Read Complimentary Blog: https://www.brighthorse.ie/blog/quickwin/

This podscast explores why wanting a quick fix in dog and horse behaviour is completely normal and rooted in psychology, not laziness. We look at motivation, stress, quick wins, and how the right support can break big behaviour goals into achievable steps without shame.

📧barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie

🌐https://www.brighthorse.ie/

🌐https://www.brighthound.ie/

☎️+353 85 143 8688

In this episode, Clinical Animal Behaviourist Barbara Hardman responds to a publicly circulated Instagram video advocating against the proposed ban on fox hunting in Ireland.

https://www.instagram.com/antler_challenge?igsh=MWR0cHRpbWVhbTl2cg==

As the Animal Health and Welfare (Ban on Fox Hunting) Bill 2025 progresses through the Dáil, this episode examines the claims being made in defence of fox hunting and asks whether they stand up to scrutiny when viewed through the lenses of animal welfare science, behaviour, psychology, ethics, and public evidence.

Using short excerpts from the original video for context, where I critically analyses recurring arguments around animal “purpose,” equine bravery, mental health, resilience, parenting, community, and rural life. I separates genuine human needs, such as connection, wellbeing, and belonging, from the practices being used to justify them, and challenges the idea that animal harm is necessary to meet those needs.

This is not a personal attack, nor a rejection of people’s lived experiences. It is a claim-by-claim examination of rhetoric, assumptions, and evidence, grounded in professional expertise and public-interest discussion.

With public polling indicating that a clear majority of Irish people support a ban on fox hunting, this episode also explores questions of equity, representation, and responsibility, including who gets to speak for “community,” and who bears the cost when animals have no voice at all.

📧barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie

🌐https://www.brighthorse.ie/

🌐https://www.brighthound.ie/

☎️+353 85 143 8688

Read Complimentary Blog: https://www.brighthound.ie/blog/dogaggression/

Exploring the behavioural, Environmental, and Psychological Factors Behind Canine Aggression and How to Address Them

📧barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie

🌐https://www.brighthorse.ie/

🌐https://www.brighthound.ie/

☎️+353 85 143 8688

Read Complimentary Blog: https://www.brighthound.ie/blog/communicationandcompassion/

What most people call obedience training is actually about learning how to communicate effectively with your dog. And the best part about reframing it this way is that we have lots of ways to improve communication so your dog can actually listen better.

📧barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie

🌐https://www.brighthorse.ie/

🌐https://www.brighthound.ie/

☎️+353 85 143 8688

Read Complimentary Blog: https://www.brighthound.ie/blog/behaviourmedical/

Have you noticed sudden changes in your dog or cat’s behaviour that seem unusual or unexpected? Maybe your dog has become unusually aggressive, has started having accidents indoors, or is grooming excessively. While these might seem purely behavioural issues, they could actually signal an underlying medical condition.

📧barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie

🌐https://www.brighthorse.ie/

🌐https://www.brighthound.ie/

☎️+353 85 143 8688

Read Complimentary Blog: https://www.brighthound.ie/blog/christmas/

WinterWoofs: The Challenges of Winter for Dogs

📧barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie

🌐https://www.brighthorse.ie/

🌐https://www.brighthound.ie/

☎️+353 85 143 8688

Read Complimentary Blog: https://www.brighthound.ie/blog/overcomingfears/

Horses are naturally wary creatures. As prey animals, their survival instincts are finely tuned to detect and react to potential threats.

📧barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie

🌐https://www.brighthorse.ie/

🌐https://www.brighthound.ie/

☎️+353 85 143 8688

Read Complimentary Blog: https://www.brighthorse.ie/blog/language/

Training a horse is more than just teaching commands; it is about building a partnership rooted in mutual understanding and trust

📧barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie

🌐https://www.brighthorse.ie/

🌐https://www.brighthound.ie/

☎️+353 85 143 8688