode, you’ll learn: What reactivity really is and what dog guardians often get wrongWhy reactive behaviour is not the same as disobedienceWhat the Reactivity Zones Approach is and how it worksThe difference between comfort, tolerance and discomfort zonesWhy choice and agency matter for dogs’ emotional wellbeingHow to use practical tools like emergency U-turns and body blockingWhy management is not failureWhat resilience looks like beyond obedienceHow to stay compassionate with yourself while supporting a reactive dog About Victoria Stilwell Victoria Stilwell is an internationally respected dog trainer, author, educator and television presenter best known for It’s Me or the Dog. She is the founder of the Victoria Stilwell Academy and Positively, and is widely known for championing force-free, humane dog training methods. Resources mentioned: Positively Victoria Stilwell Academy If you enjoyed this episode, please follow The Yappy Hour, leave a review, and share it with a fellow dog parent or guardian. Find ethical dog trainers and behaviourists on Yappily https://yappily.co.uk Need help with a reactive dog?If you're struggling with reactivity, fear or behaviour challenges, you can find ethical, qualified dog trainers and behaviourists through the Yappily directory: https://yappily.co.uk/find-a-dog-behaviourist/ Follow The Yappy Hour for more conversations about dog behaviour, training and welfare.

    1hr 5min
  3. Tom Candy from Simplifying Shelter Behaviour on why rescue dogs struggle after adoption and how you can help them

    21 FEB

    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, during and after bringing a rescue dog home. In this episode you'll learn: Why rescue dogs often shut down or struggle in those first weeks at homeWhat the decompression period is and why it mattersThe Rule of Three, three days, three weeks, three months explainedThe most common mistakes new adopters make and how to avoid themHow enrichment helps fearful and anxious rescue dogs build confidenceWhat to look for when choosing the right rescue dog for your lifestyleWhen and how to reach out for support if you're strugglingWhy you should ditch the label and stop blaming the "rescue" for behaviour challenges Key takeaways: Take it slow, rushing the settling in period is the number one mistake adopters makeFocus on what you want your dog to do, not what you don't wantReach out to your rescue early if you're struggling - small problems are easier to fixEnrichment isn't just fun, it reduces stress and builds your bondNearly 60% of dogs are returned due to behaviour issues, the right support from day one makes all the difference Find Tom Candy on the Simplifying Shelter Behaviour website Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a review and share it with a fellow dog parent, it helps more people find the show and means the world to us. 🐾 The Yappy Hour is powered by Yappily, the UK's directory for qualified and kind professionals. Find local, ethical dog care near you!

    50 min
  4. German Shepherd dog training with Sue Kewley of The Happy Shepherd on understanding emotional needs, busting myths & building connection

    10 FEB

    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 thriving relationship with your GSD based on connection, not control. 🎯 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: ✅ The emotional sensitivity of German Shepherds and why they need advocates ✅ Common myths about GSDs (firm handling, dominance, aggression) ✅ How their intelligence can work against them without proper guidance ✅ What a fulfilled German Shepherd's day looks like ✅ The truth about reactivity and how to address it early ✅ Why puppy classes often fail German Shepherds ✅ Activities that tap into their natural herding instincts ✅ How to choose a responsible breeder ✅ The importance of emotional needs over training drills ✅ Connection-based training approaches that actually work 🔗 CONNECT WITH SUE KEWLEY: Website: www.thehappyshepherd.com 📱 CONNECT WITH YAPPILY: Yappily - The UK’s Directory for Qualified and Kind Dog Professionals 🎙️ ABOUT THE YAPPY HOUR: The Yappy Hour is the podcast for dog guardians who want to better understand and connect with their canine companions. Each episode features expert guests discussing breed-specific insights, training approaches, and dog welfare topics.

    54 min
  5. Debby Lucken (Kids Around Dogs) on Kids & Dogs: Body Language, Boundaries, Dog Phobias & Safe Family Life

    29 JAN

    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 safer, calmer family life. What you’ll learn: ✅ Subtle signs your dog is uncomfortable (yawning, lip-licking, shaking off) ✅ Why active supervision matters with kids and dogs ✅ How to teach kids consent and respectful interaction ✅ Preventing common issues like toy snatching, jumping up, and rough play ✅ Support for fear of dogs (kids and adults) and rebuilding trust Find Kids Around Dogs KAD approved professionals on Yappily 👉 Find Debbie / Kids Around Dogs: Website: kidsarounddogs.co.uk Find Yappily / The Yappy Hour: Follow/subscribe for more dog behaviour, welfare, and real-life training conversationsIf this episode helped, leave a review and share with a parent or dog guardian

    1hr 8min
  6. Discover the English Toy Terrier with Nikki Cole: Vulnerable Breeds, Responsible Breeders & Choosing a Dog Responsibly

    14 JAN

    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 awareness matters) ✅ How to find a responsible breeder (health testing, paperwork, red flags) ✅ Advice for guardians moving from large breeds to small dogs ✅ Enrichment for terriers: scent work, trick training + safe shredding outlets ✅ Under-the-radar UK breeds worth exploring Connect with Nikki Cole (Delightful Dogs Dog Training): 📍 Website: DelightfulDogsDogTraining.co.uk 📍 Facebook: Delightful Dogs Dog Training Ethical qualified pet business or Dog Pro? Join us at Yappily! ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with a fellow dog lover.

    48 min
  7. Shelina Duke: Poodle Training Tips & Techniques for Toy, Miniature & Standard Poodles

    22/12/2025

    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, intelligent, emotionally tuned-inWhy repetition backfires for many poodlesBarking, overstimulation, and “always on” behaviourFOMO vs separation anxietyCalm enrichment vs high-arousal “puzzle toys”Toy vs miniature vs standard poodlesGrooming handling, coat changes, and early prepThe poodle myth that keeps causing training problems Follow Shelina Duke: Website: Go With The FloSocials: Shelina, The Poodle Trainer (Facebook + Instagram + YouTube)Community: The Poodle Training Space (Facebook group) 🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with a fellow poodle person.

    1hr 4min

  8. 09/12/2025

    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 The difference between a reactive dog and a trauma-impacted dog Where to start with a dog who is shut down, fearful or over-aroused The role of safety, consent, agency and choice in helping dogs heal How enrichment, free work and pattern games support recovery What happens when an assistance dog develops behaviour struggles The emotional impact on guardians and how to balance both ends of the lead If you live with a sensitive, reactive or traumatised dog, this conversation will help you reframe what you’re seeing, take the pressure off, and focus on safety, connection and small, meaningful steps forward. 💡 Episode HighlightsTrauma in dogs = ongoing emotional overwhelm, not just one bad momentAggression and reactivity are often the loudest form of communicationShut-down dogs and appeasing dogs are frequently overlooked in behaviour supportYou can’t “train trauma out” – but you can create conditions where healing is possibleAssistance dogs are not robots; they can experience trauma and need decompression too 🔍 About Our Guest – Danielle BeckDanielle Beck is a trauma-informed clinical animal behaviourist, aggression case specialist and creator of Control The Meerkat. She works with complex behaviour cases, trauma-impacted dogs and assistance dogs, with a focus on emotional safety, consent and welfare-first support. 🌐 Website: daniellebeck.co.uk 🐾 Project: Control The Meerkat 🐶 About The Yappy Hour & Yappily The Yappy Hour, powered by Yappily, is the podcast for dog lovers who want ethical, science-based advice they can trust. Yappily is the UK’s directory for qualified, kind and ethical dog professionals – from dog trainers and behaviourists to groomers, walkers, licensed boarders and doggy daycare providers. 🔎 Find local and ethical dog care near you: yappily.co.uk

    1hr 18min
See All (32)

About

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 their advice and stories. From puppy training to living life with a dog, we’ll talk about it all! So, why listen? The Yappy Hour is more than just tips and tricks. It’s about celebrating the special bond between you and your dog, learning together, and having a good laugh while you’re at it. Pop in your headphones and join us for some fun, simple advice to improve dog guardianship. Whether you’re walking your dog, on your way to work, or relaxing at home, The Yappy Hour is here for you. Subscribe now and join us - we’re excited to have you with us! 🐾 If you're looking for local and ethical dog service we can help with that at https://yappily.co.uk/

Information

  • Creator
    Yappily
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Yappily
  • Show Website
    The Yappy Hour

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