What The Bark - The RightPaw Podcast

Ever wondered how someone first becomes a breeder? What's involved in getting started?We sat down with Jessica from Hapapi Papillons, who shares how she started her breeding journey, and the many considerations along the way.From finding a mentor, to your foundation dogs, to planning the first litter - Jessica generously shares her experience becoming a breeder!

What The Bark is back for 2025, and raring to go!Nathan and George share some of the important life events that put a short pause on the pod for a few months.And George tells all about the US conferences he attended, and how the dog world is done differently in the US!

Have you ever wondered how Breed ID tests determine the make-up of your beloved pooch? George and Nathan sit down to discuss Breed ID testing, how the tests works, and the watch-outs to know when interpreting your results.

What breed is one of the oldest native breeds, and also the face of a cryptocurrency? Enter the Shiba Inu! This week we are joined by Lyne from Kortmar Shiba Inu to discuss this much loved breed. We dive into the breed origins,"Shiba glitter", its history as a famous 'meme', and lots of fun facts along the way.

Have you ever wondered why Worming is so important for dogs and puppies? This week, Dr. Sooan Choi from Drontal (one of Australia's leading worming brands) joins us to dive into all things worming. We learn all about the main types of worms, how dogs may pick these up, why puppies are more at risk, and how to ensure your dogs are best protected against parasites. For more information, you can visit Drontal or Vetoquinol. Label disclaimer: Always read the label for full claim details and directions.

Have you ever wondered what goes on inside a DNA testing laboratory? This week, Genetic George gives us an inside look into how a dog DNA test goes from a saliva sample to a fully fledged result!

We've all heard people say "Adopt, Don't Shop" for a dog, but is it really as simple as that? Nathan and George dive into this controversial topic - discussing the ethics of buying vs. adopting, why adopting is not for everyone, and how buying from a responsible breeder can help reduce the burden on shelters.

We're joined by Robyn from Pomfire Pomeranians, in a special spotlight on this fiery little breed! We discuss the breed's origins, how Poms were once much larger than what we know today, and how this is our first case of sibling guests on the podcast!

There are a lot of myths out there about breeding with DNA disease carriers, so we asked the expert! This week, Genetic George talks us through the safest way to breed with DNA carriers in your breeding program. The great news - having a DNA carrier does not stop a dog from being part of a successful breeding program! Also, we apologise for some of the audio in this episode - Nathan had some microphone issues, but we should be back to normal next week!

Did you know Staffies are nicknamed "the nanny dog", for their reputation for being great with kids? We're spotlighting Staffies this week, with renowned breeder Kim Reeder of Gamester Staffords. We dive into the history of the breed, their origins in dog fighting, how the breed changed during the world wars, and how they are the ideal family dog! Kim is also part of her own podcast, The Dog Show Show.

This week on What The Bark, we get our crystal balls out to predict some dog trends for 2024! Nathan and George give their Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down to trends such as pet holidays, doggy cooking, breed bans, and more.

Did you know the Monopoly 'dog' is modelled off the Scottish Terrier? This week on What The Bark, we talk all things Scotties with Jason Rhodes, from Dumbarton Scottish Terriers. We dive into the breed history, why Scotties have a special relationship with US Presidents, and how Jason has built a near 20k following of Scottie lovers around the world. You can learn more about Jason via his Linktree profile here.

What The Bark is back for 2024! And so is Genetic George - back from his visit to The National Dog Show, in Philadelphia USA! He shares his observations into the US dog scene, how it differs from Australia, and some minor celebrities he met along the way!

Would you, or should you, clone your pet? This week, Nathan visits George at the Orivet office to discuss the new practice of pet cloning - and the moral and ethical questions it raises. It's a growing trend, but it will cost you!

It's time for another of our "mythbusting" educational episodes, as What The Bark dives into DNA Parentage. Genetic George from Orivet explains what parentage testing is, why breeders do it, parentage vs. ancestry, and the different methods of testing.

On What The Bark this week, listeners have been asking for an intro to dog training theory - so here we are! With George away, Dr. Imogen has stepped in to give an overview into dog training 101. We dive into the research, different training methods, and how to find a reputable trainer. And here are links to the APDT and to the Delta Institute, both mentioned on the podcast.

Do you know how many Aussies have uploaded a picture of their dog to social media? In this episode, Nathan and Genetic George pull out the most fascinating stats from Orivet's 2022 survey of dog ownership in today's world. From dog selfies, to breed choices, to home-cooked meals for dogs, you'll be amazed at the lengths we go to for our furry friends.

We're super excited to have veterinarian, author, and RightPaw breeder Dr. Claire Stevens join What The Bark this week! Dr. Claire joined us to unpack some of the most common new puppy owner questions that she encounters at the vet clinic. We cover questions around feeding, biting, socialisation, and much more! To learn more about Dr. Claire, you can visit her website: https://drclairestevens.com/ or follow her Instagram @drclairestevens

An important podcast topic this week, after some recent welfare stories in the news around over-breeding dogs. Nathan and Genetic George discuss the news stories, the importance of breeding limits, and how responsible breeders cater for this in their breeding programs. A shout-out to podcast listener Wendy from Pitter Patter Cavoodles for her suggestion for this week's episode!

After the great feedback to our series on "coat colour", we're excited to share another special episode - all about dogs and coat type! Nathan and Genetic George dive into the genes that make up "coat type" in dogs - including the 'long-haired' gene, 'curly' gene, and 'improper coat' gene. You can learn more on this - and view some great diagrams - in this great research paper here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19713490/

Ever wondered what the dog parks of the future could look like? Well, Jared Zabel from OpenPark does! In this week's episode, Jared joins us to discuss his vision for OpenPark - a new US start-up, re-imagining how dog parks can provide holistic pet care. Think of it as a gym for dogs! You can read more about OpenPark on their website - https://www.openpark.us/

Tune in for the final instalment in our series on dog coat colour! In Part 3, we discuss two of the most rare colour variations - piebald (pied) and merle - and delve into the health conditions owners and breeders of merle dogs need to be aware of. You can read more here about the Langevin merle scale via the link here, and check out a great educational and visual resource for Dog Coat Colour here.

We're back with Part 2 in our special episode all about dog coat colour! In Part 2, we look at some of the more unusual colour variations, including sable, brindle, and black and tan - and what it means for dog owners of those breeds. Here is the link to the great educational resource discussed in the episode, explaining coat colour with great visuals: http://www.doggenetics.co.uk/index.htm

Ever wondered how a black labrador can produce yellow puppies? In a special series of episodes, Genetic George guides us through how coat colour works in dogs! In Part 1, we dive into dog DNA; how all dog coats can be traced back to two base colours; and how different DNA variations produce all the colours we see today! Here is the link to the great educational resource discussed in the episode, explaining coat colour with great visuals: http://www.doggenetics.co.uk/index.htm

A whole podcast episode on the Golden Retriever? Sign us up! This week on "What The Bark", we shone our 'Breed Spotlight' on one of the world's most popular breeds. Joining us was Jane Hodges from Camuka Golden Retrievers, as we dive into the origins of the breed, their temperament and standard, important health concerns, and why they're so enduringly popular. Jane has even written a book on how to raise a Golden Retriever puppy, which is a fantastic read for new GR parents! You can find out more at camuka.com

This week, we're tackling one of the most commonly asked questions from breeders in the last 6 months…what is ADAMTS3? This new genetic health test has raised a lot of questions and concerns, so we thought we would demystify the most frequent questions, and look at how this affects breeding programs. Please note, the information in this episode is for general advice only, and we always recommend consulting with your vet on any health decisions.

The "What The Bark" podcast is back for 2023! As we get a year older, it left us thinking about the age of our doggy friends - and the importance of caring for your dog based on how old they are. So we invited Dr. Andria Beal - founder of EpiPaws - to talk about how their tests help determine a dog's age, and the study of epigenetics. Psst - there are also Orivet and EpiPaws prize giveaways, so make sure you listen in! You can learn more about EpiPaws at their website - https://www.epipaws.com/

For our last podcast episode of 2022, 'What The Bark' thought we'd tackle arguably the biggest challenge for dog owners during the last few years - separation anxiety! We were joined by RightPaw breeder Tiana Karamihas of River City Puppies to unpack this common problem. Tiana is a "Cavoodle Coach", and has encountered this problem in her breed. We discuss what causes separation anxiety, how to identify it, common mistakes to avoid creating an anxious puppy, and strategies you can put in place to combat this. Tiana also has her own podcast - "The Cavoodle Coach" - with many other tips and tricks for current and future Cavoodle owners. What The Bark will be back with new episodes in 2023!

Have you ever dreamt of getting in the ring at a dog show? This week on "What The Bark", we put on our best dog show attire to discuss Junior Handlers, with RightPaw breeder Rachael Holloway from Zuleika Finnish Lapphunds! A topic close to Rachael's heart - starting as a junior handler herself - we discuss the importance of junior handlers, how other countries run their dog shows, and how we can encourage more young people to enter the dog world. You can reach Rachael via her RightPaw profile below: https://rightpaw.com.au/l/zuleika-finnish-lapphunds/5edf7ce8-58da-4a55-93be-ae51ca138fbb

Did you know a Papillon is one of the world's most intelligent breeds? This week on "What The Bark", we held another of our "Breed Spotlights", this time on the adorable Papillon! We were joined by RightPaw breeder EmilyKate of Emmoge Papillons, and learned all about the the origins of the breed, how the breed got its name, the difference between a Papillon and a Phalene, and how to determine if this is the right breed for you! You can learn more, and contact EmilyKate, on the Emmoge Papillons RightPaw Profile below: https://rightpaw.com.au/l/emmoge-papillons/a4803d32-7fa6-4860-8945-9da6f6865e05

Genetic George is back! And we have a cracking episode to welcome him back. This week, we sat down with RightPaw cavoodle breeder Sarah, from Waterhill Cavoodles, as we walk through a puppy's transformation in its first eight weeks of life. Sarah talks us through the preparation and training that goes into that eight weeks (and even beforehand!) to produce a perfect, well-socialised family pet. It's a great listen, and super educational! You can visit Sarah's RightPaw profile in the link below: https://rightpaw.com.au/l/waterhill-cavoodles-theodores-sunshine-coast/6094ca45-f1d5-4a6b-a33c-fca60d0e80fc

What The Bark is back! After a little 'pawse', we're excited to be back on the air! This week we were without Genetic George (don't worry, he's back next episode!), so we brought back one of our favourite guests - Dr. Imogen Tomlin-Game - to talk all things puppy preparation. Imogen has developed RightPaw's Puppy Prep Program, and discusses the importance of puppy preparation, as well as key topics such as puppy-proofing your home, settling your puppy in, toilet training, crate training, socialisation, and much more! You can learn more about preparation through RightPaw in the link below: https://pages.rightpaw.com.au/puppy-parent-club

With more breeders being found online, social media is becoming an important way for breeders to share their breeding program with the world. We sat down with RightPaw breeder Teghan from Spencer's Dachshunds, to learn the tips and tricks of running social media as a breeder. We discuss the different social media platforms, what content works best, and strategies to boost your following. You can learn more about Spencer's Dachshunds on their RightPaw profile, or follow their Instagram and Facebook.

Did you know a German Spitz, Pomeranian, and Keeshond are all in the same family? Well, this week, we held another of our "Breed Spotlights", this week on the feisty German Spitz! We were joined by RightPaw breeders Di and Niki of Fyreburst Spitz, and learned all about the German Spitz, the origins of the breed, the different personalities of the Spitz family, and how to determine if this is the right breed for you! You can learn more on the Fyreburst Spitz RightPaw Breeder page.

If you missed our recent Facebook Live "Ask Me Anything", with Genetic George, you can now listen to the official recording! This episode was all about the listeners, who messaged in with their genetic, health, and DNA questions live on the show - and we answered them in real time! Featuring our special guest moderator Andrew, from the RightPaw team. Thanks to all of our fantastic fans for sending in their questions, and tuning in to the episode!

Everyone wants to take great photos of their dogs! But how do you get them just right? This week, we sat down with dog show photographer Ffiona Erskine of Ffire Photography, to understand what makes a great pooch pic! Ffiona shares her tricks of the trade - including positioning, angles, lighting, and how to get their attention - as well as some amazing stories of where dog photography has taken her around the world. And you might just hear a little blooper from George along the way! You can reach out to Ffiona at the Ffire photography website: https://ffirephotography.net/

Join us on Tuesday May 17th at 6pm (AEST) for a special live podcast recording on Facebook! We'll be recording live on Facebook, with a special 'Ask Me Anything' episode with Genetic George. You'll be able to message in with all your genetic and health questions, and we'll answer them live on the air! Click here to RSVP to the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1926380704231676 Or like the RightPaw Facebook page and you'll be notified when we go live: https://www.facebook.com/rightpawpets What The Bark will be back from our Easter break with more episodes soon.

Prepare to have your mind blown, as we delve into the amazing world of assistance dogs. We are joined by renowned service and assistance dog breeder Pauline Gill, who has spent decades breeding her labradors to be "dogs with jobs". We learn about what is required to become a service dog, the different accreditations, the 18-month training program involved, and some of the amazing feats that these service dogs can do (including diabetes detection!). You can learn more about Pauline via her Tapua Labrador Retrievers RightPaw profile.

We're coming to you live from the Canberra Royal Dog Show! George and Nathan travelled to Canberra to record our first ever live episode. Hear what it's like to be ring-side at a dog show, with live commentary on the show, and pop-ins by a few guests along the way, including Paul Grebert of Marsanchow Chows, and Don Mahoney, recently voted Australia's favourite dog show judge!

Did you know Norway has recently banned the breeding of the British Bulldog and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? It caused a big stir, and had a lot of the dog world asking... 'What The Bark'?! We welcome back Dr. Imogen Tomlin-Game - Chief Vet at RightPaw - to unpack the ban, why it happened, whether it is reasonable, and what it means for breeders around the world.

Be warned - in this episode, we're talking s**t! It's the dirty side of the dog world, but dog poop is a real environmental and social problem. We sat down with J Retinger from Poo Prints, who use DNA to identify the owners leaving behind dog waste left in public spaces, and improve responsible pet ownership! You can read more about Poo Prints on their website here: https://www.pooprints.com/

Every breeder has one! This week on What The Bark, we learn about setting up your Whelping Area. We're joined by RightPaw breeder Jo Saba from Montys Moodles, to discuss what to consider when setting up your whelping area. From where to set up, what essentials to have on-hand, and how it changes as the pups grow, Jo guides us through how a breeder can give their pups the best start.

What The Bark is back for 2022, and we're starting with a bang! This week, we hit the road to talk Pet Transport, with Michael and Tricia from Azzabern Animal Transport. We recorded this episode live in the van with Michael, as he completed a drop-off in Victoria! We talked prepping your pets for travel, what the average journey looks like, how to choose the right transport company, and to be careful feeding your dog before a long trip! You can learn more about Azzabern Animal Transport on their website here - https://www.azzabernanimaltransport.com.au/

Confident, well-adjusted pups don't just happen by accident! This week we look into the world of puppy socialisation with Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and RightPaw breeder Erica Davison. We discuss the importance of socialisation; when the development process starts; those critical first 3-12 weeks after a pup is born; and what new owners can do to help carry on the work of the breeder. You can see Erica's Blacklash Cavaliers RightPaw Profile here, and see some other great socialisation resources below: Puppy Culture Program Puppy Passports: Your Guide To Raising A Friendly, Adaptable, and Easy-To-Train Family Dog - Dogwise Socialisation Checklist PDF Puppy Socialisation eBook (Eileen and Dogs)

All puppies have to come from somewhere! This week, we're talking stud dogs and mating with Cavoodle breeders Laurinda and Craig Davidson, of Harley & Co. Cavoodles. We dive into what makes a good stud dog, how breeders decide on pairing certain dogs together for mating, and how a mating takes place! We also discuss the rise of the 'Cavoodle' as a new cross-breed. You can learn more about Harley & Co. Cavoodles on their RightPaw Profile here.

It's the dog world. Done differently. Join Nathan from RightPaw and George from Orivet for a light-hearted and educational look at the dog world. With weekly guests, prizes, fun facts, and more, this podcast is guaranteed to leave you feeling closer to your four-legged friend. If you're a dog breeder, owner, or general pooch-thusiast, check out What The Bark, wherever you get your podcasts!

This week, we dive into the show ring with renowned dog judge and Sydney Royal Dog Show chairman, John Bryson. John joins us to talk about his judging career, takes us behind the scenes of the Sydney Royal, reveals how judges prepare before a show, and also shares the origins of Dog News Australia - the magazine he edits with his wife Celeste. You can read more about Dog News Australia on their website - https://dognewsaustralia.com.au/

This week, we held our first ever "Breed Spotlight", starting with the magnificent Belgian Shepherds! We were joined by Jody Hafey of Beletta Belgians, and discussed everything from the four different breeds of Belgian Shepherd, the origins of the breed, as well as the work Jody does as part of Belgian Shepherd Rescue and Rehab. You can learn more about Belgian Shepherd Rescue and Rehab via their public Facebook page.

This week, we are lucky to be joined by Sandy Trujillo of Puppy Scam Awareness Australia, who turned her own scam experience into a public action campaign against scammers. We talk about what puppy scams look like, typical red flags, and how you can prepare and protect yourself against them. You can find your new pup (and pay securely) through RightPaw here; and you can join the Puppy Scam Awareness Australia Facebook Group here.

This week, we are joined by RightPaw breeder CJ, from Our World of Bulldogs, to discuss brachycephalic (or "flat-faced") dogs. We delve into what brachycephaly is, the complexities of breeding popular breeds like the French Bulldog, and the steps some breeders are taking to improve the health of these breeds. To learn more about CJ, you can visit her Our World of Bulldogs RightPaw profile.

Dogs have personalities too! This week, we discuss Dog Temperaments with RightPaw breeder and show-dog judge Ginnette Loft. We delve into how dogs develop their temperaments, how dogs even in the same breed group can be polar opposites, and how breeders can conduct 'temperament testing' on their pups to match them with the right families. If you want to read more about Ginnette, you can visit her Emeraldcity Cairn Terriers profile on RightPaw. You can also visit the link here to learn more about Volhard's Puppy Aptitude Test.