Pets at Home Puppy Podcast

Pets at Home

Getting a new puppy is a wonderfully exciting time - but it also throws up a number of questions. What are you supposed to do when you first bring your new addition home? What about the first trip to the vet? How about training and nutrition? Don't worry, because the award-winning Puppy Podcast from Pets at Home is here to help! We've gathered together our top in-house experts to ensure the podcast will act as your very own, personal puppy checklist.

And don’t forget to join our VIP Puppy Club, for even more expert advice and exclusive offers.

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24 episodes
Updated Jul 26, 2022

Episodes24

Newest first

Jul 26, 2022 · 24 min
#23 Staycation Special 2: During the holiday
In this second staycation special, our host and editor of My VIP magazine – the customer magazine for Pets at Home – Kate Cornish, talks to Dr Huw Stacey, Director of Clinical Service at Vets4Pets, and Claire Gavin, Director of Creative Development and Innovations at Pets at Home, who chat through potential perils your puppy could face while on a campsite or beach, plus what to pack to keep them happy. For more expert advice go to: Vets 4 Pets: https://www.vets4pets.com/ Pets at Home Pet Talk: https://www.petsathome.com/pet-talk The Wagging Tail Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/640281863354206 Puppy Club: https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/dog/puppy-kitten-club Like and subscribe to the podcast and follow us @petsathome on Twitter and @petsathomeUK on Instagram. Bon Voyage! Host: Kate Cornish Guests: Claire Gavin, Dr Huw Stacey Producer: Sera Berksoy Editor: Nathan Copelin
Jul 26, 2022 · 21 min
#22 Staycation Special 1: Before and during travel
As the school holidays have officially started and the hot weather shows no sign of abating, we thought it would be a good time to update the staycation tips and tricks we shared with you a couple of years ago. In this first staycation special, our host and editor of My VIP magazine – the customer magazine for Pets at Home – Kate Cornish, talks to Dr Karlien Heyrman, Head of Pets, Pets at Home and Claire North, Director, North K9 Dog Training, about what to think about before you even head out of the front door, getting your puppy used to the car, plus everything that travelling long distances in a car with a puppy can entail. Yes, as ever, our favourite topics of sick and poo do crop up, but they are nicely counterbalanced with tons of ideas for useful products, along with brilliant advice on how to prepare your puppy for their holiday! To find out more about the 3 Peaks harness discussed in the episode, go to: https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/3-peaks-crash-impact-tested-dog-harness-black To find out more about Claire’s company North K9 Dog Training, go to: https://northk9.co.uk/ For more expert advice go to: Vets 4 Pets: https://www.vets4pets.com/ Pets at Home Pet Talk: https://www.petsathome.com/pet-talk The Wagging Tail Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/640281863354206 Puppy Club: https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/dog/puppy-kitten-club Like and subscribe to the podcast and follow us @petsathome on Twitter and @petsathomeUK on Instagram. Bon Voyage! Host: Kate Cornish Guests: Claire Gavin, Karlien Heyrman, Claire North Producer: Sera Berksoy Editor: Nathan Copelin
May 11, 2022 · 35 min
#21 Platinum Jubilee - Street Party special!
To mark Her Majesty The Queen’s 70 years of service, this summer (June 2022) there is a four-day bank holiday weekend which will culminate in The Big Jubilee Lunch on Sunday 5th June. Across the length and breadth of the country, people will be sharing food, laughter and friendship with their neighbours in the form of street parties, barbeques and picnics. Some of those neighbours will be human but a copious amount of them will be canine so we have brought together tips, tricks and advice to ensure that your puppies and dogs have as good (and safe) a time as you do! Adaptil plug-ins: https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/adaptil-starter-pack-with-diffuser-unit-and-30-day-refill-stress-reduc Adaptil collars: https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/adaptil-dog-appeasing-pheromone-collar-for-dogs Calming supplements: https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/dog/dog-healthcare/dog-calming-and-anxiety-solutions Tailster dog-sitting service: https://www.tailster.com/ Dogs Die in Hot Cars campaign: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/health/dogsinhotcars Dog sunscreen: https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/dog/dog-crates-and-travel/dog-suncream Find my VIP: www.petsathome.com/findmyvip String of sausages toy: https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/pets-at-home-vinyl-sausage-rope-dog-toy-brown Tie Out stake: https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/pets-at-home-spiral-tie-out-dog-stake Tie Out cable: https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/pets-at-home-dog-tie-out-cable-45-metres Boredom buster toys: https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/dog/dog-toys/dog-boredom-busters-and-puzzles Peamutt butter: https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/peamutt-butter-peanut-butter-for-dogs Snuffle mat: https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/pets-at-home-snuffle-mat-dog-toy-blue Lickimat: https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/lickimat-buddy-boredom-buster Pawsecco: https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/pawsecco-still-rose-wine-for-dogs-and-cats-250ml Spotify playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/pclxjpzkw1v2bkcpeksdu0lro For more expert advice: https://www.vets4pets.com/ and https://www.petsathome.com/pet-talk The Wagging Tail Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/640281863354206 Puppy Club: https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/dog/puppy-kitten-club The topics discussed in this episode don't just relate to the Jubilee celebrations, they can apply to any summer party! Like and subscribe to the podcast and follow us @petsathome on Twitter @petsathomeUK on Instagram. Host: Kate Cornish Guests: Dr Samantha Butler-Davies, Claire Gavin, Dr Huw Stacey Producer: Sera Berksoy Editor: Nathan Copelin Thanks to: Richard Welch
Dec 6, 2021 · 40 min
#20 Your most frequently asked questions answered - Christmas special!
Hello, and welcome to this bonus episode of the Pets at Home Puppy Podcast: the podcast that takes genuine frequently asked questions from members of our VIP Puppy & Kitten Club, and puts them to our panel of experts, who give some amazing advice on an array of puppy-related topics. The stockings have been hung, the tree is up (yay!) and the countdown to Christmas has begun! The festive season is an exciting time, not just for us but for our puppies, too. There are more humans, there’s more food, more fun things to play with… but in addition to all this comfort and joy, there are a few scenarios where things can go very wrong! But don’t worry, a little prep can go a long way towards keeping your puppy out of trouble and ensure that their first Christmas is memorable – in a good way! Christmas is a time for family, friends and pets! And to ensure it’s a fun, healthy and stress-free celebration for all, we’ve put together this episode, to help prevent festive faux-pas such as your puppy destroying the presents under the tree, and making sure you give your puppy the right festive feast. So, without further ado, let’s don our Christmas jumpers, grab an egg nog and crack on! Ask the vet - pet safety at Christmas With family and friends in and out of your home, strange decorations and excitable children, Christmas and New Year are understandably highly stressful and confusing times for your pet. Helping to identify hazards and help you understand how to handle them, we've asked our friends at Vets4Pets to share their expertise. More seasonal safety advice Which Christmas plants are poisonous to dogs? The time of year is fast approaching when people will be filling their homes with all kinds of Christmas trees and plants, from festive Nordic pines through to merry green mistletoe. If you’re a dog owner, it’s important to know that some of these pretty festive plants can actually be poisonous for your pup. To help you spot which plants to steer clear of to keep your puppy happy and healthy this Christmas, we’ve put together this helpful guide. How to tell if your pet hates wearing clothes List of poisonous foods and substances Puppy treats Christmas Pigs in Blankets Dog Treats Christmas Festive Meaty Cookies Dog Treats Wainwright's Just for Puppy Super Soft Florence Fox Comforter Toy Puppy food Puppy’s first Christmas stocking Christmas Santa Tug Dog Toy Christmas Yule Logs Dog Treats 6 Pack Christmas Tart Dog Treats 2 Pack Christmas Tree Biscuit Dog Treats Woof and Brew Posh Pooch Barker Bay 'Wine' for Dogs Boredom busters More puzzle toys Calming diffusers Thundershirt Bottom Sniffer – beer for dogs! Chew toys Blankets Gates and crates Dog beds Christmas outfits Booties Christmas gift guide Dog Coats and Clothing Christmas Assorted Dog Collar Charms Snuffle mats Squeaky toys Christmas Spa Treatment Groom Pets at Home’s playlist One of the things you can do to help keep your puppy calm and relaxed, is the use of music to help distract and mask the loud noises. Sitting and listening to the music together will also help to build on your bond. Playlist #1: Sonny’s Soothing Soft Rock Listen here. This playlist includes a combination of soft rock from across the ages, featuring the likes of The Beatles, Red Hot Chili Peppers and John Mayer. Playlist #2: Rodney’s Relaxing Reggae Listen here. Featuring reggae beats from Bob Marley and UB40, this playlist gives that feeling of being in the sunshine. Playlist #3: Clara’s Calming Classical Listen here. Composed of Bridgerton-esque songs with a modern-day twist, this playlist includes hits from Coldplay and Oasis by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra as well as a classic from Beethoven. It’s important that you’re able to recognise what anxiety can look like in a dog so you can prepare. Common signs of fear to look out for include pacing, panting and barking in dogs. For most pets, a fearful state usually starts with a watchful phase where they will be unusually alert. JOIN OUR CLUB! If you’re not already member, then why not join the Pets at Home VIP Puppy & Kitten Club? You can join the club via the Pets at Home app, which is free to download, and by doing so you and your Very Important Pet will join the millions of pet owners getting expert advice through their puppy or kitten’s first year. In addition to advice and tips, you’ll also get 10% off your first shop, plus, every swipe of your VIP card raises funds for an animal charity of your choice. We'll send you quarterly updates to let you know how much you've raised. To date, members have helped raise over £10 million for pets in need! What’s not to like? And, if you’re a fan of Facebook, why not join The Wagging Tail group, where you can receive even more great puppy advice and share stories with likeminded puppy owners HELP PETS IN NEED THIS CHRISTMAS! Support The Pets at Home Foundation by donating free meals for rescue pets. All money raised will be donated to rescue centres across the UK. GET IN TOUCH Finally, if you have a puppy-related question you’d like to put to our panel, email it to puppypodcast@petsathome.co.uk And if you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not like and subscribe and share it with your puppy-owning friends. We wish you and your puppy and very merry Christmas!
Oct 28, 2021 · 35 min
#19 Your most frequently asked questions answered - Part 2!
Editor of My VIP magazine, Kate Cornish, puts anxious puppy owners’ questions to the brilliant dog behaviourist and trainer Claire North, who dishes out a plethora of perfect puppy advice. We reached out to our puppy-owning customers, members of the Pets at Home Puppy and Kitten Club and our Facebook group, The Wagging Tail, to ask them what type of questions they’d like answering when it comes to their little bundles of fluff, along with any other reassurance and guidance they’d like us to cover. And this podcast episode is the result. Why does my puppy bark at the postman?’ Why doesn’t my puppy like being patted on the head? What the heck are zoomies? Don’t worry, we have the answers and all the expert advice you need, to make your journey with your puppy a smooth and happy ride. Join the club! If you’re not already member, then why not join the Pets at Home VIP Puppy & Kitten Club? You can join the club via the Pets at Home app, which is free to download, and by doing so you and your Very Important Pet will join the millions of pet owners getting expert advice through their puppy or kitten’s first year. In addition to advice and tips, you’ll also get 10% off your first shop, plus, every swipe of your VIP card raises funds for an animal charity of your choice. We'll send you quarterly updates to let you know how much you've raised. To date, members have helped raise over £10 million for pets in need! What’s not to like? Claire North You can find out more about Claire North and the puppy training services she offers at www.northK9.co.uk and Claire’s Facebook page is www.facebook.com/NorthK9Training Looking for more advice? For more expert advice you can visit vets4pets.com and over on petsathome.com, the Pet Talk section has some great advice too. Meanwhile, over on Facebook, we’ve a group called The Wagging Tail, created with puppies (and parents!) in mind. It’s open to everyone on a journey with their new furry family member, join our group to surround yourself with friendly advice, top tips and like-minded owners who understand your struggles, celebrate your breakthroughs and love to see those puppy pictures! Get in touch! You can get in touch with us via Twitter where our tag is @petsathome and on Instagram, we are @petsathomeuk Finally, if you have a puppy-related question you’d like to put to our panel, email it to puppypodcast@petsathome.co.uk
Sep 21, 2021 · 29 min
#18 Your most frequently asked questions answered!
What’s your puppy trying to tell you? Confused? Don’t be! Are you worried that, when it comes to bringing up your puppy, you’re not doing it right? Don’t be! You’re doing fine! We reached out to our puppy-owning customers, members of the Pets at Home Puppy and Kitten Club and our Facebook group, The Wagging Tail, to ask them what type of questions they’d like answering when it comes to their little bundles of fluff, along with any other reassurance and guidance they’d like us to cover. And this podcast episode is the result. Editor of My VIP magazine, Kate Cornish, puts anxious puppy owners’ questions to Dr Samantha Butler Davies, Veterinary Clinical Services Manager, at Vets4Pets. Want to know why your puppy eats grass? Why do they roll in poo? How do you save your precious belongings from being chewed and ruined? Why won’t they stop crying? Aaagh! Don’t worry, we have all the exert advice you need to make your journey with your pup smooth and happy ride. Oh, and if you’re puppy has rolled in fox poo, you’ll be needing this! For more expert advice you can visit vets4pets.com and over on petsathome.com, the Pet Talk section has some great advice too. You can also join our Puppy Club, for free! Sign up to receive tailored offers and discounts. Plus, expert pet care advice. Join for free online then download our VIP Club App, to access your exclusive offers. Meanwhile, over on Facebook, we’ve a group called The Wagging Tail, created with puppies (and parents!) in mind. It’s open to everyone on a journey with their new furry family member, join our group to surround yourself with friendly advice, top tips and like-minded owners who understand your struggles, celebrate your breakthroughs and love to see those puppy pictures! You can get in touch with us via Twitter where our tag is @petsathome and on Instagram, we are @petsathomeuk [NM1]Dr Samantha
Aug 9, 2021 · 1 hr
#17 2021 Summer special
In this episode we speak to Samantha Butler-Davies, the Veterinary Clinical Services Manager at Vets4Pets and Claire Gavin, Director of Creative Development & Innovation at Pets at Home, about everything any puppy owner needs to know during the warmer summer months. Also.... You can read more about Lucy’s Law here: https://getyourpetsafely.campaign.gov.uk/ Shop all of our cooling products here And yes folks, peanut scented bubbles really do exist! Find there here. Get your trusty tick twisters here For more expert advice you can visit vets4pets.com and over on petsathome.com, the Pet Talk section has some great advice too. You can also join our Puppy Club, for free! Sign up to receive tailored offers and discounts. Plus, expert pet care advice. Join for free online then download our VIP Club App, to access your exclusive offers. Meanwhile, over on Facebook, we’ve a group called The Wagging Tail, created with puppies (and parents!) in mind. It’s open to everyone on a journey with their new furry family member, join our group to surround yourself with friendly advice, top tips and like-minded owners who understand your struggles, celebrate your breakthroughs and love to see those puppy pictures! You can get in touch with us via Twitter where our tag is @petsathome and on Instagram, we are @petsathomeuk
Mar 9, 2021 · 45 min
#16 Puppy sleeping habits and training
NEW EPISODE! Watching them sleep —legs akimbo, paws paddling — is one of the many joys of living with a puppy. Understanding how and when your puppy likes to sleep means you’ll have a happier time together. “Sleepy time” is the new “me time”. And, for 2021, bedtime routines have been predicted by trend spotters to become more luxurious than ever. So, to celebrate National Bed Month, an event which takes place throughout the entirety of March (organised by the Sleep Council to bring awareness to why a sound sleep is good for our health), we thought we’d talk about puppies and their sleeping requirements. How much sleep does a puppy need? What kind of the bed do they need? And where do you put the bed? All these questions and more are answered, when host Kate Cornish is joined by her panel of experts and a proud puppy owner. Find out more about Claire North’s expertise at North K9 Dog Training: http://northk9.co.uk Click here for Pets at Home’s, Just for Puppy range of puppy beds: https://bit.ly/38gmFSE Please do share and subscribe and send us any questions or topics you’d like us to cover at puppypodcast@petsathome.co.uk. Please follow us: Twitter @petsathome Instagram @petsathomeUK The Wagging Tail puppy owners Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/640281863354206. A special thanks to our audio editor Nathan Copelin for his technical wizardry. Happy listening!
Oct 23, 2020 · 21 min
#14 Staycationing with your pup - Part 1
Proper preparation will make taking your puppy on holiday a doddle. After all, your puppy’s a part of your family, so it wouldn’t be a family holiday without them! This episode sees your host and editor of My VIP magazine – the customer magazine for Pets at Home – me, Kate Cornish, talk to Karlien Hyerman, Head of Pets, Pets at Home and Claire North, Director, North Canine Dog Training, about what to think about before you even head out of the front door, getting your puppy used to the car, plus everything that travelling long distances in a car with a puppy can entail. Yes, as ever, our favourite topics of sick and poo do crop up, but they are nicely counterbalanced with tons of ideas for useful products, along with brilliant advice on how to prepare your puppy for their holiday! Please do share and subscribe and send us any questions or topics you’d like us to cover at puppypodcast@petsathome.co.uk. You can also follow Pets at Home on Twitter @petsathome and on Instagram @petsathomeUK. You can also find us on Facebook We’d love to hear your stories of travels with your pup! Bon Voyage!
Oct 23, 2020 · 25 min
#15 Staycationing with your pup - Part 2
From a wander down to the local shop, to a holiday on sunnier shores, we commonly take our puppies out and about with us. Our partners in adventure, puppies are great at getting us exploring. Sadly, accidents, illnesses and transport issues are all quick ways to spoil the fun. Knowing how to keep your puppy safe and sound while on holiday means that the whole family can relax, smile and enjoy spending quality time with your furriest family member! This episode sees me, host of the podcast and editor of My VIP magazine – the customer magazine for Pets at Home – Kate Cornish, talk to Huw Stacey, Director of Clinical Service, Vets4Pets, and Claire Gavin Innovations Director at Pets at Home, who chat through potential perils your puppy could face while on a campsite or beach, plus what to pack to keep your puppy happy. After all, it’s their holiday too! As ever, please excuse the sounds of daily life, such as pets meowing and barking and other everyday sounds. We are all recording these episodes from our homes. There is some slight interference at the top of this episode which, for once, wasn’t my fault! Anyway, I hope this doesn’t detract from your experience. Please do share and subscribe and send us any questions or topics you’d like us to cover at puppypodcast@petsathome.co.uk. You can also follow Pets at Home on Twitter @petsathome and on Instagram @petsathomeUK. You can also find us on Facebook. I’d love to hear your stories of travels with your pup! A special thanks to our audio editor Nathan Copelin for his technical wizardry Happy listening!
Aug 4, 2020 · 21 min
#13 Vet visits and face coverings advice
As pet owners and pet lovers, it’s important that we understand how social distancing and face coverings can affect our furry friends. In this episode of the puppy podcast we are joined by vets, Sam and Huw, from the Vets4Pets team who talk us through the things we can be doing, as pet owners, to make sure our puppies don’t miss out on socialisation or important preventative care, such as vaccinations and neutering. They also talk us through the steps they’re taking in vet practices to keep everyone safe and to make any new family members feel as welcome and comfortable as possible, such as getting them used to people wearing face coverings.
Jul 16, 2020 · 19 min
#12 Boredom busting and training tips
With everything that’s been going on recently, and with a lot of us working from home, on top of the kids being home for the school summer holidays, our pets have become a huge comfort, bringing us love and joy in this current climate. But training them and keeping them entertained isn’t easy To address these subjects, Kate Cornish, editor of My VIP, is joined by Pets at Home’s Innovation Director, Claire Gavin, to discuss boredom busting toys and techniques, while Dog Trainer and Behaviourist, Claire North, talks us through some basic training tips.
Jul 16, 2020 · 21 min
#11 How to socialise your puppy while social distancing
What do you do when you’ve just brought your fluffy bundle of joy home, but can’t do as much as is usually needed to properly socialise your puppy due to social distancing? In this episode our regular expert Claire North from North K9 Dog Training shares some clever tips on how to socialise your puppy during lockdown.
Jul 16, 2020 · 22 min
#10 How to puppy-proof your garden
With the summer months now in full swing, chances are we’ll be spending more time in the garden for BBQs, gardening, or just chilling in the sun – hopefully! However, while back gardens are a sanctuary for us, there may be hidden perils for your puppy. Don’t worry, because in this episode, editor of My VIP magazine, Kate Cornish, gets some wonderful, friendly advice from Pets at Home’s Head of Pets, Karlien Heyrman, on how to ensure your puppy stays happy and healthy while spending a bit more time outside.
Mar 3, 2020 · 42 min
#9 Puppy toys special
A puppy's life is filled with simple pleasures. There's you. There's treats. And then there's toys. What makes a toy so special to a puppy? Is it the smell? The texture? The shape? Colour? Size? We get the answers from Claire Gavin, Pets at Home’s Innovation Director and Claire North of K9 North Dog Training. Want to find out more about how to join our VIP Puppy Club? This link has all the answers. https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/content/brands/puppy-club
Mar 3, 2020 · 38 min
#8 Body language and behaviour
In this episode My VIP editor Kate Cornish is joined by Clare North of North K9 Dog Training to give us some training tips and to help us understand certain puppy behaviour. Find out if Claire can help you with your puppy needs by dropping into her website at https://www.northk9.co.uk/
Mar 3, 2020 · 47 min
#7 Grooming and puppy dental care
A good grooming routine helps to ensure your puppy’s coat and skin is kept in tip top condition. Pets at Home’s Grooming Development and Expertise Trainer, Shona Timperley, takes us through your puppy’s grooming needs, while Head of Pets for Pets at Home, Karlien Heyrman, discusses all things doggy dental.
Mar 3, 2020 · 31 min
#6 Out and about
Introducing your puppy to the big wide world is a huge step for them – and you. In this episode we discuss how to keep them safe in new situations, and how to handle meeting other pets. So, to talk us through how to help your puppy when you’re out and about, we are joined by puppy behaviourist and trainer Claire North from North K9 Dog Training.
Mar 2, 2020 · 20 min
#5 Basic puppy training
This episode is all about training. Getting a puppy is one of the happiest times in any family’s life and you can bring up a well behaved dog by doing the right things at the right time. Kate Cornish, Editor of My VIP magazine, is joined by puppy trainer Claire North along with VIP member Sarah Enriles and her puppy Mia.
Mar 2, 2020 · 34 min
#4 Puppy nutrition tips
By ensuring that your puppy receives the best nutrition from day one, you’ll be helping them on the road to a happy, long and healthy life. Joining My VIP Editor Kate Cornish for this episode is Head of Pets at Pets at Home, Karlien Heyrman, VIP member Maria and Louisa from our store team. You can find out more about free nutrition consultations from Pets at Home here: https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/content/dog-nutrition-consultations