Season 4, Episode 11 - This is the worst part

aired 30 August 2024

A flawless start as usual with more lessons in English language from Lez. The nonsense chat covering the weather, recent workshops and other drivel leads the way to discussing living with the convalescent dog. From the conventional spay to cruciate ligament ruptures, hygromas, ruptured bladders and epilepsy. The emotional drain on owners and the strain of caring for dogs after illness or injury.The thought of doing it maybe harder than the reality in some cases ?! A conversation about the huge microchip needle, bone damage, the stoic nature of dogs and the importance of raising your dogs as individuals and creating the ability for contentedness when alone. A difficult topic leading the way to an even more difficult conversation next time about when we lose our beloved canine companions.

Runtime: 53 mins

Season 4, Episode 10 - Pinocchio

aired 16 August 2024

A reflection of lockdown. The southern aspect can’t recover from his initial faux pas of mentioning the lack of guests for this episode!A brief conversation about British Summertime and wet feet leads on to a pretty non - dog related reflection of lockdown. We originally started this podcast during the pandemic, just to make some distraction and provide some relief from the difficult ‘storm’ in which we all found ourselves in…despite being in many different vessels! The strange new language that we had to learn…social distancing, bubbles, shielding, sanitising, and getting used to the new normal! Washing shopping, touching unknown dogs, socialising dogs, long term affects on us and our dogs. Eat out to help out…then get back in!Be kind…actually don’t bother!Common sense gets lost in Google apparently.Cruelty in the name of kindness, and the rather depressing result of pandemic puppy buying. Luckily Lez gives us some Japanese tutoring in regard to a lonely mouth and Ross provides expert insight into the use of a flannel, to save panic buying toilet rolls!Give this one a miss…normal service will resume shortly!

Runtime: 50 mins

Season 4, Episode 9 - Take a Breath

aired 16 August 2024

If you listen to just one of our podcasts, make it this one! Lez and Ross are joined by the incredible Julie Shelton from Appledown Dog Rescue. With over 30 years of experience in dog rescue, Julie offers a compelling yet sobering look into the world of dogs in 2024. In this episode, we delve into a variety of topics, including: Professional dog breeders, Overseas dogs, Pedigree dog breeders, XL bullies, Dog wardens. Julie’s insights are both fascinating and eye - opening.We are truly in awe of Julie and the countless individuals like her who tirelessly champion the cause of dogs. These unsung heroes rarely receive the recognition or rewards they deserve, especially on social media. We sincerely encourage everyone to help in any way they can and to cherish their dogs even more today. For more information, visit Appledown Dog Rescue. https://appledownrescue.co.uk/ #rescuedogsarenotrubbish The full episode is on Spotify / Apple podcasts and is available as audio only

Runtime: 8 mins

Season 4, Episode 8 - Summer Holidays

aired 19 July 2024

Summer Holidays! Dad’s Chair! Sunscreen! Another clumsy start without someone having their microphone on?! 🤷‍♂️ The usual conversation about the joys of ageing and other delights along with a brief coffee spillage, an unwanted guide to Glasgow’s annual lockdown thing and then on to dogs and children. The school holidays are upon us and as much as they try and stay upbeat, with over 60 years combined work with dogs, safety for Lez and Ross is always paramount! Starting with pregnancy(they managed to swerve conception) through to your 7 or 8 year old…how should we be living with dogs ? ! Preparing for a baby, bringing the baby home, crawling and toddling stages.A rant a bit about the socials and the nonsense and DANGEROUS posts with dogs and children. There are glimmers of positivity and sharing ideas about the wonderful relationships that are possible between children and dogs, but true to their ethos, common sense and safety rules the day! It’s often 50 / 50 with managing children and managing your dog and observing body language from all parties and acting appropriately!Another language lesson from the multilingual Mrs Graham, prior to culminating in wishing Ross a Happy Birthday by ruining all of his cake ideas!

Runtime: 54 mins

Season 4, Episode 7 - Pretty in Pink

aired 5 July 2024

Oops, a bit of a burpy start from the Londoner, that seems to send an over-tired Lez into hysteria. Once calmness is regained, this covers the role of the Professional Canine Behaviour Practitioner & Trainer (or whatever your job title is) Naturally, a rant or two ensues about social media and the modern wave of dog trainers and how to actually spend some quality time with your dogs. All we want is to create balance and truly happy dogs…which is what we do (and yes we call out the keyboard experts who know very little about dogs). Don’t mention hierarchy, paperwork or clients in tears…oh sorry, we did… remember don’t over-complicate it…if you can raise a child, you’ll probably do ok with a puppy...and yes you can say no to both(or is that either ?).Create some clarity, harmony and live in peace with your dog. Lez acts as the question master to bring things back on track…amazing that she has the time, between rattling gates?!(ha ha Ross). The reality of dog behaviour problems, rehoming as an option and the dangers of not telling the truth.Ultimately the hideous UK Dog Law trumps it all. Bad things happen to good people…as always keeping it real, but with a smile and a sneeze, a burp or two…and we are so old that we are no longer looking for answers that don’t exist…just say No! 🤣

Runtime: 1 hr

Season 4, Episode 6 - Running Puppy Training Classes

aired 21 June 2024

The Northern Aspect managed to turn her microphone on this week...after a nudge! The usual moan about the joys of ageing including nasal waxing and generally getting hairier! A catch up which no one is interested in including running classes under the Golden Arches is followed by a look at running puppy classes. Do you have the right knowledge? What's the difference between adult dog classes? Where do you train? Allowing interaction and causing more damage than the positives you create! Puppy training to perfection...how to be the best that you can be.A puppy party or a puppy education ? !A holistic approach to raising a sensible dog via owner education and breed specific knowledge. A brief technical issue where the Londoner froze...a quick chat about dog law and equipment for puppies.The 5 minute exercise rule explored...exercise Vs socialisation / habituation. Managing people is way harder than managing dogs! Sensible rules around the house for psychological or physiological development.Nature and nurture - creating neutrality and raising the adult dog that you are aiming for. Anyway...that's a bit of it. Enjoy (or not)?!

Runtime: 54 min

Season 4, Episode 5 - Sam Swift tells us all about Proflax

aired 7 June 2024

The usual clumsy introduction and the Scottish contingent (mentioning no names) had a microphone malfunction (user error!). Moody Bitch comes to mind…not because of the microphone error, but because we are joined in this episode by the wonderful Sam Swift from Proflax Natural Superfood Supplements. A fascinating insight into the benefits of holistic principles and approaches supporting physical and physiological issues in dogs. Where and why Proflax started, and looking at the mind, body and spirit. Naturally, we focus on Training and behaviour and how these superfood supplements can support some of the work that we do, but as dog lovers, owners and canine professionals, we look at all of the products available to support optimal health in our dogs. An interesting conversation about synergy and absorption of the products, bio-active compounds and so, so much more! If you don’t regularly listen to this podcast…listen to this episode and give any relevant products a try…in consultation with Proflax.

Runtime: 9 min

Season 4, Episode 4 - Teaching Dog Training Classes

aired 24 May 2024

After an exchange of pleasantries, a little chat about AI, a bit of reorientation around the map of Scotland, which is yet to be confirmed! Unusually, we quickly move on to the scheduled dog topic of training classes and how, when and where to start and all of the considerations that need to be taken into account. As always, Lez and Ross are ‘kinda’ on the same page, but on slightly different paragraphs! 😂 Working dog classes VS pet dog classes, selecting a venue, the reality of indoor and outdoor courses, insurance companies, films and handouts, session planning and course planning, banning kids, working around school holidays, contracts, leadership…the rules of individual classes (you’d be terrified to attend either Ross’s or Lez’s classes🫣) A chat about vaccines in regard to temperament formation, what to include in your tool kit, how to start off your class to create cohesion and maximum success. A brief insight into energy and deference, keeping conversations open and empowering clients…be open, honest and adaptable and get paid! 💷. We hope that you enjoy…with love from freezing Scotland and the Costa del London! 😎

Runtime: 49 min

Season 4, Episode 3 - SORRY FOR THE UNSCHEDULED INTERLUDE

aired 10 May 2024

After an unplanned little break…they are back! 👏🤙 Once we'd got past a blonde microphone moment from the Scottish contingent…it’s brought back by the Londoner who is managing expectations (we know your expectations aren’t that great), we discuss managing risks. What, why and where do you walk your dogs? Dodgy taps and on to the topic of slip leads, flexi leads and awful people in the park. Why are people so thick ? ! 🤷‍♂️ Cognitive decline, hounds of the Baskervilles, dogs in schools 😱 Then it's on to the scheduled matter of dog training classes. Naturally there is a pronunciation lesson regarding the Maremma. The KC Good Citizen Dog Scheme, dogs balls, rosettes, rubbish, FCI Obedience and general dog chat thrown in! Enjoy, or turn off at your earliest opportunity. 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♂️🫣

Runtime: 47 min

Season 4, Episode 2 - What's in a name?

aired 12 April 2024

The usual cheery moaning kicks of the new season. Cars, cages, hotels and jump pens. A couple of mentions of the new book, (that is out now!) before the main topic of multiple dog ownership. The best age to bring another dog into the home along with the benefits, the drawbacks and impacts of training and management in a multi-dog household. Exercising, playing, training and developing relationships with individual dogs within the family group. This episode culminates in a fascinating discussion about various training disciplines and the essential understanding of training, timing and consistency to achieve results in whatever aspect of dog training.

Runtime: 57 min

Season 4, Episode 1 - Happy Easter, if that's a thing?!

aired 29 March 2024

Lez and Ross are a bit worse for wear after their trip to Crufts and a stressful couple of weeks. A post Crufts catch-up. Ross explains the recent problems with his young Rottweiler, Okhaan and the large cost of treatment and the problems with Pet Insurance and whether to insure of not. Lez is late to the party discovering the Hovawart and both are struggling to find their ‘happy place’ whilst stuffing beef windpipes! A chat about chews and mental activity. Usual drivel about food, Easter eggs, some weird marzipan simnel cake and what we can do with our dogs over Easter 🐣 and what we need to be careful of regarding toxins… oh and get involved with the Lez Graham egg challenge(or not?!) No Chicks 🐣 🐥 were harmed during the making of this podcast.

Runtime: 55 min

Season 3, Episode 14 - Strange Clients and Sad Cases

aired 1 March 2024

Born in a barn? More confused introductions. Is it Emma, Emma and Emma, or is it Kathryn?! Getting old is a privilege denied to many…Lez celebrates her ageing and Ross can’t cope with it! A few mentions of ‘The Well Mannered Dog’ Lez’s new book is woven in between the trials and tribulations of ageing. When they finally start talking dog, they quickly debunk fur-babies and pet parents whilst discussing their early experiences with dogs. A conversation about resource guarding, the problems with social media, breeders and money motivations, strange clients and sad cases.

Runtime: 54 min

Season 3, Episode 13 - You can't educate people who don't want educating

aired 16 February 2024

The usual confused and lighthearted introduction with sneezing (or farting?!) and a bit of gossip, followed by the more somber conversation about the real mess of dog ownership and rescue in the UK, the failing XL bully ban, exploring inherent drives within dogs, understanding breed differences, what we can do about fatal dog attacks, the trouble with fur-babies, social predators, prey animals, the ‘because I’m worth it’ culture, and naturally, a few subtle drops of Lez’s new book being launched at Crufts are peppered throughout.

Runtime: 1 hr 7 min

Season 3, Episode 12 - how much has training changed?

aired 4 February 2024

An interesting and philosophical episode as Ross and Lez discuss how dog training, attitudes, and equipment use have changed over the last couple of decades... some for the better and some for the worse - or have they?

Runtime: 48 min

Season 3, Episode 11 - the good the bad and the indifferent

aired 19 January 2024

This episode sees Ross and Lez, once they finish their chatty intro (of course), discuss the different training courses available for dog enthusiasts and those wanting to take it a bit further and join the profession.

Runtime: 58 min

Season 3, Episode 10 - New Year New training

aired 5 January 2024

This episode sees Ross and Lez, once they finish their chatty intro, discuss the types of training they have done with their dogs over the years as well as the training they have planned for 2024.

Runtime: 1 hr 9 min

Season 3, Episode 9 - Merry Xmas

aired 22 December 2023

A bit of fun and frivolity for the last episode of 2023...

Runtime: 55 min

Season 3, Episode 8 - Preparing for the Festive Season

aired 8 December 2023

This episode is all about keeping your dog safe, and yourself sane, over the festive season and really is one not to be missed...

Runtime: 47 min

Season 3, Episode 7 - pt 2 Living with our dogs

aired 24 November 2023

Carrying on the conversation from episode 4, we not only talk about the trials and tribulations we experience when living with dogs, but also the methods we employ when things go wrong as well as when things go right...

Runtime: 1 hr

Season 3, Episode 6 - A bonus episode or not so much

aired 17 November 2023

Discussing the latest videos on social media where folk are cuddling dogs, regardless of whether they know the dog or not... and then looking surprised when the dogs turn and bite them.

Runtime: 45 min

Season 3, Episode 5 - Canine Nutrition

aired 10 November 2023

Talking Canine Nutrition with Jonathan Self from Honey's Natural Dog Food... both Ross and Lez are avid raw feeders, although saying that, Ross is a bit of a zealot when it comes to BARFing (no, not that kind, the raw feeding kind 😅)

Runtime: 48 min

Season 3, Episode 4 - Living with Our Dogs

aired 27 October 2023

Living with our dogs... and not just our gundogs and our guard dogs, but living with dogs in general from setting boundaries to dog walking etiquette.

Runtime: 55 min

Season 3, Episode 3 - Socialisation

aired 13 October 2023

This episode is all about socialisation, habituation, and what we do with our dogs. Age, lifestyle, and breed are just three of the many topics we discuss and they all play a massive part in socialising our dogs.

Runtime: 49 min

Season 3, Episode 2 - The Puppy

aired 29 September 2023

This episode is all about puppies... where to get one, what to look for, and what to walk away from.

Runtime: 44 min

Season 3, Episode 1 - Who?

aired 15 September 2023

Who are Ross McCarthy and Lez Graham?

Runtime: 54 min

Season 3, Episode 0 - So Long, Farewell, Auf-Weidersen Goodbye...

aired 17 August 2023

We'll be back very soon with a new layout... so for now... enjoy the start of season 3 episode 0 or should that be episode 1 🙄

Runtime: 1 hr 1 min

Season 2, Episode 13 - Cagoules, Cantering and Collars

aired August 2021

We know, you can spell Cagoules with a K but for the sake of a good alliteration...

Runtime: 1 hr 1 min

Season 2, Episode 12 - Meetings, Memories and Mutts

aired August 2021

What a reminiscing kind of episode today, from first cars to first dogs and a bit of everything in between...

Runtime: 1 hr 2 min

Season 2, Episode 11 - Ladders, Lunches and Lockdown...

aired August 2021

Isn't it always the way - you just get into the swing of things and the door goes...

Runtime: 1 hr 5 min

Season 2, Episode 10 - Touch, Ticks and Tracking...

aired July 2021

Is this going to be a first? I think we may have got through the whole episode only talking about dogs!

Runtime: 1 hr 13 min

Season 2, Episode 9 - Concorde, Canaries and Carry-Ons...

aired July 2021

Wow... Mr McCarthy - concorde, really? WOW. And a more down to earth question - what was your favourite Carry-On film?

Runtime: 1 hr 3 min

Season 2, Episode 8 - Burgers, Beans and Birds...

aired July 2021

Burgers, beans, birds... yup we really are foodies but we did manage to talk dogs too and of course, we had to mention the F word.

Runtime: 1 hr

Season 2, Episode 7 - Monday Morning Moaning Minnies

aired July 2021

Need we say any more??

Runtime: 1 hr 9 min

Season 2, Episode 6 - Bones, Belly Buttons and Big Teeth

aired June 2021

You know what it's like... you start talking about dogs and before you know it you're on to Innies and Outies ;-)

Runtime: 1 hr 6 min

Season 2, Episode 5 - Stovies, Sausages and Shopping

aired June 2021

We started as we meant to go on today with a perfect blonde moment... and then it was back on to our favourite topic - food!

Runtime: 1 hr 1 min

Season 2, Episode 4 - Food, Foxes and 4x4s

aired June 2021

It's all happening this week... and not just with the puppies... and... just how many weather apps do you need on your phone??

Runtime: 1 hr 1 min

Season 2, Socialisation Special

aired June 2021

A special episode talking about socialisation and habituation plans for young Hygge and Emrys

Runtime: 46 min

Season 2, Episode 3 - Books, Baths and Barking Dogs...

aired June 2021

If it's a barking dog in the background it's got to be...

Runtime: 1 hr 2 min

Season 2, Episode 2 - Wigan, Weddings and Workshops.

aired June 2021

The blonde really is leading the blonde in relation to getting around the UK... Apparently Wigan begins with a G ;-)

Runtime: 1 hr 4 min

Season 2, Episode 1 - Teething, Testicles and a load of old Twaddle

aired May 2021

Yay - the blondes are back in action after a wee break... What did we get up I hear you ask? Well, you'll just have to listen ;-)

Runtime: 1 hr 6 min

Season 1, Episode 20 - Cars, Cream Teas and Crap Jokes...

aired May 2021

But mainly it was about puppies :-)

Runtime: 1 hr

Season 1, Episode 19 - Dogs, Detox and Disgusting Drinks

aired April 2021

The countdown is on for Ross getting dark shadows under his eyes and 4am trips to the garden... exciting times ahead

Runtime: 1 hr 7 min

Season 1, Episode 18 - Dogs, Diets and Deliveroooooo

aired April 2021

Back to our favourite all time topics... well, apart from dog poo that is.

Runtime: 1 hr 3 min

Season 1, Episode 17 - Piercings, presentations and penis cones

aired April 2021

Erm... penis cones... really? is that such a thing?

Runtime: 1 hr 3 min

Season 1, Episode 16 - Trials, travel and technology

aired April 2021

Wiltshire, London, Auckland, Australia and South Africa - talk about international cuisine (well an egg roll anyway)

Runtime: 1 hr 3 min

Season 1, Episode 15 - Poo, Parkas and Porn-names

aired March 2021

It was a 'start as you mean to go on' episode this week as we fall over the introduction, stumble over words and forget what we were saying mid-sentence... business as usual then huh ;-)

Runtime: 1 hr 7 min

Season 1, Episode 14 - Steps, Sofas andsome other stuff

aired March 2021

It's all getting a bit exciting now... or is that stressful? Nah, definitely exciting as we talk about preparing for Emrys's arrival and trying to come up with a name for Ross' new puppy - idea's on a postcard to...

Runtime: 1 hr 8 min

Season 1, Episode 13 - Actors, Audio-books and Ancilliary Shite

aired March 2021

So if we said Ulrich, would you say von Liechtenstein? Ross said huh? Lez said (swoon) 'Heath Ledger'...

Runtime: 1 hr 4 min

Season 1, Episode 12 - Sarnies, Silliness and Social Media...

aired March 2021

Fish Finger Sandwich anyone? Yup, it's a thing and one of our all-time favourite sandwiches...

Runtime: 1 hr 1 min

Season 1, Episode 11 - Pad thai, Puppies and Positivity

aired March 2021

What a meandering kind of day it was today, food, more food, puppies, dogs, more dogs, more puppies... more food and finally, a little bit of positivity to end... A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery while on a detour -hope you enjoy, our detour: -)

Runtime: 1 hr 11 min

Season 1, Episode 10 - Puddles, Poodles and Pissed Off...

aired February 2021

Yup, we think it's safe to say that the blondes have a touch of the lockdown blues... although it didn't stop them from ribbing each other.

Runtime: 1 hr 1 min

Season 1, Episode 9 - Vinegar, Vets and Vaccines...

aired February 2021

What shall we talk about today boys and girls? I know... vinegar?? really??

Runtime: 1 hr 9 min

Season 1, Episode 8 - Movies, Masks and More trips to the Vets

aired February 2021

Tuesday get together about this and that and t'other.... but mainly t'other...

Runtime: 56 min

Season 1, Episode 7 - Friends, Films and Funerals

aired January 2021

A funny old day today... friends, films and funerals and how they're all a bit strange in lockdown...

Runtime: 59 min

Season 1, Episode 6 - Doctorates, Dogs and Drivel!

aired January 2021

Starting with a chat about doctorate programmes, we eased smoothly onto the topic of dogs and ended with a load of drivel...

Runtime: 1 hr 1 min

Season 1, Episode 5 - Cars, Covid and Crap!

aired January 2021

What shall we talk about today? I know... Cars, Covid and Crap!

Runtime: 58 min

Season 1, Episode 4 - Feel the fear and do it anyway...or not!

aired January 2021

Little furry things, big furry things, little flying bitey things, big flying things, flying, flames... what does it for you? Oh... and a bit of dog talk thrown in too.

Runtime: 47 min

Season 1, Episode 3 - Welcome to 2021...we think!

aired January 2021

We knew we should have recorded this on Monday...Tuesday afternoon and the whole of the UK is back in full lockdown.

Runtime: 46 min

Season 1, Episode 2 - It's Boxing Day but not as you know it

aired December 2020

A good old blether on boxing day... that isn't really boxing day at all

Runtime: 39 min

Season 1, Episode 1 - Hello and welcome to our podcast

aired December 2020

Here it is, the first episode of our new weekly podcast The Blonde Leading the Blonde. Recorded just before Xmas 2020 a couple of days after London went into Tier 4 lockdown and a couple of days before Scotland goes into Tier 4 lockdown.

Runtime: 30 min