Show Notes
In this episode, Daniel Shaw speaks with Trish McMillan about how dogs can help other dogs. They explore how well-socialized dogs can be used to assist fearful or reactive dogs in overcoming anxiety and building confidence through social support. Trish discusses the concept of social facilitation, where dogs learn appropriate behavior by observing their peers. She shares practical techniques for setting up playgroups, utilizing helper dogs, and creating low-stress environments in shelters and training settings. The episode also highlights her work with Shelter Behaviour Hub and her upcoming courses on defensive handling.
This episode was recorded a few months before Trish's incredible dog Theodore sadly passed away. Theodore was a truly inspirational dog and you can find more about him by visiting https://www.facebook.com/teothepitbull/
Bio
Trish McMillan is an internationally recognized expert in animal behavior, sheltering, and training. She holds a Master’s degree in Animal Behavior and is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). Trish spent nearly eight years with the ASPCA, contributing to their behavior and sheltering work, including writing the defensive handling section of Animal Behavior for Shelter Veterinarians and Staff. She now runs her own consulting business in North Carolina, focusing on behavior and shelter consulting, and offers online mentorship through the Shelter Behaviour Hub. Additionally, she co-founded Losing Lulu, a support group for those who have experienced grief from behavioral euthanasia.
Mentioned Links:
1. https://www.shelterbehaviorhub.com/ — Mentorship programs and behavior courses. 2. https://www.trishmcmillan.com/ — Consulting and training services. 3. https://www.losinglulu.com/ — Support group for behavioral euthanasia grief.
To learn more from Trish, you can also join us at the ABK Conference 2025 on July 12–13 at the Ashford International Hotel, Kent, or via livestream from anywhere in the world. This year’s theme is “Raising Resilient Dogs”, featuring leading voices in dog behaviour, neuroscience, and welfare.
Tickets and full agenda: animalbehaviourkent.co.uk/abk-conference-2025
More from Brain and Behaviour
Daniel is joined by Dr Findy Wills and Elena Wilse on what happens when behaviour and physiotherapy work together, and why physical pain so often sits underneath a behaviour problem.
Daniel is joined by Lynn Hewison and Chirag Patel to question a word we all use and rarely define, reactivity. They look at why it means something different to almost everyone who says it, and what a more useful approach looks like when the dog is in front of you. Lynn Hewison is a Clinical Animal Behaviourist who led the MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour at the University of Lincoln. Chirag Patel is an internationally recognised behaviour and training consultant.
In this episode Daniel is joined by Victoria Stilwell to discuss her new Reactivity Zones Approach as well as her journey into dog training, her early experience as a dog trainer in New York City, and her projects and collaborations with incredible trainers all over the world. Victoria will be involved in a number of events in 2026 including the Emotional Wellbeing in Animals Conference, a UK seminar on the Reactivity Zones in June (link below), as well offering lots of great courses via her platforms Positively and the Victoria Stilwell Academy.