Barkology: Unleash your dog’s potential

Angelique de Kock & Chantal Karyta
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Join Angelique and Chantal, two passionate dog behavior consultants, as they embark on a journey into the world of dogs, exploring their behavior, training and well-being. They’re here to help you unlock your dog’s full potential and provide and life filled with love, joy and harmony.

  1. 11/13/2025

    Understanding Your Dog’s L.E.G.S.: Kim Brophey on Agency, Welfare & Needs

    In this episode, Chantal and Angelique sit down with the extraordinary Kim Brophey , an applied ethologist, award-winning trainer, and creator of the revolutionary Dog L.E.G.S.® model. This conversation is a must-listen for both pet professionals and dog guardians everywhere. Together, we explore one of the most important and misunderstood topics in modern dog behaviour: agency. Kim dives into why so many dogs actually need less training, not more, and far more support in having their basic needs, instincts, and welfare considerations fully met. We talk about what happens when we stop viewing dogs through a narrow “obedience” lens and instead recognize them as complex animals shaped by Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self (L.E.G.S.). Kim explains how behaviour only makes sense when we understand the whole dog, and why giving dogs more choice and control is central to preventing behavioural problems and improving quality of life. If you’ve ever wondered why your dog behaves the way they do (or how we can radically improve dog welfare by changing our perspective) this episode will change the way you see dogs forever.

    56 min

  2. 10/07/2025

    The Science of Post-Session Learning

    In this episode, Chantal and Angelique explore a surprising truth about dog training: the most powerful part of learning doesn’t always happen during the lesson. It happens after. We obsess over timing, cues, and rewards, but science is showing that what dogs do once the training session ends (whether they chew, play, or rest) can make all the difference in how well they remember tomorrow. Drawing on recent research, including the 2025 Moesta et al. chewing study and multiple play and memory studies by Affenzeller et al. and Salomons et al., Chantal and Angelique unpack how activities after training influence brain chemistry, stress levels, and memory consolidation. You’ll learn: Why chewing helps dogs “press save” on new skills How play boosts motivation and long-term learning, especially for beginners Why rest and relaxation can sometimes be just as important as the training itself Practical ways to combine chewing, play, and calm to make learning stick How to design better training sessions by focusing on the cool-down, not just the reps From sport dogs and puppies to fearful rescues and reactivity rehab, this episode gives you a science-backed toolkit for helping dogs learn faster, retain more, and enjoy training even more.

    16 min

  3. 09/08/2025

    The Business of Dog Training with Vicky & Jo

    In this episode of Barkology, Angelique and Chantal sit down with Jo and Vicky, the powerhouse duo behind The Canine Business Academy, to talk all things dog training, business growth, and finding your confidence as a professional in the pet industry. From their early days as struggling trainers to becoming sought-after business coaches, Jo and Vicky share the highs, the lows, and the mindset shifts that changed everything. 🎧 In this episode, we explore:🐾 What first drew them to dog training—and what almost made them give it up🐾 How the industry has evolved, and why trainers today need more than just great skills with dogs🐾 The most common business struggles trainers face (think pricing, visibility, and burnout)🐾 The hard lessons they learned running their own businesses—and how they now help others avoid the same mistakes🐾 The guilt many trainers feel around charging “too much” and why that mindset needs to change🐾 Actionable advice for trainers who feel stuck, invisible, or overwhelmed Whether you're a new trainer, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between—this episode is full of wisdom, validation, and practical advice to help you thrive.

    1h 3m

  4. 09/05/2025

    Your Dog’s Nutrition with Cam

    In this episode, Chantal sits down with Cam, The Dog Nutritionist (@the_dog_nutritionist), to explore one of the most overlooked foundations of behaviour and wellbeing: nutrition. Cam holds a diploma in Canine Nutrigenomics and has helped countless dog owners transform their dogs’ health through personalised, natural nutrition plans. From allergies to weight loss, illness support to long-term vitality—he brings practical insight and real-world experience.

    1 hr

  5. 08/20/2025

    Detection Dogs with Esther Matthew

    In this episode, Chantal and Angelique speak with Esther Matthew from the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) in South Africa about the remarkable world of conservation and detection dogs. Together, they explore the journey into conservation work, the process of selecting the right dogs, and the unique training phases that prepare them for the field. Esther shares her insights on building strong handler-dog bonds, identifying suitable canine candidates, and managing the challenges of high-energy dogs both on and off duty. The conversation also covers retirement and longevity, daily routines in the field, and how puppies are prepared for future conservation roles. From proud moments in conservation to the everyday skills that matter most, this episode offers an inspiring behind-the-scenes look at how dogs are making a difference in protecting wildlife. Plus, discover how scentwork can enrich the lives of pet dogs everywhere.

    30 min

  6. 07/09/2025

    Shock, Reward & the Ethics of Chase Training: Part 2

    Angelique de Kock and Chantal Karyta dive into the heated ethics of using e-collars to stop dogs from chasing. This episode unpacks a controversial 2024 study that claimed shock collars were more effective than treat-based methods and the fierce critique it triggered.You’ll Learn: Why critics say the study wasn’t a fair comparison What actually counts as “positive reinforcement” How welfare needs to be meaningfully measured and not assumed What better recall training looks like in real life Why your values and long-term goals matter more than speed Topics:00:00 – Introduction to the E-Collar Debate02:36 – Understanding the Study's Findings05:32 – Critiques of the Study's Methodology08:29 – Welfare Considerations in Dog Training11:00 – How the Training Could’ve Been Done Better14:03 – Long-Term Goals and Ethical ReflectionsResources & Mentions: Johnson & Wynne (2024) study on chase behaviour Rebuttal 1 from positive reinforcement advocates Rebuttal 2 from positive reinforcement advocates Response to the rebuttals Barkology Episode 1 (for study context) Don't forget to rate and review if you learned something new or felt inspired by this episode. We really appreciate your support!

    16 min

  7. 06/24/2025

    Part 1: Can Shock Collars Stop Chasing? Breaking Down the Johnson & Wynne Study

    Can you stop a dog from chasing—cars, wildlife, livestock—without using a shock collar? In 2024, an infamous study by Johnson & Wynne claimed e-collars were more effective than food-based methods for stopping chase behaviour in dogs. And it’s been making waves across the dog training world. In this episode of Barkology, co-hosts Chantal Karyta and Angelique De Kock dive into the details. As trainers who don’t use shock collars, we believe it’s essential to examine the science so we can advocate for dogs with clarity and compassion. We explore: How the study was designed and what they wanted to test The three training groups (shock collar, food + fast lure, food + gradual lure) What the results showed and what they didn’t This is Part 1 of a 2-part series. In Part 2, we’ll look at the published critique of this study, the authors’ rebuttal, what we think and what it all means for ethical, real-world dog training. Please subscribe and leave a review! We love unpacking the science, challenge assumptions, and helping you stay grounded.

    15 min

  8. 04/24/2025

    Dog Bites with Daniel Shaw

    ⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions about dog bites, including injury, behaviour assessments, and legal outcomes. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode, Chantal and Angelique talk to behaviourist and expert witness Daniel Shaw about one of the most complex and sensitive topics in the dog training world — dog bites. We explore the contexts in which bites most commonly occur, the early behavioural signs that are often missed, and how fear, pain, or predatory instincts might all influence a dog’s response. Daniel also shares his experiences working on legal cases involving bite incidents and reflects on the challenges of the Dangerous Dogs Act, as well as what needs to change to ensure fairness and welfare for dogs. Together, we ask: Can some bites be prevented with better education and awareness?Why bites happen and which underlying causes need to be addressed. What reforms are needed in how dog bite cases are handled?

    50 min
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Join Angelique and Chantal, two passionate dog behavior consultants, as they embark on a journey into the world of dogs, exploring their behavior, training and well-being. They’re here to help you unlock your dog’s full potential and provide and life filled with love, joy and harmony.

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