Birdy O’Sheedy returns to join Glenn Cooke and Pat Stuart for Episode 378 of The Canine Paradigm, Have You Forgotten to Enjoy Your Dog? Birdy was our very first guest back in episode three, so as we revisit the beginnings of the podcast, it’s a good time to catch up on where life has taken her.
Her focus now is The Magic in Dogs, a community built around appreciating the everyday moments we share with our dogs. That leads us into a conversation about something that can quietly disappear when we become absorbed in training, competing or working through difficult behaviour: enjoying the dog we already have.
Contains strong language. Please do not take part in the guided meditation while driving.
When enjoying your dog becomes another job
One of Birdy’s observations will sound familiar to plenty of dog people. We mention something our dog did well, then immediately follow it with everything that still needs work.
Progress gets measured against the next goal. Before long, the dog can start to feel like another item on an already crowded to-do list.
We talk about making room to appreciate what went well. Training goals matter, and we can keep working towards them while enjoying the experience along the way. Sometimes that means letting a good moment have a little time of its own before planning the next session.
Appreciation when things are difficult
That can be harder when your relationship with your dog is under pressure. If you’re dealing with challenging behaviour, simply being told to feel grateful may not reflect what your day has actually been like.
Birdy talks about starting with appreciation. There might be something you can value today, even if the bigger picture still feels difficult. A moment of connection, something you’ve learnt or a part of the day you both enjoyed can be a starting point.
We also discuss the common ground between sport handlers pursuing a goal and owners working through behaviour problems. Both can become caught up in progress, setbacks and what comes next. Having people around you who understand that experience can make it easier to talk honestly about the good days and the hard ones.
Making time for connection
The conversation broadens into attention, friendship and the people we trust enough to be honest with. We talk about how much competes for our attention, and how easy it is to overlook what’s happening right in front of us.
Birdy’s work encourages people to notice the extraordinary in the ordinary. With dogs, that might be the greeting when you get home, their enthusiasm for joining you outside or the quiet companionship at the end of the day. Those moments are part of why we wanted dogs in our lives in the first place.
We finish with a guided meditation led by Birdy, giving listeners an opportunity to pause and reflect on their relationship with their dog. We talk about spending time together without constantly assessing the dog’s behaviour.
Have a listen, and look up Birdy O’Sheedy and The Magic in Dogs to find out more about her work. What’s something you appreciate about your dog today? Join The Canine Paradigm discussion group and let us know.
Further Details
Find out more about Birdy O’Sheedy at The Magic in Dogs and explore The Magic in Dogs community on Skool.
Birdy’s Sydney workshop is listed for Saturday 21 November 2026, from 10 am to 4 pm at Serious Dog Business in Leichhardt. See her workshop announcement and booking information for details.
For more with Birdy, revisit Episode 343: The magic in dogs.
Explore Glenn’s work through Pet Resorts Australia and Pat’s coaching through Serious Dog Business.
Help keep the podcast going through Patreon, or browse our merchandise. Find your preferred way to listen on our subscription page and follow us on YouTube.
You can contact us at info@thecanineparadigm.com.
Support Our Supporters
Discover Narelle Cooke’s Canine Ceuticals and her podcast, Natural Health for People and Pets.
We also appreciate the support of Jason Firmin at Einzweck Dog Quip, From the Heart Dog Training and Birdy O’Sheedy at The Magic in Dogs.
Special Thanks
Jane Stuart, Avery Keller and Zoie Neidy contribute their artwork and creativity to the show. Thank you for your ongoing support.
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