Gundogs and Guard dogs

After a short break, they’re back with a Christmas Special! Don’t get too excited… there’s nothing particularly special about it. There isn’t even the usual wonderful intro music! Team London apologises for the lack of an intro and outro, while Team Scotland couldn’t care less. She’s a natural-born leader, who doesn’t need jingles and angles! Lez gives the game away by revealing that we recorded this on 3rd December! Why she was already wearing her Christmas earrings probably deserves some commendation. Meanwhile, the London contingent remained as “enthusiastic” as ever and made no effort at all. After a quick chat about Faelan – Lez’s new retriever pup – along with a moan about veterinary fees. There’s even some decent information on dogs’ well-being, covering liver support, genetics, health scores versus the reality of living with dogs, and how we sometimes “kid ourselves” into seeing what isn’t really there. There’s also a brief (and entirely unnecessary) insight into the bizarre physical facial abilities of this strange duo before wrapping up the episode – still without any music! Naturally, communication problems persist across the South/North language barrier… Gundogs and Guard Dogs will return properly in January 2025, without scratchy sheets, barefoot shoes, or any other nonsense…we hope! From Lez, Ross, and Team GaGD, We wish you the Merriest of Christmases, and a truly wonderful 2025… See you on the other side! ---- oOo ---- Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years. Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE). Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter). They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011. They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists. Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think. Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites... www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.com

The end of season 4. After they set the rules for the conversation... both Lez and Ross then promptly ignored them! This episode kicks off with a kerb consultation, a wee-ridden sofa, and a coffee that would please the Bisto kids. The Scottish contingent brings up the spit or swallow conundrum and the pair discuss why you’d never eat cake during a consultation! The conversation wanders to a Staffie on a boat and being locked in London apartments and disorientated. A sensible moment of safety discussion regarding personal safety before analysing relationships between clients. The Londoner throws in some helpful advice about rehoming partners. An aggressive Cane Corso that reminds us to stay safe and follow best practices! Shutting up a Schnauzer and the difference between client views and the professional assessment and how owners adapt and cope with the behaviour of their dogs. The truth about Spaniels from a behaviourist perspective. What are the scariest dogs to work with…ooh hold on, there’s a chat about handling wolves in the middle along with a lesson about Apron’s and jaw-sucking (WTF). Wolf dogs. Wolf hybrids, making the wrong call, making the right call and always glad to be on the way home! Luckily, that’s the last of the season, so you have a break from this nonsense! Happy Halloween, Happy Christmas and the GaGD duo will be back soon with more nonsense peppered with some wonderful guests! ---- oOo ---- Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years. Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE). Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter). They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011. They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists. Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think. Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites... www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.com

In this episode, we dive into the world of dog laws and legislation with Trevor Cooper from Cooper & Co solicitors. Despite the usual hiccups and a slightly chaotic introduction (thanks, Ross! 😂), the conversation quickly becomes a must-listen for any dog owner or enthusiast. Trevor Cooper, the leading specialist in dog law for England and Wales, sheds light on both criminal and civil laws affecting dog owners. He shares the differences between a solicitor and a barrister and offers a compelling insight into his journey to becoming a prominent figure in this field. For those who recall, we revisit the significant impact of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991—a piece of legislation that has brought about devastation and controversy since its inception. If you're a dog owner, this episode is essential. We discuss the prevalence of relationship breakdowns and custody battles over dogs, reminding listeners to choose their partners wisely! While there are a few positives to note in the prosecution trends under the Dangerous Dogs Act, the reality remains grim—it’s largely a postcode lottery. And for the love of your canine companion, don’t rely on your dog to protect your home, vehicle, or garden. As the episode concludes, we affirm that Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL) is ineffective—something many of us already knew. The laws currently in place are outdated and unfit for purpose, and it’s clear the Dangerous Dogs Act has been a failure from the start. We need a fresh approach, and it’s time for all dog professionals to unite. We also tackle some listener questions and leave you with a crucial reminder: make sure you have adequate third-party liability insurance. And if you don’t have a dog yet—think twice before getting one! ---- oOo ---- Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years. Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE). Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter). They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011. They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists. Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think. Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites... www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.com

A chat about inappropriate laughter is quickly followed by the topic of pet bereavement. Maybe a hard listen, probably a harder conversation for Lez and Ross to have and to put out there. How long does this gut-wrenching feeling last for? How long will it take to smile instead of cry at the memories? Making very hard decisions when it comes to the love of your dogs and what happens when we don’t have the ability to make these choices. The impact that these wonderful animals have on our lives and the worry of losing our best friends can be overwhelming. It’s never any easier, but we may be more prepared to do the last display of love for our dog. Some practical as well as emotional conversations about the last breath, the cremation/the burial and how we move forward. If you are able to listen, please do. If you need to share with anyone who needs it, please do. Thank you to the GaGD team for putting this out there and to Lez and Ross for sharing their experiences in the hope it may benefit others. ----- oOo ----- Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years. Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE). Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter). They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011. They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists. Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think. Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites... www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.com And if you'd rather watch than listen, you can catch Gundogs and Guard Dogs on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@gundogguarddog