Kicking off 2026 with an incredible episode

In this episode of We Love Dogs, I’m joined by Jessica Hyams, a Certified Canine Behaviourist and Trauma-Informed Professional, for an honest and compassionate conversation about bull-breed dogs.

Jessica shares her journey into behaviour work and her passion for supporting bull breeds, who are some of the most misunderstood dogs in the UK. Together, we explore why so many bull-type dogs are ending up in rescue, how pain and health issues can significantly influence behaviour, and the lasting effects of lockdown, social-media advice, and the use of aversive training tools.

We also discuss what makes bull breeds such incredible dogs, and why education, early support, and welfare-led approaches are so important — particularly in light of the XL Bully ban.

This episode goes beyond stereotypes and headlines, focusing instead on behaviour, welfare, and understanding the dog in front of us.

In this episode, Cheryl and Jessica discuss:

• Jessica’s journey into becoming a behaviourist
• Why she is so passionate about bull-breed dogs
• The over-representation of bull-type dogs in rescue
• How pain, and health issues, affect behaviour
• The impact of lockdown and social-media advice on dogs and owners
• The use and consequences of aversive training tools
• Understanding bull-breed traits and what these dogs need to thrive
• Common misconceptions about bull breeds
• Why bullies can be such amazing companions
• The importance of an early, supportive start
• The welfare implications of the XL Bully ban

Want to connect with Jessica? details below:

Home - Little & Large Dogs

Instagram

For questions or to work with Cheryl, you can reach her via:
Website: Chel's Tails | Dog Walking and Training
Email: cherylmarney@outlook.com
Facebook: Chel's Tails Canine Coaching
Instagram: @chelstails
TikTok:@chelstails
Podcast Facebook: We Love Dogs

In this episode, I am are joined by Sarah Jones, founder of #DogsInYellowDay and My Anxious Dog, to explore the movement supporting anxious, reactive, and vulnerable dogs through greater public awareness and understanding. Sarah is a true inspiration and is making a difference to so many dogs and their families.

In this episode Cheryl and Sarah discuss:

• What Dogs in Yellow is, how the movement began, and the need it was created to address
• How Sarah’s dog, Bella, opened her eyes to how misunderstood anxious dogs can be
• Why yellow has become the recognised colour signalling that a dog needs space
• When Sarah realised anxious dogs required clearer, more visible support in public spaces
• The difference a yellow lead or jacket can make during everyday walks
• How the public and fellow dog owners can help when they see a dog wearing yellow
• Why giving dogs space is essential — even when other dogs are friendly
• Why Christmas and the festive season can be especially challenging for anxious dogs
• Practical advice to help support anxious dogs during the holidays
• How public awareness around anxious dogs has changed since the movement began
• The growth of Dogs in Yellow and its impact on dogs, owners, and the wider dog-owning community

This episode highlights the importance of empathy, advocacy, and simple actions that can make a lasting difference for dogs who need space and understanding.

Want to connect with Sarah? details below:

(3) Facebook

Nervous Dog Harnesses, Leads & Accessories | My Anxious Dog

Free Toolkit: Help your anxious dog enjoy calmer walks – My Anxious Dog

Sarah's achievements:

Featured on Escape to the Country

Winners of Theo Paphtis #SBS

Winners at the Animal Star Awards 2021 - Best Pet Related Business

Winners at the Global Business Awards 2021 - Best Pet Anxiety Awareness Products

Winner Influential Business Woman Awards 2023 - Most Innovative Specialist Pet Accessories

Finalist in Pet Industry Federation PIF Awards 2023 for Marketing Campaign of the Year #dogsinyellow

Best Specialist Pet Accessories Business Woman 2024 (South East England) at Global Business Awards

Silver medal at PetQuip Awards 2024 for Best Trade Marketing Campaign for #dogsinyellow

LuxLife Pet Products and Services Award 2025

Global Business Awards - Most Innovative Dog Harness 2025

Featured articles in Woman & Home, Take A Break, Women Own, Pick Me Up! magazine

Edition Dog, Dogs Today, Our Dogs, Westies & Besties & Vanity Fur magazine

Interviewed on BBC Radio Berkshire, BBC Radio London

For questions or to work with Cheryl, you can reach her via:
Website: Chel's Tails | Dog Walking and Training
Email: cherylmarney@outlook.com
Facebook: Chel's Tails Canine Coaching
Instagram: @chelstails
TikTok:@chelstails
Podcast Facebook: We Love Dogs

In this episode, I am joined by Sarah Hawkins, founder of Barkshire Dog Training in Reading, UK. Sarah is a qualified IMDT trainer and a certified Predation Substitute Training (PST) instructor. Known for her calm, kind, and connection-driven approach, Sarah specialises in helping dogs with strong chase instincts, from squirrel-obsessed spaniels to high-prey-drive sighthounds. Her work focuses on giving dogs safe, enriching outlets for behaviours that are completely natural, but often misunderstood.

Together, we explore Predation Substitute Training, a modern, science-led method that channels a dog’s predatory drive into structured, fulfilling activities. Whether you’re struggling with wildlife chasing, over-arousal on walks, or simply want to better understand your dog’s instincts, this episode is packed with clarity and practical insight.

In this episode Cheryl and Sarah discuss:

• Why dogs chase — the natural predatory motor patterns behind the behaviour.
• What Predation Substitute Training (PST) actually is and how it was developed.
• How PST works in real life: replacing the chase with enriching, safe alternatives.
• Common mistakes humans make when trying to stop chasing behaviour.
• How to identify your dog’s favourite part of the predatory sequence.
• Practical PST activities you can try at home or on walks.
• How PST strengthens connection and confidence between dog and guardian.
• Real success stories from Sarah’s clients at Barkshire Dog Training.
• When to seek help from a certified PST trainer and what to expect in a session.

Want to connect with Sarah? details below:

Website: 121 Dog Training | Barkshire Dog Training | Reading

(1) barkshire dog training - Search Results | Facebook

Barkshire Dog Training- Reading, Berkshire (@barkshiredogtraining) • Instagram photos and videos

www.youtube.com/@BarkshireDogTraining

From Chaos to Connection: Understanding Predation Substitute Training (PST)

Predation Substitute Training | Force-Free Anti-Chasing Methods

For questions or to work with Cheryl, you can reach her via:
Website: Chel's Tails | Dog Walking and Training
Email: cherylmarney@outlook.com
Facebook: Chel's Tails Canine Coaching
Instagram: @chelstails
TikTok:@chelstails
Podcast Facebook: We Love Dogs