Jo Middleton on Ethical Dog Training: Consent-Based Handling, Smarter Canine Education & Confidence for Pet Pros
The Yappy Hour · Yappily
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Show Notes
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In this episode, host Nathan Dunleavy talks with Jo Middleton — Director of Studies at Canine Principles, Principal at the ISCP (International School for Canine Psychology), and MD at the International Institute for Canine Ethics (ICE) — about making dog training ethical, accessible, and effective for real life.
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Intro: Why education changes everything
02:08 Jo’s journey: rescue roots, ethics, and study leadership
08:24 Consent-based handling & reading “no” in canine body language
14:40 Confidence vs. competence: imposter syndrome in pet pros
18:55 Biggest gaps: nutrition, first aid, equipment, sleep, pain
25:30 Guardians: how to find ethical help you can trust
31:10 Equipment that protects bodies (two-point harnesses)
35:42 Quick-fix culture vs. real behaviour change
40:05 Rehoming support: beyond the rigid “3-3-3” timeline
45:18 Student-friendly learning: CPD hubs, live courses, tutors
50:12 Community & mentorship: finding your voice
54:10 What’s next: CPD accreditation, writer’s retreat, conferences
58:20 Final message: compassion ≠ weakness — it’s strength
Key topics
Ethical dog training & consent-based handling
Canine body language and advocacy at home
Practical CPD routes for trainers, walkers, groomers, vets/vet nurses
Nutrition, pain, sleep, and welfare basics that change behaviour
Safer walking equipment vs. collars/chains/slip leads
Rehoming support that adapts to the individual dog
Confidence & mindset for ethical pet professionals
📚 Resources mentioned
Canine Principles — ethical courses, CPD, first aid
ISCP — canine psychology diplomas; free bite-sized communication course
International Institute for Canine Ethics (ICE) — professional membership, Ethical Canine Professional Register, Three Stages of Adjustment resource
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