Alrighty then Bookshelvers, settle in with your favourite beverage (and maybe a tasty morsel, or two, for your furry co-listener) because this episode is a HOOT! We’re still wiping away tears of laughter reminiscing with our amazing guests, the legendary Jamie and Gemma Pound from UK Sniffer Dogs. We spend a bit of time reminiscing on the hilarious antics and, shall we say, memorable moments from behind-the-scenes shenanigans at Crufts. Let’s just say what happens at Crufts, mostly stays at Crufts... until it’s shared on a podcast!

We also get the fascinating origin story of UK Sniffer Dogs – how sniffing completely turned their dog training world upside down (in the best possible way!) and the incredible positive waves it sends through a dog's behaviour. Spoiler: it’s pretty magical. We chat about why making dog training feel less like homework and more like a party is crucial for both ends of the lead, and the sheer joy of finding your dog-loving tribe.

But it's not all giggles and games (okay, it mostly is!). We dive into the serious business of making dog training a genuinely inclusive and enjoyable space for everyone. Think less "drill sergeant" and more "super-fun camp counsellor." Jamie and Gemma spill the beans on:

• Classroom Zen: Smart setup and management so classes are calm, cool, and collected (well, mostly!).
• Engagement Secrets: Techniques to get those tails wagging and brains buzzing.
• Scent Work Superpowers: Why scent work is like a magic wand for dogs who find the world a bit much (yep, we’re talking about our beloved reactive pups!). Seriously, this stuff is versatile, super safe, and a fantastic outlet for dogs of all ages, creeds, and sniffing abilities.

The sniffing adventures don't stop there! We explore some of the innovative tools that make scent work even more exciting, how to make sure every dog can join in (no matter their ability), and the eternal quest for the perfect sniffing venue (because not all lampposts are created equal).

And for our fellow dog pros listening, we even peek into the business end of things – making your passion profitable while keeping it accessible. Because sharing the joy of dog training shouldn’t break the bank!

Naturally, this being "Barks from the Bookshelf," we couldn't let them go without squeezing out some top-tier book recommendations to get your human brains just as engaged as your dog's nose.

So, pop in those earbuds, prepare for some laugh-out-loud moments, and get ready to be inspired by the wonderful world of UK Sniffer Dogs!

Links:

UK Sniffer Dogs
Train Your Dog to Save the Environment - Webinar
DOGx Tickets