The DogCast Radio blog

I’m fascinated with dog body language. The first time I became aware of how much I didn’t know about it was when I was interviewing Gwen Bailey. (http://www.dogbehaviour.com/) She was talking about the fact that when dogs turn their head away they can be indicating that they are stressed.

I felt such a fool, and told her about how I had interpreted this behaviour from Buddy as him pretending he couldn’t hear me. It happened many times when we got into the car, and I wanted Buddy to sit in the foot well, while he wanted

I’ve met and interviewed Claire Guest several times, and I’m fascinated by the work she does. She trains dog to sniff out cancer, and has also trained a dog to detect low blood sugar level. She is a charming woman, and clearly a talented and patient trainer. I’ve also witnessed her dogs demonstrating their scenting abilities.

Happily, Princess Beatrice’s dog Norfolk terrier Max, who was lost in Windsor Great Park shortly before Christmas, has turned up safe and sound. She is delighted to have him back, and apart from having picked up an eye infection, Max is none the worse for his adventure. Over New Year we had our own encounter with a lost dog, though not one with such a posh owner.

It’s New Year again, when we start making resolutions to be thinner, fitter or smoke-free. What about some resolutions that will make the coming year better for your dog too? Here’s the DogCast Radio top ten.

1 - Feed your dog the best quality food you can

You are what you eat – and so is your dog!

I saw this one the other day. Once you start noticing them, you see them everywhere! It can liven up dog walking, playing I-spy poo signs, try it.

Anyway, not sure if this one is saying you have to bring a mammoth with you to spear the poo with his tusks. Or maybe that you have to clear up after big dogs? Or maybe just big poos? Suggestions on a postcard – or should that be e-card?

We went for a post Christmas walk with the dogs to walk off some of the seasonal eating, drinking and making merry. This sign caught my eye. While it’s all common sense stuff I have a few questions to ask about it.

For one, who holds a filled poop bag up on high like that? When I am carrying one, I do it much more surreptitiously than that. Although I have to admit that if another walker has seen my dog pooing, I make sure they see me bagging it.

I mentioned recently that rescue centres in the UK such as Dogs Trust and Battersea Cats and Dogs home are filling up faster than they can rehome dogs. It seems the same problem is occurring in some US shelters.

Episode 79 of DogCast Radio is now available, and it’s our Christmas episode.

Beverley Cuddy, publisher and editor of magazine Dogs Today, talks about a charity that’s close to her heart, Tailwaggers. (www.tailwaggersclubtrust.com ) Despite being small, this charity is often the only means of help to some dog and cat owners. Tailwaggers offers the personal touch, and can consider every case on its individual merits. The story they often discover behind the issue with the dog can be incredibly touching.

This is a photo of Star at Carols in the Square tonight. We learned a lesson when we attended the switching on of the Christmas lights in the square earlier this month. The lesson was that in a crowd with a small dog, you spend most of your time making sure the little dog doesn’t get trodden on. Or you give in and pick up the little dog, and then you can’t hold both your coffee and your brandy snap. Or your mulled wine and your roast hog, if you’re that way inclined.

This time of year can get stressful for us all, so if you feel your dog needs a Christmas survival guide, then check out this one from Dr Roger Mugford in the Telegraph. I love his suggestion for a dog owner’s New Year resolution. (www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/christmas/3902388/Christmas-survival-guide-Pe...)