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Episode 112 - Why dogs bark and what your dog really wants for Christmas

112_DogCast_Radio.mp3

Released Sat December 11, 2010
Length: 0:52:16
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What your dog really wants for Christmas

I think many times we underestimate that the thing the dogs want the most is to do things with us and for us. The more we give them things that they can do with us and for us, the happier they are.
 - Joyce Geier

Joyce Geier is a Border Collie expert and has competed in trials with her dogs at the highest levels.

She knows that a Border Collie is happiest with a job to do so at this time of year when we’re thinking about what present to give our dogs for Christmas, maybe we should be thinking about how can we make the time we spend with our dogs really quality time.

Joyce has a number of practical suggestions as to how you can keep them happy and occupied, both physically and mentally. It doesn't matter what breed your dog is, or fit he is or how old he is - Joyce can help you give him a job to do to exercise body and mind.

You can find out more about Joyce at her website and you can hear Joyce talking some more about working sheepdogs and the movie You Lucky Dog in Episode 106 of DogCast Radio.

Why dogs bark

David Ryan is a Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Chair of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors, but you may have seen him on UK television show It’s Only A Theory, where he put forward a theory on why dogs bark. We saw that program and straight away we wanted to interview him on DogCast Radio.

David has pieced together the information and evidence available and has some interesting ideas on why dogs bark. David also has lots of insight into dog behaviour, and if you’d like to learn more about your dog and how to understand him check out David’s Dog Secrets website, and do read his Why do dogs bark article. David has brought to light a fascinating subject here, with authority and humour, so listen and find out why dogs bark.

Buddy's Diary

In Buddy's Diary, Buddy ponders what this holiday season means to dogs. He is aware of Merry Chris and New Ears - but who is Chris, and why is he so merry? Buddy is definitely in favour of New Ears for humans, as he feels they are just not up to the standard of canine ones.

But what Christmas dinner? What of presents? What of all the comings and goings at this time of year? Buddy shares his opinions in his first ever Christmas address.

News

In the DogCast Radio News you can hear about the police dog who's ending his career with a little help, and the new smallest police dog in the world. Plus what happened when a feisty Jack Russell encountered a Mountain Lion, how two German Shepherd saved their diabetic owner, and how Simon Pegg is determined to get his dog into his films.

Merry Christmas

From the whole DogCast Radio team, have a Happy Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year.

Sharing

273 - dog parkour and dog news discussion

Dog trainer Emma Hendy explains how Dog Parkour can help your bond with your dog, and give you both a new mindset. Julie gives her opinion on some dog news stories which caught her attention.

189 - The Dog Healers and War Dogs Remembered

In this episode you can hear Mark Winik talk about his debut novel, The Dog Healers, and listen to Julia Robertson explain why she founded the charity War Dogs remembered. Plus there's the DogCast Radio News, and what Mischief the German Spitz puppy has been up to.

188 - Service Dogs UK and Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home

In this episode you can hear about Service Dogs UK, a fantastic charity which trains assistance dogs to support veterans of any service - military personnel, police, firefighters, paramedics and the coastguard - who develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to their job. Also, listen to Dr Jody A Dean, a clinical psychologist talk about how her book, Roxie the Doxie finds her Forever Home, is helping children understand and talk about adoption and other family issues. Plus the DogCast Radio News and some thoughts on the alpha dog myth.

187 - Muffins Halo and Chorley Fun Dog Show

In this episode you can hear about Muffin's Halo for Blind Dogs, and what motivates people to enter their dog in a fun dog show. In the DogCast Radio News, listen to stories about the latest dog related research. Plus there's a new member of the DogCast Radio team!

186 - Maxwell Muir on wolves

In this episode you can hear trainer, behaviourist, writer, broadcaster and wolf expert Maxwell Muir talk about what wolves mean to him personally, their plight in a modern world, and his hopes for their future. Plus we have the DogCast Radio News.