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Dog care professionals invited to new conference
The conference aims to provide delegates with a better understanding of the inner workings of a dog's mind.

Dogs Trust to host dog emotion and behaviour conference in Scotland.

For the first time, Dogs Trust is hosting a conference on dog emotion and behaviour, being held in Glasgow on Saturday, 20 May and Sunday, 21 May. It is aimed at dog care professionals and individuals that are considering a career working with dogs.

The conference aims to provide delegates with a better understanding of the inner workings of a dog’s mind, and will offer support with high-welfare and evidence-based professional development opportunities.

During the event, delegates will have the chance to attend workshops on topics such as diffusing emotional situations and putting communication into practice. There will also be a series of talks from experts in dog behaviour including Dr Rachel Casey, director of canine behaviour and research at Dogs Trust, River McDonald, director of Edinburgh Dog Behaviour and Stephanie Zikmann, founder of the Holistic Grooming Academy.  

The speakers' talks will cover a range of subjects including understanding and applying emotion, dealing with challenging behaviours in practice and owner communication, emotional wellbeing for pet professionals, and low stress handling in the pet care industry.

Dr Jenna Kiddie, head of canine behaviour at Dogs Trust said: “We are delighted to launch this conference in Scotland, the first of its kind, to support pet care professionals.
Dog walkers, day care providers, groomers, sitters, boarders and other care professionals can play a very important role in the lives of the nation’s dogs.

"This conference brings together dog behaviour and professional experts to offer an amazing range of education opportunities, from lectures to workshops.”

Those wishing to attend the conference -
The Key to Success: Emotion and Behaviour for Dog Care Professionals, can purchase tickets online. There is also the option to purchase recordings of the key speakers.

Image (C) Dogs Trust

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.