DogCast Radio
Home Episodes Articles Blog Breed profiles Book reviews Photos Contact

The joys of (almost) spring

As I type this, Star is lying in a patch of sunlight in front of an open door. This is one of her favourite positions. She likes it best with the door open, so that should the need arise, she can potter out into the garden, but she will accept a door closed situation. Eventually. Today though, the door stands flung open, because on opening it a lovely spring day, complete with warm sunshine, was waiting for us. (It had been waiting an indecently long time in fact, as we tend to lie in on a Saturday morning.)

Buddy is snoozing on the sofa, as he prefers to be with his people, but Star is making the most of the weather. After a couple of weeks of, by UK standards, intense cold coupled with the miseries of snow and ice, this mildness is most welcome. (Why do we only ever have a "cold snap" never a "mild snap" or a "sunny snap"?)

So Star is chilling - perhaps that should be warming - in her favourite spot. I have mentioned her propensity to have the door opened. She will at times bark whine and throw herself at the door, giving the impression she may well explode unless allowed through it to the garden. HOwever, when you give her access, she stands, pondering, as if she's thinking, "Oh how disappointing, still just the garden." This leads me to think that she is a dog of principle, and it is the right of free access to the garden that she wants, rather than to actually go out there.

Whatever. The spring-like weather has awakened a yearning to be out and about in us too, so we are off to the beach - yay! The dogs love it and so do we, and fortunately there are still some beaches that local councils have omitted to ban canines from, at least between September and May in the hours of darkness notwithstanding Bank Holidays.

Take care,

Julie x

Sharing

282 - dog life hacks and stay positive for your dog's sake

In this podcast we hear from behaviourist Bethany Bell on why aversive, harsh methods appear to work, while wreaking havoc on your dog and your relationship with them. Behaviourist Jennifer Billot has the dog life hacks that will save you time, make your training more effective, and make life more fun for your dog. DogCast Radio is the podcast your dog wants you to listen to!

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.