Gundogs and Guard dogs

Lez Graham and Ross McCarthy
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An enlightening, fortnightly podcast from two full-time dog behaviourists and award-winning trainers discussing dogs, behavioural and training difficulties, current news relating to what should be our best friends, and a little bit of life in general…including their most recent meals! A Geordie based in Scotland and a Londoner, staying firmly put in the Capital, they overcome the language barrier (mostly!) and celebrate not only their many differences, but their united togetherness. Whether that be Gundogs, Guard Dogs…or any of the beautiful dogs inbetween - it’s all about the love for dogs.

  1. Sep 25

    S7 E13 A dash of gossip… Tell Me a Tail About Genetics!

    The London contingent is looking a little weary, while the Scottish contingent is feeling the cold. After the customary weather chat, Lez and Ross move on to the evolution of the domestic dog, ethology, behaviourism and genetics.Their conversation raises more questions than can possibly be answered in a single episode, so watch this space for a dedicated genetics episode in Season 8 or 9. They also discuss the emergence of the “mini Cane Corso” and consider the relationship between selective breeding, physical appearance, health and temperament.Breeding and selection are important, complex and sometimes confusing subjects. What can a Rottweiler’s tail tell us? How valuable is genetic health testing, and what can it realistically tell breeders and owners? We have all the questions but not the answers...From there, the conversation turns to qualifications within the dog industry and what it really means to be qualified. If you are considering studying dog training or behaviour, this part is well worth a listen.Who is teaching you? That should always be one of the first questions you ask.The discussion then moves from industry regulation to artificial intelligence and the possible development of superintelligence, before looking ahead to the penultimate episode of Season 7 and the arrival of the wonderful Louise Wilson from Conservation K9 in two weeks’ time.Finally, Lez and Ross consider two serious and highly topical issues: the movement of dogs into the UK and the continuing concerns surrounding canine brucellosis.Worth a listen... oh yes 😅

  2. Sep 11

    S7E12 Swimming against the Tide with Dave McIver

    What if we have been underestimating dogs all along?.In this episode, we sit down with our wonderful friend and colleague Dave McIver, a retired Police Dog Trainer and Senior Inspector who spent an incredible career working with police dogs across the UK..Dave’s journey started in a rather different direction. After a brief spell in the Army and seeing an advert for the Police Cadets, his ambition was motorcycles. Somehow, that journey ended up taking him into the world of dogs, horses and some truly remarkable experiences..From Sam, his first police dog who famously “failed” for three weeks, to Rocky, a tiny German Shepherd who became part of an extraordinary career, Dave has seen the world of working dogs change almost beyond recognition..And this is where things get really interesting..How do you train a police dog? How has that changed since the 1970s? And what happens when we stop trying to make dogs behave like we want them to and instead start understanding what they are naturally capable of?.Dave takes us from forced retrieves and traditional obedience to modern training methods based on motivation, instinct and the individual dog..Because perhaps the biggest lesson is this: dogs are capable of far more than we give them credit for..We get into the differences between German Shepherds and Malinois, the experimental use of breeds such as Akitas, Ridgebacks and Beaucerons, and the ongoing debate about breeding the right operational dog. Is the Malinois × German Shepherd the ultimate combination, or is the answer simply finding the right individual dog?.We talk about gifted dogs, police breeding programmes and whether success really comes down to genetics, training, experience, knowledge or something much harder to measure..Dave also gives his thoughts on why police dog numbers are falling, why training times have changed and why a better understanding of dogs has completely altered what trainers can achieve..Then we go down the scent trail..Why don't explosive detection dogs get trained to find other scents? What makes a great detection dog? And what can we learn from cadaver dogs and other specialist disciplines?.Along the way, Dave shares some remarkable stories from an extraordinary career, giving us a rare insight into the world of police dogs from someone who has lived it, trained it and watched it evolve..This is a conversation about dogs, training, instinct, policing and the extraordinary things that happen when humans learn to work with what a dog can do rather than simply telling it what to do..An amazing man. An amazing career. An amazing insight into the dogs we think we understand.. ---- oOo ----Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years. .Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE). .Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter). .They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011. .They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists. Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think..Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites...www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.com

  3. Aug 28

    S7E11 Heat Rises!(So do Ticks?!)

    It starts with ticks crawling up the walls… apparently they grow very tall in Scotland! Luckily, they haven’t quite managed to reach London, which means Ross is, unsurprisingly, completely disinterested. Oh deer… and apparently Scotland doesn’t really have foxes either! One random wildlife discussion somehow leads to the recent eclipse and disappointment all around. Then there’s the bizarre advice given to dog owners surrounding the eclipse, along with some equally bizarre general advice! We check in with Roixzan, the 15 week old Rottweiler puppy, who has had her first vaccines with a new vet. And, amazingly, adult conversations were had with the vet! Could things finally be changing? Maybe, thanks to some of the forward thinking vets we’ve spoken to on the podcast before… The veterinary chat continues with Andrew Armitage’s updated Librela research, before taking a sharp turn into Lez’s glasses and the pair becoming increasingly concerned about the future of AI! Then it’s on to watermelons, water bowls and the all important question: what exactly are the duo doing to keep their dogs cool? Heat rises… especially in a three storey London townhouse, although apparently it rises even more dramatically in a one storey Scottish house! Finally, the unexpected star of the episode: an enzyme eating cleaner! https://www.topdogturf.co.uk/product/wee-free-ultimutt-2-in-1/ Wildlife, eclipses, puppies, vets, AI, heat, watermelon and cleaning products… basically, everything you never knew you needed in one episode! 😆 ---- oOo ---- Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years. Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE). Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter). They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011. They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists. Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think. Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites... www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.com

  4. Aug 14

    S7E10 Flower Power! With Ros Thompson, Bach Flower Remedy Practitioner

    It all started with a horse… Like many forward-thinking clinicians, Edward Bach reached a point where simply managing illness wasn’t enough; he wanted to create true wellness. His pioneering work, developed before 1936, led to what we now know as Bach Flower Remedies. So, what are they? What are Bach Flower Remedies, how are they used, and what can they help with? This session offers an intriguing insight, even for the sceptical Londoner. Meanwhile, our Scottish contingent was already a convert, sharing a personal journey involving Faelen the Golden Retriever. Impotence, Impatiens… or just impatience? It’s all about working with the dog in front of you. By combining careful observation with a detailed clinical history, the aim is to find the most appropriate remedy, much like we already do in behaviour work.Keep an open mind… Maybe, just maybe, it’s worth a shot. (Though perhaps don’t begin your bespoke firework desensitisation plan on 4th November…)Separation Anxiety We asked the questions; the rest comes down to listening, trying, and seeing what fits within your current approach. If it works, great. If not, bin it off. You might even find yourself wanting to train as a practitioner. Or you could just suck on a pastille and see how you feel. https://remediesbyros.com/ ---- oOo ---- Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years. Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE). Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter). They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011. They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists. Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think.Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites... www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.com

  5. Jul 31

    S7E9 We do it for the love

    A political start and a dive into the terrifying world of AI… which is far outside this duo’s remit! Thankfully, the Londoner quickly calls a halt to that to change the vibe. The request is unicorns and rainbows… and then somehow it turns to tortoise sex?! . Obviously, the weather is discussed. Scotland is tropical… jeez! . A serious conversation about the dangers of water, rivers and seas follows. Dogs enjoy the water, but the Gundogs & Guard Dogs Duo are now a little more cautious! . A chat about Roixzan the Rottweiler puppy and her busy weekend leads them into a conversation about socialisation and the complexities of it. How individuals within breeds can differ, how fear can lead to aggression, and how there is a fine line to walk when it comes to socialisation. . Overexcited dogs are a nightmare. Fearful dogs are a nightmare. An honest conversation follows about genetics and the huge part they play in the dog you get. . Puppies are not a blank canvas!! . Therein lies the crux. We all aim for neutrality. . Puppies in the bedroom… how long for? It’s unique and individual! So, when is the best time to get a puppy? Four f*#*ed up seasons to choose from! . Honest conversations follow. Sometimes you are fighting a losing battle, and you need to know when to quit, love, and work with the dog that you have. . Why would these two rather have an aggressive dog than an overfriendly one or a fearful one? . What about competitive dog sports? It’s about the dog… not you! . And Lez ends the podcast with a vast compliment about us looking wrecked.RUDE! ---- oOo ---- Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years. Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE). Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter). They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011. They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists. Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think.Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites... www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.com

    S7E9 We do it for the love

  6. Jul 24

    S7E8 Bite Me!

    The Resource Guarding Special Heating on, gloves on in Scotland… meanwhile, the London contingent is virtually housebound due to the heatwave! They do like to moan, and rightly so! It’s either too hot or too cold to do what they want to do with their dogs! So after the weather update to enthral you all, Lez is in branded attire as usual, Ross is too hot to bother, and they share a quick pupdate on Roixzan the Rottweiler puppy, who somehow managed to stay quiet in the background for the whole recording! And then… BOOM! Resource guarding. That’s the topic. German Shepherds or Rottweilers, who resource guards more? Or maybe the Cocker Spaniel or Cockapoo? Guard dogs guard. No shit Sherlock! Why are people surprised? It’s all about what the individual dog deems important. The owner can’t just upgrade it or swap it out because they think something else should be more valuable. A milk bottle top or a random book might be the highest value reward in the world to that dog. It’s about what the dog perceives, not what the human decides. Resource guarding is normal and natural behaviour, influenced by the individual dog’s drives, genetics, experiences, and learning history. Dog aggression can escalate rapidly because it is so effective. It works very well intraspecifically, but not always so well interspecifically! And for those who didn’t know… Dachshunds have little legs and big jaws! They finish off with a quick chat about Fusion27, swerving Crufts 2027, before the Scottish contingent turns the heating up and the Londoner heads off for another cold shower! ---- oOo ---- Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years. Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE). Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter). They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011. They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists. Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think. Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites...www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.com

  7. Jul 10

    S7E7 Change. Make a Difference

    Clair Brady, a former CIDBT student, joins Lez and Ross to discuss life. From her first German Shepherd and the horrors of stumbling upon a poor breeder, with little knowledge Clair went ahead and purchased a puppy, with devastating consequences. That moment started her journey into the world of dogs. Life changes for us all, often without notice. Clair moved into dog photography, alongside dog behaviour and training. Then…BOOM! COVID. Exercise like mad or stay at home day drinking? Not Clair. She started a wave of change in her community, while also joining the NHS in her spare time. Absolutely inspirational. Her payback? A motorbike accident, with life-changing results. Now paralysed with a spinal injury from T5. So what’s life like meeting dogs at a lower level? Is there a difference in how dogs perceive a wheelchair user? Does knowledge of dog behaviour affect your view of vulnerability? Or are people more vulnerable, the elderly, pregnant mothers, those encountering dogs? Is this fear rational, or irrational? Just another reason to think about what responsible dog ownership really is. Whatever you think, Clair Brady has certainly made a difference, and you didn't even know her name - until now...So many amazing people walk amongst us. They don’t have a billion Instagram followers, they just care, live their lives, and make a difference. Maybe we should all try to be a bit more Clair. ---- oOo ----Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years. Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE). Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter). They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011. They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists. Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think.Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites...www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.com

  8. Jun 26

    S7E6 Different and Unique - so blow your own trumpet

    Two very special guests have arrived… oh no, wait, it’s just the hosts. . This episode starts with the sperm and the egg, takes a detour through labels and mental health, and somehow finds its way back again. Let’s just all be thankful social media wasn’t around when these two were younger! . Recorded in the middle of another heatwave, the North/South divide gets a mention as Ross and Lez discuss the cancellation of the Royal Windsor and Greenwich Dog Shows and the challenges and responsibilities of working with and owning dogs in extreme temperatures. . The extra special guest is Roixzan, the 8 week old Rottweiler puppy. She is AMAZING. The separation struggles have already started, but to be fair, they’re only three days in! . After a little wander into puppy socialisation and training, Lez somehow manages to make it all about her again with a return to The Pet Gundog series, her other training books, and the exciting news that another book is on the way. Like a dog with a bone, she doesn’t let go of the Pet Gundog topic for the rest of the episode, much to Ross’s amusement . . The weather returns with recent storms, flooded fields, and dogs having the time of their lives in conditions their humans would rather avoid. . Then it’s back to rescue dogs and the gorgeous little Latte, who Ross absolutely fell in love with. The conversation explores the difficult nuances of giving dogs the best lives possible, how the dog world has changed for both better and worse, and the differences between gundogs living in homes and traditional kennel environments. . There’s also a special mention for Dorje the Tibetan Terrier and the wonderful owners Ross worked with over the years, contrasted with the heartbreaking increase in people simply giving up and dumping their dogs. It’s a hard conversation and one that leads to the conclusion that things may be worse than they’ve ever been. . The pair also touch on the Advanced Dog Ownership Initiative (ADOI.org.uk), look back at previous episodes, and finish with the usual shameless request to like, follow and share. . A little chaotic. A lot of dogs. Plenty of opinions. Exactly what you’d expect.

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About

An enlightening, fortnightly podcast from two full-time dog behaviourists and award-winning trainers discussing dogs, behavioural and training difficulties, current news relating to what should be our best friends, and a little bit of life in general…including their most recent meals! A Geordie based in Scotland and a Londoner, staying firmly put in the Capital, they overcome the language barrier (mostly!) and celebrate not only their many differences, but their united togetherness. Whether that be Gundogs, Guard Dogs…or any of the beautiful dogs inbetween - it’s all about the love for dogs.

Information

  • Creator
    Lez Graham and Ross McCarthy
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    113
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Lez Graham and Ross McCarthy
  • Show Website
    Gundogs and Guard dogs

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