Dog Trainers UnPACT

PACT Dogs LTD
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Education

Join host and behaviour geek Steve Goodall as he explores the soul of the dog training profession. This podcast moves beyond technicalities to explore the real, raw, and inspiring stories of the incredible PACT community of experts and students dedicated to ethical practice. Whether you're looking for professional inspiration or a deeper understanding of the extraordinary bond between humans and their dogs, join us to celebrate the passion and dedication that help interspecies relationships truly flourish.

Episodes

  1. #8 Dion Watts - Breaking Boundaries with a Pomeranian Powerhouse

    15h ago

    #8 Dion Watts - Breaking Boundaries with a Pomeranian Powerhouse

    In this episode, Steve sits down with the incredibly inspiring Dee Watts, a PACT student and trainer who is breaking down barriers, challenging industry norms, and redefining the world of dog training. From childhood barn owls to criminal profiling, and overcoming a life-altering functional neurological disorder (FND) diagnosis, Dee’s journey is nothing short of a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and profound communication with Dogs. What We Covered in This Episode: Show & Tell with a Twist: Dee shares her earliest animal memories, which include growing up with a dad obsessed with birds, two resident barn owls (Mika and Stomper), and a pet snake that sparked her lifelong fascination with predatory behaviour.From Crime Scene to Canine Behaviour: Dee explains how graduating with a first-class degree in Crime and Investigation crosses over beautifully into dog training—turns out analysing nature vs. nurture and solving criminal minds isn't too different from unpacking dog behaviour!Understanding FND: Dee talks about living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), how it impacted her university journey, and what it truly means when the brain and nervous system's signals misfire.Oreo the Accidental Assistance Dog: How a tiny, fluffy Pomeranian named Oreo completely changed Dee’s life.The Myth of the "Easy" Social Media Fix: Dee and Steve unpack why the dog training world needs a serious reality check when it comes to accessibility. They discuss how general advice can actually hinder certain handlers, and why we must take ore time to look at the individual handler's emotional and physical well-being alongside the dog's.Filling the Gap in the Market: Dee’s mission to become an accredited behaviourist and fill a gap that's much needed.In Dees' words: "Don’t let other people’s limits limit you." Useful Links & Resources Mentioned: Read Dee's Story: Check out Dee's inspiring guest feature on the PACT Lunches blog over at pact-dogs.com/blog/my-journey.Follow Dion & Oreo: Keep up with Dee's journey and watch her masterclass in deep communication over on TikTok at @a.pom.with.a.purpose_.Work with Dion: Visit Dee's website to stay tuned for her upcoming training services at oreoswaydogtraining.com (currently under construction but coming soon!).Danielle Beck (Control the Meerkat): Shout out to Dee’s incredible mentor and friend, Danielle Beck. Check out her game-changing work at controlthemeerkat.com.Start Your Journey: Ready to dive into the world of dog training with a community that actually builds you up? Find out more about PACT and start your dog trainer journey at pact-dogs.com.Get Your Tickets: Don't miss out on the biggest event in the dog training calendar! Grab your tickets to the DogX Conference at dogxconference.com.

    1h 21m
  2. #7 Sarah Tapsell - From Wolf Encounters to Rescue Frontlines

    Jun 23

    #7 Sarah Tapsell - From Wolf Encounters to Rescue Frontlines

    In this episode, Steve sits down with Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) and rescue powerhouse, Sarah Tapsell. From her hilariously inventive childhood tactics to get her very first pet rabbit (involving 100 printed signs and a very confused neighbor), to a sliding-doors moment that steered her away from sports dietetics and straight into ethology, Sarah’s path is anything but linear. Steve and Sarah unpack the raw reality of frontline rescue work—explaining why it's the ultimate immersive learning environment for dog trainers, how to navigate the heavy emotional toll of complex behavioral cases, and why understanding the true why behind an animal's behavior changes everything. If you've ever felt burnt out, wondered how to get into rescue, or wanted to know how to properly advocate for your own mental health in this industry, this episode is a must-listen. Key Topics Covered: The "100 Pieces of Paper" Strategy: Sarah's childhood campaign for a pet rabbit.The Sliding Doors Moment: How a wolf experience at age 19 completely derailed a career in sports dietetics.The Pressure Cooker of Rescue: Why shelter work offers an unparalleled immersive learning environment for dog handlers and behaviorists.Navigating the Dark Days: Facing compassion fatigue, accepting that "nothing is perfect," and learning how to decompress and advocate for yourself.The Danger of Labels: Disregarding the "D-word" (Dominance) and transitioning to understanding true emotional motivations.Hopes for the Profession: Why marrying top-tier practical handling with robust theoretical education is vital for the future of animal welfare.Guest Biography: Sarah Tapsell is a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB), a member of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC), and a PACT-accredited Animal Training Instructor. She has dedicated two decades to animal welfare, rescue, and clinical behavior roles. Sarah has held senior and frontline behavior positions with some of the UK’s most prominent organizations, including Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, the RSPCA, and Dogs Trust, alongside running her own self-employed private clinical practice (OABT) with her colleague Ryan. Specializing in complex, trauma-related, and high-risk behaviors, Sarah brings a strong shelter-medicine perspective to her work. She currently works in rescue as a Senior Clinical Animal Behaviourist and lives near Exmoor with her beloved rescued animals: three Chihuahuas, a Basset Hound, and four mini lop rabbits. Helpful Links & Resources Mentioned: Book Recommendation: Learn more about navigating compassion fatigue and looking after yourself in the industry with Emotional Well-being for Animal Welfare Professionals by Tamsin DurstonFind Out More About PACT: Ready to take your dog training or behavior journey to the gold standard? Start your journey with PACT here.Get Your Tickets to DogX: Don't miss the ultimate dog training event of the year! Grab your DogX tickets here.

    1h 12m
  3. #6 Honour Smith - From Woodlice to Lincoln: The Honour in Ditching the Comfort Zone

    Jun 9

    #6 Honour Smith - From Woodlice to Lincoln: The Honour in Ditching the Comfort Zone

    Ever wondered how a childhood obsession with garden woodlice can spiral into a top-tier career as a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist? This week, Steve sits down with the incredibly talented Honour Smith (BSc, MSc, CCAB, ABTC-ATI) to unpack her brilliant journey through the animal behaviour world. Honour shares how she navigated multiple "animal careers" before finding her true calling. We dive deep into why practical skills are just as vital as heavy theory, the art of translating Jedi-level behavior science into human-friendly analogies, and what training cats can teach you about absolute patience. If you've ever battled imposter syndrome or wondered what it really takes to publish groundbreaking research, this episode is your ultimate guide. What We Covered: The Journey: Moving around the UK and stepping out of comfort zones.The Lincoln Experience: What actually happens at the famous Lincoln Animal Behaviour Clinic and why the masters program is so revered.Theory vs. Practice: Why being "book smart" isn't enough when you're standing in front of a real dog and a real client.The Power of Analogy: How a trip to the local pub can explain a dog's core temperament perfectly to an owner.Groundbreaking Research: Honour’s journey to publishing her thesis on Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) and catching cognitive decline earlier.The "F" Word (Finances): Why charging your worth actually makes clients take training more seriously.Important Links & Resources: Grab your tickets to the ultimate dog event: DogX Dog ConferenceReady to kickstart your own training journey? Find out more about PACT: PACT DogsConnect with Honour and her team: Lincoln Animal Behaviour Clinic

    1h 25m
  4. #5 Charlie Houghton - From the High Seas to Houghton's Hounds

    Apr 3

    #5 Charlie Houghton - From the High Seas to Houghton's Hounds

    Welcome back folks :) In this episode, Steve sits down with the incredible Charlie Houghton, founder of Houghton’s Hounds. We navigate through Charlie's fascinating 10-year career as a Logistics Officer in the Royal Navy and discover how teaching leadership to sailors perfectly prepared her for teaching puppies (and their humans!). We covered: The Navy-to-K9 Pivot: How a passion for adult education and leadership coaching transformed into a career in dog training.Public Speaking for Introverts: Why you might need to "fake it 'til you make it" when stepping into the center of a training ring.The "Safe Space" Philosophy: Drawing inspiration from trainers like Ollie Juste and the importance of kindness.The Money Talk: Why the industry needs to be more transparent about finances and "knowing your worth."Lessons from Jet: A candid look at crate training, choice, and why doing better starts with knowing better.Guest Bio: If you’d asked 5-year-old Charlie what she wanted to be, the answer was always "a vet." After a decade-long "detour" as a Logistics Officer in the Royal Navy—visiting 13 countries and clocking 15,000 miles at sea—she discovered her true calling: instructing. Today, Charlie is an ABTC-accredited Animal Training Instructor and the owner of Houghton’s Hounds in Worcester. Combining her background in adult education with certifications from PACT, Puppy School, and the IMDT, she helps owners find harmony with their dogs through 1-2-1s and expert puppy classes.Relevant Links: Find Charlie: houghtonshounds.co.ukCharlie’s Book Recommendation: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt.Link to "A Dogs Best Friend" Podcast with Oli Juste: https://open.spotify.com/show/07nvgqwv572548BdNxublIDogX Conference Tickets: dogxconference.comStart Your Journey with PACT: pact-dogs.com

    1h 11m
  5. #4 Haych Brassil - TV Traumas, Super Dogs and the Art of Agency

    Mar 17

    #4 Haych Brassil - TV Traumas, Super Dogs and the Art of Agency

    In this episode, Steve sits down with the wonderful Haych Brassil. We take a "Scooby-Doo" trip back to the Northeast coast of Ireland to discover the journeys that sparked a lifelong mission to help the helpless. What We Covered: The "Otter Trauma": How 80s wildlife documentaries created an emotional blueprint for empathy.Manga & The European Road: the fascinating story of five years traveling Europe with a dog that had more agency than most humans.Animal Rescue Kerala: Mopeds, dirt tracks, and learning from "punk" dogs in India.The Human Connection: How a career supporting young migrants and marginalized people translates into "listening" to dogs.Theo the "Adorable": The reality of living with a complex rescue and why professionals shouldn't be afraid to ask for help.About Our Guest: Haych Brassil is a PACT Animal Training Instructor and Animal Behaviour Technician registered with ABTC. Haych spent five years roaming Europe with the 'fateful encounter' dog, and then traveling to various places in the world where they could help dogs, they are now deep in the weeds of a Level 6 in Applied Animal Behavior. Based on the outskirts of Brighton, Haych is currently putting all that knowledge into practice with the adorable yet complex rescue dog, Theo.  Relevant Links: Check out Haych’s business Dog Complex hereMark Bekoff: The Emotional Lives of Animals (Haych’s top recommendation). Buy it here.DogX 2026: Grab your tickets for the ultimate conference. dogxconference.comStart Your Journey: Join the PACT family and start your training career. pact-dogs.com

    1h 14m
  6. #3 Jason Cortis - The Shepherd in the Van

    Mar 3

    #3 Jason Cortis - The Shepherd in the Van

    In this weeks episode I got to sit down with Jason Cortis—a man who has lived several lives already, all of which have given him insights into the world of training and behaviour that are well worth listening to.  We'll hear about his early careers as part of the parachute regiment, a military dog handler and paramedics technician . Jason shares the exact moment of realisation, standing in the back of a military van with a German Shepherd, where his path turned him towards a deeper understanding of dogs. We explore his journey from the high-stakes adrenaline of the parachute regiment and the ambulance service to the quiet, vital science of animal behaviour. Jason discusses his work with the Blue Cross, the importance of scent as a canine superpower, and why the recognising a journey of life long learning is one of our superpowers. I loved chatting with Jason and I think you'll love him too Links: Nosey Dogs: www.noseydogs.co.uk – Dive into scent detection, tracking, and mantrailing.JCDT (Jason Cortis Dog Training): www.jcdogtrainer.com – 1:1 sessions, classes, and Jason’s excellent blog.Blue Cross RDOC: Responsible Dog Ownership Course – Learn more about the education work Jason does for animal welfare.PACT (Professional Association of Canine Trainers): pact-dogs.comABTC (Animal Behaviour & Training Council): abtc.org.uk

    1h 20m
  7. #2 Marilyn Gilchrist & Rachel Rodgers - From Penguin Parades & Private Banking to the Scent of Success

    Feb 17

    #2 Marilyn Gilchrist & Rachel Rodgers - From Penguin Parades & Private Banking to the Scent of Success

    In this episode, Steve sits down with Rachel and Marilyn, the force behind the Canine School of Trailing. We explore how two trainers with completely opposite backgrounds found common ground in the world of scent, leading to a partnership built on friendship, a little prosecco, and a very specific boundary line on the M6. This was so much fun!  In this episode, we "un-pact": From Penguins to Dolphins: Discover the vastly different origins of our guests—from leading zoo parades and tickling dolphin tongues to escaping the corporate banking world.The M6 Boundary: How these former "local rivals" ditched the scarcity mindset to create a unique partnership that split the UK right down the motorway.The Inclusive Sport: Why trailing is the ultimate "safe space" for reactive dogs and a non-judgmental community for handlers who usually feel shunned.Business & Boundaries: The raw reality of running a dog business, including the importance of saying "No" and how AI is reclaiming their admin time.Find Rachel & Marilyn: Website: thecanineschooloftrailing.co.ukSocials: Find them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at The Canine School of Trailing.#DogTrainersUnPACT #Scentwork #ManTrailing #EthicalTraining #DogTrainerStories #Collaboration #CanineSchoolOfTrailing

    1h 31m
  8. #1 Emmanuel Oloyede - From Squirrels to Surgery & Beyond

    Feb 3

    #1 Emmanuel Oloyede - From Squirrels to Surgery & Beyond

    In our debut episode, Steve sits down with the multi-talented Emmanuel Oloyede—a veterinary surgeon and PACT student who is bridging the gap between medicine and behaviour. From childhood observations of squirrels in London to the "lightbulb moment" that shaped his career, Emmanuel shares a unique origin story about finding his place in an industry where he rarely saw himself represented. We dive into the fascinating intersection of clinical practice and training, exploring the "mystery" of how physical health impacts a dog’s mind. Emmanuel discusses why he views behaviour as a complex puzzle and shares his perspective on the most valuable tool any trainer can have in their kit. We also tease some essential advice on how trainers and vets can better collaborate for the ultimate benefit of the animals in their care. Beyond the technicalities, Emmanuel opens up about his journey through the educational system and his powerful advocacy for diversity within the animal sector. We look ahead to a more inclusive future for the industry and hear a moving word of encouragement Emmanuel would give to his younger self. It’s a conversation filled with heart, intelligence, and a vision for a unified team of professionals helping interspecies relationships truly flourish. Emmanuel Bio: Emmanuel graduated from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in 2024 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Medicine, and now works as a small-animal veterinary surgeon in Norfolk. Alongside clinical practice, he is completing his Animal Training Instructor qualification with PACT, and also a Master’s Degree in Clinical Animal Behaviour at the University of Lincoln, through which he will become a Pre-Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist. He also sits on The Board of Directors for the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC). As a founding member and former President of Animal Aspirations, Emmanuel remains passionate about inspiring young people to pursue careers working with animals. In 2024, he was recognised as one of the London Vet Show 30 Under Thirty.

    1h 6m
  • 8 Episodes

About

Join host and behaviour geek Steve Goodall as he explores the soul of the dog training profession. This podcast moves beyond technicalities to explore the real, raw, and inspiring stories of the incredible PACT community of experts and students dedicated to ethical practice. Whether you're looking for professional inspiration or a deeper understanding of the extraordinary bond between humans and their dogs, join us to celebrate the passion and dedication that help interspecies relationships truly flourish.

Information

  • Creator
    PACT Dogs LTD
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 PACT Dogs LTD