Episode SummaryMalena shares how she became the go-to expert on separation anxiety after taking on the cases no one else would. She explains how her data-driven approach developed over decades, why systematic desensitisation is the cornerstone of treatment, and how technology has opened up new ways to support dogs and guardians remotely. The episode highlights the challenges of working with such an emotionally charged issue, the myths that still persist, and the hope that comes with well-structured, compassionate intervention.
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Episode 18 - Microbiomes, Meals, and Mood: Nutrition’s Role in Behaviour - Alyssa Ralph
Episode SummaryAlyssa joins Daniel to explore the critical intersection of nutrition and behaviour. She shares her journey from zoo animal welfare to canine nutrition, inspired by both professional experience and personal health challenges. The conversation covers the science of the microbiome, the similarities between human and canine nutrition, and how diet can exacerbate or alleviate behaviour issues.Want to learn more? Explore science-backed courses, webinars, and resources for dog behaviour professionals at our online platform: www.brainandbehaviouracademy.co.uk
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Episode 17 - The Play Way - Dr Amy Cook
Guest Bio:Dr. Cook is an International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, a longstanding professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), and was one of the first trainers nationally to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through independent evaluation. Dr. Cook received her Ph.D. in Psychology from UC Berkeley, with her research focusing on the dog-human relationship and its effect on the problem solving strategies dogs employ. Dr. Cook is the founder and creator of the Play Way and a popular instructor for the online school, The Fenzi Dog Sports Academy. She has been training dogs for nearly 30 years, and has specialized in the rehabilitation of shy and fearful dogs for over 20 yearsEpisode Summary:Amy and Daniel explore the origins and applications of The Play Way. Amy explains how she combined insights from child play therapy, human psychology, and dog training to create a system that helps fearful and anxious dogs feel safe and connected. They discuss the role of social buffering, laughter, and expectation-free play in building resilience, and why traditional conditioning methods often leave underlying fear untouched. The conversation is full of practical insights into how play can transform the dog-human relationship.Amy's signature Play Way class starting in December looking at using the Play Way to support fearful and reactive dogs: https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/courses/84Want to learn more? Explore science-backed courses, webinars, and resources for dog behaviour professionals at our online platform: www.brainandbehaviouracademy.co.uk
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Episode 15 - Insights on Behaviour Cases - Melissa McCue-McGrath
Episode Summary:Melissa joins Daniel to compare the behavioural challenges of dogs in urban and rural settings. She explains how city dogs are constantly bombarded by sensory overload—sounds, smells, confined spaces, and straight-line encounters on sidewalks—that create frustration, reactivity, and stress. In contrast, rural dogs often face challenges like predation and lack of recall training. Melissa also shares her work in an exciting new research project! Relevant LinksBook: Considerations for the City Dog: https://considerationsforthecitydog.comPACT Conference (mentioned): https://www.pact-dogs.comWant to learn more? Explore science-backed courses, webinars, and resources for dog behaviour professionals at our online platform: www.brainandbehaviouracademy.co.uk.
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Episode 14 - Breaking Down Barriers to Dog Welfare - Dr Rowena Packer
Guest BioRowena is the Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science (2020-Present) at the Royal Veterinary College, London. Rowena leads a research group exploring diverse topics in this area, including the impact of chronic and inherited disorders on dog behaviour and welfare, and the impact of owner knowledge, attitudes and behaviour on canine welfare. She has received >£1.9 million of research funding to date, of which ~£820,000 has been held as Principal Investigator. Rowena has co-authored >90 peer reviewed papers and book chapters and co-edited the textbook ‘Health and Welfare of Brachycephalic (Flat-faced) Companion Animals’ (2021). Rowena holds a PhD from the Royal Veterinary College (2013) which explored the impact of extreme conformation on canine health, a 1st Class BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare from the University of Bristol (2009), and a PGCert in Veterinary Education from the Royal Veterinary College (2021). Rowena is a Coordinating Group Member for the Animal Welfare Research Network, and a founding member of the Brachycephalic Working Group (UK) and the Legal Advisory Group on Extreme Conformation in Dogs.Episode SummaryIn this episode, Rowena Packer and Daniel explore the major welfare challenges facing dogs in the UK and globally. They discuss the ethics and realities of dog breeding, the enforcement gaps in legislation, and the responsibilities of owners versus breeders. Rowena explains how cultural differences and government involvement affect welfare standards across countries, and why meaningful enforcement is just as critical as laws themselves. The conversation also dives into the importance of engaging “the unengaged” dog owners, and how public attitudes, misinformation, and anti-expert culture create barriers to better welfare.Relevant Links - Royal Veterinary College https://www.rvc.ac.uk- Infographicshttps://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass/audio-visual-resources/research-infographicsWant to learn more? Explore science-backed courses, webinars, and resources for dog behaviour professionals at our online platform: www.brainandbehaviouracademy.co.uk.
The Brain and Behaviour Podcast with Daniel Shaw MSc, CDBC dives into the science behind complex dog and cat behaviour. Blending neuroscience, real-world cases, and expert insights, Daniel explores topics like aggression, trauma, and training to help listeners better understand the animals in their lives.
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