A Dog's Life with Anna Webb

Anna Webb, Mike Hanson
A Dog's Life with Anna Webb

Dogs. They’re companions, guardians, and much much more – they complete us. And they just might save us from ourselves. Anna Webb explores all levels of modern dog ownership and brings to life why every dog is extraordinary. She speaks to scientists and experts - people who have and are changing our understanding of dogs - on everything from emotional intelligence to nutrition to behaviour, delving deep into subjects like homeopathy, telepathic communication and the pet food scandal. It's thought provoking, alternative, and not a little subversive. Cover photo by @Gruffpawtraits

  1. OCT 20

    Zazie Todd Returns

    What is the difference between fear and anxiety? This week Anna discusses this with author and animal behaviourist Zazie Todd on the release of her third book called BARK. Add this to her own book shelves along side Zazie’s critically acclaimed books Wag and Purr (see previous episodes). In Bark, Zazie decodes the latest science on fear and anxiety, bearing in mind that 75% of all dogs express some form of anxiety through their life stages including: biting, resource guarding, shyness or aggressive barking. Bark is divided into sections weaving in commentary from leading behavioural experts, a clear explanation of classical conditioning along with true anecdotes from leading lights/experts on their own experiences. Highlighting that fear and anxiety in dogs is not uncommon, and even accomplished trainers have also experienced issues that should be seen as a journey together, turning situations around using positive training methods. Discussing why understanding dogs reactions and why every dog is an individual, Zazie explains why to work slowly, at your dog’s pace, and never to be afraid of going back a few steps as you work with your dog through their life stages. Order your copy of Bark here Follow Zazie on Instagram For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions Cover art by Jaijo Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits To advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

    57 min
  2. OCT 6

    Paul Koudounaris

    We’re joined by Dr Paul Koudounaris talking about his book ‘Faithful until Death’. As a first in terms of investigating Pet Cemeteries all around the world, Paul admits this was a labour of love of 11 years. Revealing the history of pet ownership as in the late Victorian era industrialisation meant more folk moved into cities, creating a new kind of pet husbandry, which included giving them a ’good’ death. Paul explores Cemeteries, and tombs from as far afield as Thailand, across Europe, in the UK and across the USA. We chat about the ridiculous thought that animals do not have souls, as an illogical concept of theology.  We talk about the resistance to burying pets in churchyards, and the people who helped make change with setting up/ building dedicated pet cemeteries. As a massive animal lover, Paul became a pet bereavement councillor for several years as well as tracking down the author of iconic poem : The Rainbow Bridge, and in revealing one of the greatest mysteries, of the Paris Pet Cemetery called Le Cimitières des Chiens in Paris where the iconic canine film legend,  RIn Tin Tin,  is said to be buried. We chat about Tawny the ex circus lion who lived in Beverley Hills and rests in the cemetery in LA, and more! The book takes you on an emotional journey, through which there's comfort in how many have grieved their pets, for a loss that is means losing apart of oneself, and how Pet Cemeteries set in history our love for all animals.  As the late Queen famously said: “Grief is the price of Love.” Faithful Until Death is published by Thames & Hudson or you can buy it here Follow Paul on Instagram For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions Cover art by Jaijo Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits To advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

    1h 18m
  3. SEP 29

    Bone Broth and the Microbiome

    We’re joined by Microbiologist, Dr Carol Hughes, and Rachel Down, the founder of Boil and Broth, to discuss the ground breaking research project called the Biome Broth study. As a world first, the aim is to put Bone Broth to the test to see if adding this age old remedy to dogs’ diets will enhance their microbiome. With 29 dogs taking part, none of whom had had broth before, and on taking this powerful food for only four weeks, their biomes were tested again, and in all cases a remarkable improvement has been seen in this short time-frame. Notably the microbiomes as tested by Dr Carol at Aberystwyth University revealed the cases restoring to a natural balance with bad bacteria strains being reduced, and the good bacteria strains being enhance, along with an increase in the microbial diversity. The project aims to discover more about how Bone Broth interacts with the biome’s bacteria, helping to restore its natural ecosystem, which is responsible for 80 per cent of the immune system. Funds are needed to delve deeper,  focus on a project around cats, even discover what is the magic ingredient of Bone Broth or simply a combination of all its natural assets! So we discuss the Prize Draw crowd funder which hopes to raise funds for further research along with awareness and education as to the health benefits of Bone Broth as a superfood. There’s a chance to win some amazing prizes including ‘free consultancy’ with Anna on achieving overall wellness. PRIZE DRAW pledge for more research Find out more about Dr Carol Hughes here and Boil and Broth here For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions Cover art by Jaijo Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits To advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

    45 min
  4. SEP 22

    Pen Farthing

    We’re joined by Pen Farthing is an ex Royal Marine Commando who founded the charity Nowzad to help dogs and cats in the Helmand province of Afghanistan. We chat about the amazing work the charity achieved in sterilising dogs and cats and the vaccinating programs against rabies. Also in re-uniting soldiers across the world with their beloved dog or cat they’d befriended during their tour of duty. Not only that but offering education at a local level about dogs, and helping women realise their dreams in becoming vet nurses and vets at their centre in Nowzad. In August 2021 when the allied forces pulled out of Afghanistan leaving it under Taliban control, Pen set out on a mission to help bring as many people and animals to the UK . He discusses this landmark moment in history, how he refused to abandon his charity’s staff or the rescue animals. And Operation Ark was born. We chat about how the fallout being branded him as a villain, who valued ‘pets over people’ - when nothing was further from the truth! We talk about his book Operation Ark, the cathartic effect of documenting what actually happened, which we discuss in detail. Along with what Pen is working on now in Ukraine and in Afghanistan. Order your copy of Operation Ark here and follow on Instagram @nawzadrescue and @penfarthing Battersea's Instagram For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions Cover art by Jaijo Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits To advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

    47 min
  5. SEP 15

    Battersea Wear Blue for Rescue Pt 2

    This week Anna returns to Battersea to visit the cats at Battersea’s London HQ as the second in our double bill raising awareness for Wear Blue For Rescue at a time when the charity is at capacity for its cat residents.  Chatting to JoAnna Puzzo , Cat Behaviourist and Training Manager  to find out more about the growing number of abandoned cats in the Charity’s care, how they’re rehabilitated with behavioural and veterinary care. Particularly as Battersea  is currently at capacity with the most abandoned, gifted and stray cats ever! With a look inside their new cat facility where the residents have amazing cabins, pods or studios packed with every aspect of enrichment. Rehabilitating up to 145 cats across the Charity’s three sites at any one time, JoAnna explains that she’s never surprised by the range of feline personalities.  As a massive cat lover herself we discuss many of the cat traits that are still to be defined by science! In so much as cats are considered about 10,000 years behind dogs in their domestication. We talk about how cats decided to domesticate themselves! And about how the Charity matches cats to their forever homes, ensuring a match that is ‘forever’ and being aware of the fact that every cat is an individual. Even to how the cats at Battersea get named and about how people can apply to become a Battersea volunteer.  #WearBlueforRescue Support Battersea's Wear Blue for Rescue to show your love for rescue animals, everywhere. ​ Because together, we're all in, for them. Battersea.org.uk/wearblueforrescue #WearBlueforRescue Battersea's Instagram For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions Cover art by Jaijo Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits To advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

    51 min
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Dogs. They’re companions, guardians, and much much more – they complete us. And they just might save us from ourselves. Anna Webb explores all levels of modern dog ownership and brings to life why every dog is extraordinary. She speaks to scientists and experts - people who have and are changing our understanding of dogs - on everything from emotional intelligence to nutrition to behaviour, delving deep into subjects like homeopathy, telepathic communication and the pet food scandal. It's thought provoking, alternative, and not a little subversive. Cover photo by @Gruffpawtraits

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