We know that pet-parents want the best for their furry friends, with 70% of dog owners admitting that they look after their dog better than themselves! However, choosing the right food for your pet can often be overwhelming – with so many brands on offer and confusing labelling making it unclear what exactly your dog’s food is made from. In this special episode of the Pupcast, Mel is joined by loving pet owner, celebrated chef, and presenter of Saturday Kitchen and Food Unwrapped – Matt Tebbutt....
Dec 21, 2021•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Whether you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family for the first time, or looking to expand your pack, picking a new puppy or new dog can be difficult. It’s important to ensure that the dog breed you choose is right for you, right for its environment and right for your lifestyle, allowing you to be one big happy family. In the final episode of series 2, Mel is joined by Sarah Smith, one of Puppy School’s very talented trainers. Learn about the different types of dog breeds you can c...
Jul 13, 2021•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast As we move out of lockdown, a host of new situations await our puppies. From visits to the pub, to a pampering session at the groomers, some new owners might be feeling slightly anxious about how the change to a more social routine will impact their pup. In this episode, Mel is joined by the brilliant Nick Jones, dog behaviourist with almost 20 years’ experience, as they discuss more about socialisation. Learn about his simple traffic light method and understand how you can best prepare your pet...
Jun 08, 2021•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Introducing our new pup to our friends and family can be a super exciting time, but it can also come with its challenges. This is particularly the case if you're introducing your puppy to an older dog or children that think they rule the roost – a new addition isn’t always so welcome! To help with the process, in this episode Mel is joined by the talented Sarah Parker, who has one fully trained assistance dog Miska, and two more that are currently in training, and she’s no stranger to introducin...
May 21, 2021•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ever wished you’d been able to speak to your pet and wondered how to communicate with your dog? Although dogs don’t speak our language, it doesn’t mean we can’t try to understand theirs a little better. From their barks to their whines, what are they trying to say, and how can we best communicate back to them? You’re in good hands as in this episode, Mel is joined by Dawn Cox, who’ll be offering advice on the key things to look out for in dog body language, and helping you understand more about ...
May 05, 2021•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast A staggering 3.2 million of us have bought a puppy since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic but just as our new four-legged friends are getting used to life in lockdown, restrictions are easing, and things are starting to reopen, which can easily lead to separation anxiety. Are you one of the 83% of us that are worried about returning to work and leaving your new family member alone at home? There’s no need to fear as in this episode, Mel is joined by Kerry Ward, AKA the FairyDogMother, who’l...
Apr 20, 2021•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast When should you move your pup to adult food? The advice out there on weaning puppies might seem a little overwhelming, from what type of food to when you should transition, so where do you start? In our final episode of the series, we speak to Daily Star pet columnist and Wild Paws blogger, Catherine Wooding, on how she navigated feeding her Jack Russells, Wilber and Paisley, whilst pooling together advice in an easy-to-digest takeaway. If you want to understand doggy diets and leave with the kn...
Dec 08, 2020•17 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast Author, founder and director of Puppy School - the UK’s network of puppy training classes – Gwen Bailey, joins The Pupcast to help guide owners through the challenges of transitioning from pup-hood to those trickier stages of adolescence. Sadly, this is an age where pup-parents can begin to struggle due to changes in behaviour, and a number of dogs are taken into rescue homes. Mel and Gwen join forces to discuss preventative measures from how to socialise, through to reward-based training and en...
Nov 24, 2020•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast New owners need to be aware of how to equip their puppies with all the skills they will need to grow in the world. Puppy socialisation in lockdown has brought stark differences to a first walks, from seeing less people to socially distanced meet ups, meaning early interaction has been significantly reduced. Today’s guest is Jennifer Dow, Editor of Edition Dog – a magazine focusing on dog health, wellbeing, and nutrition, written by professionals and experts. Jennifer is dog mum to Irish Setters,...
Nov 09, 2020•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast Lockdown has come with a wave of emotions and behaviours, not just us but our dogs, too. Whether it’s diet, training or you’re looking into finding the right pup for you, our latest guest is a bit of a pro when it comes to canine know-how and dog behaviour. Anna Webb, journalist and BBC Radio London presenter, nutritionist, trainer and host of ‘A Dog’s Life with Anna Webb Podcast’, joins Mel this week. So, if want to know how to manage behavioural transitions and how diet can play a part in dogs...
Oct 23, 2020•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast Puppies usually become 'teenagers' at around six months and, depending on individual and breed, puppy adolescence usually finishes around 18 months to two years. Are you unsure of what to expect from this adolescence stage, or are you experiencing it right now? There’s no need to fear as in this episode, Mel speaks to Alex Benjamin, Associate Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of York, fellow dog-lover and consultant to ‘My Dog’s Favourite Podcast,’ about b...
Oct 14, 2020•26 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast So, you've got a puppy! There are plenty of exciting times ahead, but you might not be quite sure where to start, especially during a pandemic. Brought to you by Natures Menu, the UK’s leading expert in raw and natural pet food, join Mel Sainsbury, Veterinary Education Manager, to help guide you through all the stages of your puppy's development. From training, feeding, socialising and more, Mel and her guests will give you all the know-how to take on your new addition with confidence. Find Natu...
Oct 14, 2020•1 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
