Ep 38. Kay Attwood, Author of Canine Cognitive Skills, on teaching your dog to think for themselves

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In this episode, Nathan is joined by Kay Attwood, founder of K9 Services and author of Canine Cognitive Skills, to explore a genuinely fascinating approach to dog training: Canine Cognitive Behaviour Training (CCBT).

Kay explains how giving dogs the freedom to think, problem-solve, and make choices can transform behaviour from the inside out, particularly for anxious and reactive dogs. Whether you are a seasoned dog guardian or just starting out, this conversation will change the way you see what is going on behind your dog’s eyes.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ What Canine Cognitive Behaviour Training (CCBT) actually is and how it differs from conventional reward-based training

✅ The difference between the “play brain” and the “reactive brain” and why it matters for your dog’s behaviour

✅ Why giving dogs real choices builds confidence and reduces stress hormones

✅ Simple, low-cost games you can try at home using everyday household items

✅ How cognitive enrichment can support anxious and reactive dogs without medication

✅ Why slowing down and letting your dog think is one of the most powerful things you can do as a guardian

Key Takeaways:

• Dogs are continually looking for solutions; they are not trying to be difficult
• Enrichment is not just about keeping dogs busy. It is about giving them meaningful mental engagement and genuine downtime
• You do not need expensive equipment. A bag of plastic cups or empty water bottles can be the start of a cognitive training journey
• The relationship between dog and guardian improves dramatically when both learn to communicate, not just instruct

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 Kay Attwood

Kay’s website

Cognitive Canine Skills book on Amazon

Kay’s Facebook page

Connect with Nathan and Yappily

Connect with Nathan

Nathan Dunleavy website

Yappily Facebook

Yappily Instagram

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