Simplifying Shelter Behaviour

Episode Summary In this episode, Tom Candy and Kelly Dunbar to talk about Open Paw, the training and enrichment programme reshaping how rescue centres care for dogs and cats. Co-developed in the US in 2000 by behaviourist Kelly Gorman Dunbar and, British behaviourist and author Dr Ian Dunbar, Open Paw has spent over two decades proving that shelter animals don’t have to be “unlucky inmates” waitin...

In this episode Tom is joined by Dr. Karen Griffin to discuss quality of life in shelter dogs and how her current research project is exploring this topic. Focusing on adapting Maslow's Hierarchy the research group aims to better understand QoL in dogs pre and post adoption

Here's a focused episode summary based on those two core ideas: In this episode, Jo Middleton introduces the idea of an animal's  emotional bank account  — a framework for understanding how every interaction with a shelter or rescue animal either deposits trust, safety, and positive association, or withdraws it. For animals arriving from neglect, abuse, or prolonged kennel stress, the acco...

In this episode, Karen Deeds discusses box feeding (the "Dopamine Box"), a technique originally developed in the bite sport world that she has adapted for pet dogs, shelter animals, and behaviour modification. The method is simple in concept — teaching a dog to eat out of a box — but powerfully effective: the box becomes a contextual cue that triggers dopamine release through eating, bui...

In this episode we discuss community interventions to support owners and animals in need as an alternative to traditional animal control models

In this thoughtful and compassionate episode, Helen St. Pierre explore one of the most meaningful, and often avoided, conversations in veterinary and pet care: what does a good death look like for an animal in hospice? Drawing from their experience, they walk listeners through a practical yet humane framework built around three core considerations: Function, Purpose, and Joy. Tom and Helen open by...

In this episode, we're joined by Jessica Wheatcraft, who shares her honest reflections on years spent working with reactive shelter dogs, those that lunge, bark, and snap at the world around them. Jessica talks through how her approach has evolved over time, what she wishes she'd known earlier, and why so many well-intentioned training efforts fall flat in the shelter environment. She offers a tho...

This episode explores the multidimensional concept of quality of life (QoL) within animal shelters, emphasising its impact not only on dogs, but also on staff and adopters. Framed through a behavioural welfare lens, the discussion highlights the interdependence between canine wellbeing, human experience, and organisational outcomes. For dogs, QoL is positioned as more than the absence of distress,...

In this episode we discuss the importance of integrating behaviour into all of our shelter practices, including how we can do this successfully, what some of the challenges are and what structures look like in a range of shelter operations with and without behaviour teams. About Dr. Herron Dr. Meghan Herron serves as the senior director of behavior, research and education at Gigi’s, a shelter orga...

In this episode, we explore how dog shelter and rescue professionals can reshape public perception of muzzles, using one of the most powerful tools available: photography. While muzzles are often misunderstood as symbols of aggression, they are valuable tools for safety, training, enrichment, and responsible handling. The challenge isn’t the muzzle itself it’s the story the image tells. We’ll disc...

In this episode, veterinary behaviourist Dr. Elise Christensen examines the role of underlying medical conditions in shaping animal behaviour within shelter environments. She discusses how pain, systemic illness, and stress-related physiological changes can manifest as behavioural concerns that are often misattributed to behaviour or training concerns. Emphasizing evidence-based assessment, Dr. Ch...

Ep. 54 want more time, money and resources, here’s where to start. Behaviour edition with Leeron Liftik In this episode, we explore the journey of Leeron Liftik into shelter and rescue dog behaviour, shaped by early hands-on work in high-pressure shelter environments. Seeing how many decisions about dogs were made with limited evidence sparked a shift toward behavioural science and data-driven app...

In this episode, Tom is joined by  Dr. Kim Brophey , applied ethologist, author, and founder of Family Dog Mediation®, for an in-depth conversation on the  L.E.G.S.® model ,  Family Dog Mediation , and the  Total Welfare Model . Together, they explore how moving beyond one-size-fits-all training and behaviour labels can transform outcomes for dogs and the people who care for them. Dr. Brophey brea...

In this episode, we’re joined by behaviour specialist Dr Liam Clay, whose research focuses on canine behaviour assessment, behavioural problems and adoption suitability in shelter environments.  Together, we unpack what behaviour assessments in shelters actually tell us about a dog and what they don’t. About Dr. Clay Dr. Clay studied at the University of Queensland (UQ), from which he holds his ho...

In this episode, veterinary behaviourist Dr. Sophie Liu dives into the complex world of shelter dogs and frustration-related behaviour, why it happens, how it looks, and what we can practically do to help these dogs cope and thrive. The conversation starts by unpacking what frustration actually is for dogs in a shelter setting: the emotional state that sits between “I want something” and “I can’t...

Ep.50 Simplifying Puppy Raising in Shelter and Rescue with Suzanne Clothier  In this episode, Tom talks with Susanne Clothier about what it takes to raise behaviourally healthy puppies, with a focus on the special considerations for those growing up in rescue or shelter settings. Suzanne shares her experiences with supporting puppies’ emotional and social development, creating positive early exper...

About this episode In this episode, we discuss how to best support deaf dogs both in a kennel environment and how they move into their new homes. They explore how communication through visual and tactile cues can replace verbal signals,helping dogs feel secure and understood. The conversation highlights the importance of building a trusting relationship, creating consistency between caregivers, an...

Ep. 48 Gamification for Grooming with Victoria Shepherd In this episode we discuss Victoria journey to becoming a holistic grooming professional. A big passion for Victoria is gamification for grooming and she takes us through some of these games, and easy techniques to support grooming both in and out of the shelter! About Victoria Shepherd Originally from Salt, Staffordshire, Victoria returned t...

This episode explores practical strategies for improving the daily lives of shelter animals through kennel enrichment. The discussion emphasizes how enrichment is not just about keeping animals entertained but about reducing stress, promoting natural Behaviours, and improving overall well-being—ultimately making them more adoptable. Key points include: ·        Why enrichment matters:  A kennel en...

About this episode Join us as we delve into Dr. Erica Feuerbacher’s groundbreaking work in applied animal behavior. In this episode, we explore how what we often consider simple—like petting—can deeply influence a shelter dog’s emotional well-being and adaptability. From reinforcement theory to practical applications in rescue environments, we'll explore how science supports more thoughtful, h...

In this episode, we sit down with renowned trainer  Grisha Stewart  to explore how  Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) can be applied to support shelter dogs. We dive into the foundations of BAT and how it helps dogs build resilience, reduce reactivity, and make better choices in challenging environments. Together, we unpack practical tools such as  set-ups  that create safe learning opportunities...

In this episode I’m joined by Kat Creagh an animal welfare scientist who reviews policies and procedures for a large uk animal welfare charity. In this discussion we tackle some of the complicated questions around capacity to care and how we can best support the behavioural health of animals we are helping! There is no perfect solution to this problem and one of the discussions that continually ke...

In this episode Tom and Andrew Hales explore what it means to approach emotional experiences with Compassion Acceptance Knowledge and Empathy. Focusing on how we can take care of ourselves and those around us Andy explores the CAKE model and how it can impact the work we do in shelter and rescue, before moving on to discuss resilience, support and most importantly looking after ourselves to ensure...

Ep. 42 How do we Choose the Doggy in the Window, Decision Making of Adopters with Lawrence Minnis. In this episode we discuss Lawrence’s research looking at decision making of adopters. This important topic matches perfectly to behaviour as our end goal is getting dogs successfully rehomed. Join us as we look at reasons adopters select dogs, how we can support adopters and tips for reviewing and i...

Ep.41 the Look at That Game for Reactivity in Shelter with Kim Palermo In this episode I’m joined by Kim Palermo to took about the look at that game. There are many reasons why our dogs bark and lunge at stimuli in the environment, and there are also many methods and philosophies that are meant to “fix” this behavior. But what if you could go beyond fixing? What if you could actually have a conver...