Talking Dogs with Graeme Hall

Comedian Frank Skinner discusses the challenges of raising a puppy, including toilet training and socialization. They debate the idea of hiring a dog walker or daycare. The hosts also discuss the importance of using an exciting tone of voice with puppies and share their holiday plans.

Amit Patel is known as Blind Dad on social media, but it’s his guide dog Kika who’s the real star of the show. Amit uses his online presence to show how Kika helps him navigate the world – popping to the shops, taking him on airplanes, and even mothering his young children. As Amit explains though, Kika is still a Labrador, and she’s very food driven, which has led to some very funny incidents of Kika leading Amit towards doughnuts and fish’n’chips... Plus, Graeme explores what all dog owners can learn from guide dogs, especially around reading their body language and being consistent in your commands. Do you have a question for The Dogfather? Send Graeme a voice note and a video of your pesky pooch to talkingdogs@avalonuk.com.

Storm Huntley is known for being a presenter on TV’s Jeremy Vine show, but she says being mum to five-year-old Shih Tzu Boo is the best job she’s ever had. She joins Graeme Hall to learn more about why Boo likes to have a pop at other dogs, as well as how to stop her eating dog poo on walks. Plus, The Dogfather gives advice to a listener whose Jack Russel has become fearful of traffic after being hit by a car six months ago. Do you have a question for The Dogfather? Send Graeme a voice note and a video of your pesky pooch to talkingdogs@avalonuk.com.

Graeme Hall recently had an encounter with some cows that got him thinking about how to safely walk a dog in the countryside around livestock. Plus, a couple of listeners have found themselves having to wrestle sticks away from their dogs, so The Dogfather gives his take on whether dogs should be playing with sticks at all, as well as how to train a ‘leave it’ command. Finally, what’s the best way to deal with your dog rolling in badger or fox poo...? Do you have a question for The Dogfather? Send Graeme a voice note and a video of your pesky pooch to talkingdogs@avalonuk.com

Graeme Hall knows you’ll likely be getting outside for a picnic this summer, but what should you do if you’re worried your dog will be running up to everyone else’s picnic and stealing food? A good recall and ‘drop’ command will come in handy. Plus, what’s the best way to cope with a dog that gets excited about human food when you’re cooking or sitting down to eat at home? Do you have a question for The Dogfather? Send Graeme a voice note and a video of your pesky pooch to talkingdogs@avalonuk.com.

Graeme Hall helps a listener who wants to make moving house as calm and happy an experience for his German Shepherd as possible. Plus, do you need to be mindful of your dog trying to get back to their old house...? The Dogfather also gives advice to two listeners whose dogs have become territorial when people enter what they consider to be their domain. Do you have a question for The Dogfather? Send Graeme a voice note and a video of your pesky pooch to talkingdogs@avalonuk.com.

Graeme Hall hears about a number of dogs who all have strange obsessions with random items, or are exhibiting obsessive behaviours. How can you get a dog to drop a ball he’s obsessed with? What is it about mops and hoovers that dogs love? And why might a cocker spaniel be licking walls and chasing shadows? Do you have a question for The Dogfather? Send Graeme a voice note and a video of your pesky pooch to talkingdogs@avalonuk.com.

Graeme Hall helps a number of listeners who have reactive dogs. He talks through how to spot when your dog is about to ‘boil over’ by reading their body language, how to use your own body to block your lunging dog, and how to ultimately de-sensitise your dog to the dog, man, or small child they’re reacting to. Plus, is reactivity down to nature, or nurture...? Do you have a question for The Dogfather? Send Graeme a voice note and a video of your pesky pooch to talkingdogs@avalonuk.com.

Graeme Hall explains why ‘socialisation’ doesn’t necessarily mean letting your dog run up to every other dog they see... it’s actually more about getting your dog to be calm – almost indifferent – around other dogs. He also helps listeners with opposite problems – one whose dog is fearful around other dogs, and one who can’t wait to excitedly bound up to them. Plus, why is it never ok to shout across the field “it’s ok, he’s friendly!” Do you have a question for The Dogfather? Send Graeme a voice note and a video of your pesky pooch to talkingdogs@avalonuk.com.

Graeme Hall explains why dogs like to jump up and why, cute as it may be, it needs to be discouraged as soon as possible. The Dogfather helps two listeners whose dogs jump up at people, both in the house and out on walks, while another asks how to stop her German Shepherd jumping up at kitchen surfaces to steal food. Do you have a question for The Dogfather? Send Graeme a voice note and a video of your pesky pooch to talkingdogs@avalonuk.com.