Episode 293: how to destroy a small family business

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In our recent podcast, we explored the challenging situation encountered by LickiMat, a small, pet-friendly business, embroiled in a digital controversy. This enterprise, renowned for its pet care innovations, unexpectedly became the target of online backlash due to its collaboration with a balanced dog trainer at the prestigious Crufts event. This incident highlights the volatile nature of online communities and the swift impact of digital activism on businesses, particularly those in the pet industry.

The backlash against LickiMat was sparked by their decision to include a balanced dog trainer at their Crufts stand. While this decision was intended to demonstrate their commitment to pet welfare, it inadvertently led to significant online uproar. This reaction underscores the powerful influence of digital platforms in amplifying collective actions, especially when driven by emotional responses rather than informed discussions.

Furthermore, the incident with LickiMat serves as a stark reminder of the ‘cancel culture’ phenomenon prevalent in today’s digital age. This trend, where groups swiftly mobilise to boycott or condemn businesses or individuals, can have disproportionate effects, particularly on small enterprises. In the case of LickiMat, the intense scrutiny and criticism were not only overwhelming but also diverged from the principles of constructive dialogue and mutual understanding.

As businesses navigate the complex digital landscape, the LickiMat episode offers valuable lessons. It underscores the necessity for companies, especially in the pet sector, to exercise caution and strategic foresight in their digital engagements. Moreover, it highlights the importance of fostering open, respectful dialogues and prioritising empathy and transparency in all online interactions. In doing so, businesses can better manage and mitigate the risks associated with digital backlash, ensuring a more resilient and positive online presence.

Support Lickimat by buying a product and letting the company know that the bullies who are holding a gun to their heads don’t always get their way. https://lickimat.com/

Further details

looking for great dog trainers and supporters of the canine paradigm? Below is a vast array of people and business’s who stand by us, donate to our running costs and do great things for the canine community.

Glenn runs and has almost everything canine related at, Canine Evolution or Pet Resorts Australia

Pat has a full range of coaching and dog training services at Operant Canine

You can support our show and get extra content right here on our Patreon page. Everything goes into keeping the show running and we love all the wonderful people who are part of that community. If you’re not sure how, just ask us.

You can get our full range of our Merch at our Teespring store here

You can help us by spreading the word amongst the canine community or even suggesting a special guest to interview.

If you need to find out how to listen to our podcast, go here

We have a YOUTUBE channel that you can subscribe to now

If you enjoyed the podcast, please review us on Itunes, spotify and any other podcast directory

Details on joining the IACP can be found here. If you’re not in it you should be! Understand?

Check out Dogs Playing for Life! A rescue process changing dogs lives across the USA

For more details on how to help our friends at Peggy’s Promise, you can find all the details on how to do that on their website. They are our rescue charity of choice.

Support our supporters

Narelle Cooke’s raw feeding guide for dogs here. Narelle has her own podcast on all podcast directories called Natural Health for people and pets. Check it out in person.

Looking for the best, human grade supplement range for your dogs? Check out Canine Ceuticals. Now available in the USA. SHOW SPONSOR

Jason Firmin Einzweck Dog quip SHOW SPONSOR

The motorcycle dog kennel by Rowdy Hound SHOW SPONSOR

Professional dog training services DanKroft K9 SHOW SPONSOR

Daycare and training from the heart dog training SHOW SPONSOR

Dog training all styles in Adelaide Dog Club SA SHOW SPONSOR

Our beloved friend and regular contributor, Birdy O’Sheedy can be found at birdyosheedy.com

HUGE thanks to all our contributing artists. Please support their works

Jane Stuart
Avery Keller
Zoie Neidy

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Episode 292: A trained dog versus a dog in training

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In an engaging segment of our podcast, Pat and Glenn delved into a thought-provoking topic prompted by a simple yet profound question from Pat’s son, Rip. Rip had observed Remi, their family dog, being prepared for a dog trial and pondered, “If Remi is already trained, why does he still need training?” This query sparked an insightful discussion about the ongoing nature of canine training, highlighting the distinction between a dog “in training” and a “trained dog.”

Pat began by clarifying that a dog’s training is never truly complete; it’s an evolving process. He emphasised that a “trained dog” isn’t a static state but a continuous commitment to learning and adaptation. “Just as humans never stop learning, a trained dog, too, is always building on existing skills and acquiring new ones,” Pat explained. Thus, the concept of a trained dog involves regular practice and reinforcement to maintain and enhance their abilities.

Glenn further elaborated on using references to movies, guitars and random other gibberish to basic acknowledge the direction the conversation was already heading in.

The both highlighted the importance of understanding each dog’s unique personality and learning curve in the training process. They agreed that training a dog is as much about building a deep, communicative bond as it is about obedience and skills.

Further details

looking for great dog trainers and supporters of the canine paradigm? Below is a vast array of people and business’s who stand by us, donate to our running costs and do great things for the canine community.

Glenn runs and has almost everything canine related at, Canine Evolution or Pet Resorts Australia

Pat has a full range of coaching and dog training services at Operant Canine

You can support our show and get extra content right here on our Patreon page. Everything goes into keeping the show running and we love all the wonderful people who are part of that community. If you’re not sure how, just ask us.

You can get our full range of our Merch at our Teespring store here

You can help us by spreading the word amongst the canine community or even suggesting a special guest to interview.

If you need to find out how to listen to our podcast, go here

We have a YOUTUBE channel that you can subscribe to now

If you enjoyed the podcast, please review us on Itunes, spotify and any other podcast directory

Details on joining the IACP can be found here. If you’re not in it you should be! Understand?

Check out Dogs Playing for Life! A rescue process changing dogs lives across the USA

For more details on how to help our friends at Peggy’s Promise, you can find all the details on how to do that on their website. They are our rescue charity of choice.

Support our supporters

Narelle Cooke’s raw feeding guide for dogs here. Narelle has her own podcast on all podcast directories called Natural Health for people and pets. Check it out in person.

Looking for the best, human grade supplement range for your dogs? Check out Canine Ceuticals. Now available in the USA. SHOW SPONSOR

Jason Firmin Einzweck Dog quip SHOW SPONSOR

The motorcycle dog kennel by Rowdy Hound SHOW SPONSOR

Professional dog training services DanKroft K9 SHOW SPONSOR

Daycare and training from the heart dog training SHOW SPONSOR

Dog training all styles in Adelaide Dog Club SA SHOW SPONSOR

Our beloved friend and regular contributor, Birdy O’Sheedy can be found at birdyosheedy.com

HUGE thanks to all our contributing artists. Please support their works

Jane Stuart
Avery Keller
Zoie Neidy

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | RSS | More