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The Dog’s Voice

Dog Breeding Reform Group

The Dog’s Voice is a podcast about dog health, puppy care, and responsible breeding. Hosted by Ben the Vet and brought to you by the Dog Breeding Reform Group, each episode explores the science, welfare, and real-life decisions that shape healthier dogs.

Through expert conversations, we cover topics including genetics, breeding practices, common health conditions, and how to choose and care for a dog responsibly. Whether you’re looking for a puppy, already living with a dog, or working with dogs professionally, this podcast offers clear, practical guidance to help you make informed decisions.

The Dog’s Voice is here to support better breeding, better welfare, and a healthier future for dogs and the people who care for them.

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  • 7 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 44 min
  • English

Episodes 7

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  • #7
    Friday · 53 min

    Are Crossbred Dogs Healthier?

    Designer crossbreeds are among the most popular dogs in the UK today, but are they really healthier than pedigree dogs? In this episode, Ben is joined by Dr Rowena Packer from the Royal Veterinary College to explore the science behind crossbreeding, genetic diversity and dog health. Together they discuss: Why poodle crosses and other designer dogs have become so popular. Whether crossbred dogs are healthier than pedigree dogs. What genetic diversity actually means. The truth about hybrid vigour. Why not all crossbreeding is automatically beneficial. Outcrossing as a tool to improve health. Public attitudes towards healthier versions of popular breeds. Whether the future of dog breeding may involve more carefully planned crossbreeding. This episode cuts through some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding pedigree and crossbred dogs, helping puppy buyers understand what really matters when it comes to health and welfare. The Dog Breeding Reform Group recommends that anyone buying a puppy should choose a breeder who fully health tests both parents before breeding. The recommended tests vary between breeds and may include DNA testing, screening schemes such as hip, elbow and heart assessments, eye examinations, and other veterinary health checks designed to reduce the risk of inherited disease. You can find breed-specific health testing recommendations and further information at: https://dbrg.uk/breed-health-information/ Health testing cannot guarantee a healthy puppy, but it is an important part of responsible breeding and helps breeders and puppy buyers make more informed decisions.

  • #6
    September 4 · 45 min

    Raising a Happy Puppy

    Bringing a puppy home is just the beginning. The experiences puppies have during their first few months can have a lasting impact on their behaviour, confidence and welfare for the rest of their lives. In this episode, Ben is joined by Rebecca Norton-Childs, founder of Pupstarts, licensed dog breeder and trainer, to discuss why early socialisation, training and responsible breeding go hand in hand. Together they discuss: Why behaviour problems are one of the leading causes of early death in young dogs. What responsible breeders should be doing before puppies leave home. The importance of the puppy socialisation window. How new owners can continue socialisation safely. Puppy classes, training and building confidence. Understanding breed instincts and meeting a dog's natural needs. Why scent work can be one of the best forms of enrichment. What Rebecca believes makes a truly responsible breeder. Whether you're planning to get a puppy or already have one asleep on your sofa, this episode is packed with practical advice to help your puppy become a confident, happy companion. The Dog Breeding Reform Group recommends that anyone buying a puppy should choose a breeder who fully health tests both parents before breeding. The recommended tests vary between breeds and may include DNA testing, screening schemes such as hip, elbow and heart assessments, eye examinations, and other veterinary health checks designed to reduce the risk of inherited disease. You can find breed-specific health testing recommendations and further information at: https://dbrg.uk/breed-health-information/ Health testing cannot guarantee a healthy puppy, but it is an important part of responsible breeding and helps breeders and puppy buyers make more informed decisions.

  • #5
    August 21 · 38 min

    The Fight for Healthier Dogs

    How much has dog welfare really improved over the past two decades? And what still needs to change? In this episode, Ben is joined by Carol Fowler, founder of the Dog Breeding Reform Group (DBRG), to discuss her lifelong commitment to improving the health and welfare of dogs. Carol reflects on the experiences that inspired her campaigning, including living with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel affected by inherited disease and her involvement in the landmark BBC documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed. Together they discuss: • Why inherited disease remains a major welfare issue. • How Pedigree Dogs Exposed changed the conversation around dog breeding. • Whether pedigree dog health has improved since 2008. • The role of health testing and responsible breeding. • Finding a reputable breeder. • Why puppy buyers should keep breeders informed about inherited health problems. • What still needs to change to create a healthier future for dogs. This episode explores the history of dog breeding reform, celebrates the progress that has been made, and looks ahead to the work that still lies ahead. The Dog Breeding Reform Group recommends that anyone buying a puppy should choose a breeder who fully health tests both parents before breeding. The recommended tests vary between breeds and may include DNA testing, screening schemes such as hip, elbow and heart assessments, eye examinations, and other veterinary health checks designed to reduce the risk of inherited disease. You can find breed-specific health testing recommendations and further information at: https://dbrg.uk/breed-health-information/ Health testing cannot guarantee a healthy puppy, but it is an important part of responsible breeding and helps breeders and puppy buyers make more informed decisions.

  • #4
    August 7 · 40 min

    The Law and Your Dog

    What legal responsibilities come with owning a dog? And can the law do more to improve the health and welfare of future generations of dogs? In this episode, Ben is joined by animal welfare lawyer Vanessa Barnes, legal adviser to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare (APGAW), to explore the legal framework surrounding dog ownership, puppy buying and responsible breeding. Together they discuss: • The legal responsibilities every dog owner should know. • What to look for when buying a puppy. • Licensed breeders and why licensing matters. • How animal welfare law applies to dog breeding. • The legal challenges surrounding extreme conformation. • The Innate Health Assessment (IHA) and the misinformation surrounding it. • Whether the law could play a bigger role in improving dog welfare. Whether you're thinking about getting a puppy or already own a dog, this episode explains how the law protects dogs, and where it still has room to improve. The Dog Breeding Reform Group recommends that anyone buying a puppy should choose a breeder who fully health tests both parents before breeding. The recommended tests vary between breeds and may include DNA testing, screening schemes such as hip, elbow and heart assessments, eye examinations, and other veterinary health checks designed to reduce the risk of inherited disease. You can find breed-specific health testing recommendations and further information at: https://dbrg.uk/breed-health-information/ Health testing cannot guarantee a healthy puppy, but it is an important part of responsible breeding and helps breeders and puppy buyers make more informed decisions.

  • #3
    July 24 · 41 min

    Petfishing, Behind the Puppy Ad

    Where does a puppy really come from? Most puppy buyers see a happy photograph online, visit a home, meet a puppy and make an emotional decision. But behind some advertisements lies a very different reality. In this episode, Ben is joined by Lauren Bennett from the RSPCA to discuss puppy farming, illegal imports, puppy smuggling and the growing problem of "petfishing." Together they discuss: • What puppy farming actually means. • How criminal breeding operations work. • The impact of Lucy's Law. • Puppy smuggling and imported dogs. • The welfare consequences for breeding dogs and puppies. • Why people struggle to walk away from poor situations. • How buyers can identify a responsible breeder. If you're thinking about buying a puppy, this episode offers practical advice to help you make informed decisions and avoid supporting low-welfare breeding. The Dog Breeding Reform Group recommends that anyone buying a puppy should choose a breeder who fully health tests both parents before breeding. The recommended tests vary between breeds and may include DNA testing, screening schemes such as hip, elbow and heart assessments, eye examinations, and other veterinary health checks designed to reduce the risk of inherited disease. You can find breed-specific health testing recommendations and further information at: https://dbrg.uk/breed-health-information/ Health testing cannot guarantee a healthy puppy, but it is an important part of responsible breeding and helps breeders and puppy buyers make more informed decisions. RSPCA scientific officer Lauren Bennett discusses puppy farming, illegal imports, petfishing and how puppy buyers can avoid supporting low-welfare breeding. The Dog Breeding Reform Group recommends that anyone buying a puppy should choose a breeder who fully health tests both parents before breeding. The recommended tests vary between breeds and may include DNA testing, screening schemes such as hip, elbow and heart assessments, eye examinations, and other veterinary health checks designed to reduce the risk of inherited disease. You can find breed-specific health testing recommendations and further information at: https://dbrg.uk/breed-health-information/ Health testing cannot guarantee a healthy puppy, but it is an important part of responsible breeding and helps breeders and puppy buyers make more informed decisions.

  • #2
    July 10 · 47 min

    What Makes a Healthy Dog?

    What does a healthy dog actually look like? Many of the features we associate with certain breeds have become so familiar that we no longer question them. But when does a breed characteristic become a welfare problem? In this episode, Ben is joined by Professor Dan O'Neill from the Royal Veterinary College to explore how modern dog breeds developed, why some physical features can affect health, and what we can do to breed healthier dogs in the future. Together they discuss: • How modern dog breeds evolved. • Why some physical features can harm welfare. • The normalisation of breathing, eye and spinal problems. • The role of social media and breed popularity. • Whether brachycephalic and dwarf breeds can become healthier. • The Innate Health Assessment and how puppy buyers can use it. • What breeders can do to improve health in future generations. If you're considering getting a puppy, this episode will help you understand one of the most important questions any owner can ask: what does a healthy dog really look like? The Dog Breeding Reform Group recommends that anyone buying a puppy should choose a breeder who fully health tests both parents before breeding. The recommended tests vary between breeds and may include DNA testing, screening schemes such as hip, elbow and heart assessments, eye examinations, and other veterinary health checks designed to reduce the risk of inherited disease. You can find breed-specific health testing recommendations and further information at: https://dbrg.uk/breed-health-information/ Health testing cannot guarantee a healthy puppy, but it is an important part of responsible breeding and helps breeders and puppy buyers make more informed decisions.

  • #1
    June 26 · 44 min

    Likes, Algorithms and the Designer Dog

    Social media has changed the way we choose dogs. From viral breeds and designer crossbreeds to dog influencers and online advice, platforms like Instagram and TikTok increasingly shape what puppies people buy and what owners expect from dog ownership. In this first episode of The Dog's Voice, Ben Simpson-Vernon and Cat the Vet discuss what social media has done well, where it has gone wrong, and what vets wish people knew before bringing home a puppy. Together they explore: • How online trends influence breed popularity. • The realities of owning fashionable breeds. • Why people should speak to a veterinary practice before buying. • Insurance, health costs and expectations. • How to spot a responsible breeder online. • What happens at the first puppy appointment. Whether you're thinking about buying a puppy or already have one at home, this episode offers practical advice to help you make informed decisions and give your dog the healthiest possible start in life. The Dog Breeding Reform Group recommends that anyone buying a puppy should choose a breeder who fully health tests both parents before breeding. The recommended tests vary between breeds and may include DNA testing, screening schemes such as hip, elbow and heart assessments, eye examinations, and other veterinary health checks designed to reduce the risk of inherited disease. You can find breed-specific health testing recommendations and further information at: https://dbrg.uk/breed-health-information/ Health testing cannot guarantee a healthy puppy, but it is an important part of responsible breeding and helps breeders and puppy buyers make more informed decisions.

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