Barks from the Bookshelf

Howdy Bookshelvers!Let's go way back together to the uncertain times of 2020. When we launched this Podcast we never would have believed that we'd get to chat with so many amazing humans and least of all we never even dreamed we'd talk to our hero Patricia McConnell THREE TIMES. In yet another "pinch me" moment we have the absolute pleasure of talking to Patricia yet again! This time , however, it's all about her first dog-centric work of fiction, Away To Me. If your passions include a love for reading about dogs, mystery, solving murders and immersing yourself in the entangled lives of incredible characters, then look no further. We chat all things writing including how Patricia built the world inside the book. We talk about how education on dogs can be spread through stories and why story telling is a magic skill for communication. We talk about the power of voice when crossing the interspecies divide and much, MUCH more! Away To Me is on sale from February 24th 2026 from all good booky places and we just know our audience will love it.So kick back on a Wisconsin farm, gather your furry friends, brew yourself a cuppa, source a cowboy hat and delve on in. WOOF!

 Hey Bookshelvers. It’s been a minute! We hope you all had a fabulous holiday season and have attached yourself to your new year like a beagle tracks a scent! We are continuing our tradition of New year catch up episodes and today you get the full PACT team to giggle, ponder and wonder on past, present and future. Steve asked everyone four questions to prep for this recording:  What did 2025 teach you?  What are you most looking forward to this year?  What was your favourite book of 2025?  What book are you most looking forward to reading this year?  Who is your hero of 2025? So you’ll get to hear everyone’s answers share some laughter and memories but also dive into deeper reflections on their past experiences and future aspirations. Oh… and we have an exciting announcement as well.  Settle in grab a cuppa and see you on the other side. WOOF! 

How's Tricks Bookshelvers!?In this much-anticipated episode, Nat and Steve are finally joined by the amazing Suzanne Rogers (editor of Canine Behaviour in Mind) to discuss this essential book that’s been, criminally, flying under our radar since 2022 (especially as it features a chapter from our very own "Sista Behaviourista")!Suzanne discusses the fascinating process of curating a multi-author book, ensuring a cohesive, non-judgmental thread runs through every chapter, and why it's crucial to amplify voices that promote high animal welfare. We also have some very special guests peppered throughout.We dive into:The critical importance of a non-judgmental stance in dog training and behaviour work.Practical tips from co-author Nat's chapterThe concept of "sparking curiosity" (rather than just awareness) to drive genuine behaviour change.How to build "behavioural momentum" in training—for both dogs and their people.And, as mentioned above, absolute gold-standard audio contribution from many of the books contributors including pod friends Tamsin Durston and Amber Batson on making training practical and fun.If you are curious about applying behavioural science to your life with dogs, this episode is a must-listen!What are you waiting for? Woof away!LINKS:Buy Canine Behaviour In MindHuman Behaviour Change for Life PACT CTIC Dog Trainer Course

Word up BookshelversAs autumn has its chilly grip on us (at least here in the UK), you’ll be pleased to hear we have an episode for you as heart-warming an as a bowl of steaming soup about an equally wonderfully heart-warming book. This week Corrin and Steve have the pleasure of catching up with the awesome Diane Gollowitzer who is not only a good friend of ours but also a fabulous award winning photographer, trick trainer and now published author (WOOHOO). You'll here in this interview just how much Steve and Corrin LOVE her new book Muzzled and Misunderstood: Love Letter to my Muzzled Dog. This is, not only, a much needed book that tackles a taboo subject head on, but also a bona fide work of art in its own right. Using the power of Diane's breath taking imagery a weaving it with beautiful, honest and vulnerable "letters" written by the guardians to their own dogs: this book is as much a well needed life affirming lift, as it is a crucial text that challenges the status quo. Honestly if you love dogs, you'll love this book.On top of discussing the book in our normal book review style as well as talking to Diane herself, we also update everyone on the ongoing saga of Penguin and discuss the curious case of bedtime Brian Cox... If indeed it is him.Pop it straight in those lug holes... you know you want to.Links:Diane's website: https://www.dogsinfocusphotography.com/Diane's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogsinfocusphotography/Diane's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dogsinfocusphotography/Pre-order the book on Amazon: Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1910488747About the project: https://www.dogsinfocusphotography.com/muzzled-and-misunderstood/The Muzzle Project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_muzzle_project/

Hey There BookshelversSomething a little different for this week as the whole PACT team wanted to talk about what was, frankly, an amazing DogX 2025. Nat, Jay, Corrin and Steve discuss the challenges and triumphs faced by the team, the importance of community and connection, and the memorable moments from the event. We ponder on the purpose behind Dog X, the highlights of the conference, and the contributions of the unsung heroes who made it all possible. We also have little messages peppered through out that were caught by attendees and speakers alike throughout the day. Hope you enjoy! WOOF!DOGx InfoLink to our Bookstore

Hey There Lovely BookshelversToday we are thrilled to be joined by the amazing Becki Gude. Becki is a not only a full PACT Member but also a good friend of ours. Becki is affiliated with several outstanding training organisations and charities and specialises in training and assessing assistance dogs for people with various disabilities. Becki also serves on the board of Trustees for the Assistance Dog Assessment Association (ADAA). In this conversation we get an insight into the world of owner trained assistance dogs and what part the ADAA can play in setting standards and giving people the peace of mind that, not only is their dogs welfare covered, but they can perform the tasks needed to help mitigate disabilities in the real world. We also get to talk about Becki's love for day care and wonderful appearance on the telebox for Alan Titchmarsh's Underdog to Superdog. A fascinating conversation that had both Steve and Corrin riveted throughout... We know you're going to love it, feel inspired and know more about this fascinating world. Links:The Assistance Dog Assessment Association (ADAA)Becki's WebsiteBecki's Daycare Page (where if you scroll down to the bottom you'll find the painting party video we discussed)Becki's blog on DaycareWhere to watch Underdog to Superdog

Howdy there Bookshelvers. Autumn is approaching rapidly. And whilst you’re fishing out your pullovers and slurping "pumpkin spiced" everything we've got an absolute treat for you! This week we are thrilled to welcome the amazing Kay Attwood, author of Canine Cognitive Skills! Kay’s journey is interesting and inspiring in equal measure and we marvel at her passion and dedication to her craft. Among a whole load of amazing stories we hear how persistent students led her to get creative, leading to a profound discovery about cognitive skills and their application. We talk about how a trainer’s job evolves beyond basic obedience. We discuss kay’s "lightbulb moment" when she realized that asking dogs to think could solve problems that other training techniques alone couldn't touch. We delve into the concept of canine cognitive skills and find out how having owners bursting into laughter can also lead to them accidentally becoming better trainers! It’s an infectious mix of fun and science that has created incredible longevity in her classes—from playful puppies to calm senior dogs. Steve and Corrin also talk through the areas of the book that stand out as well as discussing a recent setback for poor little Penguin ☹ So come on in, get comfy, and get some joy and creativity in those eager lug holes.Links:Buy a copy of Kays book Find out all about Kays TrainingDOGx TicketsLink to the ATA Podcast discussed on the show

Howdy Bookshelvers It's been a long time coming but we’re back for a full on book review show (insert fanfare here). Nat and Steve delve into the expertly written and wonderfully cathartic the book "Old Dog, New Dog" by Kathy Callahan and Helen St. Pierre. The book looks at the joys, challenges and intricacies of our older and younger dogs and goes a long way to answering that old age question: Should we get a puppy as a companion for our older dog? As well as the usual deep dive sections we get to interview Kathy & Helen and discuss the importance of fostering a harmonious relationship between the old and the young, along with discovering how to promote a peaceful coexistence, and prepare and live through the emotional journey of caring for dogs at different life stages. Whether you're a seasoned dog owner or a new puppy parent, we hope this episode offers valuable guidance and heartfelt stories that resonate with every dog lover. On top of all that lovely stuff, Nat and Steve discuss dog centred horror movies, how to be mindful (or in Steve’s case how to be mindful about not being mindful) and Nat’s act of resistance. It’s all go gang… but all bloomin'great! Links:Buy Old Dog, New DogDOGx TicketsLink to our Bookstore

Hey, Hey, Hey Bookshelvers! This week we have another DOGx Special for you. We also have been graced with the presence of, the one and only, Jason Light as this topic is very close to his heart.  Every year we have a charity slot at DOGx and this year we’ve managed to get the wonderful Guide Dogs to do a presentation and demo for us. With that in mind we thought it would be wonderful to have Elli Cavazza, a puppy development advisor for Guide Dogs and Mandy Pike, a guide dog user with her dog, Loney on to talk all things Guide Dogs from both perspectives.   The discussion provides a fascinating peek into the world of Guide Dogs, going beyond the public-facing image to explore the detailed, dog-centred approach to training. We find out about Elli’s role, which involves training puppy-raisers and ensuring puppies are well-socialized and prepared for their future, as well as Guide Dogs passionate views on their dog-centric and human-centric approach working in unison. We then get Mandy's perspective as a guide dog partner. She shares her journey, from her initial hesitation as a self-proclaimed "cat person" to her profound bond with her current dog, Lonnie. Mandy openly discusses the challenges and triumphs of working with a dog that is a "work in progress," highlighting the importance of trust, communication, and understanding Loney as an individual first and a guide dog second. There are also some real valuable insights from both Ellie and Mandy for the general public. Enjoy!  Links:Find out more about Guide DogsDOGx TicketsLink to our Bookstore

Ahoy There Bookshevers!We hope this episode finds you well and sat next to fluffy companion. Get yourselves ready for an absolute treat, Bookshelvers! We’re thrilled to welcome back the incredible author and illustrator, Lili Chin, for a deep dive into her latest masterpiece, "Dogs of the World." It's been a whopping 5 years since we last got to chat with Lili so lot's to catch up on and this book is an absolute gem! We get chatting about:Unpacking the myths that hold us back from seeing dogs as individuals, exploring why breed essentialism can be a disservice to our companions.Tackle the tough stuff, including the ethical considerations of language in dog literature and the impact of AI on art and business.Get lost in the details of what makes Lili's art so powerful and how her unique perspective as an artist, shapes her work.Delve into the nuances of landraces, village dogs, and how the concept of "breed" is more about human culture than canine biology.We also put Lili to the test with an impromptu game and get her book recommendations... Go on... Get involved... You know you want to!Links:Lili Chin's Website: https://doggiedrawings.net/Lili Chin's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doggiedrawings/?hl=enLili Chin's Books: https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/collections/author-books-by-lili-chinEd Yong's "An Immense World": https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/immense-world-book-ed-yong-9781529112115DOGX 2025 Tickets: https://www.pact-dogs.com/dogx2025