DogCast Radio episode guide

Cindy Scott on socialisation and toilet training and Imogen Holt on dog counselling.

Divorce is affecting more and more couples, and consequently it is affecting more and more dogs.
Jennifer Keene is an experienced dog trainer who has been through a divorce involving dogs, and has put what she has learned to great use by writing the book We Can't Stay Together for the Dogs. This book is full of useful advice and practical suggestions to help anyone contemplating or going through divorce.
Splitting up can be an extremely stressful and difficult time, there are many pitfalls to get caught in, and of course it's a time when communication can be fraught. If there are dogs involved they can pick up on the tension surrounding them, they can be affected by the loss of part of their pack (be it human or canine) and they can have difficulty adjusting to new routines. Jennifer has help for anyone coping with any of these problems, and ways to make the process as pain free as possible.

The Border Collie is a well known and loved breed, and Barbara Sykes is a well known and respected Border Collie expert.
Barbara was born surrounded by Border Collies, developed her own training techniques called TLC - Thinking Like Canines, and has competed at international level in the male dominated sheepdog trialling world. She has also trained dogs for television work, and has international clients seeking her behavioural advice.
Barbara has founded the Freedom of Spirit Trust for Border Collies which seeks among other things, to support existing Border Collie owners, educate the public about the breed, and find homes for Collies in need. In this interview Barbara's knowledge of and love for the breed that is her passion shines out.

In the DogCast Radio News, you can hear about fireworks affecting dogs in Australia, the dog who swallowed a Cane toad, the dangers of dogs and driving, and one family who got more than they bargained for when they took in two strays.

Host Julie talks about how the Kennel Club is leading the way in the UK in reacting to the arrival of the hire a dog company Flexpetz, as well as a European Union ruling about dogs in kitchens. Plus did you hear about he trampolining dog? No - well listen up!

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Hear J. F. Englert talk about his book A Dog About Town, more of Breed specific legislation, and fiction from author Winfred Peppinck.

In this episode we focus on rescue dogs. Susan Daffron talks about many of the issues that accompany giving a dog a much deserved second chance - starting with perhaps the most fundamental question of why it's good to adopt a dog from a shelter.

All dog lovers enjoy a rescue dog story with a happy ending, and Louisa Adams book has sixty of them. The book is published by Angela Patchell, and in this interview Angela tells the story of three of the dogs included in Caring For Your Rescue Dog.

Sometimes of course, taking on a rescue dog isn't a straight forward matter. The Sweet Spot is a beautiful and thought provoking short story from Shawndra Miller.

The DogCast Radio News includes some of the latest dog related research. Larry Kurdek, a Professor Wright State University, has conducted a study looking at how close we are to our dogs, compared with how close we are to other family members.

If you haven't read "Merle's Door" by Ted Kerasote, you've missed out on a treat. This is an amazing book that tells the story of a man and a dog living in harmony.

Ted met Merle when the dog was around ten months, and living wild in the Utah desert. Ted was on vacation taking a river trip, and Merle ended up travelling down the river with him and his friends. At the end of the trip a bond had been formed, and Merle accompanied Ted back to Wyoming.

Ted's home in Kelly is in the middle of a national park, and the dogs living there are afforded freedom which would be impractical in most areas. Having lived alone, Merle had become independent, and wanted to come and go on his own timetable. To enable this, Ted installed a dog door - Merle's door. Man and dog could then develop their own routine.

Crufts 2008 was a celebration of all things dog, and in this show we bring you interviews with dog owners, organisations and product developers.
Crufts is spread over several halls at the Birmingham NEC, and there's so much more to it than just the show rings - although they are fascinating.
The opportunities to find out about different dog breeds, different tasks dogs can complete and abilities they have, and to see countless dog related products just go on and on.

Graeme Sims is a trainer, shepherd, artist and retired vicar who can work up to nine Border Collies simultaneously, each in a different languae - he talks about his new book, The Dog Whisperer.
Crufts 2008 was a great platform for many to get their dog related message out, we talked to Neil Morrissey and Victoria Stilwell among others.
The DogCast Radio News includes a chart hit only dogs can hear, and host Julie considers just why some of us get so attached to one specific breed.

Lloyd Aguero is an innovative dog trainer who uses socialisation in training classes, and rehabilitates dogs through Project Heart. Dr Paula Terifaj is passionately opposed to breed specific legislation, and she sets out the reasons why.
DogCast Radio News covers identical dogs and a dog who is one in a million.
Hear a review of The Diplomatic Dog of Barbados, how one brave youngster reacted to the poisoning of her dogs, and how Trover Coats are helping dogs in need.

Experienced trainer Pam Dennison almost met her match with Border Collie Shadow, whom she has helped to overcome agression problems.
Dr Paula Terifaj has some excellent advice on how to improve your dog's diet.
Author Bernard Cartwright reads an extract of The Knocknobbler, catch up with the latest DogCast Radio News, and hear about some music specially for dog lovers, and a great new dog book.