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 Summary
In 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 Topics
1. The reality of behaviour work in shelters and rescues
2. How to handle misinformation and build trust with dog owners
3. When and how to discuss behavioural euthanasia
4. Ethical challenges in rescue and rehoming decisions
5. Proactive solutions: early intervention, better adoption matches, and flexible support
6. The impact of societal change, stress, and expectations on pet relinquishment
7. Creating systemic support to prevent crisis points for dogs and their people
Take-Home Message
Effective 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 Action
Learn 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-2025
More information
Website: https://animalbehaviourkent.co.uk
ABK Learn Platform: https://www.abklearn.co.uk
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@animalbehaviourkent261
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalbehaviourkent
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Animalbehaviourkent
Twitter (X): https://x.com/AnimalKent
For 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 daniel@animalbehaviourkent.co.uk.
