Brain and Behaviour

• Episode 7 - Search and Rescue: Training Dogs for Live-Saving Work - Sally Dickinson

  Guest Bio:Sally Dickinson is a working dog trainer, researcher, and search and rescue specialist. With 20 years in emergency services and multiple professional certifications, she combines real-world experience with academic research. She’s currently completing a PhD at Virginia Tech, focused on stress and welfare in working dogs.Summary:Sally shares her journey from sheep farms to search and rescue, and how her experiences led her to pursue a PhD. The episode explores the impact of stress on working dogs and how physical and emotional conditioning influence performance and welfare. Sally offers a rare dual perspective: operational and scientific.Key Topics:​Welfare in high-stakes working dog environments​Stress, resilience, and training decisions​Research into canine physical conditionins​Balancing dog welfare with operational demands​Agency, well-being, and ethical handlingTake-Home Message:Working dogs save lives—but they also need protection. Welfare and performance are deeply connected, and good science helps us care for both.Call to Action:Follow Sally’s work and watch for her upcoming research at Virginia Tech. For more behaviour science, check out abklearn.co.uk.More information:Website: https://animalbehaviourkent.co.ukABK Learn Platform: https://www.abklearn.co.ukYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@animalbehaviourkent261Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalbehaviourkentFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalbehaviourkentTwitter (X): https://x.com/AnimalKentFor more on evidence-based training, canine behaviour science, or upcoming events, visit animalbehaviourkent.co.uk or explore our learning platform at abklearn.co.uk.Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].

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• Episode 6 - Rescue, Behaviour and Ethics – Tom Candy

  Tom Candy is a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist with extensive experience in rescue, welfare, and canine training. He holds a BSc in Bio-Veterinary Science and an MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour from the University of Lincoln. Starting in rescue at just 15 years old, Tom has since worked across rehoming centres as a Senior Training and Behaviour Advisor, supporting teams in managing complex behaviour cases. He’s also a Certified Canine and Shelter Behaviour Consultant with the IAABC, a faculty member at the Grisha Stewart Academy, and the founder of Simplifying Shelter Behaviour – a podcast and online platform dedicated to sharing evidence-based insights with rescue professionals.Episode SummaryIn this conversation, Tom delves deep into the behavioural and ethical complexities of working in dog rescue and rehoming. He shares stories from his frontline experience, discusses how to navigate misinformation in the training world, and provides a thoughtful take on difficult decisions like behavioural euthanasia. With a focus on compassion and practicality, Tom explains how rescue professionals can support dogs and their owners through judgement-free education, early intervention, and honest communication.Key Topics1. The reality of behaviour work in shelters and rescues2. How to handle misinformation and build trust with dog owners3. When and how to discuss behavioural euthanasia4. Ethical challenges in rescue and rehoming decisions5. Proactive solutions: early intervention, better adoption matches, and flexible support6. The impact of societal change, stress, and expectations on pet relinquishment7. Creating systemic support to prevent crisis points for dogs and their peopleTake-Home MessageEffective behaviour support in rescue is about meeting dogs and people where they are—without judgement. Success comes from trust, empathy, and helping everyone make informed, compassionate decisions.Call to ActionLearn more from Tom at Simplifying Shelter Behaviour on Facebook, Instagram, and podcast platforms. For more professional development, visit abklearn.co.uk.Join us at the ABK Conference 2025 on July 12–13 at the Ashford International Hotel, Kent, or via livestream from anywhere in the world. This year’s theme is “Raising Resilient Dogs”, featuring leading voices in dog behaviour, neuroscience, and welfare.Tickets and full agenda: animalbehaviourkent.co.uk/abk-conference-2025More informationWebsite: https://animalbehaviourkent.co.ukABK Learn Platform: https://www.abklearn.co.ukYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@animalbehaviourkent261Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalbehaviourkentFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalbehaviourkentTwitter (X): https://x.com/AnimalKentFor more on evidence-based training, canine behaviour science, or upcoming events, visit animalbehaviourkent.co.uk or explore our learning platform at abklearn.co.uk.Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].

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• Episode 5 - What Makes Dogs Tick? Genetics, Cognition and Personality - Katriina Tiira

  Dr. Katriina Tiira is a behavioural geneticist and the founder of SmartDog, a company offering scientific cognition and personality testing for dogs. She holds a PhD and has researched canine genetics and cognition for over 20 years.SummaryKatriina explains how cognitive traits and genetic differences influence dog behaviour. She introduces the SmartDog test system and discusses how trainers and breeders can use cognitive profiling in practical ways.Key Topics1. Genetics and personality in dog behaviour2. Testing cognition: methods and insights3. Breed differences and individual variation4. Using test results in training and breeding5. Supporting dogs with different cognitive profilesTake-Home MessageUnderstanding cognition helps us train and care for dogs in ways that match who they are—not just what they do.Call to ActionLearn more at smartdog.fi or visit abklearn.co.uk for professional development opportunities.Join us at the ABK Conference 2025 on July 12–13 at the Ashford International Hotel, Kent, or via livestream from anywhere in the world. This year’s theme is “Raising Resilient Dogs”, featuring leading voices in dog behaviour, neuroscience, and welfare.Tickets and full agenda: animalbehaviourkent.co.uk/abk-conference-2025More information:Website: https://animalbehaviourkent.co.ukABK Learn Platform: https://www.abklearn.co.ukYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@animalbehaviourkent261Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalbehaviourkentFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalbehaviourkentTwitter (X): https://x.com/AnimalKentFor more on evidence-based training, canine behaviour science, or upcoming events, visit animalbehaviourkent.co.uk or explore our learning platform at abklearn.co.uk.Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].

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• Episode 4 – Resilience in Dogs - Dr Kathy Murphy and Bobbie Bhambree

  Guest Bios:Dr. Kathy Murphy graduated from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons UK in 1999, initially working in mixed clinical practice before studying for two post graduate clinical qualifications. In 2009 she was awarded a highly prestigious Wellcome Research Training Fellowship to study for her PhD, in Behavioral Neuroscience, at The Queens College, University of Oxford, UK. She subsequently worked in the USA as Assistant Professor of Neuroscience and Anesthesiology at the Icahn School of Medicine NYC; and is now back in the UK, where she held a clinical-academic position as Director of the Comparative Biology Centre at Newcastle University before becoming Director of Barking Brains Ltd (a neuroscience outreach program for the animal behavior and training community) and joining Behavior Vets LLC. Dr. Murphy’s clinical interest has always been anesthesia, analgesia, since the age of 13yo and she has recently completed a residency at the European College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. In addition to her primary career roles she was Trustee and Veterinary Advisor to the Rottweiler Welfare Association for 14 years, is a co-founder of Ethics First (a collective which lobbies for ethical decision making in clinical practice), is an Oversight Committee Member for the UK Dog Behavior and Training Charter, sits on numerous National and International boards, working groups and ethical review panels, and most of all loves spending time with her own 5 dogs and supportive husband.Bobbie Bhambree (CDBC, CPDT-KA) is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and Certified Professional Dog Trainer. She is a faculty member of CATCH Canine Trainers Academy and Agility University. Additionally, she is one of the founders and regular contributors to a passion project called Brain Camp, where neuroscience, behavior, and dog sports intersect. Bobbie founded Dogology Behavior Consulting in 2024.Bobbie began her career in 2003 as a pet behavior counselor at the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center, where she implemented behavior modification programs for dogs surrendered by the public or seized by Humane Law Enforcement. In 2007, she joined the Humane Society of Westchester, spending the next nine years as their shelter trainer. During her tenure, she created and implemented dog training and enrichment programs, counseled adopters, trained volunteers, participated in community outreach programs, and conducted evaluations.In 2016, Bobbie became the Director of Pet Behavior at the North Shore Animal League America in Port Washington, NY. There, she managed a team of canine and feline trainers focused on developing behavior modification and enrichment programs for shelter animals. She also deployed with the ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Behavior Team, working in the field to support dog fighting busts, puppy mill cases, and hoarding cases.Bobbie has presented at the Lemonade Conference, hosted by IAABC and Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, the HeartDog International Wellbeing Summit in 2022, the Control Unleash Conference in 2024, and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) in 2024. She is also a co-creator of the Resilience Framework, a framework for resilience-building interventions, and has been interviewed for several podcasts on this subject.Over the years, Bobbie has successfully competed in agility at various venues with several of her dogs, including Marvel, who placed third in Performance Speed Jumping and Performance Grand Prix at the Mid-Atlantic Regionals in 2019. She has authored several articles for the agility-focused publication Clean Run and is passionate about helping dog sports teams struggling with behavior issues. Bobbie regularly teaches behavior workshops for the dog sports community.Currently, Bobbie shares her life with two terriers, a Pitbull, a border collie/whippet mix, a border collie/Croatian Sheepdog mix (Marvel, Heady Topper, Eleanor Rigby, Phuncky, and Drazen), and a very supportive husband in southern New Jersey.

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• Episode 3 - Dogs Helping Dogs - Trish McMillan

  In this episode, Daniel Shaw speaks with Trish McMillan about how dogs can help other dogs. They explore how well-socialized dogs can be used to assist fearful or reactive dogs in overcoming anxiety and building confidence through social support. Trish discusses the concept of social facilitation, where dogs learn appropriate behavior by observing their peers. She shares practical techniques for setting up playgroups, utilizing helper dogs, and creating low-stress environments in shelters and training settings. The episode also highlights her work with Shelter Behaviour Hub and her upcoming courses on defensive handling.This episode was recorded a few months before Trish's incredible dog Theodore sadly passed away. Theodore was a truly inspirational dog and you can find more about him by visiting https://www.facebook.com/teothepitbull/BioTrish McMillan is an internationally recognized expert in animal behavior, sheltering, and training. She holds a Master’s degree in Animal Behavior and is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). Trish spent nearly eight years with the ASPCA, contributing to their behavior and sheltering work, including writing the defensive handling section of Animal Behavior for Shelter Veterinarians and Staff. She now runs her own consulting business in North Carolina, focusing on behavior and shelter consulting, and offers online mentorship through the Shelter Behaviour Hub. Additionally, she co-founded Losing Lulu, a support group for those who have experienced grief from behavioral euthanasia.Mentioned Links:1. https://www.shelterbehaviorhub.com/ — Mentorship programs and behavior courses.2. https://www.trishmcmillan.com/ — Consulting and training services.3. https://www.losinglulu.com/ — Support group for behavioral euthanasia grief.To learn more from Trish, you can also join us at the ABK Conference 2025 on July 12–13 at the Ashford International Hotel, Kent, or via livestream from anywhere in the world. This year’s theme is “Raising Resilient Dogs”, featuring leading voices in dog behaviour, neuroscience, and welfare.Tickets and full agenda: animalbehaviourkent.co.uk/abk-conference-2025

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