In this show we grapple with some of the really problematic areas of training. Cindy Scott is an experienced trainer who gives her advice on two subjects that she finds most owners need help with. The first is socialisation. It is vital for your dog's development to give him experience of as many environments as possible as early as possible. This can be difficult, because this is at an age when most puppies haven't completed their vaccinations, but Cindy has some advice on what to do, as well as how to approach things with an older dog. The second subject she has advice for is toilet training. Surely house breaking a dog is something all dog owners have to try hard with - some of us more than others! Don't despair though, as Cindy can help you get it right. For more of Cindy Scott's excellent advice you can read her book Zen Chien - and in this interview she explains exactly what the term Zen Chien implies.

Imogen Holt is a dog counsellor who works with people as well dogs and specialises in bereavement counselling. She approaches her cases with a different attitude from many trainers, and has a special insight in to the way our behaviour affects our dogs'. In many situations, she ends up working on the human's problems rather than the dog's as the dog is reading his person and adjusting his behaviour accordingly. It can be such a comfort when we are in tune with our dogs, but such a disadvantage for them if our issues spoil their quality of life, and Imogen shares some of the partnerships she has helped steer back to a healthy balance. There is a lot of information as well as a message board on Imogen's Work Wonders website.

In the DogCast Radio News you can hear about one woman's amazing efforts to save dogs in China, how weather caused problems for a Rottweiler in America, and life for dogs in Wales won't be so shocking anymore.

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!

The death of your dog can be incredibly difficult to deal with. In this episode we talk to author Melisa Wells about her book Remembering Ruby, which aims to help families cope with the loss of their beloved dog. Remembering Ruby was inspired by Melisa's own experiences with her Beagle Bijoux. Melisa and her family worked through their grief, and her book contains suggestions to help other families do the same. A lovely aspect of the book is that the illustrations are Melisa's family photographs, telling Bijoux's story. Melisa now shares her home with another Beagle, and she talks about what it's like to move on, and how different her new companion is from Bijoux.

Something that can help ease the pain of losing your dog is creating a memorial to him, and talking about him. Richard Seale tells us about his website where owners can do just that. The site, A Pet Cemetery, allows members to pay tribute to their passed over pet, and to offer comfort to others in the same position. Richard talks about the various features of the site, and what inspired it.

Have you heard the story of the Poodle Martyrs in the UK? Jill's Standard Poodles escaped from her garden during their late night toilet break. On the same night there was an attack on a nearby flock of sheep. Although the Poodles came home clean, and no evidence was found against them, they were taken into custody. Jill and her family were not allowed to visit, or even to know where the dogs were being kept. Eventually the dogs were allowed home, but Jill and her partner Peter had the threat of a court case against them, which could have resulted in bankrupcy. We find out from Jill what the latest developments are, and she has a stark warning for British dog owners.

In the DogCast Radio News, we hear about rescue dogs with a difference, entertaining dogs, and old dogs. And there's an appeal for help from the dog's old adversary - the mailman!

A Dog About Town is written by J. F. Englert is the first novel in the Bull Moose Dog Run Mystery series. The book's narrator is a charming and highly intelligent Labrador called Randolph. When his owner Harry is faced with various dilemmas and dangers, including murder, it falls to Randolph to help him sort things out. Add to this the fact that Harry girlfriend - Harry's beloved owner - has also mysteriously disappeared, and you'll see Randolph is a dog with a lot to cope with. Randolph carries it all off splendidly, and even offers a glimpse into the world of an urban dog along the way. In this interview Englert talks about his first novel, and his second, A Dog Among Diplomats, in which Randolph finds himself in even greater danger.

The fact that Englert is a dog lover, with experience of living with dogs shines through in his writing. Hear him talk about the laid back Labrador who shares his life, and how she came into his life. We have two copies of A Dog About Town, and to win one all you have to do is email us telling us the name of the canine narrator of the books. At the end of June we will select two entries at random and mail the book out to you. Good luck!

Our fiction feature this week is a short story entitled The Ship of The Desert. The story is written and read by The Diplomatic Dog of Barbados author Winfred Peppinck. DD is living in Bahrain as the story takes place, and he has some encounters with strange humped animals; but are they friend or foe? The book The Diplomatic Dog of Barbados tells DD's rags to riches story. From humble beginnings as a cane dog living wild, he is rescued and spends many months in a shelter until he is adopted by no less than the Australian High Commissioner to the Caribbean and taking up residence in the fabulous Molyneaux House.

DogCast Radio listener Bob Cardone heard Paula Terrifaj talking about breed specific legislation and contacted us with his experiences. Bob and Paula agree on some issues and differ on others - listen and see what you think. If you would like to express your opinion on this complicated subject phone us on our UK or US number or send us an email. Bob is a dog lover, who volunteers at a no kill shelter and has also adopted a rescue dog.

In this episode we focus on rescue dogs. Susan Daffron has had a wealth of experiences with rescues, and has written the book Happy Hound. This is a guide to helping you develop a good relationship with your rescue dog or puppy. In this interview Susan 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. Susan also describes some of the challenges she has risen to when dealing with her own dogs, as well as how to deal with shy dogs, and what preparations you should make before bringing home your newest friend.

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. Her own experiences of giving a home to a dog looking for a second chance inspired Angela to publish the book, and she is hoping to hear from any of you with stories of your own to tell.

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. Shawndra also reads one of her poems inspired by her own rescue dog, Hannah. To read more about Shawndra visit her blog. You can also hear another of her stories in episode 47 of DogCast Radio, and listen to an interview with her in episode 55.

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.

This is no ordinary tale of man meets dog. Merle had clear ideas of his own, and he gave Ted an insight into the dog world. He had a way of communicating which Ted had a way of translating. Reading this will make you smile and make you cry, it will educate you and it will make you examine your attitude towards your own dog. In this interview you can hear Ted talk about his and Merle's journey together - from how they met, to what Merle showed him about the natural world to how Ted coped with the eventual loss of his best friend.

Adding another aspect to the book is the research included, which is presented in a very accessible way. Dog lovers will find the wolf research cited particularly interesting and relevant to dog ownership. You may not be able to give your dog total freedom, but hear how Ted advocates enhancing his life.

We were contacted by a listener who was concerned about the impact the ban on hunting with dogs was having on beagles. At Crufts we found an expert and put the question to her. In this interview you can hear whether Beagles are adapting to the new legal situation, and what Beagles are like to live with.

The DogCast Radio News brings you the usual mix of dog related stories, and you can catch up with listener Jim Martin's quest to find the dog he wanted. Jim spotted Scout on our Jack Russell breed pages, and wanted a dog that looked just like her. He found one - but be careful what you wish for as the reality can take an awful lot of energy!

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.

In certain breeds grooming is crucial - a bad fur day is to be avoided at all costs. We have interviews with a poodle owner busy combing her dog's impressive coat, and with a Yorkshire Terrier owner occupied with putting doggy curlers into her dog's hair. How much help are you allowed to give your dog's natural beauty though? And how do the dogs themselves react to all this preening and primping? Listen and find out. We also talk to a Chihuahua owner about showing procedure and what it's like to live with such a small dog.

Not all the dogs at Crufts are there to be shown, and we talked to Claire Guest from Cancer Dogs UK. She and two dogs she has been training for only a few months, demonstrated cancer detection. Claire also told us how dogs are helping predict low blood sugar for diabetes sufferers, and how the dogs' scenting abilities will be used to develop new technology. Claire also talked to us about one of the breeds that the Kennel Club is concerned is in decline. Organipets was celebrating the best of British - they are one of the UK's best dog foods. We caught up with Liz to hear how her rescue dog Raffy is getting along on her Organipets diet.

2008 is the Year of the Assistance Dog. Although the right of a disabled person to take their dog with them is protected by law, they still run into prejudice and problems occasionally. These dogs do a wonderful job, and are kept healthy and clean to ensure they pose no hygiene risks to the general public. To hear more about the year celebrating the work of these amazing dogs, we spoke to Dogs for the Disabled Chief Executive, Peter Gorbing.

Pets as Therapy - or PAT - dogs - are also allowed into places most pet dogs can't go. These dogs are carefully selected to visit hospitals, old people's homes, schools and so on to spread the joy of interacting with dogs. In this show you can an interview with two PAT dog owners who talk about the rewards of visiting with their dogs. We also discuss what size of dog makes a good PAT dog, since we were talking to the owner of a Pyrenean Mountain Dog.

The National Dog Warden Association was represented at Crufts, and I asked them what a Dog Warden's job really entails. They are often portrayed as a "baddy" in cartoons and films, simply intent on catching dogs - what is their role in real life? We also have an extract from a Dog Warden's book, as Bernard Cartwright reads from his The Knocknobbler, which tells of his time working in Worcester in the UK.

Alfie's Lost Terriers has a new name - they're now Alfie's Lost Dogs. We spoke to Chris from Alfie's about the work the website does. The people involved - often they've had experience of their own dog go missing - are dedicated to reuniting owners with their lost or stolen dogs. The site also supports many other dog welfare issues. If you are unfortunate enough to have your dog go missing, these are just the compassionate supportive people you need helping you. The site is lucky enough to have its own vet - Julien Poublon. We talked to him about his role at Alfie's, as well as his own innovative site offering pet owners valuable resources to keep themselves informed and their animals healthy.

Jane Aireton and Toni Cherrett from Trover Coats were at Crufts with some exciting news. They have been involved in filming for a new ITV1 show, Dog Rescue. Through the show Jane came to adopt a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross who has a hair lip, which makes him too "ugly" for most people. Now the little dog has found a great new home with Jane, a new job as he is the company mascot, and of course a new name - Trover.

Trover Coats also launched the 2008 series of events for DockDogs in the UK at Crufts. We have an interview with Grant Reeves, the CEO of DockDogs, about why the sport is so popular with dogs and owners, and what it actually involves.

We bring you the best of the shopping at Crufts, with the world's most advanced dog collar, the device that cleans your dogs muddy paws, and some intriguing puzzles to help occupy your dog.

All this, plus the DogCast Radio News. Many of you tell us you listen while out walking your dogs - so grab that lead and start listening!

Graeme Sims is the amazing dog trainer and shepherd who can work up to nine Border Collies simultaneously. Just to make his achievements even more impressive, each dog responds to commands in a language specific to him.

Graeme and his beautiful, clever dogs featured in episode 29 of DogCast Radio. Never one to sit around, Graeme has delighted crowds with his dog displays all over the UK, as well as visiting America to lecture about his experience and knowledge. He is also an extremely talented artist, an award winning children's book illustrator, and used to be a Church of England Vicar.

Now you can get the benefit of his training advice in his latest book, "The Dog Whisperer - How to train your dog using its own language". In this interview Graeme talks to us about what's in the book, about his fourteen beloved Border Collies, and we have a sneak preview into his next book.

Crufts 2008 was held at the Birmingham NEC, in the UK in March. It was the usual spectacular showcase of all things dog.

Crufts is not just about show dogs though. In the first part of our Crufts coverage, you can hear our interview with It's Me or The Dog presenter and trainer Victoria Stilwell about what she thinks of Crufts. We also speak to actor Neil Morrissey about why he is supporting the Pedigree Adoption Drive, which was part of a strong pro-rescue message at this year's Crufts.

Crufts is a great place to launch new developments, and so Jill Moss speaks to us about the fantastic news that The Bella Moss Foundation now has official charity status. Celebrity vet Marc Abraham tells us why he is supporting the Bella Moss Foundation, as well as about his own new website, The Pet.net. Dog magazine Dogs Monthly relaunched at Crufts, and you can hear from editor Caroline Davis about what readers will find in the new look magazine.

In the DogCast Radio News, you can hear from Kate and Nick about the unusual music that is affecting dogs in New Zealand, catch up with the results and gossip at Crufts 2008, and hear about the Cold Wet Nose Show.

Plus host Julie will be considering why some of us get so attached to one specific dog breed, and in Graeme Sims' honour our quotes between features are all about Border Collies.

Lloyd Aguero is an inspirational trainer who founded and runs the Great Falls/Reston Companion Dog Training School. Lloyd is a life member of the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors and a member of the Delta Society.

He pioneered the coupling of dog socialisation with training to prevent and treat temperamental problems. His training sessions sound not only effective but great fun from the dogs' point of view.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Lloyd's work is project heart, which involves him rehabilitating dogs who are damaged in some way. From his own experiences as well as research, Lloyd made the connection between environment and state of mind. Comparing dogs with emotional difficulties to people with emotional difficulties, Lloyd developed his own program to help rescue dogs in dire need of support.

Those unable to attend his training school can benefit from his advice via his television show, Your Dogs Best Friend.

Dr. Paula Terifaj has been on DogCast Radio previously offering excellent advice about how to vaccinate your dog safely, and how to feed your dog as well as possible. In this interview she talks about those causes close to her heart.

Breed specific legislation is something that this veterinarian is staunchly opposed to. She has even set up her own organisation - Roverlution - to protest against unreasonable restriction on dog ownership, to support owners of breeds discriminated against, and to raise public awareness about the issue.

 
In the DogCast Radio News, you can hear about the illegal discrimination that still affects guide dog owners, a dog in a million who followed his soldier rescuer, a dog owner who wants another dog exactly like her old one, and a puppy in a pet shop who had bad luck and good luck.

We all love a happy ending; a story of a rescue dog who finally finds a rescuer. In The Diplomatic Dog of Barbados, by Winfred Peppinck, you can read just such a story. The dog at the heart of the story starts off as Roy, then becomes Sandy, and finally gains the name Diplomatic Dog, when he finds a home with no less than the Australian High Commissioner/Ambassador to the Caribbean. Although the dog is the star of the story, the book also offers insights into life on Barbados, and the world of a high-flying diplomat.

To find out more, listen to the review in the show.

 

You can also hear the inspiring story behind Tennessee state bill 2399. Hayley Ham from Tennessee lost her dogs Sam and Jessie when they were poisoned by anti-freeze. A devastated Hayley, researched the subject, and set about protecting others from such a fate. To read more about brave Hayley, visit Melisa Wells' Remembering Ruby blog.

A Staffie cross in rescue has found his forever home with Trover Coats and the touching story of how Jane Aireton came to be his new owner will feature in a new TV show "Dog Rescue" on Sunday afternoons on ITV1 in the UK. The show airs between 9th March and 13th April, and we'll have more on the story when we catch up with Jane at Crufts.

Pam Dennison was already an experienced trainer when she met Shadow, a Border Collie in need of a new home. Shadow however, had more problems than even Pam imagined. After a short time with him, she decided to return him - but she changed her mind, and the two of them began a long and difficult journey. Pam needed all her skills to help Shadow, and their experiences inspired her to write Bringing Light to Shadow - a Dog Trainer's Diary. Could Shadow overcome his fear and aggression and live a normal life? Could Pam teach him alternative behaviours? To find out more about Pam Dennison and the other books she has written, check out her website.

Dr. Paula Terifaj is a veterinarian with some great advice for dog owners. In this interview you can hear her top tips for giving your dog the best diet you can, as well as solving a listener's problem. If you're too nervous to change straight to a natural diet, Paul has some easy steps to improve the food you offer your dog. Paula is passionate about helping dog owners provide the best standard of health care for their dogs, and you can hear her advice about vaccinating your dog in episode 59 of DogCast Radio. Paula has written several books to help you make informed decisions concerning your dog, which you can find at her website, where you can also sign up for her newsletter, Dog Breath.

In the DogCast Radio News, Kate and Nick tell you about the radical approach one website is taking to persuade people to adopt rescue dogs. Other stories include how pregnant women in Australia are getting help preparing their dogs for the new human arrival, and how a children's hospital is helping veterinarians carry out difficult surgical procedures. Plus hear how two dogs got into trouble - one out and about and one in his own kitchen!

Author Bernard Cartwright reads an extract from his book the Knocknobbler which tells of his experiences as a dogcatcher in Worcester, UK.

Host Julie has some dog-related items of interest.

Jody Wright's fascinating and beautiful book 50 Secrets Humans Should Know, was inspired by her love of dogs, which grew from an early age, as well as her admiration of their approach to life.

In this show you can hear music especially for dog lovers from the album Dog People, by Freebo. On his website, Freebo expresses his love for dogs, as well as dedicating the album to dogs and dog lovers everywhere. You can hear extracts of My Dog Has Fleas and More Like You in the show.