Sit, Paws and Listen

Welcome to Sit, Paws and Listen with Will HodgettsRecorded live at PATS at the NEC Birmingham, this special episode of Sit, Paws & Listen brings together leading pet industry experts to explore what it really means to be a responsible dog owner.From choosing the right breed and getting the basics of training right to pet first aid, noise anxiety, nutrition and the importance of play, Will Hodgetts speaks to industry specialists about the practical steps we can all take to give our dogs happier, healthier lives.Joined by Charlie the Vet, Nigel Baker from the Pet Industry Federation, Rachel from Soothe Settle, Danny from Tug Enough and Jo from Dorwest Herbs, the conversation covers everything from understanding canine body language and managing anxiety to preventative healthcare, supplements and the realities of a lifetime commitment to our four legged friends.Whether you're a first time dog owner or a lifelong dog lover, this episode is packed with expert advice, fresh perspectives and practical tips to help you better understand and care for your dog.Find out more about today's guests and PATS:PATS: https://www.patshow.co.uk/Charlie The Vet: https://www.charliethevet.com/Pet Federation: https://petfederation.co.uk/Soothe and Settle: https://sootheandsettle.com/Tug-E-Nuff: https://tug-e-nuff.com/ Dorwest Herbs: https://www.dorwest.com/

Welcome to Sit, Paws and Listen with Will HodgettsIn this episode Will is joined by Lauren Davis, aka The Sleep Vet, to explore the often-overlooked world of canine sleep and why proper rest is just as important as exercise, food and training.From puppies and working dogs to older dogs living with joint problems, Lauren explains how much sleep dogs need, why daytime naps matter, and how their environment can make a huge difference.The conversation also covers choosing the right dog bed, supporting dogs with osteoarthritis, reducing slips with better flooring, and spotting the early signs that your dog may be struggling with pain or mobility.They also discuss puppy socialisation, the importance of restorative sleep, and what the future could look like for canine sleep tracking and wearable technology.Connect with Lauren: Lauren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesleepvet/The Sleep Vet: https://www.instagram.com/thesleepvet/Vet Relieve UK: https://www.instagram.com/vetrelieveuk/

Welcome to Sit, Paws and Listen with Will HodgettsIn this episode Will is joined by animal welfare lawyer and policy expert Vanessa Barnes to explore the future of responsible dog breeding and the importance of putting health before appearance.Vanessa explains the Innate Health Assessment (IHA), a free, ten-point visual assessment designed to help breeders, vets, owners and regulators identify physical traits linked to poor welfare, including breathing difficulties, restricted mobility and problems caused by extreme conformation.The conversation explores why the goal isn't to ban breeds, but to reduce exaggerated features and preserve healthier dogs for future generations. They discuss flat-faced breeds, eye and tail abnormalities, merle genetics, caesarean dependence, responsible breeding, consumer choice and the challenges facing regulators.With nearly 1,700 dogs already assessed, the IHA is gaining momentum in the UK and internationally,Connect with Vanessa Barnes and IHA:Vanessa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-barnes-7a6a2840IHA:LinkedInInstagram

Welcome to Sit, Paws and Listen with Will HodgettsWhat if better behaviour starts with better communication?This week Will is joined by Australian canine behaviourist and author Sarah Rutten, who has more than 20 years of experience helping people understand their dogs through force-free, reward-based training.Sarah explains what force-free training really means and why using food, play, patience and positive reinforcement can create stronger relationships between dogs and their guardians. They explore why punishment and aversive tools such as choke chains, prong collars and shock collars can often increase fear, reactivity and aggression rather than address the root of the problem.The conversation also looks at the importance of puppy socialisation, particularly during those crucial early weeks, and why skills such as recall should be introduced from the beginning. Sarah challenges common myths around dominance, pack hierarchy and the idea that dogs are simply “badly behaved”, explaining how many behaviour issues actually come down to communication.They also discuss the impact of keeping puppies isolated until vaccinations are complete, lessons from the rise of pandemic “COVID dogs”, Sarah’s books and AI-assisted training app, and the wider ethics of how we choose to train our pets.Ultimately, this is a conversation about changing the way we see our dogs, from animals that need controlling to intelligent, social beings that deserve understanding, structure and compassion.Because sometimes the best way to improve your dog’s behaviour is simply to understand them better.Connect with Sarah Rutten & The Canine PerspectiveFacebook: The Canine PerspectiveFree Facebook Community: The Canine Perspective CommunityLinkedIn: Sarah Rutten on LinkedInThe Canine Perspective App: Access the appBook: The Canine Perspective: Force-Free Methods for Pawtential — available on Amazon UK: Buy the book on AmazonWebsite: The Canine PerspectiveSarah works with clients all around the world, offering online programmes and support, meaning distance is no barrier to accessing The Canine Perspective.

Welcome to Sit, Paws and Listen with Will HodgettsBehind every police dog, military dog, prison dog, and service horse is a remarkable story of loyalty, courage, and sacrifice. But what happens when their working life comes to an end?In this inspiring episode, Will Hodgetts is joined by Lady Bathurst, founder of the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA), to discuss the incredible work the charity does in supporting retired service animals and the people who cared for them throughout their careers.From covering unexpected veterinary costs to providing emotional support for handlers, Lady Bathurst shares the powerful mission behind the charity and why these animals deserve the very best retirement after dedicating their lives to protecting ours.Why this episode matters:Service animals dedicate their lives to protecting our communities, often placing themselves in harm's way alongside their handlers. Yet once they retire, many still require specialist care, ongoing medical treatment, and financial support.This episode shines a light on the extraordinary work of the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals and reminds us that while these animals may finish their service, they should never be forgotten.Whether you're a dog lover, work in emergency services, or simply want to hear an inspiring story of compassion and commitment, this is an episode that celebrates the heroes we don't always see.Connect With Lady B and the NFRSA: NFRSA: https://www.instagram.com/nfrsa_official?igsh=ZTVxd2g4NThybTUyLady Bathurst: https://www.instagram.com/cotswold_lady_b/?hl=enwww.nfrsa.org.uk

Welcome to Sit, Paws and Listen with Will HodgettsWhat does the future of responsible dog breeding really look like?In today's episode, Will is joined by Victoria Ellsmore to explore how science, education, and ethical breeding can improve the lives of dogs for generations to come.From healthier breed standards and genetic diversity to the influence of social media and advertising, Victoria explains why welfare should always come before appearance. Together, they discuss the challenges facing modern dog ownership and how collaboration across breeders, charities, researchers, and the pet industry can create lasting positive change.Whether you're a breeder, dog owner, or simply passionate about canine welfare, this is an essential conversation about shaping a healthier future for our four-legged companions.Connect With VictoriaAll Tails Media: https://www.instagram.com/alltailsmedia

Welcome to Sit, Paws and Listen with Will HodgettsWhat should you really be feeding your dog? With so much conflicting advice around kibble, raw feeding, wet food, and homemade diets, it can be difficult to know what's best.Joining Will in the studio today is pet nutritionist Laura Ward, founder of Rewarding Pet Nutrition, to separate fact from fiction and uncover the science behind a healthy, balanced diet. From understanding why Labradors always seem hungry to exploring the gut-brain connection, Laura shares practical, evidence-based advice to help owners make confident decisions about their dog's nutrition.Whether you're welcoming a new puppy or looking to improve your dog's long-term health, this episode is packed with expert guidance every dog owner should know.Connect with Laura Ward & Rewarding Pet NutritionWebsite: Rewarding Pet NutritionLinkedIn (Company): Rewarding Pet NutritionLinkedIn (Laura Ward): Laura WardInstagram: @rewardingpetnutritionFacebook: Rewarding Pet NutritionYouTube: Rewarding Pet Nutrition

Welcome to Sit, Paws and Listen with Will HodgettsWill Hodgetts sits down with Dr. Angela Jones, founder of PetScribers, to explore how technology is reshaping the future of veterinary care and pet prescriptions.From reducing admin pressure on vets to helping pet owners make more informed and affordable choices, Dr. Jones shares how PetScribers is bringing greater transparency, efficiency, and accessibility into the world of animal healthcare. The conversation also dives into the risks of counterfeit medications online, the evolving role of AI in veterinary practice, and why trust and expertise still remain at the heart of great care.Whether you’re a pet owner, veterinary professional, or simply curious about innovation in healthcare, this episode offers an eye-opening look at where the industry is heading.For more information, please head to the below links:PetScribers: https://petscribers.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldviewdog/

Welcome to Sit, Paws and Listen with Will HodgettsIn this powerful and eye-opening episode, Will Hodgetts is joined by Rachel Frost from Birmingham Dogs Home, who shares her 13-year journey on the frontline of dog rescue and welfare.From caring for traumatised and abused dogs to navigating the emotional toll of the job, Rachel offers an unfiltered look at what really goes on behind the scenes. This conversation sheds light on the resilience of rescue dogs, the dedication of those who care for them, and the vital role the public plays in supporting these life-saving organisations.If you’ve ever considered adopting, fostering, or simply want to understand the reality of dog rescue—this is an episode that will stay with you.For more information, please head to the below links:Birmingham Dogs Home: https://birminghamdogshome.org.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldviewdog/