Simplifying Shelter Behaviour

Simplifying Shelter Behaviour
  • 5.0 (8)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Shelter and Rescue can be difficult environments for workers and the animals in their care. This podcast, hosted by Tom Candy BSc (Hons) MSC CCAB, CSBS, CDBC. Brings together some of the leaders in the field of animal behaviour to discuss practical tips and tricks that can be utilised by shelter workers, volunteers or anyone with an interest in animal sheltering or rescue. The podcast aims to bring high quality education, to improve behaviour and welfare of animal using up to date thinking and methodologies.

  1. 19H AGO

    Ep. 61 community interventions, changing the traditional animal control approach with Rachel Horton

    In this episode we discuss community interventions to support owners and animals in need as an alternative to traditional animal control models

    30 min

  2. APR 22

    Ep. 60 Considering a Good Death: A Hospice Approach for Animals," with Helen St. Pierre

    In this thoughtful and compassionate episode, Helen St. Pierre explore one of the most meaningful, and often avoided, conversations in veterinary and pet care: what does a good death look like for an animal in hospice? Drawing from their experience, they walk listeners through a practical yet humane framework built around three core considerations: Function, Purpose, and Joy. Tom and Helen open by addressing the most observable measure of an animal's quality of life, physical function. They discuss how caregivers and veterinary teams should assess whether an animal can still eat, drink, breathe, and move without significant pain or distress. When an animal can no longer maintain baseline physical function, or when doing so causes suffering, it becomes a meaningful signal in end-of-life planning. The episode then moves into perhaps its most emotionally resonant segment: purpose. Tom and Helen explore the idea that animals often live with a sense of relational purpose, does the dog still greet its owner at the door, does the cat still seek companionship? When that spark of connection begins to fade and the animal withdraws from the relationships and routines that once gave its days meaning, this shift deserves careful attention. Tom and Helen close the framework with the most personal measure of all: joy. Can the animal still experience moments of pleasure, a favorite treat, a patch of warm sunlight, a gentle pat? They remind listeners that joy doesn't have to be constant to be meaningful, but when an animal can no longer access the small pleasures that once defined its daily life, caregivers are gently invited to consider whether continued life is a gift or a burden. Tom and Helen close by reminding listeners that choosing a good death for an animal in hospice is not an act of giving up, it is an act of profound love and advocacy. By returning to these three questions, can they function, do they have purpose, can they still feel joy, families and care teams are given a compassionate compass to guide one of the hardest decisions they will ever face. Links https://olddogsgotohelen.com

    54 min

  3. APR 10

    Ep. 59 Reactivity Training in the Shelter: What We've Learnt with Jess wheatcraft

    In this episode, we're joined by Jessica Wheatcraft, who shares her honest reflections on years spent working with reactive shelter dogs, those that lunge, bark, and snap at the world around them. Jessica talks through how her approach has evolved over time, what she wishes she'd known earlier, and why so many well-intentioned training efforts fall flat in the shelter environment. She offers a thoughtful look at what actually moves the needle for these dogs, and how the people around them play a bigger role than most realise. Whether you work in a shelter, volunteer on weekends, or have recently adopted a reactive dog, this is a conversation full of practical wisdom and hard-won insight. About Jessica Wheatcraft Jessica Wheatcraft is a canine behaviour specialist with years of hands-on experience working with reactive and hard-to-place shelter dogs. Passionate about bridging the gap between behaviour science and real-world shelter practice, she has dedicated much of her career to helping dogs that are often overlooked find and keep their forever homes. Jessica is known for her compassionate, honest approach and her commitment to supporting the people who work alongside these dogs every day.

    50 min

  4. MAR 25

    Ep. 58 Quality of Life for Dogs, Staff and Adopters with Kelly Bollen

    This episode explores the multidimensional concept of quality of life (QoL) within animal shelters, emphasising its impact not only on dogs, but also on staff and adopters. Framed through a behavioural welfare lens, the discussion highlights the interdependence between canine wellbeing, human experience, and organisational outcomes. For dogs, QoL is positioned as more than the absence of distress, encompassing the presence of agency, predictability, social choice, and opportunities to engage in species-typical behaviours. The episode also addresses staff wellbeing as a critical, often overlooked component of shelter QoL. High workloads, emotional labour, and ethical stressors, particularly around euthanasia and capacity pressures, are identified as key contributors to burnout and empathic strain. The importance of psychologically informed workplace practices is emphasised, including training in behaviour, clear decision-making frameworks, and fostering a culture of support, autonomy, and reflective practice. Adopters are considered the third pillar of QoL, with a focus on setting realistic expectations and supporting successful human–dog relationships post-adoption. The discussion highlights the role of transparent communication, behavioural matchmaking, and post-adoption support in reducing returns and improving long-term welfare outcomes. Across all groups, the episode advocates for a shift from throughput-driven models to welfare-centred decision-making. Data-informed approaches, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous evaluation are presented as essential to sustaining improvements. About Kelly  As the principal consultant for Kelley Bollen Consulting, LLC, Kelley works with animal welfare organizations to educate staff and volunteers about all things behavior to improve the quality of life for cats and dogs in shelters..     Kelley has a Master's Degree in Animal Behavior, is a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant (CABC) and a professional member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).    Kelley is a nationally recognized expert in the field of shelter behavioral care and has worked with animal welfare organizations for over 20 years.   Links https://www.kelleybollen.com/about https://www.humanenetwork.org/animal-shelter-behavior-course

    46 min

  5. MAR 12

    Ep. 57. Intergrating behaviour into shelter operations with Dr. Meghan Herron

    In this episode we discuss the importance of integrating behaviour into all of our shelter practices, including how we can do this successfully, what some of the challenges are and what structures look like in a range of shelter operations with and without behaviour teams. About Dr. Herron Dr. Meghan Herron serves as the senior director of behavior, research and education at Gigi’s, a shelter organization dedicated to improving the lives of shelter dogs. Prior to this role, she spent over a decade as an associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at the Ohio State University and currently holds an adjunct position with the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. She also holds adjunct teaching positions at the University of Florida, St. Matthews University, Lincoln Memorial University and Virginia PolyTech University. With extensive experience working with shelter and rescue animals in both the Columbus, Ohio, and Philadelphia areas, Dr. Herron has a deep commitment to behavior problem prevention and improving the quality of life and adoptability of shelter animals. As a published author and international speaker, she has delivered engaging, educational and evidence-based presentations to veterinarians, animal care professionals and pet owners across the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. Dr. Herron is the lead editor on the book “Decoding Your Cat” and a contributor to “Decoding Your Dog.” Her most recent work, “Introduction to Animal Behavior and Veterinary Behavioral Medicine,” a textbook designed to provide a strong foundation in animal behavior concepts, as well as an introduction to clinical behavioral medicine, is available now from Amazon and other major retailers. Dr. Herron graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in zoology and obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She then went on to complete a three-year residency program in behavioral medicine at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine and is now board certified as a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behavior. Links Gigi’s rescue - https://gigis.org

    1h 2m

  6. FEB 24

    Ep. 56 Muzzle and Misunderstood- Improving the Perception of Muzzle Dogs in Shelter and Rescue.

    In this episode, we explore how dog shelter and rescue professionals can reshape public perception of muzzles, using one of the most powerful tools available: photography. While muzzles are often misunderstood as symbols of aggression, they are valuable tools for safety, training, enrichment, and responsible handling. The challenge isn’t the muzzle itself it’s the story the image tells. We’ll discuss how intentional, positive imagery can transform that narrative. From capturing relaxed body language and soft facial expressions to showcasing bright, well-fitted basket muzzles during enrichment walks or training sessions, the right photos can normalize muzzle use and build adopter confidence.  By reframing muzzles through thoughtful visual storytelling, Daine has created the amazing book, Muzzled and Misunderstood.  About Diane Gollowitzer  Diane is an award-winning dog photographer based in Winchester, UK. She specialises in high-end wall art and provides a highly personalised service where everything is tailored to the dog's and the owner's needs.  Her sessions are stress-free and a lot of fun, where the dogs are allowed to be dogs. Her philosophy is that everyone deserves artwork of their dog no matter if they are trained or not if they are allowed off lead or not, or if they are nervous, anxious, or reactive. Diane started a personal project where she photographs dogs who are wearing muzzles. The inspiration was her terrier, Deedee, who can be reactive and wears a muzzle on our walks. I want to break the stigma around muzzles and muzzled dogs. Diane then invited the guardians of the dogs to write letters to them about their relationship and experiences  Links  Diane’s Website- https://www.dogsinfocusphotography.com Muzzled and Misunderstood Book- https://www.amazon.co.uk/Muzzled-Misunderstood-Diane-Gollowitzer/dp/1910488747 Muzzle Movement Discount Code- https://themuzzlemovement.com/?ref=fofhKIPajXn36l

    17 min

  7. FEB 11

    Ep. 55 Medical and behaviour, can we separate them? With Dr. Èlise Christensen

    In this episode, veterinary behaviourist Dr. Elise Christensen examines the role of underlying medical conditions in shaping animal behaviour within shelter environments. She discusses how pain, systemic illness, and stress-related physiological changes can manifest as behavioural concerns that are often misattributed to behaviour or training concerns. Emphasizing evidence-based assessment, Dr. Christensen underscores the importance of comprehensive medical evaluation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and informed behavioural interpretation. The discussion highlights behaviour as a critical indicator of health and welfare, with significant implications for clinical decision-making, risk assessment, and adoption outcomes in shelter medicine. About Dr. Elise Christensen Dr. C is a Cornell-trained veterinary behaviorist and every high school parent's nightmare: a pet psychiatrist. Brilliant, struggling animals are the only puzzles she wants to solve. If one of these Complex Pets is pushing you to the edge, you belong here. Her boutique veterinary behavior service blends the academic with the practical, helping families move from stuck to hopeful. So they can graduate faster. She lectures internationally to veterinarians, trainers, and shelter professionals, and partners with pediatricians and family doctors to help Amazing Pet People and their Complex Pets thrive together. Links https://www.drcvetbehavior.com/

    50 min

  8. JAN 14

    Ep. 54 want more time, money and resources. Here where to start Behaviour edition with Leeron Liftik

    Ep. 54 want more time, money and resources, here’s where to start. Behaviour edition with Leeron Liftik In this episode, we explore the journey of Leeron Liftik into shelter and rescue dog behaviour, shaped by early hands-on work in high-pressure shelter environments. Seeing how many decisions about dogs were made with limited evidence sparked a shift toward behavioural science and data-driven approaches. Leeron discusses how thoughtfully collected behaviour data can improve outcomes for dogs, reducing stress, supporting better adoption matches, and helping shelters make fairer, more consistent decisions. The conversation highlights the role of collaboration across stakeholders, from shelter staff and trainers to researchers and policymakers, and the importance of using data ethically, with the dog’s lived experience at the centre. Through small data based changes Leeron talks us through how he was able to create more time, money and resources for his teams, something we all strive to do! About Leeron Liftik Leeron Liftik is a dog trainer and behaviour specialist with a background in shelter and rescue environments. Their work focuses on understanding canine behaviour in high-stress contexts and improving outcomes for dogs through evidence-based training and assessment. Leeron has worked closely with shelters, trainers, and welfare organisations to support safer handling, better adoption matches, and reduced relinquishment. With a strong interest in the role of data in animal welfare, Leeron advocates for practical, ethical use of behavioural information to inform decision-making across the rescue sector. Driven by a commitment to both compassion and clarity, Leeron’s approach bridges hands-on training experience with behavioural science to help dogs and the people supporting them. Links Sourdough video! https://fb.watch/ECmzYwLKEv/?fs=e

    50 min
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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Shelter and Rescue can be difficult environments for workers and the animals in their care. This podcast, hosted by Tom Candy BSc (Hons) MSC CCAB, CSBS, CDBC. Brings together some of the leaders in the field of animal behaviour to discuss practical tips and tricks that can be utilised by shelter workers, volunteers or anyone with an interest in animal sheltering or rescue. The podcast aims to bring high quality education, to improve behaviour and welfare of animal using up to date thinking and methodologies.

Information

  • Creator
    Simplifying Shelter Behaviour
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Simplifying Shelter Behaviour
  • Show Website
    Simplifying Shelter Behaviour

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