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Interviewing and information

This weekend’s episode of DogCast Radio – episode 76 – is now available. It includes the interview with Lady Margaret Flack that I talked about in the post, “Puppy farming in the UK”. It also includes an interview with David Frei, (http://www.davidfrei.com/) co-host of the National Dog Show sponsored by Purina. (http://www.nationaldogshow.com/)

In the early days of DogCast Radio, I would get nervous before every interview, worrying what I would say, what they would say, and about technical difficulties that might arise. Now, having done so many interviews, it’s more of a routine, and I am a lot calmer. However, I was nervous about talking to David Frei, simply because he is a television personality. Shallow I know, but there you go.

I have found the best antidote to nerves is to know my subject. So I researched the show and David thoroughly, and had many questions ready. In the event, David was very charming, and a pleasure to talk to. He talked about how dogs qualify for the show, how they progress at the show, what judges are looking for, and he explained a few show terms. On that subject, I found a very useful glossary of show terms at the Purina site. (http://www.purina.com/resources/nds/viewersguide/index.html)

David also talked about his own dogs. He has had great show success with both his Afghan Hounds, and Brittany Spaniels. His Spaniels are also qualified therapy dogs, and David finds that aspect of life with his dogs extremely rewarding. David is the co-author of The Angel By My Side, the story of Dakota, a brave service dog.

During my research, one thing that intrigued me is that there are only six benched dog shows in the US each year, the National Dog Show being one of them. It surprised me as they are much more common in the UK, and I had assumed that to be the case elsewhere. The more I realise I don’t know about dogs and the dog world yet, the more I want to find out, so I suppose I am in the right job where I get to meet and question dog experts and owners.

And if you don’t know what a benched show is, check out that glossary and start extending your dog knowledge!

Take care,

Julie x

Sharing

273 - dog parkour and dog news discussion

Dog trainer Emma Hendy explains how Dog Parkour can help your bond with your dog, and give you both a new mindset. Julie gives her opinion on some dog news stories which caught her attention.

189 - The Dog Healers and War Dogs Remembered

In this episode you can hear Mark Winik talk about his debut novel, The Dog Healers, and listen to Julia Robertson explain why she founded the charity War Dogs remembered. Plus there's the DogCast Radio News, and what Mischief the German Spitz puppy has been up to.

188 - Service Dogs UK and Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home

In this episode you can hear about Service Dogs UK, a fantastic charity which trains assistance dogs to support veterans of any service - military personnel, police, firefighters, paramedics and the coastguard - who develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to their job. Also, listen to Dr Jody A Dean, a clinical psychologist talk about how her book, Roxie the Doxie finds her Forever Home, is helping children understand and talk about adoption and other family issues. Plus the DogCast Radio News and some thoughts on the alpha dog myth.

187 - Muffins Halo and Chorley Fun Dog Show

In this episode you can hear about Muffin's Halo for Blind Dogs, and what motivates people to enter their dog in a fun dog show. In the DogCast Radio News, listen to stories about the latest dog related research. Plus there's a new member of the DogCast Radio team!

186 - Maxwell Muir on wolves

In this episode you can hear trainer, behaviourist, writer, broadcaster and wolf expert Maxwell Muir talk about what wolves mean to him personally, their plight in a modern world, and his hopes for their future. Plus we have the DogCast Radio News.