Lisa and Roo

In this episode, Lisa sits down with Dr Nick Sneddon, Senior Lecturer in Animal Breeding and Genetics at Massey University, to unpack one of the most important yet misunderstood topics in the dog world: how genetics and early life experiences shape behaviour, health and lifelong wellbeing.
The episode also challenges popular trends in modern dog breeding and highlights why selecting for temperament, function and long-term welfare matters more than appearance or popularity.
In this episode, Lisa and Nick explore:
• What genetics really means for behaviour, temperament and health
• The balance between nature and nurture in shaping dogs
• Developmental programming and why early life experiences have lifelong effects
• What ethical breeding looks like when long-term welfare is prioritised
• The hidden connection between physical health, structure and behavioural outcomes
• Red flags in breeding practices that may increase anxiety, reactivity or poor coping skills
• What responsible breeders should measure beyond basic genetic testing
• Questions future puppy owners should be asking breeders before choosing a dog
• The future of dog welfare and how public decision-making influences the dogs we see in society
This episode is for dog owners, trainers, breeders and anyone curious about the deeper biological foundations of behaviour. If you’ve ever wondered why some dogs seem naturally resilient while others struggle despite great training, this conversation offers a powerful lens into how early life and genetics shape the dogs we live with today.

Contact Nick

Keep in touch:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a Free Consultation with Lisa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zoomies Dog Training and Adventures⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zoomies Dog Nutrition⁠

In this episode, Lisa sits down with Lilly McKenzie from Body Mind Care to explore a totally unique (and seriously fascinating) approach to animal behaviour transformation through surrogate hypnosis, energy work and the deep human-animal connection.
What makes this episode extra special is Lilly’s evolving work with animals through her service “Pawsitive Change”, where she supports behavioural shifts by intuitively connecting to the animal’s subconscious through a surrogate session with her assistant, Ergie.
Together, Lisa and Lilly dive into what this process actually looks like, how it supports emotional regulation and healing (not just behaviour “management”), and the bigger conversation around animal sensitivity, stress, trauma and how our own nervous systems influence the animals we love.
💎 Lisa and Lilly talk about:
• Lilly’s journey from psychology into healing, hypnotherapy and body-based work
• What “Pawsitive Change” is and how it supports animals with behaviour challenges
• How the surrogate hypnosis session works step-by-step (and why Ergie is involved)
• What subconscious connection means in this context and what’s happening during the session
• How animals can carry stress, grief or emotional weight from their environment
• What owners typically notice after a session and how changes unfold over time
• How to tell the difference between true regulation vs behaviour suppression
• Ethics, boundaries and how this work complements vets and force-free training
This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like their pet’s behaviour is communicating something deeper, and who’s open to exploring a whole new lens of healing, connection and co-regulation 🎧🐾 Disclaimer: Lisa has never participated in a Surrogate Hypnosis session
Lilly’s Links:
Body Mind Care Website
Body Mind Care Instagram
Enquire about Pawsitive Change Sessions

Keep in touch:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a Free Consultation with Lisa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zoomies Dog Training and Adventures⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zoomies Dog Nutrition⁠

In this episode, Lisa sits down with Dr Lucy Scott from Veterinary Behaviour Services NZ to explore what happens when behaviour is driven by what’s going on inside the body, not just training or environment.
Lucy is a qualified veterinarian with a Membership in Veterinary Behaviour who works with dogs, cats and horses. Today, the focus is on dogs and the often-overlooked medical, emotional and physiological factors that can shape how they show up in the world.
Together, Lisa and Lucy unpack the powerful connection between the body and the brain, why some dogs struggle despite “doing all the right things,” and how shifting from labels to curiosity can completely change outcomes for dogs and their humans.
💎 Lisa and Lucy talk about:
• What veterinary behaviour medicine actually is and when it’s needed
• Why some behaviour challenges are not “just training” issues
• How pain, illness and internal stress can present as reactivity, anxiety or aggression
• What’s really happening hormonally during adolescence in entire dogs
• How chronic stress affects the nervous system and behaviour over time
• When behaviour medication can be helpful and how it supports learning
• What a regulated dog looks like physically, mentally and emotionally
• Daily habits and lifestyle shifts that support nervous system health
• Why collaboration between trainers and behaviour vets matters
It’s an honest, grounding conversation for anyone living with a dog who feels like they’re struggling beneath the surface. If you’ve ever wondered whether behaviour might be more than just behaviour, this episode is for you 🎧🐾
Dr Lucy’s Links:
Veterinary Behaviour Services NZ Website

Veterinary Behaviour Services Facebook

Veterinary Behaviour Services Instagram

Keep in touch:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a Free Consultation with Lisa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zoomies Dog Training and Adventures⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zoomies Dog Nutrition⁠

In this episode, Lisa sits down with Kelly Wolfe from Wolfe Dogs to unpack the wild world of “unemployed working dogs” those brilliant, high-drive dogs who were bred for big jobs but now find themselves living in our modern pet homes. Kelly shares her background working with some of the most driven breeds out there and explains why so many of these dogs struggle when their instincts don’t match their daily life.
Together, they explore what these dogs were truly designed for, the welfare issues that show up when their needs go unmet and what owners can do to work with genetics instead of constantly fighting against them.
🔹 Kelly and Lisa talk about:
What an “unemployed working dog” really is
Why high-drive breeds are struggling more than ever
The behaviours that pop up when dogs feel under-fulfilled
How to channel herding, hunting, or guarding instincts safely
One small lifestyle change owners can make today
How to reframe “naughty” behaviour as communication
Why nuance matters in conversations about training tools
What structure and clarity actually mean for powerful, driven dogs
What a fulfilled working dog looks like physically, mentally, emotionally
Kelly’s favourite enrichment ideas for purpose-bred dogs
It’s an eye-opening conversation for anyone living with a dog who feels like they’ve got a full-time job no one hired them for. Tune in to learn how to meet your dog’s needs in a way that builds connection, confidence and calm. 🎧🐕
Kelly’s Links:
Wolfe Dogs Website
Wolfe Dogs Instagram
Wolfe Dogs Facebook
Email Kelly: [email protected]

Keep in touch:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a Free Consultation with Lisa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zoomies Dog Training and Adventures⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zoomies Dog Nutrition⁠

Your dog’s gut is more than a tummy. It’s their second brain! 🧠🐾 In this episode, we dive into:
-The fascinating gut-brain connection
-How environmental toxins can throw it out of balance and simple
-Simple, non-food ways you can help your dog feel calmer, happier, and healthier from the inside out.
Perfect for dog parents who want to go beyond diet and make everyday changes that truly support their pup’s wellbeing.