The Puppy Coach Podcast Jo Croft

Welcome to the world of Canicross, the fast growing sport of trail running with your dog! Jo is joined by Lara, a passionate trail runner, UKA Run Leader and DogFit® Certified Canicross Trainer, to discuss the Canicross and Cannitrek phenomenon, how it has affected her personal journey with her rescue dogs Tilly and Reggie, and how anyone from beginner to running enthusiasts can get involved to bond with their dog outdoors.

Dave spent 39 years in the police service and 34 years as an operation dog handler, working for 17 years as an Inspector in charge of the Avon and Somerset Constabulary Dog Section. During that time he undertook roles as an armed dog handler, drugs detection, firearms support, and explosives detection dog handling duties, as well as commanding Public Order and Major Sporting Events, search operations for high profile persons, missing persons and crime scene searches.
Dave is a Master Trainer with the Guild of Dog Trainers (MGoDT), a member of the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE), a member of the British Police and Services Canine Association (BPSCA), and has a Masters Degree (MA) from Middlesex University (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology. Since leaving the police service in 2013, Dave has used his experience of dog training and behaviour to assist pet dog owners to resolve training and behavioural issues with their dogs. 

Rachel is an animal behaviour clinician specialising in psychological trauma. Rachel’s first degree was in psychology, and she completed a Master’s degree in animal behaviour in 2006. Rachel went on to run a degree programme in applied animal behaviour. Rachel still runs a canine behaviour practice now but has also worked with children and adults who have experienced trauma for over 12 years. Until recently, Rachel ran trauma-informed therapeutic support services for children and adults who were survivors of human trafficking and child sexual exploitation.

Anna is a broadcaster, podcaster, author, and host BBC Radio London's 'The Barking Hour' alongside fellow broadcaster Jo Good. She is an expert in canine behaviour and nutrition, having contributed to ITV1's Titchmarsh show, Channel 5's Gabby Logan show, and SKY1's 'dogumentary' A Different Breed, as well as national radio including Talk Radio, Radio 2, Radio 4 and BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio London and more. Anna co-authored The Barking Blonde's with Jo Good and now has her own podcast, A Dog’s Life, investigates modern dog ownership and the extraordinary nature of dogs, including interviews with scientists and experts who are changing the nations understanding of dogs. Anna is also an Ambassador for charities including All Dogs Matter and Dogs on the Streets, a columnist for several dog and health magazines, including Your Dog, Animal Therapies Magazine and My Weekly and an expert spokesperson for The Express.

Jo and Abbie take a fascinating look into the world of gun dogs and gun dog training, including how it could benefit the average dog owner. Abbie started her gun dog training career 14 years ago when she first got her black labrador Mya as an 8 week old puppy, and is now an IABTC Qualified Dog Instructor, a Member of the Guild of Dog Trainers and has gained her Diploma in Canine Psychology. After working for 3 years as an Assistant Gundog Trainer at Ashleygrove Gundogs, she started Riverlily Working Dogs in 2012, offering relaxed and friendly reward-based gun dog training to build a working bond of trust and respect between dog and owner. Abbie currently has 10 working dogs and competes in Working Tests in the summer months and works on shoots in the winter months.

What is socialisation and how important is it to socialise your puppy during the critical learning and development stage? Jo discusses all the key implications of dog socialisation for the average owner, including her top tips and tricks as well as the dangers of failing to acclimate your dog to living life alongside humans. She also catches up with a new client, Emma, to talk through how they can work together to effectively prepare her new German Shepherd puppy for social situations.