Brain and Behaviour
Brain and Behaviour
Podcast Description
The Brain and Behaviour Podcast with Daniel Shaw MSc, CDBC dives into the science behind complex dog and cat behaviour. Blending neuroscience, real-world cases, and expert insights, Daniel explores topics like aggression, trauma, and training to help listeners better understand the animals in their lives.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on the science of dog and cat behaviour, exploring themes such as aggression, trauma, training methodologies, and ethical considerations in animal care. For example, a recent episode discusses scent work and training in relation to neuroscience while addressing misconceptions in popular dog training. Additional topics include the implications of classical versus operant conditioning and the need for scientific literacy in the animal training community.
The Brain and Behaviour Podcast with Daniel Shaw MSc, CDBC dives into the science behind complex dog and cat behaviour. Blending neuroscience, real-world cases, and expert insights, Daniel explores topics like aggression, trauma, and training to help listeners better understand the animals in their lives.
Guest Bio
Rowena is the Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science (2020-Present) at the Royal Veterinary College, London. Rowena leads a research group exploring diverse topics in this area, including the impact of chronic and inherited disorders on dog behaviour and welfare, and the impact of owner knowledge, attitudes and behaviour on canine welfare. She has received >£1.9 million of research funding to date, of which ~£820,000 has been held as Principal Investigator. Rowena has co-authored >90 peer reviewed papers and book chapters and co-edited the textbook ‘Health and Welfare of Brachycephalic (Flat-faced) Companion Animals’ (2021). Rowena holds a PhD from the Royal Veterinary College (2013) which explored the impact of extreme conformation on canine health, a 1st Class BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare from the University of Bristol (2009), and a PGCert in Veterinary Education from the Royal Veterinary College (2021). Rowena is a Coordinating Group Member for the Animal Welfare Research Network, and a founding member of the Brachycephalic Working Group (UK) and the Legal Advisory Group on Extreme Conformation in Dogs.
Episode Summary
In this episode, Rowena Packer and Daniel explore the major welfare challenges facing dogs in the UK and globally. They discuss the ethics and realities of dog breeding, the enforcement gaps in legislation, and the responsibilities of owners versus breeders. Rowena explains how cultural differences and government involvement affect welfare standards across countries, and why meaningful enforcement is just as critical as laws themselves. The conversation also dives into the importance of engaging “the unengaged” dog owners, and how public attitudes, misinformation, and anti-expert culture create barriers to better welfare.
Relevant Links
– Royal Veterinary College
https://www.rvc.ac.uk
– Infographics
https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass/audio-visual-resources/research-infographics
Want to learn more? Explore science-backed courses, webinars, and resources for dog behaviour professionals at our online platform: www.brainandbehaviouracademy.co.uk.
Disclaimer
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