Simplifying Shelter Behaviour

Simplifying Shelter Behaviour

Shelter and Rescue can be difficult environments for workers and the animals in their care. This podcast, hosted by Tom Candy BSc (Hons) MSC CCAB, CSBS, CDBC. Brings together some of the leaders in the field of animal behaviour to discuss practical tips and tricks that can be utilised by shelter workers, volunteers or anyone with an interest in animal sheltering or rescue. The podcast aims to bring high quality education, to improve behaviour and welfare of animal using up to date thinking and methodologies.

  1. hace 1 d

    Ep. 63 The Cognitive Currency of Recovery with Jo Middleton

    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 understanding that even well-intentioned interactions can constitute withdrawals — rushed handling, forced contact, or unpredictable environments all cost the animal something — and that genuine recovery requires a sustained surplus of deposits before real trust can take root. The second half of the conversation turns to what Jo calls the stages of cognitive freedom— the progression an animal moves through as their emotional account moves from deficit into credit. In the earliest stage, cognitive bandwidth is almost entirely consumed by threat-monitoring and survival responses, leaving little room for learning, play, or connection. As the account builds, animals begin to show curiosity, engage with their environment, and tolerate uncertainty without shutting down. Jo describes the later stages as a kind of mental spaciousness — where the animal is no longer spending its cognitive currency just on staying safe, and can instead invest it in relationships and new experiences. It's a quietly profound reframe: recovery isn't just the absence of fear, but the gradual emergence of the freedom to think. About Jo Meet Jo, a leading expert in ethical dog rehab and Canine Principles Director. With years of experience working alongside rescues, trainers, and behaviourists, Jo has developed a unique cognitive-led approach that goes beyond traditional obedience or training or behaviour modification. She focuses on giving dogs the freedom to think, make choices, and regain control of their lives, fostering lasting behavioural change through empowerment, not enforcement. Links https://www.canineethics.org https://www.donoharmdogtraining.com/hierarchy-of-dog-needs-english-download https://www.canineprinciples.com

    35 min

  2. 20 may

    Ep. 62 The Dopamine Box with Karen Deeds

    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 triggers), and she highlights its practical value in shelters, where a cardboard box and some food can quickly help an overstimulated dog regulate. She also sees strong applications at the vet clinic and in apartments where owners can't control distance or trigger intensity. Real-world results include a dog that stopped hiding in a closet from bin lorries, a barn hunt dog managing arousal, and a shelter dog settling within minutes. About Karen Deeds Karen Deeds (CDBC) is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through the IAABC and co-owner of Canine Connection. She has worked with thousands of pet dog owners, shelters, and rescue organisations, specialising in fear, anxiety, and aggression with a particular focus on reactive dogs. Links https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/courses/48710

    42 min

  3. 5 may

    Ep. 61 community interventions, changing the traditional animal control approach with Rachel Horton

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

    30 min

  4. 22 abr

    Ep. 60 Considering a Good Death: A Hospice Approach for Animals," with Helen St. Pierre

    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 move without significant pain or distress. When an animal can no longer maintain baseline physical function, or when doing so causes suffering, it becomes a meaningful signal in end-of-life planning. The episode then moves into perhaps its most emotionally resonant segment: purpose. Tom and Helen explore the idea that animals often live with a sense of relational purpose, does the dog still greet its owner at the door, does the cat still seek companionship? When that spark of connection begins to fade and the animal withdraws from the relationships and routines that once gave its days meaning, this shift deserves careful attention. Tom and Helen close the framework with the most personal measure of all: joy. Can the animal still experience moments of pleasure, a favorite treat, a patch of warm sunlight, a gentle pat? They remind listeners that joy doesn't have to be constant to be meaningful, but when an animal can no longer access the small pleasures that once defined its daily life, caregivers are gently invited to consider whether continued life is a gift or a burden. Tom and Helen close by reminding listeners that choosing a good death for an animal in hospice is not an act of giving up, it is an act of profound love and advocacy. By returning to these three questions, can they function, do they have purpose, can they still feel joy, families and care teams are given a compassionate compass to guide one of the hardest decisions they will ever face. Links https://olddogsgotohelen.com

    54 min

  5. 10 abr

    Ep. 59 Reactivity Training in the Shelter: What We've Learnt with Jess wheatcraft

    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 recently adopted a reactive dog, this is a conversation full of practical wisdom and hard-won insight. About Jessica Wheatcraft Jessica Wheatcraft is a canine behaviour specialist with years of hands-on experience working with reactive and hard-to-place shelter dogs. Passionate about bridging the gap between behaviour science and real-world shelter practice, she has dedicated much of her career to helping dogs that are often overlooked find and keep their forever homes. Jessica is known for her compassionate, honest approach and her commitment to supporting the people who work alongside these dogs every day.

    50 min

  6. 25 mar

    Ep. 58 Quality of Life for Dogs, Staff and Adopters with Kelly Bollen

    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, particularly around euthanasia and capacity pressures, are identified as key contributors to burnout and empathic strain. The importance of psychologically informed workplace practices is emphasised, including training in behaviour, clear decision-making frameworks, and fostering a culture of support, autonomy, and reflective practice. Adopters are considered the third pillar of QoL, with a focus on setting realistic expectations and supporting successful human–dog relationships post-adoption. The discussion highlights the role of transparent communication, behavioural matchmaking, and post-adoption support in reducing returns and improving long-term welfare outcomes. Across all groups, the episode advocates for a shift from throughput-driven models to welfare-centred decision-making. Data-informed approaches, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous evaluation are presented as essential to sustaining improvements. About Kelly  As the principal consultant for Kelley Bollen Consulting, LLC, Kelley works with animal welfare organizations to educate staff and volunteers about all things behavior to improve the quality of life for cats and dogs in shelters..     Kelley has a Master's Degree in Animal Behavior, is a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant (CABC) and a professional member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).    Kelley is a nationally recognized expert in the field of shelter behavioral care and has worked with animal welfare organizations for over 20 years.   Links https://www.kelleybollen.com/about https://www.humanenetwork.org/animal-shelter-behavior-course

    46 min

  7. 12 mar

    Ep. 57. Intergrating behaviour into shelter operations with Dr. Meghan Herron

    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 the Ohio State University and currently holds an adjunct position with the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. She also holds adjunct teaching positions at the University of Florida, St. Matthews University, Lincoln Memorial University and Virginia PolyTech University. With extensive experience working with shelter and rescue animals in both the Columbus, Ohio, and Philadelphia areas, Dr. Herron has a deep commitment to behavior problem prevention and improving the quality of life and adoptability of shelter animals. As a published author and international speaker, she has delivered engaging, educational and evidence-based presentations to veterinarians, animal care professionals and pet owners across the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. Dr. Herron is the lead editor on the book “Decoding Your Cat” and a contributor to “Decoding Your Dog.” Her most recent work, “Introduction to Animal Behavior and Veterinary Behavioral Medicine,” a textbook designed to provide a strong foundation in animal behavior concepts, as well as an introduction to clinical behavioral medicine, is available now from Amazon and other major retailers. Dr. Herron graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in zoology and obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She then went on to complete a three-year residency program in behavioral medicine at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine and is now board certified as a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behavior. Links Gigi’s rescue - https://gigis.org

    1 h 2 min

  8. 24 feb

    Ep. 56 Muzzle and Misunderstood- Improving the Perception of Muzzle Dogs in Shelter and Rescue.

    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 use and build adopter confidence.  By reframing muzzles through thoughtful visual storytelling, Daine has created the amazing book, Muzzled and Misunderstood.  About Diane Gollowitzer  Diane is an award-winning dog photographer based in Winchester, UK. She specialises in high-end wall art and provides a highly personalised service where everything is tailored to the dog's and the owner's needs.  Her sessions are stress-free and a lot of fun, where the dogs are allowed to be dogs. Her philosophy is that everyone deserves artwork of their dog no matter if they are trained or not if they are allowed off lead or not, or if they are nervous, anxious, or reactive. Diane started a personal project where she photographs dogs who are wearing muzzles. The inspiration was her terrier, Deedee, who can be reactive and wears a muzzle on our walks. I want to break the stigma around muzzles and muzzled dogs. Diane then invited the guardians of the dogs to write letters to them about their relationship and experiences  Links  Diane’s Website- https://www.dogsinfocusphotography.com Muzzled and Misunderstood Book- https://www.amazon.co.uk/Muzzled-Misunderstood-Diane-Gollowitzer/dp/1910488747 Muzzle Movement Discount Code- https://themuzzlemovement.com/?ref=fofhKIPajXn36l

    17 min
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Información

Shelter and Rescue can be difficult environments for workers and the animals in their care. This podcast, hosted by Tom Candy BSc (Hons) MSC CCAB, CSBS, CDBC. Brings together some of the leaders in the field of animal behaviour to discuss practical tips and tricks that can be utilised by shelter workers, volunteers or anyone with an interest in animal sheltering or rescue. The podcast aims to bring high quality education, to improve behaviour and welfare of animal using up to date thinking and methodologies.

Ficha técnica

  • Creado por
    Simplifying Shelter Behaviour
  • Años en activo
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodios
    64
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Derechos de autor
    © Simplifying Shelter Behaviour
  • Sitio web del podcast
    Simplifying Shelter Behaviour

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