Sit, Paws and Listen – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to the very first episode of Sit, Paws & Listen — the podcast that’s all about dogs, their quirks, and the hilarious, baffling ways they keep us on our toes. In this pilot, host Will Hodgets teams up with dog trainer Ally Wardle to dive headfirst into the wonderfully weird world of dog behaviour.

From playful sneezes and misunderstood signals to why “being a good dog” isn’t as simple as we like to think, this episode sets the tone for honest, no-nonsense conversations about life with dogs.

Together, they tackle big topics like reactivity, separation anxiety and confidence, breaking down why unwanted behaviours don’t come out of nowhere and what owners can do to support their dogs better.

There’s chat about crate training, independence, household harmony and the all-too-common mistakes humans make along the way — all delivered with reassurance, realism and a healthy dose of humour.

Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or just trying to figure out why your dog does that, this pilot is your invitation to sit, paws… and listen.

To find out more about today's guest, head to the below links:

Ally Wardle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allys_dogs?igsh=MWt5NXo0enJicngwcA%3D%3D

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Sit, Paws & Listen

This is the podcast that brings together breeders, vets, trainers, behaviourists and real dog owners to unpack the messy, magical reality of life with dogs, from first days to forever.

Your dog didn’t come with a manual, this is the next best thing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Sit, Pause and Listen, Will Hodgetts sits down with Kian Griffiths from Vanity Furrr Grooming to explore the often-overlooked world of dog grooming.

More than just a cosmetic task, grooming is essential for a dog’s health, wellbeing, and trust with their owners. Kian shares his experience working with anxious, aggressive, and high-maintenance breeds, explaining how regular grooms prevent mats, skin issues, and even nail or ear problems.

They dive into practical advice for dog owners—from starting puppy grooms as early as 12 weeks old, to the best brushing techniques, and how to maintain coats between visits.

Kian also discusses dealing with challenging dogs safely, the role of muzzles, and why a calm, patient approach builds trust over time. Along the way, Will and Kian have some fun talking about unusual breeds, doggy perfumes, and the quirks of every-day grooming life.

Finally, the episode addresses common owner concerns, including ear care, nail clipping, and dealing with stinky “fox poo” moments. This conversation highlights that grooming isn’t just about looks, it’s about helping dogs feel comfortable, healthy, and happy.

Whether you’re a first-time puppy owner or a seasoned dog parent, you’ll find plenty of tips and insights to make grooming a positive experience for your furry friend.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Sit, Pause and Listen with Will Hodgetts

Joining Will in the studio this week is, Claire Harris, founder of Pets to Places, to explore the hugely important and often underestimated topic of pet travel safety.

While many owners think nothing of popping their dog in the back seat, Claire explains why travelling unrestrained can be far more dangerous than people realise. She shares how her experience in the pet transport world led her to create Pets to Places, and why safe, secure travel for dogs has become such a passionate focus of her work.

Will and Claire dig into the realities of what can happen during sudden stops or collisions, the limitations of current legislation, and why there is still a major gap when it comes to protecting pets in vehicles. Claire highlights the importance of crash-tested harnesses, crates, and travel systems, while also breaking down the confusion many owners face when trying to choose the right setup for their dog.

They also discuss how car safety has evolved dramatically for humans, but pets are still being left behind in terms of both regulation and awareness. Claire offers practical advice for dog owners, from selecting the right travel equipment for different breeds and sizes, to understanding what “safe” actually means when it comes to pet products.

This episode is a powerful reminder that pet travel safety isn’t just about convenience, it’s about protecting the animals we love every time we get behind the wheel.

Whether you’re a dog owner, pet professional, or simply someone who travels regularly with your four-legged companion, this episode is packed with valuable insight to help keep every journey safer.

For more information, please head to the below links:

Gofund me: https://gofund.me/80c40a9b2

Web: https://pets2places.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pets2placesltd/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Sit, Pause and Listen with Will Hodgetts

What really separates a responsible breeder from a puppy farm? In this episode, Will sits down with experienced Cavapoo breeder Angie Ross to unpack the ethics, care, and commitment behind raising healthy, well-rounded puppies the right way.

From health testing and early socialisation to crate training, transparency, and the real costs of breeding responsibly, Angie shares what every future dog owner should know before bringing a puppy home.

This is a must-listen for anyone looking to make an informed, ethical choice when choosing their next four-legged family member.

For more information, please head to the below links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldviewdog/

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Welcome to Sit, Pause and Listen with Will Hodgetts

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Will Hodgetts is joined by Rachel Frost from Birmingham Dogs Home, who shares her 13-year journey on the frontline of dog rescue and welfare.

From caring for traumatised and abused dogs to navigating the emotional toll of the job, Rachel offers an unfiltered look at what really goes on behind the scenes. This conversation sheds light on the resilience of rescue dogs, the dedication of those who care for them, and the vital role the public plays in supporting these life-saving organisations.

If you’ve ever considered adopting, fostering, or simply want to understand the reality of dog rescue—this is an episode that will stay with you.

For more information, please head to the below links:

Birmingham Dogs Home: https://birminghamdogshome.org.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldviewdog/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Sit, Pause and Listen with Will Hodgetts

In this deeply moving and inspiring episode, Will sits down with Hilary from Dogs for Autism to explore the life-changing role of assistance dogs for individuals living with autism.

From emotional regulation to increased independence, these highly trained dogs provide far more than companionship—they offer safety, confidence, and connection in ways that can transform entire families. Hilary shares her personal journey, the science behind scent detection, and the meticulous process of training and matching each dog to the right person.

This is a powerful conversation that highlights just how extraordinary the bond between humans and dogs can be.

For more information, please head to the below links:

Dogs for Autism: https://dogsforautism.org.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldviewdog/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.