Ever tried bridging the gap between London and Scotland? Spoiler: the language barrier is real — but so is the love for dogs, training, and people. ❤️We dive deep into:✨ The real difference between qualifications and certifications✨ Training dog owners, gundog trainers, and canine pros✨ Why it’s all about building a family—your tribe of people and pups✨ How every dog (and human) teaches us something new✨ Breaking the rules to find what really worksPlus, a minor water spill that somehow becomes the highlight... because that’s just how Lez rolls 😂Ready to write your own story and ride your own wave? 🌊Tune in, get inspired, and join the conversation!---- oOo ----Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years. Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE). Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter). They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011. They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists. Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think.Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites...www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.comAnd if you'd rather watch than listen, you can catch Gundogs and Guard Dogs on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@gundogguarddog
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50:01
S5 Bonus A Privileged Position
Another Gundogger, joins the podcast, making the Guard Dog contingent a bit redundant as the lovely Rebecca Walters from PupStarts breeders joins us to talk about responsible dog breeding. A history in dog rescue lead her to a unique journey to provide formal qualifications in breeding dogs. Is she promoting breeding dogs? ABSOLUTELY NOT! If you are going to breed dogs…do it properly! She’s on the same page as all of us regarding ‘adopt or shop responsibly’. Common sense in abundance…highlighting the differences between dog professionals choosing a puppy and supplying puppies to the general public... and the ages of socialisation and optimal times for homing are discussed. Reflecting on our conversations with Julie Shelton from #appledownrescue - there is a huge divide between responsible dog breeders, puppy farmers and the ‘middle ground of well-meaning people’ with little knowledge or just simply selfish! It’s all about genetics, ethics and loving dogs---- oOo ----Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years. Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE). Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter). They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011. They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists. Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think.Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites...www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.comAnd if you'd rather watch than listen, you can catch Gundogs and Guard Dogs on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@gundogguarddog
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S5E10 Never the Same Love Twice
🐾 NEW EPISODE: Never the Same Love Twice 🐶What do Bullmastiffs, Vizslas, Rottweilers, Cockers and Chihuahuas have in common? One woman: Clare Drew, Chairwoman of the Guild of Dog Trainers.This week, Clare brings big Essex energy to our Scottish-London mix — and she’s bringing a lifetime of dogs with her. From personal stories to professional insight, we talk:✨ What different breeds really bring to the table💬 Why the bond you form with each dog is never the same🐕 Clare’s top breeds (spoiler: guard dogs take the crown)🚨 The exciting new chapter for the Guild of Dog Trainers🎉 Young Trainer Ambassadors & building a future for better dog trainingThis episode is full of laughs, loyalty, and love — not just for dogs, but for the community behind them.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in.#DogTraining #DogPodcast #GuildOfDogTrainers #ClareDrew #WorkingDogs #PodcastLife #DogLovers #RottweilerLove #GermanShepherdNation #NeverTheSameLoveTwice
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1:00:02
S5E9 Semantics & Dirty Words
Welcome to Semantics & Dirty Words—the podcast where dog training meets honesty, frustration, and the occasional Malinois obsession. It's hot in Scotland, the shoes are off, the moans are on, and we’re diving headfirst into the latest drama around aversive training methods, misguided ideology, and what animal welfare really looks like. Lez is knackered, Ross is insulted, and the Scottish Animal Welfare Council has dropped a spicy little report that has us asking: is this about dogs, or just semantics?If you’ve ever questioned the status quo, felt like the industry's full of noise, or just want dogs to live their best lives without the BS—this one’s for you. Let’s get into it.---- oOo ----Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years. Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE). Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter). They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011. They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists. Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think.Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites...www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.comAnd if you'd rather watch than listen, you can catch Gundogs and Guard Dogs on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@gundogguarddog
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48:12
S5E8 A Married Man: From Harry Potter via James Bond to Batman and Beyond
Mr Mic Martin of Dog Borstal fame.Growing up in Germany with a dog enthusiast for a mother, Mic would have rather played football! It’s amazing how those early years shaped his later career in the Police. Although not a driving force for Mic, they certainly propelled him forward to his successful career as a Police Dog Handler, which later opened the door to working with the BBC and Warner Brothers Studios.The conversation begins at the start, where we discover how the face of the Police Dog Section has evolved. After an occupational injury and a few wrong decisions, life in the Police came to an end, and a flourishing career as a civilian dog trainer began. This included work with clients, as well as film projects, both behind and in front of the camera.Who the hell is Phil Thompson?MI6 needs Military Police Dogs… who are you going to call? Mic Martin!A facial hair dilemma, a fleece, parquet flooring, an introduction to the BBC, and tips on how to handle the haters, as well as how to make a difference to charities using your status.Another lesson in how and why to rehome your husband and what it's like to work with celebrities – from the gorgeous and friendly Jason Statham, to the cigarette-smoking Daniel Radcliffe, and the not-so-forthcoming Emma Watson.We explore how the world of film can mirror real life and leave a real impact on the experiences and memories we hold.We conclude with a ‘thank you’ for some refreshing normality... and a stalker issue!He’s just a bloke from Wolverhampton.How the fuck we got through this without Mic swearing is a miracle! ---- oOo ----Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years. Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE). Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter). They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011. They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists. Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think.Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites...www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.comAnd if you'd rather watch than listen, you can catch Gundogs and Guard Dogs on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@gundogguarddog
An enlightening, fortnightly podcast from two full-time dog behaviourists and award-winning trainers discussing dogs, behavioural and training difficulties, current news relating to what should be our best friends, and a little bit of life in general…including their most recent meals!
A Geordie based in Scotland and a Londoner, staying firmly put in the Capital, they overcome the language barrier (mostly!) and celebrate not only their many differences, but their united togetherness.
Whether that be Gundogs, Guard Dogs…or any of the beautiful dogs inbetween - it’s all about the love for dogs.
Ireland