What does it really mean to “do right by the dog”? 🐾

In this thought-provoking episode, we’re joined by Steffi from Spirit Dog Training to unpack the ethics, science, and evolving philosophy behind modern dog training. Together, we challenge ideas like dominance, dig into the difference between obedience and well-being, and explore why consent, choice, and communication are reshaping how we relate to our dogs.

Steffi shares powerful insights on the hidden ways guardians influence their dogs—for better or worse—and why welfare should always come before performance. We also dive into the emotional impact of positive, game-based training, the importance of staying current with behavioral science, and the real risks when trainers stop learning.

Plus, we look ahead: what’s changing in the dog training world, what still needs to change, and the one belief Steffi would rewrite overnight.

Whether you’re a trainer, a devoted dog guardian, or just curious about the minds of our canine companions, this episode will challenge what you think you know—and inspire youto do better.

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In today´s episode, we dive into the rapidly evolving field of digital tools in farm animal husbandry – smart livestock farming enables the modelling, monitoring, and management of farm animal behavior, health, and welfare in connection with the environment. Our expert guest Dr. Tomás Norton, associate professor at KU Leuven in Belgium, sheds light on digitalization, data usage, new sensors, and AI technologies making their way into the stable. Tomás is an agricultural engineer specializing in Sustainable Precision Livestock Farming (PLF). His passion is for the advancement of the discipline and for international collaboration, including with the young early-career researchers in his team.

Together we discuss applications in different animal groups, international differences and focus areas. Learn and think with us about potentials, acceptance, and the further development of workplaces and our human-animal relationship. An exciting interview for taking stock and a look into our future.

Read more about Tomás and his work:

https://www.kuleuven.be/wieiswie/en/person/00108068

If you have any comments, suggestions or questions, please email: podcast.daretocare@gmail.com.

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Heute wird’s ein bisschen futuristisch! Wir sprechen über Virtual Fencing – was genau sich dahinter verbirgt und wie es funktioniert. Natürlich schauen wir nicht nur auf die glänzenden Seiten: Wir bringen unsere Bedenken mit, hinterfragen kritisch und spinnen gemeinsam mögliche Einsatzszenarien weiter. Und wer weiß – vielleicht landen wir gedanklich sogar irgendwo zwischen Weidefläche und offener See… denn selbst von der unendlichen Weite des Ozeans lassen wir uns nicht ausbremsen.

Habt ihr schon von Virtual Fencing gehört? Wie steht ihr zu solchen Technologien im Spannungsfeld zwischen Innovation und Tierschutz? Wir sind gespannt auf eure Gedanken!

Zum Nachlesen:
https://www.euronews.com/next/2025/10/28/sweden-and-denmark-will-soon-legalise-virtual-fencing-what-is-it-and-is-it-safe

⁠https://ediss.uni-goettingen.de/handle/11858/16282⁠

If you have any comments, suggestions or questions, please email: podcast.daretocare@gmail.com

We are always happy about feedback!

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