#12 Melissa McCue McGrath - Considerations For The City Dog

Howdy Doody Bookshelvers!

It's Episode 12 time. Melissa McCue-McGrath CPDT-KA is just amazing. We hit it off like a house on fire and we have all decided to move in together (ok that last part isn't true but we could!) Do your good selves a favour and find her on the interwebs and beyond you will not regret it. Her book "Considerations For The City Dog" opened our eyes to some unique challenges facing dogs living in our urban jungles. Written partly in response to a dog nearly killing a 6'4" man and his German shepherd in her home city. She consulted with veterinarians, rescue volunteers, behavior specialists, certified dog trainers, dog daycare providers, groomers and more to identify why urban dogs are failing, and what we need to do to help these dogs succeed.

As a added bonus Steve & Nat try to 'one up' themselves in a wildlife spotting competition and Steve forgets what day it is! I mean come listen it's a no brainer right?!?!

Melissa McCue-McGrath CPDT-KA Bio

Melissa McCue-McGrath, CPDT-KA is a certified professional dog trainer in greater Boston with over 10 years and 800 cases under her belt. She grew up in a dog-sledding family in rural Maine and now sits as the co-Training Director of New England Dog Training Club, the oldest AKC obedience club in the country. She advocates for urban canine sports and science-based training techniques to help dogs cope in the "new normal". Additionally, Melissa writes alongside one of her best friends, Dr. Sip Siperstein, for NPR's Car Talk FIDO Blog. She rather infrequently updates her MuttStuff blog and Muttstuff Facebook Page. As a result of this book, Melissa started #HandsOnFirst, a movement that encourages rescue groups and breeders to stop shipping dogs directly to potential dog owners sight-unseen. #HandsOnFirst explains what responsible rescues, shelters, fosters and reputable breeders actually look like, and educates people how to find a dog that will be best suited to their lifestyle and environment. She and her husband have a daughter named Aislyn. They currently live outside of Boston with their 2 cats, a fish and a snail. The McGraths are actively looking for their next family dog.

Considerations For The City Dog on Amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01FGN72BU/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_nqt1Eb1TK966H


Considerations For The City Dog Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/citydogbook/

Melissa's Blog Muttstuff
https://muttstuff.blogspot.com/?m=1

Steve & Corrins Goodall Dog Training Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/goodalldogs/

Nat's Training & Behaviour facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/Natdogs/

Nats Drax page including the first 6 months videos on Drax (as mentioned)
https://www.natdogs.com/drax

Drax's Galactic Adventure Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/Draxthewolfhound/

Steve & Corrins Penny and the Giant Peach Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/TeachesOfPeachesAndPenny/

Steve and Sally's Book 'Jack & Billy: Puppy Tales'
https://www.facebook.com/JackandBillyPuppyTales/