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Episode 17 - Sled dogs and wolves

17_DogCast_Radio.mp3

Released Sat May 13, 2006
Length: 0:50:34
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Scottish Sled Dogs

In this episode, our Scottish special, you can hear all about the dogs at the Cairngorm Sleddog Adventure Centre.

At the centre the sleddogs don't pull sleds, but wheeled buggies, so sledding is possible even when there is no snow.

The centre also offers the not-to-be-missed experience of a kennel tour. Listen as we meet the dogs, and hear the stories of their characters and breeding.

Not all the dogs here are Siberian Huskies - some are German Pointers, and there are also Husky-Pointer crosses. Never thought of Pointers as a sled dog? - then listen and find out how the breed became involved with sledding.



Wolves

We all know the wolf is the ancestor of all our modern dog breeds, and that dogs retain many of the wolf's characteristics.

The wolf once roamed and lived free in Scotland, and they can still be found there today, at the Highland Wildlife Park.

If you get the opportunity to watch a group of wolves, some of the dog-like behaviour is easy to spot, but how much do you really know about the intricacies of life within a wolf pack? Who gets to breed? Who cares for the pups? Why do wolves howl? How far away can a howl be heard? Who gets bossed around most in the pack, and why are the youngest wolves shown the most leniency? In a fascinating interview hear Park Manager, Jeremy Usher Smith share his knowledge on all this and more.

The interview you will hear in the show is an edited version, but we recommend that you listen to the full version, available on the DogCast site.



Buddy's Diary

While his family are off having a great time (and carrying out essential research) in Scotland, Buddy is left at home. But he's not home alone, as his beta family have moved in to take care of him.

Is Buddy happy with this arrangement? Hear what he thinks of his stand-in caretakers, and how he manages to manipulate the situation to his own advantage.



News

In the news, we bring you Scottish stories old and new.

Hear how one dog is helping to educate the public about the dangers of fire raising, how a terrier fell into the sea near John O'Groats, and how giant owls strong enough to carry off dogs are on the loose.

Catch the story of The Great Lafayette, the highest paid illusionist of his time, and his utter devotion to his dog, Beauty.



So settle down with a shortbread, and listen to our Scottish episode.

Sharing

280 - pet bereavement leave and the dog sniffing for an escaped capybara

Erika Sinner shares why pet bereavement leave is so important - on a business and a personal level. Rachel Rodgers talks about her and her dog Rico helping to sniff out missing capybara, Cinnamon.

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.