The Yappy Hour

Yappily

Welcome to The Yappy Hour! This is the podcast all about dogs -made for dog parents. I’m Nathan Dunleavy, and with the help of the Yappily team, we’re here to make life with your dog easier and more fun. Each week, we’ll chat about the things every dog parent wants to know. Need tips on choosing the right breed? Wondering how to help a nervous or worried dog? Not sure how to get your pup comfortable with vet visits? Don’t worry, we’ve got it all covered. We’ll also have some brilliant expert guests - who’ll share their advice and stories. From puppy training to living life with a dog, we’ll talk about it all! So, why listen? The Yappy Hour is more than just tips and tricks. It’s about celebrating the special bond between you and your dog, learning together, and having a good laugh while you’re at it. Pop in your headphones and join us for some fun, simple advice to improve dog guardianship. Whether you’re walking your dog, on your way to work, or relaxing at home, The Yappy Hour is here for you. Subscribe now and join us - we’re excited to have you with us! 🐾 If you're looking for local and ethical dog service we can help with that at https://yappily.co.uk/

  1. Jul 25

    Tracey Ordish of Dishys K9 Care on Living With an Anxious Dog: Hope, Confidence & Small Wins

    Tracey Ordish of Dishy's K9 Care on Living With an Anxious Dog: Hope, Confidence & Small Wins If you've ever felt alone caring for a dog who finds the world overwhelming, this episode is the reassurance you've been waiting for. In this episode, host Nathan Dunleavy talks with Tracey Ordish, canine behaviour trainer and founder of Dishys K9 Care, about the emotional reality of living with an anxious dog. Tracey draws on her own background supporting her son through social anxiety to explain why she puts the guardian's wellbeing at the centre of her training approach, and shares a real client transformation story that shows just how much progress is possible with patience and the right support. In this episode: ✅ How to recognise the subtle signs of anxiety in your dog, long before it escalates ✅ Why supporting the guardian's emotional wellbeing is the real foundation of helping an anxious dog ✅ A simple traffic light system to map out your dog's triggers and progress ✅ Why comforting a fearful dog does not "reward" the fear, and what to do instead ✅ How family inconsistency can unintentionally set back your dog's progress ✅ Why progress with an anxious dog is rarely linear, and how to keep going through setbacks ✅ How reframing success around your own dog's small wins builds real, lasting confidence Key takeaways: • Anxiety in dogs shows up in small, everyday ways many guardians miss until it builds up • You are not failing your dog. You just haven't learned what he needs yet • Building the guardian and dog relationship comes before fixing any specific behaviour • Small, consistent wins matter more than chasing a perfect end result • With patience and the right support, anxious dogs and their people can thrive together 📧 Feeling like you're the only one struggling with an anxious dog? You're not. Get in touch with Tracey and start where you are. Dishys K9 Care 🐾 Subscribe to The Yappy Hour for more conversations that help you understand, connect with, and care for your dog. 🐕 Find ethical and qualified pet professionals near you at Yappily.co.uk

    Tracey Ordish of Dishys K9 Care on Living With an Anxious Dog: Hope, Confidence & Small Wins

  2. Jul 8

    Dr Charlotte Gray from Vetsy. Online Vet Consults Mean Calmer Care for Anxious Dogs

    If vet visits stress your dog out, this conversation will show you a calmer, kinder way to access trusted veterinary care. Nathan is joined by Dr Charlotte Gray, qualified vet and founder of Vetsy, the online vet consultation service. Charlotte explains how video vet consults work, who they help most — anxious dogs, busy households, guardians with mobility challenges, and anyone wanting an affordable second opinion — and how to prepare your dog for stress-free vet visits with early desensitisation and happy visits. A practical, reassuring listen for every dog guardian. In this episode: ✅ What actually happens in an online vet consult — from visual exams to gait analysis and aftercare plans ✅ Why online vets complement (not replace) your regular practice, and how they keep your vet in the loop ✅ How to desensitise your puppy or rescue dog to handling at home, nose to tail ✅ Why "happy visits" to the clinic build lifelong confidence — and how to do them ✅ How your own anxiety affects your dog at the vet, and simple ways to stay calm ✅ The "they're just getting old" myth — and the subtle signs of chronic pain guardians often miss ✅ Why preventative care like dental brushing and weight management saves money and heartache later Key takeaways: • Online consults suit chronic pet care, pain management, skin issues, second opinions, and anxious dogs — not emergencies • Vetsy's promise: if an appointment isn't right for your pet, it's cancelled and refunded, and you're sent straight to your clinic • Five minutes of gentle handling practice a week — paws, ears, mouth, tail — makes vet and groomer visits dramatically easier • Dogs read our stress; calming yourself (try box breathing) directly helps them cope • Stiffness, hesitating at stairs, or reluctance to jump into the car are signs of pain, not "just age" — speak to your vet • Be open and honest with your vet; if you can't have frank conversations, it may be time to find one you can Visit the Vetsy website 🐾 Subscribe to The Yappy Hour for more conversations that help you understand, connect with, and care for your dog. 🐕 Find ethical and qualified pet professionals near you at Yappily.co.uk

    Dr Charlotte Gray from Vetsy. Online Vet Consults Mean Calmer Care for Anxious Dogs

  3. May 17

    Caroline Griffith creator of Canine Flow on soul dogs, energy healing and how your emotional energy shapes your dog's behaviour

    In this episode, Nathan is joined by Caroline Griffith, holistic canine expert, retreat facilitator and creator of Canine Flow, a transformational approach that explores the emotional and energetic bond between dogs and their guardians. Caroline shares why she believes dogs are feeling beings first and foremost, and how our subconscious emotional state can directly shape the way our dogs behave. If you've ever sensed something deeper at play in your relationship with your dog, this conversation will give you a whole new way of seeing it. What you'll learn in this episode: ✅ What Canine Flow is and why Caroline calls it "the missing half of the story" in dog care ✅ What a soul dog is and how to recognise if you've had one ✅ How your subconscious emotional energy can drive your dog's behaviour, reactivity and anxiety ✅ Why dogs are drawn to our feet, our worn socks, and the energy we carry in our hearts ✅ What happens on a Canine Flow retreat and why every single dog settles ✅ How to begin tuning into your dog's emotional world through mindfulness and daily practice ✅ The role grief plays in the human-dog bond and how dogs help us process it Key takeaways: Dogs don't think their way through life, they feel and sense their way through it, responding to emotional frequencies we may not even be aware ofBehaviours we label as problems (separation anxiety, reactivity, barking) may be your dog's way of responding to stuck or stagnant emotional energyYou don't have to be spiritual to benefit from this work, presence, calm and emotional awareness help every dog guardianDogs seek to "ground" our energy, which is why they take your seat, lick your feet, and want to be near you. It's connection, not habit Connect with CarolineThe Canine Flow website Spiritual Dogs Instagram Love, Woof and Wonder Facebook page 🐾 Find ethical, qualified pet professionals near you at Yappily the directory for dog guardians who care about doing right by their dog. 🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Yappy Hour and leave us a review — it helps more dog lovers find us!

    Caroline Griffith creator of Canine Flow on soul dogs, energy healing and how your emotional energy shapes your dog's behaviour

  4. May 17

    Kay Attwood, Author of Canine Cognitive Skills, on teaching your dog to think for themselves

    In this episode, Nathan is joined by Kay Attwood, founder of K9 Services and author of Canine Cognitive Skills, to explore a genuinely fascinating approach to dog training: Canine Cognitive Behaviour Training (CCBT). Kay explains how giving dogs the freedom to think, problem-solve, and make choices can transform behaviour from the inside out, particularly for anxious and reactive dogs. Whether you are a seasoned dog guardian or just starting out, this conversation will change the way you see what is going on behind your dog's eyes. What you'll learn in this episode: ✅ What Canine Cognitive Behaviour Training (CCBT) actually is and how it differs from conventional reward-based training ✅ The difference between the "play brain" and the "reactive brain" and why it matters for your dog's behaviour ✅ Why giving dogs real choices builds confidence and reduces stress hormones ✅ Simple, low-cost games you can try at home using everyday household items ✅ How cognitive enrichment can support anxious and reactive dogs without medication ✅ Why slowing down and letting your dog think is one of the most powerful things you can do as a guardian Key takeaways: Dogs are continually looking for solutions; they are not trying to be difficultEnrichment is not just about keeping dogs busy. It is about giving them meaningful mental engagement and genuine downtimeYou do not need expensive equipment. A bag of plastic cups or empty water bottles can be the start of a cognitive training journeyThe relationship between dog and guardian improves dramatically when both learn to communicate, not just instruct Connect with Kay AttwoodKay's website Cognitive Canine Skills book on Amazon Kay's Facebook page 🐾 Find ethical, qualified pet professionals near you at Yappily the directory for dog guardians who care about doing right by their dog. 🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Yappy Hour and leave us a review — it helps more dog lovers find us!

    Kay Attwood, Author of Canine Cognitive Skills, on teaching your dog to think for themselves

  5. May 16

    Georgie Bleza from Trick Woofs talks about how simple dog training illustrations help dog guardians finally "get" their dogs

    Georgie Bleza is a dog trainer, self-taught artist, and the creative mind behind Trick Woofs, a body of work that uses comics and illustrations to make dog behaviour accessible, relatable, and genuinely joyful. In this episode, Nathan chats with Georgie about the power of visual learning, what consent-based training really looks like in everyday life, and why trick training is far more useful than most people think. If you've ever struggled to explain what you know about dogs to someone else, Georgie's work might just do it for you. What you'll learn in this episode: ✅ Why visual resources help dog guardians understand behaviour in a way that words often can't ✅ What consent-based training actually means and how to start building it into daily life ✅ How to read when your dog is giving or withdrawing consent, from grooming to walks ✅ Why trick training builds confidence in anxious and nervous dogs ✅ How to slow down and give your dog processing time and why it makes all the difference ✅ What the "hold" trick can do for resource guarders and why a hand touch is one of the most versatile skills you can teach Key takeaways: Consent isn't just a buzzword; it's about opening up a conversation with your dog and giving them a genuine stop/start button in situations they find difficultSlowing down is one of the simplest and most powerful things you can do, whether that's with a harness, a vet visit, or a training sessionTrick training gives dogs a sense of purpose and confidence, and there's a practical use for almost every trick you can teachYour dog feels your emotional state. If you're frustrated, they notice. A calm handler makes for a calmer dogScience-based trainers are stronger together division creates noise that confuses dog guardians who are just trying to do right by their dogs 🐾 Find ethical, qualified pet professionals near you at Yappily, the directory for dog guardians who care about doing right by their dog. 🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Yappy Hour and leave us a review it helps more dog guardians find us!

    Georgie Bleza from Trick Woofs talks about how simple dog training illustrations help dog guardians finally "get" their dogs

  6. May 4

    What’s really in your dog’s food? Inside the pet food industry with Clayton Payne

    In this episode, Nathan sits down with Clayton Payne, pet industry veteran, Chief Commercial Officer of The Bug Factory, and host of Pet Business Disruptors, for a refreshingly honest look behind the scenes of the pet food world. From growing up in his parents' pet shop to building a wholesale business for 22 years and now farming insects as a sustainable protein source, Clayton has seen every corner of this industry. Whether you're a curious dog guardian, a raw feeding convert, or someone just trying to do better by your dog, this conversation is packed with practical, no-nonsense insight. Pull up a chair, this one's a good one. What you'll learn in this episode: ✅ Why where you buy your dog's food says more than you might think, and what the difference really is between a supermarket, a pet shop, and a raw food retailer ✅ How dog food is actually made, from formulation and manufacturing to packaging and getting it on shelves ✅ Why the raw food market has grown from less than half a percent to around 10% of the UK market, and what's driving it ✅ What to actually look for on a dog food label (and what words to ignore entirely) ✅ The two big myths Clayton wants busted: mixing raw and kibble, and feeding the same protein every day ✅ What "natural," "wholesome," and "sustainable" actually mean on packaging. Spoiler: not much ✅ Where the pet industry is headed, and why mushroom-based supplements might be the next big thing Key takeaways: If meat isn't the first ingredient, put it back on the shelf. There's usually something better in the same price rangeYou don't have to overhaul everything at once. Even small additions like bone broth or pumpkin powder alongside kibble can make a real differenceDon't just take your vet's word on nutrition. They're generalists, not nutritionists, and there are brilliant specialist resources out thereVariety of proteins matters. You wouldn't eat the same meal every night, and neither should your dog 🐾 Find ethical, qualified pet professionals near you at Yappily the directory for dog guardians who care about doing right by their dog. 🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Yappy Hour and leave us a review — it helps more dog lovers find us!

    What’s really in your dog’s food? Inside the pet food industry with Clayton Payne

  7. Apr 20

    Rachel Rodgers on Separation Anxiety and Rescue Dogs. Essential listening if you're adopting a dog.

    If you've ever brought home a rescue dog and felt like you were failing — this episode is for you. Rachel Rodgers is a registered clinical animal behaviourist, founder of Nose to Trail, and a specialist in separation anxiety with a background spanning over 15 years in UK rescue centres including Dogs Trust and the RSPCA. In this episode, she and host Nathan Dunleavy have an honest, warm, and deeply practical conversation about why rescue dogs are more prone to SA, what the early signs really look like, and why so many cases go unrecognised or get made worse with the wrong approach. If you're navigating separation anxiety with a rescue dog, this is the episode to share. In this episode: ✅ Why rescue dogs are more vulnerable to separation anxiety and what's really going on emotionally when a dog has been rehomed ✅ The early warning signs of SA that most new adopters miss (including one that looks like a toilet training problem) ✅ How pain and underlying health issues can masquerade as separation anxiety and why a vet referral matters more than you think ✅ What the settling-in period should actually look like, and why "just leave them to cry it out" can make things significantly worse ✅ How to gently build independence without causing stress from day one ✅ Why working with a certified separation anxiety professional or clinical animal behaviourist is so important, and how to tell the difference ✅ How to manage caregiver fatigue and find real support when you're struggling Key takeaways: Separation anxiety in rescue dogs often has roots in broken attachment, kennel stress, and unknown history. It's not a training failure; it's an emotional responseSubtle signs like not eating, pacing, or toileting only when you're apart can be easy to miss without a camera, but they matterBefore starting any separation programme, a thorough vet check is essential; pain is a common and overlooked driver of SACaregiver fatigue is real. Building a support network of people your dog trusts isn't a luxury, it's part of the treatment plan 🐾 Subscribe to The Yappy Hour for more conversations that help you understand, connect with, and care for your dog. 🐕 Find ethical and qualified pet professionals near you at Yappily.co.uk

    Rachel Rodgers on Separation Anxiety and Rescue Dogs. Essential listening if you're adopting a dog.

  8. Apr 11

    Caroline Griffith on Dog Nutrition and what every dog guardian really needs to know

    Sound note: we did have some technical issues in the first 14 minutes of this episode, but they get much better after, so please bear with us! In this episode of The Yappy Hour, Nathan is joined by Caroline Griffith — canine nutrition consultant, founder of the Canine Holistic Science Academy, and the driving force behind the Natural Dog Expo. With over 25 years of experience in natural dog care, Caroline cuts through the noise around dog nutrition with calm, evidence-backed clarity. Whether you're feeding raw, kibble, or somewhere in between, this conversation will leave you feeling more informed, more confident, and genuinely inspired to look more closely at what's going into your dog's bowl. What you'll learn in this episode: ✅ Why "complete and balanced" on a pet food label doesn't mean what most of us think it means ✅ How fresh and raw diets support your dog's gut, hydration, and ability to regulate their own health ✅ What to actually look for (and avoid) when choosing a commercial dog food ✅ The surprising link between nutrition, gut health, and your dog's behaviour and reactivity ✅ Why the DCM/grain-free scare has been largely debunked — and why vets may not know yet ✅ How to start raw feeding without overwhelm, including the easiest entry points for beginners ✅ Why bone broth might be the single most impactful addition to your dog's bowl right now Key takeaways: Fresh whole food — raw or lightly cooked — gives a dog's body what it needs to regulate itself, stay hydrated, and maintain a healthy gut lining in a way processed food simply can't"Complete" pet food is only complete to a set of guidelines — and those guidelines don't reflect what dogs need to truly thriveEvery dog is an individual; what works for one may not work for another, and fresh feeding makes it far easier to adaptBone broth is an accessible, affordable, and genuinely powerful addition for all dogs — especially anxious or reactive onesBacteria in raw food is far less of a concern than it's portrayed — two studies specifically aimed to prove transmission risk, and both found it to be rare or low Connect with Caroline Griffith: Website: http://www.canineholisticscienceacademy.com/ Natural Dog Expo: naturaldogexpo.com 🐾 Subscribe to The Yappy Hour for more conversations that help you understand, connect with, and care for your dog. 🐕 Find ethical and qualified pet professionals near you at Yappily.co.uk

    Caroline Griffith on Dog Nutrition and what every dog guardian really needs to know
See All (40)

About

Welcome to The Yappy Hour! This is the podcast all about dogs -made for dog parents. I’m Nathan Dunleavy, and with the help of the Yappily team, we’re here to make life with your dog easier and more fun. Each week, we’ll chat about the things every dog parent wants to know. Need tips on choosing the right breed? Wondering how to help a nervous or worried dog? Not sure how to get your pup comfortable with vet visits? Don’t worry, we’ve got it all covered. We’ll also have some brilliant expert guests - who’ll share their advice and stories. From puppy training to living life with a dog, we’ll talk about it all! So, why listen? The Yappy Hour is more than just tips and tricks. It’s about celebrating the special bond between you and your dog, learning together, and having a good laugh while you’re at it. Pop in your headphones and join us for some fun, simple advice to improve dog guardianship. Whether you’re walking your dog, on your way to work, or relaxing at home, The Yappy Hour is here for you. Subscribe now and join us - we’re excited to have you with us! 🐾 If you're looking for local and ethical dog service we can help with that at https://yappily.co.uk/

Information

  • Creator
    Yappily
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Yappily
  • Show Website
    The Yappy Hour

You Might Also Like