Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese

In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, host Killian is joined by Lea Chevalier from Calm That Snout to discuss the complex and emotional topic of pain in dogs.

Lea shares both professional insights and personal experiences of living with dogs affected by chronic pain. Together, Killian and Lea explore how pain can change a dog’s behaviour, from increased sensitivity and lower tolerance to restlessness, bite behaviour, reactivity, or changes in mobility. They also discuss why signs of pain are often mistaken for quirks, habits, or training issues.

A key part of the conversation focuses on the guilt many dog guardians feel when they realise their dog may have been in pain. Lea highlights that this guilt is understandable, but that owners can only act on what they know. The episode also covers gastrointestinal issues, musculoskeletal pain, exercise changes, professional collaboration, and the importance of finding a good vet, behaviour consultant, physiotherapist, nutritionist, or wider care team to create a clear plan forward.

Find out more about Lea and Calm That Snout:
Instagram: @calm_that_snout
Website: https://dog-training.ie/https://dog-training.ie/

Find out more about Ruby Reese:
Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial
Website: www.ruby-reese.com

Find out more about dognutrition.ie:
Instagram: @dognutrition.ie
Website: dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Lea Chevalier and her work
01:01 - Why dog pain is such an emotional topic
02:46 - How chronic pain can change a dog’s behaviour
06:23 - Pain, quirks, habits, and missed signs
07:36 - Pain as a stressor and lowered tolerance
08:42 - Why guardians often feel guilt around dog pain
12:57 - Good intentions, guilt, and doing the best with what we know
14:34 - The human emotional impact of living with a dog in pain
16:07 - Why having a plan can bring relief
17:20 - When pain explains challenging puppy behaviour
21:57 - How pain can affect the human-dog relationship
23:59 - Simple changes that can make a big difference
24:54 - Gastrointestinal issues, giardia, and behaviour changes
26:43 - Musculoskeletal pain and exercise adjustments
28:09 - Working with vets, physios, nutritionists, and other professionals
31:13 - How to advocate for your dog when pain is suspected
32:34 - Pain trials and what they can help identify
38:22 - Low-impact exercise and enrichment ideas
41:14 - Grieving the dog you thought you would have
43:29 - Advice for guardians who suspect their dog is in pain
46:27 - Why professional collaboration matters
47:55 - Turning knowledge into action
50:48 - Final thoughts and where to get support

In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, host Killian is joined by returning guest Darina Strong from Polaris Dog Training to talk about management as a dog training tool.
Darina explains that management means controlling the environment as much as possible to prevent unwanted behaviours from being practised. This might include using a long line while recall is still being trained, putting frosted film on windows to reduce barking, keeping food off counters, using baby gates, tidying away shoes, or offering appropriate chewing outlets.
Killian and Darina explore why management is often undervalued, even though many training plans are unlikely to succeed without it. They also discuss safety, especially around children, resource guarding, bolting out doors, or dangerous household behaviours. The conversation highlights how management can work alongside training, enrichment, scent work, routines, and realistic expectations to help dogs succeed in a human-centred world.

Course: The Basics of Dog Food and Nutrition - for Dog Professionals
Exclusive Discount: For your loyal podcast listeners we created a special €30 off discount code to save on the course. Use Podcast30 at checkout or click on the link above and the discount will be added automatically at checkout.

Find out more about Darina and Polaris Dog Training:
Instagram: @polarisdogtraining
Website: https://polarisdog.training/

Find out more about Ruby Reese:
Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial
Website: www.ruby-reese.com

Find out more about dognutrition.ie:
Instagram: @dognutrition.ie
Website: dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and episode overview
01:40 Introducing Darina and her dog training background
02:37 Defining management in dog training
03:46 Using management alongside training for effective results
05:03 Managing counter-surfing and resource guarding behaviours
06:44 Why management is often undervalued by dog owners
08:57 The importance of environment management for long-term success
11:08 Can management alone resolve behavioural issues?
13:03 Management in dangerous or high-risk situations
15:28 Practical management tools: baby gates, leashes, and environment control
20:31 Managing natural behaviours like digging and chewing
26:38 Management in public settings and social environments
34:34 Overcoming resistance to management strategies
37:19 Handling opinions and societal judgments about dog management
43:20 Preemptive management and planning for safety
44:26 Closing remarks and thanks

In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, host Killian is joined by returning guest Suzy White of Snout and About Kilkenny to explore when it makes sense to involve a dog trainer, a behaviour consultant, or both.

Suzy explains the key difference between the two roles: trainers help dogs learn new skills, while behaviour consultants focus on understanding and modifying existing behaviours by identifying the root cause. The conversation covers common training needs such as loose-lead walking, recall, and everyday communication, as well as behavioural concerns like reactivity, aggression, resource guarding, separation anxiety, fear, pain, and emotional dysregulation.

Killian and Suzy also discuss why behaviour cases often require collaboration between vets, trainers, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and other professionals. They highlight the importance of decompression, enrichment, scent work, dog sports, and rebuilding the human-dog relationship. This episode is especially helpful for dog guardians who are unsure where to start or what kind of professional support their dog may need.

Find out more about Suzi White and Snout and About Kilkenny:
Instagram: @ the_dogcentre
Website: https://www.thedogcentre.ie/

Find out more about Ruby Reese:
Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial
Website: www.ruby-reese.com

Find out more about dognutrition.ie:
Instagram: @dognutrition.ie
Website: dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Canine Behaviour Consulting
05:23 Understanding the Role of Trainers vs. Behaviour Consultants
07:55 Identifying Behavioural Issues in Dogs
10:10 The Importance of Addressing Root Causes
12:38 Collaboration Between Professionals
15:49 The Role of Emotional Regulation
18:33 Navigating Training and Behaviour Consulting
21:15 The Impact of Dog Sports on Behaviour
24:28 Understanding Dog Emotions and Enrichment
27:31 Distinguishing Between Training Needs and Behavioural Issues
30:23 Life Stages and Their Impact on Behaviour
33:16 Credentials and Qualifications in Dog Training
36:14 Finding the Right Professional for Your Dog
38:53 Conclusion and Resources for Dog Owners
41:04 Outro

In this heartfelt episode of "Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese," host Killian delves into the sensitive and often challenging topic of pet euthanasia and grief support. Joined by Louise Griffey from Light After Loss and Dr. Megan Anderson from Rainbow Bridge Vets, the discussion offers a compassionate exploration of how to support pet owners through one of the most difficult times they may face.

Louise and Dr. Megan share their personal journeys into the field of grief and euthanasia support, revealing the experiences and motivations that led them to dedicate their careers to this vital work. They discuss the significant gaps in veterinary training regarding end-of-life conversations and provide insights into how these can be addressed to improve care for both pets and their owners.

The conversation emphasises the importance of compassion, patience, and validated communication during pet euthanasia. Louise and Dr. Megan offer practical advice on creating a safe emotional space during difficult consultations, ensuring that pet owners feel supported and understood.

Listeners will learn about various memorialisation options available for pet owners, such as jewellery and prints, which can play a crucial role in the grieving process. The episode also covers how to support pet owners through anticipatory grief and post-loss coping, providing strategies to help them navigate their emotions.

For veterinary staff, the episode offers practical tips on handling end-of-life discussions ethically and empathetically. Louise and Dr. Megan highlight the role of community and resources in normalising grief and reducing stigma, encouraging open conversations around pet loss.

Finally, the episode explores the development of training courses designed to equip veterinary professionals with the soft skills needed for pet death conversations, ensuring that they can provide the best possible support to grieving pet owners.

Course: Fundamentals of Gentle Euthanasia & Supporting Grieving Pet Owners (https://training.premierskillsinstitute.com/course-detail/on-demand-fundamentals-of-gentle-euthanasia-supporting-grieving-pet-owners/?id=297&schedule_id=)

Course: The Basics of Dog Food and Nutrition - for Dog Professionals
Exclusive Discount: For your loyal podcast listeners we created a special 20% OFF discount code to save on the course. Use Podcast20 at checkout or click on the link above and the discount will be added automatically at checkout.

Find out more about Louise Griffey and Light After Loss :
Instagram: @_lightafterloss
Website: www.lightafterloss.ie 
Podcast: The Pet Loss Journals

Find out more about Dr. Megan Anderson and RAINBOW BRIDGE VETERINARY SERVICES:
Instagram: @rainbowbridgevetsireland
Website: www.rainbowbridgevets.ie 

Find out more about Ruby Reese:
Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial
Website: www.ruby-reese.com

Find out more about dognutrition.ie:
Instagram: @dognutrition.ie
Website: dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup
01:52 Meet the Guests: Louise and Megan
02:48 Understanding Pet Loss and Support Services
03:24 The Journey to Pet Euthanasia and Grief Support
15:47 Supporting Grieving Pet Owners: Strategies and Insights
22:05 Creating Emotional Safety in Consultations
25:50 The Importance of Language in Grief
33:22 Memorialisation and Remembering Pets
40:08 Support Systems for Grieving Pet Owners
51:20 Outro

Understanding Munchausen by Animal Proxy: A Deep Dive into Psychological Abuse in Pets

Disclaimer: This episode discusses topics that may be disturbing to some listeners, including elements of psychological abuse.

In this compelling episode, Killian is joined by Vanessa Fagan, an experienced dog trainer and canine behaviourist, to delve into the unsettling world of Munchausen by Animal Proxy. This psychiatric disorder involves pet owners fabricating or inducing illness in their animals to gain attention or sympathy. Vanessa shares her unique insights and experiences, shedding light on the challenges faced by veterinarians and other professionals in identifying and addressing this form of abuse.Listeners will gain an understanding of the disorder's definition and history, as well as the behavioural cues and signs that may indicate its presence. The conversation also explores the role of social media in amplifying attention-seeking behaviours and the ethical dilemmas faced by those in the veterinary field. Through real-world examples and case studies, Vanessa emphasises the importance of professional collaboration and awareness to combat this growing issue.This episode is essential listening for anyone involved in animal care, psychology, or veterinary medicine, offering valuable resources and links for further exploration. Join us in raising awareness and fostering a more informed community to protect vulnerable animals and their owners.

Dying to Be Ill by Mark Feldman

This episode aims to raise awareness about a critical issue in animal welfare and mental health. Listen, share, and stay informed to help prevent harm to vulnerable animals and their owners.

Find out more about Vanessa and Perfect Paws Dog Training :
Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/perfect_paws_dog_training_ire/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@perfect_paws_training

Find out more about Ruby Reese:
Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial
Website: www.ruby-reese.com

Find out more about dognutrition.ie:
Instagram: @dognutrition.ie
Website: dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to a Difficult Topic
04:28 Understanding Munchausen by Animal Proxy
08:37 Recognising Symptoms in Pet Ownership
12:27 The Complexity of Vet Shopping
15:09 The Darker Aspects of the Disorder
17:06 Raising Awareness and Professional Vigilance
20:11 Understanding Veterinary Perspectives on Animal Health
22:15 Identifying Behavioural Cues in Dogs
24:11 The Importance of Early Diagnosis
27:10 Challenges in Reporting Animal Abuse
30:09 The Complexity of Munchausen by Animal Proxy
33:11 Distinguishing Between Concerned Owners and Abusers
36:08 The Need for Collaboration in Animal Welfare
39:53 Outro