Gundogs and Guard dogs

Two very special guests have arrived… oh no, wait, it’s just the hosts.
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This episode starts with the sperm and the egg, takes a detour through labels and mental health, and somehow finds its way back again. Let’s just all be thankful social media wasn’t around when these two were younger!
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Recorded in the middle of another heatwave, the North/South divide gets a mention as Ross and Lez discuss the cancellation of the Royal Windsor and Greenwich Dog Shows and the challenges and responsibilities of working with and owning dogs in extreme temperatures.
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The extra special guest is Roixzan, the 8 week old Rottweiler puppy. She is AMAZING. The separation struggles have already started, but to be fair, they’re only three days in!
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After a little wander into puppy socialisation and training, Lez somehow manages to make it all about her again with a return to The Pet Gundog series, her other training books, and the exciting news that another book is on the way. Like a dog with a bone, she doesn’t let go of the Pet Gundog topic for the rest of the episode, much to Ross’s amusement .
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The weather returns with recent storms, flooded fields, and dogs having the time of their lives in conditions their humans would rather avoid.
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Then it’s back to rescue dogs and the gorgeous little Latte, who Ross absolutely fell in love with. The conversation explores the difficult nuances of giving dogs the best lives possible, how the dog world has changed for both better and worse, and the differences between gundogs living in homes and traditional kennel environments.
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There’s also a special mention for Dorje the Tibetan Terrier and the wonderful owners Ross worked with over the years, contrasted with the heartbreaking increase in people simply giving up and dumping their dogs.

It’s a hard conversation and one that leads to the conclusion that things may be worse than they’ve ever been.
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The pair also touch on the Advanced Dog Ownership Initiative (ADOI.org.uk), look back at previous episodes, and finish with the usual shameless request to like, follow and share.
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A little chaotic. A lot of dogs. Plenty of opinions. Exactly what you’d expect.

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”,
Maya Angelou

The jury is in, but not everyone has heard the verdict.

In this eye-opening episode, we’re joined once again by the brilliant veterinarian Dr Lise Hansen to explore the evolving science of neutering in dogs, both male and female.

What do we really know in 2026?

From mammary cancer and testicular cancer to pyometra and beyond, we dig into the latest research on health, longevity, and hormonal impact.

We also unpack the growing role of Suprelorin implants, and what they mean for the future of canine care.

Because here’s the uncomfortable truth, some of what we’ve been told for years is outdated.

In some cases, it’s irresponsible, it’s dangerous, it’s out.

Major organisations like WSAVA, BVA, and BSAVA are shifting their guidance, but the message isn’t filtering through.

Changing long-held beliefs, and the culture around routine neutering, is proving harder than the science itself.

This conversation challenges assumptions and puts evidence front and centre.
We explore how neutering decisions can affect a dog’s overall health, and take a deeper look at phantom pregnancies, female hormones, and why, apparently, the boys might have it a little easier.

See, we said it wouldn’t be just talking bollocks!

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Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years.

Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE).

Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter).

They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011.

They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists.

Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think.Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites...
www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.com

Flappy things, flying tangents, and a very warm welcome back!
This episode kicks off with a not-so-gentle reminder to like, rate, and share, because apparently that’s what they’re supposed to say.
They don’t share a threesome… not quite the terminology they were going for when describing guest episodes!
It’s HOT in Scotland… 24 degrees.
Their London representative scoffs at that while recording in 35 degrees.
Lez has been bargain shopping to keep her dogs cool… Ross may have slightly lost the will to live listening to it!
The conversation moves on to pop-up tents in the lounge and a throwback to the 80s with door coverings.
Naturally, it turns back to the heatwave and how that affects the dogs and their work.
Dog professionals cancelling everything, while dog owners carry on as normal!
There’s a review of the CIDBT and GoDT networking event, which was AWESOME. Plenty of food… but no headset microphone for pri-Madonna!
A quick chat about Golden (or Cream!) Retriever breeding and genetics.
Then a more sombre moment touching on the AvD Night Trials… the less said about the week’s events, the better. Distasteful.
The ice is broken by a sneeze, just before little Latte is introduced, followed by a lesson in pronunciation… which is nothing short of laughable listening to those two!
It started with hairy balls and ended with saggy scrotums.Don’t forget to rate and review this wonderful content!
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Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years.
Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE).
Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter).
They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011.
They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists.
Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think.Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites...
www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.com

David Cavill joins Lez and Ross to chat about a life in dogs that spans well over 50 years. The man has a CV in dogs beyond imagination. It all started with a Finnish Spitz puppy, courtesy of his wife Angela, and led to an incredible journey through the dog world.

David and Angela’s Toveri Finnish Spitz are internationally renowned and admired, even by the Finns themselves.

From Animal Care College through Battersea, Our Dogs, and PETbc, you can’t have a journey like this without learning a huge amount about both dogs and people.

How has the world of show dogs changed over the last 50 years, and why? Do Pedigree Chum and Mars have anything to do with it?

How have the breeds we own changed? What about aesthetics and temperament?

Where have all the proper dog people gone? And what about designer crossbreeds and “hybrid vigour”? Genetics might be more complicated than that.

Rottweilers these days are said to be pussy cats. Not in West London for the working dog fanatic, but they’re certainly different from 30 years ago. More sound than ever? Maybe. Maybe not.

Big rescue charities, what’s really driving them? Saving dogs or paying staff? What does your donation actually do?

Popular breeds keep shifting. The Dachshund is top of the pops, and no, it’s not a “dash-hound”. Society itself feels a bit all over the place.

Plenty of questions here, not all the answers. But a fascinating, honest chat with one of the dog world’s most influential figures.
---- oOo ----Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years. Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE). Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter). They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011. They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists. Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think.Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites...www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.com

A wonderful conversation with Adem Fehmi, who very kindly does most of the talking (ranting!), allowing Lez and Ross to enjoy something of a day off.
From a childhood love of animals to a successful career, it all started with Trigger, the West Highland White Terrier.
Adem has now been working with dogs for over three decades, and like many of us, his journey began with a passion that grew, supported along the way by mentorship from some of the big names in obedience.
This episode goes on to explore a wide range of topics, including the rise in dog bites, changes in breeds and lifestyles, and puppy rearing, both when it’s done right and when it’s done very wrong.
The discussion also touches on imported street dogs, variations within breeds, and the role of breeders, with a clear message throughout that education needs to happen at every level.
If you’d like to meet Adem in person, join him on 24th May at the Greenwich Dog Show, where he’ll be representing The House of Health & Wellbeing at the historic Old Royal Naval College, alongside your very own Mr McCarthy.
Learn more:The House of Health & Wellbeing
Event location:Old Royal Naval College
So sit back, take a breath, maybe keep your blood pressure meds nearby, and enjoy this fascinating conversation.

---- oOo ----
Lez and Ross have both been in the industry professionally for well over 20 years and each has been involved with dogs for over 40 years.
Whilst sensibly they have stayed away from the ‘limelight’ regarding TV offers, they have regularly been on national and local radio, spoken at national events at NDWA, CFBA, and Kennel Club / Crufts events as well as bespoke speaking engagements for the Dog Safety Education Executive (DogSEE).
Ross wrote for Dogs Monthly Magazine for over 12 years and Lez was the first lady feature writer for a national Shooting Magazine (both Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter).
They were also 'study buddies' and were the first in the UK to achieve a Masters Degree (Professional Practice) in Canine Behaviour and Psychology in 2011.
They work well together and apart, support and work with dog rescue organisations and train professional dog trainers and behaviourists.
Different as chalk and cheese, but maybe not as different as they like to think.
Intrigued? want to know more? then check out our websites...
www.rossmccarthy.com ~ www.lezgraham.com