Brain and Behaviour

• Episode 9 - Rethinking Reactivity with Jessica Wheatcraft

  Guest BioJessica Wheatcraft is a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant with over 20 years of experience in training and behaviour. She is the founder of Instinct Dog Behavior & Training in San Diego and specializes in helping dogs with fear, aggression, and reactivity. Jessica’s approach combines deep behavioural knowledge with a strong focus on coaching and supporting both dogs and their humans. She is also an instructor for the Aggression in Dogs Master Course and a mentor to trainers across the U.S.Episode SummaryIn this episode, Jessica Wheatcraft dives into the complex topic of canine reactivity, challenging the often rigid labels and protocols that dominate the conversation. She explains how many dogs who are labelled “reactive” are actually overwhelmed or underprepared for real-world environments. Jessica encourages trainers and guardians to zoom out, take stock of the whole picture, and ask better questions. Through real examples and compassionate insights, she shares how to approach reactivity not as a checklist of triggers to desensitize—but as a relationship to rebuild.Key Topics 1. Rethinking what “reactive” really means 2. Why labels can limit our understanding—and our progress 3. Emotional regulation, threshold, and the need for safety 4. How to assess and modify the dog’s whole environment, not just the trigger 5. The importance of slowing down and listening to what the dog is saying 6. Why human coaching is essential in reactivity cases 7. Building realistic, dog-centred support plans that evolve over timeTake-Home MessageReactivity isn’t just a behaviour to fix—it’s a message to understand. Helping these dogs means listening closely, zooming out, and supporting both ends of the leash with patience, clarity, and compassion.Call to ActionYou can follow Jessica and her team at instinctsandiego.com or on Instagram at @instinctsandiego. For more learning, visit abklearn.co.uk.More information:Website: https://animalbehaviourkent.co.ukABK Learn Platform: https://www.abklearn.co.ukYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@animalbehaviourkent261Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalbehaviourkentFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalbehaviourkentTwitter (X): https://x.com/AnimalKentFor more on evidence-based training, canine behaviour science, or upcoming events, visit animalbehaviourkent.co.uk or explore our learning platform at abklearn.co.uk.Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].

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• Episode 8 – Marketing and Messaging – Andre Yeu

  Guest BioAndre Yeu is a highly successful dog trainer and entrepreneur. As the founder of When Hounds Fly Dog Training, he's grown his business to over seven figures in annual revenue with five locations and a team of over 20. His expertise has also led him to become a Karen Pryor Academy faculty member, where he shares his knowledge with aspiring trainers. Yeu is a sought-after speaker, delivering keynotes and talks at prominent industry conferences such as APDT, IAABC Foundation, and ClickerExpo. His passion for positive reinforcement training and dedication to building a thriving dog training business make him a respected figure in the dog training world.Episode SummaryIn this business-focused episode, Andre Yeu joins Daniel to explore the current challenges facing dog trainers in a declining market. He discusses why many professionals are struggling to attract and retain clients—and how shifting our communication, marketing, and mindset can help. Andre explains the “curse of knowledge,” the power of storytelling, and the importance of simplifying language to connect with clients more effectively. He also shares practical tips on balancing ethics and effectiveness in messaging, crafting impactful social media content, and using SEO and local marketing strategies to build credibility and visibility.

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• Episode 7 - Welfare and Working Dogs - Sally Dickinson

  Guest Bio:It all started as a kid working border collies on a sheep farm in northern England, Sally knew from a young age that animals, and dogs in particular, would be an enduring feature of her life.Now based out of northern Virginia, Sally recently completed 20 years of service as a firefighter / paramedic and technical rescue specialist, concurrent with training and working Search and Rescue dogs for local, national and international agencies. Perfecting the incredible work of today’s handler and preparing the work of tomorrow’s handler is a priority for Sally, who specializes in teaching SAR canine programs, combining operational experience and the evidence based training.The science of animal behavior and the wellbeing of working dogs is a passion for Sally. She is a graduate of the KPA Professional Dog Trainer program, University of Tennessee Certified Canine Fitness Trainer, and the University of Washington Animal Behavior program and is now continuing her formal education as a PhD candidate in Applied Animal Behavior focusing her research on working dogs and how physical conditioning affects field ability at Virginia Tech.Summary:Sally shares her journey from sheep farms to search and rescue, and how her experiences led her to pursue a PhD. The episode explores the impact of stress on working dogs and how physical and emotional conditioning influence performance and welfare. Sally offers a rare dual perspective: operational and scientific.The paper Sally discusses in this podcast has also recently been published - check it out here - Here is the link - https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1546412/fullWant to learn more from us? Check out our new online platform:https://www.brainandbehaviouracademy.co.uk/

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• Episode 6 - Rescue, Behaviour and Ethics – Tom Candy

  Tom Candy is a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist with extensive experience in rescue, welfare, and canine training. He holds a BSc in Bio-Veterinary Science and an MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour from the University of Lincoln. Starting in rescue at just 15 years old, Tom has since worked across rehoming centres as a Senior Training and Behaviour Advisor, supporting teams in managing complex behaviour cases. He’s also a Certified Canine and Shelter Behaviour Consultant with the IAABC, a faculty member at the Grisha Stewart Academy, and the founder of Simplifying Shelter Behaviour – a podcast and online platform dedicated to sharing evidence-based insights with rescue professionals.Episode SummaryIn this conversation, Tom delves deep into the behavioural and ethical complexities of working in dog rescue and rehoming. He shares stories from his frontline experience, discusses how to navigate misinformation in the training world, and provides a thoughtful take on difficult decisions like behavioural euthanasia. With a focus on compassion and practicality, Tom explains how rescue professionals can support dogs and their owners through judgement-free education, early intervention, and honest communication.Key Topics1. The reality of behaviour work in shelters and rescues2. How to handle misinformation and build trust with dog owners3. When and how to discuss behavioural euthanasia4. Ethical challenges in rescue and rehoming decisions5. Proactive solutions: early intervention, better adoption matches, and flexible support6. The impact of societal change, stress, and expectations on pet relinquishment7. Creating systemic support to prevent crisis points for dogs and their peopleTake-Home MessageEffective behaviour support in rescue is about meeting dogs and people where they are—without judgement. Success comes from trust, empathy, and helping everyone make informed, compassionate decisions.Call to ActionLearn more from Tom at Simplifying Shelter Behaviour on Facebook, Instagram, and podcast platforms. For more professional development, visit abklearn.co.uk.Join us at the ABK Conference 2025 on July 12–13 at the Ashford International Hotel, Kent, or via livestream from anywhere in the world. This year’s theme is “Raising Resilient Dogs”, featuring leading voices in dog behaviour, neuroscience, and welfare.Tickets and full agenda: animalbehaviourkent.co.uk/abk-conference-2025More informationWebsite: https://animalbehaviourkent.co.ukABK Learn Platform: https://www.abklearn.co.ukYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@animalbehaviourkent261Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalbehaviourkentFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalbehaviourkentTwitter (X): https://x.com/AnimalKentFor more on evidence-based training, canine behaviour science, or upcoming events, visit animalbehaviourkent.co.uk or explore our learning platform at abklearn.co.uk.Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].

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• Episode 5 - What Makes Dogs Tick? Genetics, Cognition and Personality - Katriina Tiira

  Dr. Katriina Tiira is a behavioural geneticist and the founder of SmartDog, a company offering scientific cognition and personality testing for dogs. She holds a PhD and has researched canine genetics and cognition for over 20 years.SummaryKatriina explains how cognitive traits and genetic differences influence dog behaviour. She introduces the SmartDog test system and discusses how trainers and breeders can use cognitive profiling in practical ways.Key Topics1. Genetics and personality in dog behaviour2. Testing cognition: methods and insights3. Breed differences and individual variation4. Using test results in training and breeding5. Supporting dogs with different cognitive profilesTake-Home MessageUnderstanding cognition helps us train and care for dogs in ways that match who they are—not just what they do.Call to ActionLearn more at smartdog.fi or visit abklearn.co.uk for professional development opportunities.Join us at the ABK Conference 2025 on July 12–13 at the Ashford International Hotel, Kent, or via livestream from anywhere in the world. This year’s theme is “Raising Resilient Dogs”, featuring leading voices in dog behaviour, neuroscience, and welfare.Tickets and full agenda: animalbehaviourkent.co.uk/abk-conference-2025More information:Website: https://animalbehaviourkent.co.ukABK Learn Platform: https://www.abklearn.co.ukYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@animalbehaviourkent261Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalbehaviourkentFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalbehaviourkentTwitter (X): https://x.com/AnimalKentFor more on evidence-based training, canine behaviour science, or upcoming events, visit animalbehaviourkent.co.uk or explore our learning platform at abklearn.co.uk.Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].

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