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Dogs. They’re companions, guardians, and much much more – they complete us. And they just might save us from ourselves. Anna Webb explores all levels of modern dog ownership and brings to life why every dog is extraordinary. She speaks to scientists and experts - people who have and are changing our understanding of dogs - on everything from emotional intelligence to nutrition to behaviour, delving deep into subjects like homeopathy, telepathic communication and the pet food scandal. It's thought provoking, alternative, and not a little subversive. Cover photo by @Gruffpawtraits
We’re joined by Caroline Alupo, a canine behavioural consultant with 18 years experience and a master's degree in Ethology.
Specialising in PTSD in dogs, Caroline and I discuss how trauma affects dogs just as it does people. How dogs communicate their stress in different contexts and how to help overcome their fears. We chat about how science concurs children are deeply affected in some cases losing their imagination.
We talk about diagnostic tools, prognosis and how tore-balance your dog. In the process we discuss how the bond between you and your dog gets stronger through building communication, focus, and trust.
Discussing how emotional intelligence is now recognised in dogs, Caroline’s study underlines the importance of compassion and understanding that every dog is an individual. We chat about episodic memory and why contexts (similar to in people) can trigger reactions in dogs.
Caroline is also the co-founder of the dog app called Petli. As a new and really useful App, I’m very excited to shout about it, and recommend that everyone takes a look.
I know how many of us are intimidated by dog training classes, worry we might be the worst in the room, anticipate reactions from your dog and more.
That’s part of the reason why Petli is so good - it offers pet parents the chance to train their dogs in their own time, either to practice in-between training classes, or to top up your training in an older dog. The App is skilfully designed to put the fun back into dog training. It takes steps very slowly in precise increments, so your dog learns the cues and you learn to become adept at understanding your own individual dogs limits of concentration, and of course what works best as the reward.
Check out the Petli APP here and follow them on Instagram
If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge
For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk
Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions
Cover art by Jaijo
Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits
This week we’re joined by Ira Moss, CEO of All Dogs Matter, London’s independent re-homing charity.
We discuss the situation in rescue with XL Bully types, being abandoned since the news of the XL Bully imminent ban. Ira explains that when the breed is banned it will be illegal for rescues to re-home these dogs and they will face euthanasia.
One of Ira’s bugbears is buying dogs online, as a recently new phenomenon which are a shop window for puppy farmers and make it far too easy for anyone to buy a dog. And sell them when the dog is wanted.
We talk about French Bulldogs and why ADM is overloaded with ex breeding bitch Frenchies, and others that have behavioural issues making them undesirable and abandoned. We agree that so much needs to be changed in the world of dogs, where pooches have become commodities and the ‘must-have' accessory.
We also chat about cats and how they’re being abandoned with cat rescues also full to the brim!
Support All Dogs Matter here or follow them on Instagram
Join Doghood, the new dog community app.
If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.
If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge
For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk
Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions
Cover art by Jaijo
Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits
This week we’re joined by Broadcaster and inspirational personality, Timmy Alexis Carrington-Ward, and his CockaPoo called Bosley. We chat about how dogs have helped Timmy through bouts of depression, and why since childhood Timmy has been passionate about dogs. We talk about the journey that is a lifetime with a dog. Highlighting how it's important to bring another dog into your life, as he did after his first Cockapoo, Archie-Rio, crossed the bridge. We discuss Psychics and some paranormal experiences, which Timmy is proud to embrace as being normal. We talk about Bosley and in being completely different in personality to Archie has brought with him some challenges! So we talk about some of his quirks and how best manage them and train new cues that should pre-empt unwanted behaviours. And we chat about Timmy’s chat show with a difference! Its called 'Here She Is’ - its an eclectic mix of sketches, stand up, celebrity guests, song, and dance. And well worth checking out on YouTube.
Follow on Instagram
Join Doghood, the new dog community app.
If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.
If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge
For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk
Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions
Cover art by Jaijo
Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits
We’re joined by Vet and Environmentalist, Andrew Prentis, who joins us the day after 2023 was declared the hottest day on record. We discuss why pet ownership should become more sustainable. Referencing that a Labrador emits more C02 in its lifetime than an average 4 x 4, and the fact that dogs and cats consume 20% of the world’s meat supply. Highlighting that pets help with companionship, physical exercise, mindfulness, and so much more, that surely the carbon paw-print is sustainable from a societal perspective compared to air travel, buildings’ emissions, and industry. Andrew postulates that dogs and cats could become Vegan, and that its time to choose smaller dog breeds. We also discuss the ’Terrier Tax’ where treats, chews and accessories for small dogs are often priced the same as for bigger dog versions - a smart move by food firms? Do we need all these accessories for dogs? Is capitalism getting in the way of pets’ welfare and the need to shift to more sustainable options?
More about Andrew
Join Doghood, the new dog community app.
If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.
If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge
For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk
Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions
Cover art by Jaijo
Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits
This week David Vozar joins us to talk about his inspirational Chippy - the little white 'webtoon' pup who has spread joy, kindness, and positivity to billions of people globally for over a decade in the world of GIFs.
David is Chippy’s official ’scribbler and draws on his memories of his childhood dog. After many years working in publishing he returned to his true love of drawing and taught himself animation. In an effort to push back on all the negativity in social media he thought that bringing Chippy each day with messages of unconditional love would resonate with people.
David continues to live in New Jersey and has worked in publishing for more than forty years. He has three picture books for children including, Yo! Hungry Wolf, M.C. Turtle and the Hip Hop Hare and RAPunzel, all illustrated by Betsy Lewin. His first two Chippy the Dog books, If Chippy Was Your Dog and 100 Ways to Love You, were self-published and is thrilled with the new editions as well as a new daily Chippy calendar coming from Sourcebooks in October.
The book If Chippy Was Your Dog
Chippy's Instagram and Linktree
If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.
If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge
For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk
Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions
Cover art by Jaijo
Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits
This week we’re joined by Animal Psychologist, Dr Roger Mugford, discussing the recent ban of the American XL Bully. We chat about Dr Roger’s experience in 1991 when the knee jerk Dangerous Dogs Act legislation was introduced. Designed to keep the public safe from dog bites and incidents, evidence is clear that the law has simply not worked. Dog bites increase to rise, at a record high earlier this year, up 34% since 2019, and with 18 deaths caused by dogs in the past 18 months. The XL Bully being accountable for eight of these tragic mortalities. Government's decision to ban the the XL Bully type is a massive concern as Dr Roger explains, the XL Bully is a ’designer crossbreed’, a mix of four or five different breeds. Therefore they vary in size, head shape, ear carriage and a mix of a boxer crossed Labrador could be mistaken for one of this ‘type’. Hundreds of innocent dogs could be ‘seized’ and separated from their owners until proved by DNA either not guilty or euthanised. Also these ‘types’ are now being abandoned to rescues that imminently are not able to re-home dogs as defined by the DDA, meaning these dogs will be put to sleep. As Dr Roger reiterates having been an Expert Witness for hundreds of dogs in court, banning a breed is not the solution, the only way forward is better accountability for dogs through education and regulating ownership. Dogs are man’s best friend and should not be discriminated against by how the look, or pay the price for inexperienced owners or those exploiting a dogs’ strength for illegal dog fighting and intimidation.
Visit their website Company of Animals or Instagram
If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.
If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge
For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk
Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions
Cover art by Jaijo
Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits
Sponsorship or advertising opportunities: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com
This week we're joined once again to friend of the show, Esther Logue, from Paleo Ridge. Anna and Esther talk about how a raw food diet helps your dog with health and behaviour issues and lays to rest some misnomers around raw food.
If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.
If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge
For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk
Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions
Cover art by Jaijo
Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits
Sponsorship or advertising opportunities: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com
This week we’re joined by Lady Bathurst of Cirencester Park. Lady B is the founder of The National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA).
Lady B discusses why she launched this charity to help all service dogs and horses in their retirement. Raising funds so that the charity can help with vet bills, and make their golden years really golden after serving the public so bravely.
Having celebrated the charity’s first birthday a few months ago, Lady Bathurst will be departing on 13th September for 3 weeks - cycling from Lands End to John O'Groats. Accompanied along the way by a number of well known celebrities including the Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York who is Patron of the charity.
Other famous names including Ben Miller, Minnie Driver, Dr Dawn Harper, David Gower, Nick Knowles, Lisa Maxwell and many other will be.joining Lady B along the way. We chat about the grueling training program, the route and why she is determined to hit the demanding mileages everyday!
We discuss other ways of fundraising including the charity’s annual calendar and simple ways to raise much needed funds. We also chat about Lady B’s own massive passion for all animals, but especially Cocker Spaniels.
We urge you to support Lady B and help retired service animals!
Visit the website or Twitter or Instagram
If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.
If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge
For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk
Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions
Cover art by Jaijo
Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits
Sponsorship or advertising opportunities: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com
This week we’re joined by Niall Harbison talking about his book, Hope, which is about how Thailand’s street dogs taught him the meaning of life! Originally from Tyrone, Niall moved to Thailand after selling his marketing and PR company. He now lives in the countryside, where he spends his days feeding and looking after thousands of street dogs he comes across. We chat about individual dogs that have made their mark on Niall’s heart, and why even in the toughest moments, the dogs have given Niall hope to carry on. After all everybody deserves a second chance!
Buy the book here
Donate to Niall's charity here
Instagram: @niall.harbison
Twitter: @NiallHarbison
If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.
If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge
For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk
Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions
Cover art by Jaijo
Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits
This week we’re joined by the amazing animal lover Lucy Meggeson to talk about her cat called Johnny Depp. On the rare, yet significant appearance of a cat on A DOG’S LIFE, is to celebrate cats and pay tribute to Anna’s late cat, Gremlin, but also to talk about Anna’s and Lucy’s mutual connection, which is Johnny Depp.
Lucy's own ground breaking podcast - Spinsterhood Reimagined - dares to investigate the elusive yet secretly celebrated world of Spinsterhood. What it means and its growth as arguably a very cool demographic. More importantly why Spinsterhood is growing and how Lucy helps empower women in a world where conventional ‘almost Victorian’ values are increasingly misplaced.
We discuss all the animals who have impacted on Lucy since childhood, and why her cat, Johnny, fulfills some inner nurturing instinct. We also discuss why Spinsterhood could be enviable for some, and chat about the episode Anna recorded with Lucy revealing her meeting with Johnny Depp one evening in Soho.
The Spinsterhood Re-imagined podcast
If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.
If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo Ridge
For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk
Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions
Cover art by Jaijo
Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits
Amanda is a wife. A mother. A blogger. A Christian.
A charming, beautiful, bubbly, young woman who lives life to the fullest.
But Amanda is dying, with a secret she doesn’t want anyone to know.
She starts a blog detailing her cancer journey, and becomes an inspiration, touching and
captivating her local community as well as followers all over the world.
Until one day investigative producer Nancy gets an anonymous tip telling her to look at Amanda’s
blog, setting Nancy on an unimaginable road to uncover Amanda’s secret.
Award winning journalist Charlie Webster explores this unbelievable and bizarre, but
all-too-real tale, of a woman from San Jose, California whose secret ripped a family apart and
left a community in shock.
Scamanda is the true story of a woman whose own words held the key to her secret.
New episodes every Monday.
Follow Scamanda on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
Amanda’s blog posts are read by actor Kendall Horn.
