Welcome to The Yappy Hour, powered by Yappily! 🎉
In this Yappy Hour episode, Nathan Dunleavy sits down with Jo Middleton, Director of Studies at Canine Principles, Principal at the ISCP, and Managing Director at the International Institute for Canine Ethics to unpack how ethical, accessible education changes everything in the dog world.
From consent-based handling and body language to nutrition, equipment, imposter syndrome, and community, Jo shares practical, compassionate insights for both dog guardians and pet professionals.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ What “consent-based” handling really means (and how to spot a dog’s “no”)
✅ Why continued learning and CPD matter for pet pros and guardians
✅ The biggest knowledge gaps: nutrition, first aid, body language
✅ How to choose ethical training help you can trust
✅ Gear that protects bodies (and why two-point harnesses beat collars)
✅ Practical ways to tackle imposter syndrome and find your people
✅ Why quick-fix reels aren’t real, and what to do instead
✅ How values (consent, compassion, individuality) drive better outcomes
✅ Rehoming support done right: beyond the rigid “3-3-3” timeline
✅ Simple, student-friendly paths into ethical courses and communities
Key Takeaways:
- Ethics first: compassion isn’t weakness, it’s the real superpower.
- Keep learning: science evolves; so should our handling, nutrition and care.
- Train the human: clarity and consistency at home beat “quick fixes.”
- Protect the body: choose equipment that preserves movement and comfort.
- Community wins: mentorship and peers reduce overwhelm and imposter feelings.
- Trust your gut: choose professionals aligned with force-free principles.
🎙️ Thanks for tuning in! Let’s celebrate the joy and challenges of dog parenting together, because we’re all here for the dogs. 🐾
Connect with Jo
Canine Principles Facebook page
Connect with Nathan and Yappily
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