Length: 0:56:44
Download MP3 (26.0MB)
(To save MP3 file, right click and select 'Save Target As')
Greyfriars hydro-therapy
Greyfriars in the UK is a rehabilitation and hydro-therapy referral centre. The centre does a much needed job of helping dogs with a variety of problems, and even healthy dogs can benefit from some water treatment.
In this interview Angela Griffiths talks about her work at Greyfriars, the dogs she has helped, and the close bond she forms with them.
In order to enhance dogs' enjoyment of their time in the water, Angela or another member of staff goes into the pool as well, and it's not unknown for owners to accompany their dog too.
Greyfriars have a website with more information.
Cold Wet Nose Show
The Cold Wet Nose Show was billed as the show with a sense of humour and a heart of gold, and also as the most fun a dog and his family cab have all year. It certainly was a terrific day out for humans and dogs, with displays, demonstrations, competitions and awards going on in the main ring, with fun games and training and shopping opportunities to hand as well.
Don't worry if you couldn't attend as we spoke to a variety of people who were there.
Bianca and Noah
One of the amazing dogs with a heart warming story who won an award is Bianca. She is a young Labrador who is being trained to work with a little boy called Noah.
At a very young age, Bianca has learned to alert Noah's parents when his blood sugar levels fall, which can happen frequently and without warning. Bianca is making a huge difference to a family's life, and she was a pleasure to meet. Claire Guest who is training Bianca told us all about this award-winning dog.
The Berkshire Search and Rescue Dogs
The Berkshire Search and Rescue Dogs put on a display in the main ring, and I spoke to Chairman Daryl Toogood about what the team actually does.
He told me how early dogs can start their training, and how long it usually takes to complete. He talked about how the dogs work, and the sort of environment in which they work.
To find out more about the team you can visit their website.
Dolly's Directive
Candy King lost her Jack Russell puppy four years ago, and despite the puppy having a microchip, they have still not been reunited. Candy turned her pain into a positive and launched Dolly's Directive, which seeks to make it a legal requirement that everyone who comes into contact with dogs, whether they are lost or not, scans them.
The effect of losing a dog can be devastating and Candy talks movingly about her missing dog and her mission to change the legal situation in the UK.
You can find out more about Dolly's Directive on the Dog Lost site.
Raised dog beds
How much thought do you give to what your dog sleeps on? Do you know the advantages that a raised bed can offer?
Katherine McKay was at the show offering the chance to try the beds out, and she told us the benefits of letting your dog sleep on one. Star tried them out and certainly looked comfortable enough!
To find out more visit the Original UK website.
Adolescent Dogs
Although Adolescent Dogs trains all ages of dogs from young puppies to older dogs, I talked to Jenny Trigg & Anna Read about a time that can be particularly trying - when your dog hits the teenage years.
What happens when your dog becomes a teenager, and how can you make the time as stress free as possible? You can emerge at the other end with your sanity and your relationship with your dog intact - so listen to some advice on how to manage that!
The relevant websites are Adolescent Dogs, and In the Dog House.
News
In the DogCast Radio News you can hear about the dangers of going out or staying in with your dog, the latest thing dogs are being taught to sniff out, and a dog who got in a flap when he tried to be a copycat.
Fiction
In our fiction feature, The Kitchen Dog, you can hear about a dog who isn't happy with his life.