The Yappy Hour
The Yappy Hour
Podcast Description
Welcome to The Yappy Hour! This is the podcast all about dogs -made for dog parents. I’m Nathan Dunleavy, and with the help of the Yappily team, we’re here to make life with your dog easier and more fun.
Each week, we’ll chat about the things every dog parent wants to know. Need tips on choosing the right breed? Wondering how to help a nervous or worried dog? Not sure how to get your pup comfortable with vet visits? Don’t worry, we’ve got it all covered.
We’ll also have some brilliant expert guests - who’ll share their advice and stories. From puppy training to living life with a dog, we’ll talk about it all!
So, why listen? The Yappy Hour is more than just tips and tricks. It’s about celebrating the special bond between you and your dog, learning together, and having a good laugh while you’re at it.
Pop in your headphones and join us for some fun, simple advice to improve dog guardianship. Whether you’re walking your dog, on your way to work, or relaxing at home, The Yappy Hour is here for you.
Subscribe now and join us - we’re excited to have you with us! 🐾
If you're looking for local and ethical dog service we can help with that at https://yappily.co.uk/
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a variety of themes related to dog care and parenting, including breed selection, anxiety management for dogs, the significance of muzzle training, and emotional connections between dogs and their owners. Example episodes include practical tips for helping anxious dogs provided by Sarah Jones and insights into muzzle usage from Clara of The Muzzle Movement.
Welcome to The Yappy Hour! This is the podcast all about dogs -made for dog parents. I’m Nathan Dunleavy, and with the help of the Yappily team, we’re here to make life with your dog easier and more fun.
Each week, we’ll chat about the things every dog parent wants to know. Need tips on choosing the right breed? Wondering how to help a nervous or worried dog? Not sure how to get your pup comfortable with vet visits? Don’t worry, we’ve got it all covered.
We’ll also have some brilliant expert guests – who’ll share their advice and stories. From puppy training to living life with a dog, we’ll talk about it all!
So, why listen? The Yappy Hour is more than just tips and tricks. It’s about celebrating the special bond between you and your dog, learning together, and having a good laugh while you’re at it.
Pop in your headphones and join us for some fun, simple advice to improve dog guardianship. Whether you’re walking your dog, on your way to work, or relaxing at home, The Yappy Hour is here for you.
Subscribe now and join us – we’re excited to have you with us! 🐾
If you’re looking for local and ethical dog service we can help with that at https://yappily.co.uk/
Victoria Stilwell on reactive dogs, force-free training and the Reactivity Zones Approach
In this episode of The Yappy Hour powered by Yappily, Nathan Dunleavy is joined by world-renowned dog trainer, author, educator and TV presenter Victoria Stilwell.
Known for It’s Me or the Dog, The Dog Academy, the Victoria Stilwell Academy and Positively, Victoria has helped shape modern dog training across the world. In this conversation, she shares her compassionate and practical thoughts on one of the most emotionally charged topics for dog guardians: living with a reactive dog.
Together, Nathan and Victoria explore what dog guardians often misunderstand about reactivity, why so many people feel shame and isolation when their dog struggles in public, and how Victoria’s Reactivity Zones Approach offers a force-free, real life framework built around safety, trust, choice and predictability.
They also discuss the difference between the comfort zone, tolerance zone and discomfort zone, how to recognise subtle signs of stress before barking and lunging happen, and why progress with reactive dogs is rarely linear.
This episode is packed with hopeful, humane guidance for anyone supporting a reactive dog or working in force-free dog training and behaviour.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- What reactivity really is and what dog guardians often get wrong
- Why reactive behaviour is not the same as disobedience
- What the Reactivity Zones Approach is and how it works
- The difference between comfort, tolerance and discomfort zones
- Why choice and agency matter for dogs’ emotional wellbeing
- How to use practical tools like emergency U-turns and body blocking
- Why management is not failure
- What resilience looks like beyond obedience
- How to stay compassionate with yourself while supporting a reactive dog
About Victoria Stilwell
Victoria Stilwell is an internationally respected dog trainer, author, educator and television presenter best known for It’s Me or the Dog. She is the founder of the Victoria Stilwell Academy and Positively, and is widely known for championing force-free, humane dog training methods.
Resources mentioned:
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Find ethical dog trainers and behaviourists on Yappily
Need help with a reactive dog?
If you’re struggling with reactivity, fear or behaviour challenges, you can find ethical, qualified dog trainers and behaviourists through the Yappily directory:
https://yappily.co.uk/find-a-dog-behaviourist/
Follow The Yappy Hour for more conversations about dog behaviour, training and welfare.
Disclaimer
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