Barks from the Bookshelf

Hey Bookshelvers. 
It’s been a minute! We hope you all had a fabulous holiday season and have attached yourself to your new year like a beagle tracks a scent! We are continuing our tradition of New year catch up episodes and today you get the full PACT team to giggle, ponder and wonder on past, present and future. Steve asked everyone four questions to prep for this recording: 
 What did 2025 teach you? 
 What are you most looking forward to this year? 
 What was your favourite book of 2025? 
 What book are you most looking forward to reading this year? 
 Who is your hero of 2025?
 So you’ll get to hear everyone’s answers share some laughter and memories but also dive into deeper reflections on their past experiences and future aspirations. Oh… and we have an exciting announcement as well.  Settle in grab a cuppa and see you on the other side. WOOF!

How's Tricks Bookshelvers!?
In this much-anticipated episode, Nat and Steve are finally joined by the amazing Suzanne Rogers (editor of Canine Behaviour in Mind) to discuss this essential book that’s been, criminally, flying under our radar since 2022 (especially as it features a chapter from our very own "Sista Behaviourista")!
Suzanne discusses the fascinating process of curating a multi-author book, ensuring a cohesive, non-judgmental thread runs through every chapter, and why it's crucial to amplify voices that promote high animal welfare. We also have some very special guests peppered throughout.
We dive into:
The critical importance of a non-judgmental stance in dog training and behaviour work.
Practical tips from co-author Nat's chapter
The concept of "sparking curiosity" (rather than just awareness) to drive genuine behaviour change.
How to build "behavioural momentum" in training—for both dogs and their people.
And, as mentioned above, absolute gold-standard audio contribution from many of the books contributors including pod friends Tamsin Durston and Amber Batson on making training practical and fun.
If you are curious about applying behavioural science to your life with dogs, this episode is a must-listen!
What are you waiting for? Woof away!
LINKS:
Buy Canine Behaviour In Mind
Human Behaviour Change for Life
PACT CTIC Dog Trainer Course

Word up Bookshelvers
As autumn has its chilly grip on us (at least here in the UK), you’ll be pleased to hear we have an episode for you as heart-warming an as a bowl of steaming soup about an equally wonderfully heart-warming book. This week Corrin and Steve have the pleasure of catching up with the awesome Diane Gollowitzer who is not only a good friend of ours but also a fabulous award winning photographer, trick trainer and now published author (WOOHOO).
 
You'll here in this interview just how much Steve and Corrin LOVE her new book Muzzled and Misunderstood: Love Letter to my Muzzled Dog. This is, not only, a much needed book that tackles a taboo subject head on, but also a bona fide work of art in its own right. Using the power of Diane's breath taking imagery a weaving it with beautiful, honest and vulnerable "letters" written by the guardians to their own dogs: this book is as much a well needed life affirming lift, as it is a crucial text that challenges the status quo. Honestly if you love dogs, you'll love this book.
On top of discussing the book in our normal book review style as well as talking to Diane herself, we also update everyone on the ongoing saga of Penguin and discuss the curious case of bedtime Brian Cox... If indeed it is him.
Pop it straight in those lug holes... you know you want to.

Links:
Diane's website: https://www.dogsinfocusphotography.com/
Diane's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogsinfocusphotography/
Diane's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dogsinfocusphotography/

Pre-order the book on Amazon: Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1910488747
About the project: https://www.dogsinfocusphotography.com/muzzled-and-misunderstood/
The Muzzle Project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_muzzle_project/

Hey There Bookshelvers
Something a little different for this week as the whole PACT team wanted to talk about what was, frankly, an amazing DogX 2025. Nat, Jay, Corrin and Steve discuss the challenges and triumphs faced by the team, the importance of community and connection, and the memorable moments from the event. We ponder on the purpose behind Dog X, the highlights of the conference, and the contributions of the unsung heroes who made it all possible. We also have little messages peppered through out that were caught by attendees and speakers alike throughout the day. Hope you enjoy! WOOF!
DOGx Info
Link to our Bookstore

Hey There Lovely Bookshelvers
Today we are thrilled to be joined by the amazing Becki Gude. Becki is a not only a full PACT Member but also a good friend of ours. Becki is affiliated with several outstanding training organisations and charities and specialises in training and assessing assistance dogs for people with various disabilities. Becki also serves on the board of Trustees for the Assistance Dog Assessment Association (ADAA). In this conversation we get an insight into the world of owner trained assistance dogs and what part the ADAA can play in setting standards and giving people the peace of mind that, not only is their dogs welfare covered, but they can perform the tasks needed to help mitigate disabilities in the real world. We also get to talk about Becki's love for day care and wonderful appearance on the telebox for Alan Titchmarsh's Underdog to Superdog. A fascinating conversation that had both Steve and Corrin riveted throughout... We know you're going to love it, feel inspired and know more about this fascinating world. 
Links:
The Assistance Dog Assessment Association (ADAA)
Becki's Website
Becki's Daycare Page (where if you scroll down to the bottom you'll find the painting party video we discussed)
Becki's blog on Daycare
Where to watch Underdog to Superdog