Dog Trainers UnPACT

Join host and behaviour geek Steve Goodall as he explores the soul of the dog training profession. This podcast moves beyond technicalities to explore the real, raw, and inspiring stories of the incredible PACT community of experts and students dedicated to ethical practice. Whether you're looking for professional inspiration or a deeper understanding of the extraordinary bond between humans and their dogs, join us to celebrate the passion and dedication that help interspecies relationships truly flourish.

Dog Trainers UnPACT is a education podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 10 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Dog Trainers UnPACT, a education show with 10 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #10

  #10 Danielle Beck - From Dolphin Dreams to Decoding Dog Arousal & The Meerkat Method

  Aug 17, 20261h 24m

  In this episode of Dog Trainers UnPACT , Steve sits down with Clinical Animal Behaviourist Danielle Beck (MSc) for a deeply insightful and honest conversation about animal behaviour, trauma-informed practice, and the reality of navigating complex cases. Danielle shares her journey from childhood dreams of marine mammal training to working with complex behaviour cases and assistance dogs. Together, Steve and Danielle discuss the importance of navigating the 'shades of grey' in dog training, how the 'Meerkat Method' gives clients an empathetic lens to understand arousal and stress, and the emotional weight of behavioural euthanasia. Dani Facts: Danielle Beck is a Clinical Animal Behaviourist (MSc) with over 20 years of experience in the animal training and behaviour field. Danielle is the founder of Control The Meerkat , where her work focuses heavily on self-regulation, neuroscience, trauma, and helping nervous systems feel safe—pioneering an approach that treats complex behavioural issues from the inside out rather than through external control. Beyond her clinical practice working with complex cases and assistance dog teams, Danielle plays a major role in shaping industry standards across the UK and internationally. She is a Director and full member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), a registered instructor and faculty member with the Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT), and an assessor for the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). As an international speaker, lecturer, and mentor to pet professionals since 2020, Danielle brings deep expertise and a refreshingly empathetic, science-based perspective to understanding animal behaviour. Key Takeaways & Topics Covered: From SeaWorld to Science: How early inspirations evolved into ethical, welfare-focused practice. Living in the Grey: Moving past dogma and meeting guardians where they are without shame. The Meerkat Method: Using neuroscience and relatable storytelling to help clients understand nervous system regulation and arousal. The "Business Card Dog" Myth: Why a trainer's dog doesn't define their skill, and the importance of giving dogs agency. Taboo Topics in Dog Training: An honest discussion on behavioural euthanasia, grief, and protecting a dog's memory. Imposter Syndrome & Mentorship: The power of collaboration over competition in the pet industry. Recommended Books Mentioned in the Episode: The Chimp Paradox by Steve Peters The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson Don't Shoot the Dog! by Karen Pryor Coercion and Its Fallout by Murray Sidman Important Links & Resources: Danielle Beck / Control The Meerkat: controlthemeerkat.com PACT Main Website: pact-dogs.com DogX 2026 Conference Tickets & Info: dogxconference.com

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  Episode #8

  #8 Dion Watts - Breaking Boundaries with a Pomeranian Powerhouse

  Jul 7, 20261h 21m

  In this episode, Steve sits down with the incredibly inspiring Dee Watts, a PACT student and trainer who is breaking down barriers, challenging industry norms, and redefining the world of dog training. From childhood barn owls to criminal profiling, and overcoming a life-altering functional neurological disorder (FND) diagnosis, Dee’s journey is nothing short of a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and profound communication with Dogs. What We Covered in This Episode: Show & Tell with a Twist: Dee shares her earliest animal memories, which include growing up with a dad obsessed with birds, two resident barn owls (Mika and Stomper), and a pet snake that sparked her lifelong fascination with predatory behaviour. From Crime Scene to Canine Behaviour: Dee explains how graduating with a first-class degree in Crime and Investigation crosses over beautifully into dog training—turns out analysing nature vs. nurture and solving criminal minds isn't too different from unpacking dog behaviour! Understanding FND: Dee talks about living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), how it impacted her university journey, and what it truly means when the brain and nervous system's signals misfire. Oreo the Accidental Assistance Dog: How a tiny, fluffy Pomeranian named Oreo completely changed Dee’s life. The Myth of the "Easy" Social Media Fix: Dee and Steve unpack why the dog training world needs a serious reality check when it comes to accessibility. They discuss how general advice can actually hinder certain handlers, and why we must take ore time to look at the individual handler's emotional and physical well-being alongside the dog's. Filling the Gap in the Market: Dee’s mission to become an accredited behaviourist and fill a gap that's much needed. In Dees' words: "Don’t let other people’s limits limit you." Useful Links & Resources Mentioned: Read Dee's Story: Check out Dee's inspiring guest feature on the PACT Lunches blog over at pact-dogs.com/blog/my-journey . Follow Dion & Oreo: Keep up with Dee's journey and watch her masterclass in deep communication over on TikTok at @a.pom.with.a.purpose_ . Work with Dion: Visit Dee's website to stay tuned for her upcoming training services at oreoswaydogtraining.com (currently under construction but coming soon!). Danielle Beck (Control the Meerkat): Shout out to Dee’s incredible mentor and friend, Danielle Beck. Check out her game-changing work at controlthemeerkat.com . Start Your Journey: Ready to dive into the world of dog training with a community that actually builds you up? Find out more about PACT and start your dog trainer journey at pact-dogs.com . Get Your Tickets: Don't miss out on the biggest event in the dog training calendar! Grab your tickets to the DogX Conference at dogxconference.com .

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  Episode #7

  #7 Sarah Tapsell - From Wolf Encounters to Rescue Frontlines

  Jun 22, 20261h 12m

  In this episode, Steve sits down with Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) and rescue powerhouse, Sarah Tapsell. From her hilariously inventive childhood tactics to get her very first pet rabbit (involving 100 printed signs and a very confused neighbor), to a sliding-doors moment that steered her away from sports dietetics and straight into ethology, Sarah’s path is anything but linear. Steve and Sarah unpack the raw reality of frontline rescue work—explaining why it's the ultimate immersive learning environment for dog trainers, how to navigate the heavy emotional toll of complex behavioral cases, and why understanding the true why behind an animal's behavior changes everything. If you've ever felt burnt out, wondered how to get into rescue, or wanted to know how to properly advocate for your own mental health in this industry, this episode is a must-listen. Key Topics Covered: The "100 Pieces of Paper" Strategy: Sarah's childhood campaign for a pet rabbit. The Sliding Doors Moment: How a wolf experience at age 19 completely derailed a career in sports dietetics. The Pressure Cooker of Rescue: Why shelter work offers an unparalleled immersive learning environment for dog handlers and behaviorists. Navigating the Dark Days: Facing compassion fatigue, accepting that "nothing is perfect," and learning how to decompress and advocate for yourself. The Danger of Labels: Disregarding the "D-word" (Dominance) and transitioning to understanding true emotional motivations. Hopes for the Profession: Why marrying top-tier practical handling with robust theoretical education is vital for the future of animal welfare. Guest Biography: Sarah Tapsell is a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB), a member of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC), and a PACT-accredited Animal Training Instructor. She has dedicated two decades to animal welfare, rescue, and clinical behavior roles. Sarah has held senior and frontline behavior positions with some of the UK’s most prominent organizations, including Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, the RSPCA, and Dogs Trust, alongside running her own self-employed private clinical practice (OABT) with her colleague Ryan. Specializing in complex, trauma-related, and high-risk behaviors, Sarah brings a strong shelter-medicine perspective to her work. She currently works in rescue as a Senior Clinical Animal Behaviourist and lives near Exmoor with her beloved rescued animals: three Chihuahuas, a Basset Hound, and four mini lop rabbits. Helpful Links & Resources Mentioned: Book Recommendation: Learn more about navigating compassion fatigue and looking after yourself in the industry with Emotional Well-being for Animal Welfare Professionals by Tamsin Durston Find Out More About PACT: Ready to take your dog training or behavior journey to the gold standard? Start your journey with PACT here . Get Your Tickets to DogX: Don't miss the ultimate dog training event of the year! Grab your DogX tickets here .

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  Episode #6

  #6 Honour Smith - From Woodlice to Lincoln: The Honour in Ditching the Comfort Zone

  Jun 8, 20261h 25m

  Ever wondered how a childhood obsession with garden woodlice can spiral into a top-tier career as a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist? This week, Steve sits down with the incredibly talented Honour Smith (BSc, MSc, CCAB, ABTC-ATI) to unpack her brilliant journey through the animal behaviour world. Honour shares how she navigated multiple "animal careers" before finding her true calling. We dive deep into why practical skills are just as vital as heavy theory, the art of translating Jedi-level behavior science into human-friendly analogies, and what training cats can teach you about absolute patience. If you've ever battled imposter syndrome or wondered what it really takes to publish groundbreaking research, this episode is your ultimate guide. What We Covered: The Journey: Moving around the UK and stepping out of comfort zones. The Lincoln Experience: What actually happens at the famous Lincoln Animal Behaviour Clinic and why the masters program is so revered. Theory vs. Practice: Why being "book smart" isn't enough when you're standing in front of a real dog and a real client. The Power of Analogy: How a trip to the local pub can explain a dog's core temperament perfectly to an owner. Groundbreaking Research: Honour’s journey to publishing her thesis on Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) and catching cognitive decline earlier. The "F" Word (Finances): Why charging your worth actually makes clients take training more seriously. Important Links & Resources: Grab your tickets to the ultimate dog event: DogX Dog Conference Ready to kickstart your own training journey? Find out more about PACT: PACT Dogs Connect with Honour and her team: Lincoln Animal Behaviour Clinic

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  Episode #5

  #5 Charlie Houghton - From the High Seas to Houghton's Hounds

  Apr 2, 20261h 11mS0

  <p>Welcome back folks :)</p><p>In this episode, Steve sits down with the incredible Charlie Houghton, founder of Houghton’s Hounds. We navigate through Charlie's fascinating 10-year career as a Logistics Officer in the Royal Navy and discover how teaching leadership to sailors perfectly prepared her for teaching puppies (and their humans!).</p><p>We covered:</p>The Navy-to-K9 Pivot: How a passion for adult education and leadership coaching transformed into a career in dog training.Public Speaking for Introverts: Why you might need to "fake it 'til you make it" when stepping into the center of a training ri...

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