#84: Niki French - Stop! Walking Your Dog

We hope this pod finds you well Bookshelvers

This week Steve sails the Barks From Podship solo across the canine geek ocean! Luckily for him he has a wonderful book to get stuck in to! 

This week we are thrilled to be joined by the awesome Niki French to talk (amongst other stuff) all about her book 'Stop Walking Your Dog'. There is so much to unpack about Niki and her journey to writing the book as well as all the other amazing “project pies” Niki has her fingers in. This was an insightful and relaxed interview that we feel you’ll love! Amongst other amazing things, Niki shares her insights on the importance of short training sessions and how to make training enjoyable for both dogs and their owners, her favourite games that can enhance the training experience and bond. We delve into various aspects of dog training, focusing on understanding dog behaviour, the significance of boundary games, and the role of calmness in training. We discuss the ACE-free work approach and its benefits, and touch on the challenges of navigating controversies in the dog training industry and where Niki falls on the need for regulation and recognition of trainers' qualifications. Niki shares all about her dog Bodhi, a Battersea rescue, detailing the challenges and triumphs of training him. We talk about 'Don't Walk Your Dog Day' and the concept (and strange controversy) around it. Niki is also kind enough to reflect on her experiences as a writer and the impact of her book on dog training and behaviour discussions. We hope that this conversation will fire you all up, make you smile, make you think and ultimately help highlight the significance of nurturing a dog's well-being through various activities (not just walkies). Of course there’s more… There always is! And this week Steve also pulls out some "stand out" parts of the book with our usual sections. 

So what are you waiting for? Indulge your brain box and your chuckle sack simultaneously… WOOF!

Niki Facts:

Niki French is a dog-mad, people-loving, award-winning dog trainer, bestselling author, and podcaster.

Niki French is the founder of Pup Talk and author of Amazon best seller STOP! Walking Your Dog.

After a 30-year career as an international Sales and Marketing Director, a serious bicycle accident in 2014 became the catalyst for a complete life change. Niki followed a childhood dream of working with animals and, in 2019, launched Pup Talk and Twickenham Dog Services.

Niki is a Certified ACE Trainer, KAD (Kids Around Dogs) Approved Professional, UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter Member and part of the Pet Professional Network. 

She specialises in helping overwhelmed pet parents with nervous, reactive, or over-excitable dogs. Her kind and empowering approach combines practical support with a deep understanding of emotional well-being – for both dogs and people. She’s especially passionate about activities that support dogs physically and mentally, beyond the traditional walk.

She offers 1-2-1 training, often featuring ACE Free Work, in-person in Middlesex, Surrey and West London and online globally. She also supports people with Pup Talk The Pack membership. 

Niki lives in Twickenham with boyfriend Ash and their rescue dog Bodie, a handsome Collie Lurcher X. He launched into their lives from Battersea Cats and Dogs Home when he was 8 months old.

Links:

Link to buy Niki's book here

Link to Niki's Puptalk website here

Link to Niki's Youtube Channel here