Sit, Paws and Listen

Will Hodgetts
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Welcome to Sit, Paws & Listen This is the podcast that brings together breeders, vets, trainers, behaviourists and real dog owners to unpack the messy, magical reality of life with dogs, from first days to forever. Your dog didn’t come with a manual, this is the next best thing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 5d ago

    The Future of Dog Breeding: Health, Welfare & the Innate Health Assessment with Vanessa Barnes

    Welcome to Sit, Paws and Listen with Will Hodgetts In this episode Will is joined by animal welfare lawyer and policy expert Vanessa Barnes to explore the future of responsible dog breeding and the importance of putting health before appearance. Vanessa explains the Innate Health Assessment (IHA), a free, ten-point visual assessment designed to help breeders, vets, owners and regulators identify physical traits linked to poor welfare, including breathing difficulties, restricted mobility and problems caused by extreme conformation. The conversation explores why the goal isn't to ban breeds, but to reduce exaggerated features and preserve healthier dogs for future generations. They discuss flat-faced breeds, eye and tail abnormalities, merle genetics, caesarean dependence, responsible breeding, consumer choice and the challenges facing regulators. With nearly 1,700 dogs already assessed, the IHA is gaining momentum in the UK and internationally, Connect with Vanessa Barnes and IHA: Vanessa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-barnes-7a6a2840 IHA: LinkedIn Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Future of Dog Breeding: Health, Welfare & the Innate Health Assessment with Vanessa Barnes

  2. Aug 20

    Force-Free Dog Training: Why Kindness Works with Sarah Rutten

    Welcome to Sit, Paws and Listen with Will Hodgetts What if better behaviour starts with better communication? This week Will is joined by Australian canine behaviourist and author Sarah Rutten, who has more than 20 years of experience helping people understand their dogs through force-free, reward-based training. Sarah explains what force-free training really means and why using food, play, patience and positive reinforcement can create stronger relationships between dogs and their guardians. They explore why punishment and aversive tools such as choke chains, prong collars and shock collars can often increase fear, reactivity and aggression rather than address the root of the problem. The conversation also looks at the importance of puppy socialisation, particularly during those crucial early weeks, and why skills such as recall should be introduced from the beginning. Sarah challenges common myths around dominance, pack hierarchy and the idea that dogs are simply “badly behaved”, explaining how many behaviour issues actually come down to communication. They also discuss the impact of keeping puppies isolated until vaccinations are complete, lessons from the rise of pandemic “COVID dogs”, Sarah’s books and AI-assisted training app, and the wider ethics of how we choose to train our pets. Ultimately, this is a conversation about changing the way we see our dogs, from animals that need controlling to intelligent, social beings that deserve understanding, structure and compassion. Because sometimes the best way to improve your dog’s behaviour is simply to understand them better. Connect with Sarah Rutten & The Canine Perspective Facebook: The Canine Perspective Free Facebook Community: The Canine Perspective Community LinkedIn: Sarah Rutten on LinkedIn The Canine Perspective App: Access the app Book: The Canine Perspective: Force-Free Methods for Pawtential — available on Amazon UK: Buy the book on Amazon Website: The Canine Perspective Sarah works with clients all around the world, offering online programmes and support, meaning distance is no barrier to accessing The Canine Perspective. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Force-Free Dog Training: Why Kindness Works with Sarah Rutten

  3. Aug 6

    Honouring Our Four-Legged Heroes: Supporting Retired Service Animals with Lady Bathurst

    Welcome to Sit, Paws and Listen with Will Hodgetts Behind every police dog, military dog, prison dog, and service horse is a remarkable story of loyalty, courage, and sacrifice. But what happens when their working life comes to an end? In this inspiring episode, Will Hodgetts is joined by Lady Bathurst, founder of the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA), to discuss the incredible work the charity does in supporting retired service animals and the people who cared for them throughout their careers. From covering unexpected veterinary costs to providing emotional support for handlers, Lady Bathurst shares the powerful mission behind the charity and why these animals deserve the very best retirement after dedicating their lives to protecting ours. Why this episode matters: Service animals dedicate their lives to protecting our communities, often placing themselves in harm's way alongside their handlers. Yet once they retire, many still require specialist care, ongoing medical treatment, and financial support. This episode shines a light on the extraordinary work of the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals and reminds us that while these animals may finish their service, they should never be forgotten. Whether you're a dog lover, work in emergency services, or simply want to hear an inspiring story of compassion and commitment, this is an episode that celebrates the heroes we don't always see. Connect With Lady B and the NFRSA: NFRSA: https://www.instagram.com/nfrsa_official?igsh=ZTVxd2g4NThybTUy Lady Bathurst: https://www.instagram.com/cotswold_lady_b/?hl=en www.nfrsa.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Honouring Our Four-Legged Heroes: Supporting Retired Service Animals with Lady Bathurst

  4. Jul 16

    Breeding Better Dogs: The Future of Canine Welfare with Victoria Ellsmore

    Welcome to Sit, Paws and Listen with Will Hodgetts What does the future of responsible dog breeding really look like? In today's episode, Will is joined by Victoria Ellsmore to explore how science, education, and ethical breeding can improve the lives of dogs for generations to come. From healthier breed standards and genetic diversity to the influence of social media and advertising, Victoria explains why welfare should always come before appearance. Together, they discuss the challenges facing modern dog ownership and how collaboration across breeders, charities, researchers, and the pet industry can create lasting positive change. Whether you're a breeder, dog owner, or simply passionate about canine welfare, this is an essential conversation about shaping a healthier future for our four-legged companions. Connect With Victoria All Tails Media: https://www.instagram.com/alltailsmedia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Jul 2

    The Truth About Dog Nutrition: Expert Feeding Advice from Laura Ward

    Welcome to Sit, Paws and Listen with Will Hodgetts What should you really be feeding your dog? With so much conflicting advice around kibble, raw feeding, wet food, and homemade diets, it can be difficult to know what's best. Joining Will in the studio today is pet nutritionist Laura Ward, founder of Rewarding Pet Nutrition, to separate fact from fiction and uncover the science behind a healthy, balanced diet. From understanding why Labradors always seem hungry to exploring the gut-brain connection, Laura shares practical, evidence-based advice to help owners make confident decisions about their dog's nutrition. Whether you're welcoming a new puppy or looking to improve your dog's long-term health, this episode is packed with expert guidance every dog owner should know. Connect with Laura Ward & Rewarding Pet Nutrition Website: Rewarding Pet Nutrition LinkedIn (Company): Rewarding Pet Nutrition LinkedIn (Laura Ward): Laura Ward Instagram: @rewardingpetnutrition Facebook: Rewarding Pet Nutrition YouTube: Rewarding Pet Nutrition Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. May 21

    PetScribers: The Future of Veterinary Prescriptions with Dr. Angela Jones

    Welcome to Sit, Paws and Listen with Will Hodgetts Will Hodgetts sits down with Dr. Angela Jones, founder of PetScribers, to explore how technology is reshaping the future of veterinary care and pet prescriptions. From reducing admin pressure on vets to helping pet owners make more informed and affordable choices, Dr. Jones shares how PetScribers is bringing greater transparency, efficiency, and accessibility into the world of animal healthcare. The conversation also dives into the risks of counterfeit medications online, the evolving role of AI in veterinary practice, and why trust and expertise still remain at the heart of great care. Whether you’re a pet owner, veterinary professional, or simply curious about innovation in healthcare, this episode offers an eye-opening look at where the industry is heading. For more information, please head to the below links: PetScribers: https://petscribers.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldviewdog/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. May 7

    Inside Dog Rescue: Trauma, Truth & Second Chances with Rachel Frost from Birmingham Dogs Home

    Welcome to Sit, Paws and Listen with Will Hodgetts In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Will Hodgetts is joined by Rachel Frost from Birmingham Dogs Home, who shares her 13-year journey on the frontline of dog rescue and welfare. From caring for traumatised and abused dogs to navigating the emotional toll of the job, Rachel offers an unfiltered look at what really goes on behind the scenes. This conversation sheds light on the resilience of rescue dogs, the dedication of those who care for them, and the vital role the public plays in supporting these life-saving organisations. If you’ve ever considered adopting, fostering, or simply want to understand the reality of dog rescue—this is an episode that will stay with you. For more information, please head to the below links: Birmingham Dogs Home: https://birminghamdogshome.org.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldviewdog/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Apr 23

    Trained to Transform: Inside the World of Autism Assistance Dogs

    Welcome to Sit, Paws and Listen with Will Hodgetts In this deeply moving and inspiring episode, Will sits down with Hilary from Dogs for Autism to explore the life-changing role of assistance dogs for individuals living with autism. From emotional regulation to increased independence, these highly trained dogs provide far more than companionship—they offer safety, confidence, and connection in ways that can transform entire families. Hilary shares her personal journey, the science behind scent detection, and the meticulous process of training and matching each dog to the right person. This is a powerful conversation that highlights just how extraordinary the bond between humans and dogs can be. For more information, please head to the below links: Dogs for Autism: https://dogsforautism.org.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldviewdog/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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About

Welcome to Sit, Paws & Listen This is the podcast that brings together breeders, vets, trainers, behaviourists and real dog owners to unpack the messy, magical reality of life with dogs, from first days to forever. Your dog didn’t come with a manual, this is the next best thing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Will Hodgetts
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Will Hodgetts
  • Show Website
    Sit, Paws and Listen