Moving house is one of life’s biggest stressors - and it doesn’t just affect us humans. In this episode, we dive into how moving impacts our dogs, how to recognise the signs of stress, and what practical steps you can take to make the process smoother for everyone in the household.Linda shares her own moving experience and the unexpected ways her dogs reacted, while Caroline offers expert advice on how to reduce disruption, keep routines steady, and bring a sense of familiarity to your new home. From planning ahead to creating safe spaces, using scents, and even rethinking how you pack, this episode is packed with insights to help both you and your dogs feel calmer during a big transition.What You’ll Learn in This Episode- Why moving house ranks among the top three most stressful life events.- How dogs pick up on our stress - and the subtle ways it can show in their behaviour.- Simple strategies to keep routines consistent (meals, walks, bed placement).- The importance of familiar scents (blankets, beds, even water!) to ease the transition.- Should your dog stay home or be elsewhere on moving day?- How to reframe packing and suitcases so they don’t trigger anxiety.- Aromatherapy and floral waters: safe ways to introduce calming scents for dogs.- Stress-management tips for humans too - like the “top 3 priorities” system and quick restorative power naps.

While this episode marks a short break in the podcast, we welcome listeners to share any questions about human or dog behaviour or emotions that can be answered in upcoming months.

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In this week's episode, we dive deep into a profound question from one of our listeners: Can our dogs help us process and explore our stuck emotions?

Linda kicks off the discussion by drawing on her background as a zoologist, explaining that dogs can serve as a "simpler model" for understanding our own emotional responses. By observing our canine companions' body language, like changes in breathing or eye movements, we can gain a clearer awareness of our own emotional warning signs.

The conversation then explores the incredible power of dogs to bring us positive emotions and pull us out of a negative funk. A fascinating study on sleep sounds is also shared, revealing a surprising comfort found in a dog's snore.

Caroline expands on the topic by discussing the role of physical touch in the human-dog relationship. She emphasises the importance of allowing a dog to have a choice in physical contact and provides a simple, respectful method for initiating touch. This respect, she argues, not only deepens the bond with our dogs but also serves as a valuable lesson in how we interact with other humans.

Linda adds to this point by sharing a captivating study on eye contact and how showing sincere interest can make you more attractive to others.

The conversation wraps up by exploring how dogs can help with "stuck" emotions through the simple act of walking. They also provide a thoughtful and important perspective on using dogs to process traumatic emotions, highlighting the need for professional help in those situations.

Finally, Caroline and Linda discuss a lighter topic: the common phenomenon of a reluctant partner becoming completely smitten with a new family dog. They explain that this shift often stems from overcoming fear and learning to nurture a creature that needs them, and that this should always be celebrated, never mocked.

Don't miss this heartfelt and insightful discussion that covers everything from emotional well-being to respecting boundaries.

Got a question for us?If you have a question you'd like us to answer on the podcast, please visit speakpipe.com/bothends and leave us a message.

Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions on emotional and mental wellbeing. If anything feels concerning to you, please consider reaching out to a qualified professional for support.

In this solo episode of Supporting Both Ends of the Lead, Certified Canine Behaviourist Caroline answers a fantastic listener question about how to make travelling with your dog as smooth and stress-free as possible - specifically when heading off on a three-week campervan holiday with a young puppy.

Whether you're gearing up for a long road trip or a short weekend away, this episode offers thoughtful, practical guidance to ensure your journey is enjoyable for both you and your dog. You'll learn how to prepare your dog for time on the road, how to set up a safe and comfortable travel environment, what essentials to bring, and how to support your dog throughout the trip and on your return home.

We explore key considerations such as safety in transit, how to manage rest and stimulation, what to do about solo time, and why a smooth reintroduction to home life matters just as much as the trip itself. It’s all about preparation, flexibility, and tuning into your dog’s needs - so you can both make the most of your adventure.

Have a question of your own? We'd love to hear it. Head to speakpipe.com/bothends to leave us a voice note, and it may be featured in an upcoming episode.

Take care of both ends of the lead, and happy travels.