Sun, science and second chances: Inside day two of groundbreaking Emotional Wellbeing in Animals Conference
- Hayley O'Keeffe
- Mar 31
- 4 min read
Under glorious blue skies on the English Riviera, day two of the Emotional Wellbeing in Animals Conference in Torquay unfolded as both a celebration of progress and a poignant reminder of the work still to be done.
Held at the Imperial Hotel and organised by Pet Remedy, the event has drawn together some of the world’s leading voices in animal behaviour and welfare, alongside delegates who have travelled from as far afield as the United States, Canada and Norway.
The day opened with a warm welcome from Pet Remedy’s Chief Happiness Officer, Gill Edwards, who thanked attendees for their passion and commitment. With the morning sun streaming through the windows, she set an optimistic tone, telling delegates that “this is just the beginning”.
She then introduced Dr Robert Falconer-Taylor, a veterinary behaviourist. His talk, titled Sleepcraft for Dogs and Their Humans: The Art and Science of Flourishing, Struck a Powerful Chord.
Diving deep into the science of sleep, Falconer-Taylor argued that rest is not a luxury but a biological necessity, one that must be protected across the entire household, pets included. He traced the erosion of healthy sleep patterns back through generations, pointing to the advent of electric lighting as a turning point that allowed humans to work longer hours and disrupted natural rhythms.
“Our sleep has become corrupted,” he explained, warning that modern lifestyles now expect both humans and dogs to be constantly switched on. In a world where pets are expected to keep pace with busy routines, he said, the need for proper, restorative rest is too often overlooked, with consequences for both physical health and emotional wellbeing.
The scientific tone gave way to a more interactive session as renowned dog trainer Victoria Stilwell took to the stage. Best known for her hit international series It's Me or the Dog, which has now run for ten seasons, Stilwell brought both insight and humour to proceedings.
Using case studies from the show, including Floyd, Marley, memorably described as one who “humps for England”, and Molly, she invited delegates to step into the role of behaviour detective. The audience was encouraged to look beyond the surface of each issue and ask why the behaviour was happening in the first place.
But it was her emphasis on empathy that resonated most strongly. Stilwell stressed that effective training is not just about advocating for the dog, but also about recognising the emotional journey of the owner. She praised the resilience of the “dog mums” she works with, highlighting the importance of making guardians feel heard and supported.
Just before lunch, Julia Robertson took to the stage, offering a holistic perspective on canine care. As the founder of Galen Myotherapy, a therapy that focuses on the physical rehabilitation of dogs through targeted massage and bodywork, Robertson spoke passionately about the importance of “whole dog wellbeing”.
She urged delegates to slow down and truly observe their dogs, not just in moments of obvious discomfort, but during everyday activities. Watching how a dog moves, rests and interacts with its environment, she said, can unlock vital clues about underlying issues.
Her talk ended with a light-hearted but memorable case study, Herbie the pup, who, after treatment, felt so rejuvenated that he embarked on an enthusiastic adventure down a hole and had to be rescued by firefighters, a story that drew laughter from the room.
The final session of the conference brought a more emotional tone, as Chloe Scoones, Lead Canine Behaviour and Training Adviser at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, delivered a heartfelt address.
Opening with a tribute to the late Sarah Fisher, founder of Animal Centred Education (ACE), Scoones spoke movingly about the personal impact Fisher had on her career. The conference itself has been held in Fisher’s memory, and for many in the room, the loss remains deeply felt.
Scoones explored the crucial distinction between welfare and wellbeing, explaining how Battersea strives to meet not just the basic needs of dogs, but their emotional and psychological ones too. Measures include allowing dogs to choose their own beds within kennels, providing uninterrupted afternoon “siestas”, and playing calming music to reduce stress.
She also highlighted Battersea’s role in the development of ACE Freework, a system pioneered by Fisher that focuses on empowering dogs through choice and gentle exploration.
However, her talk did not shy away from the realities of the sector. Scoones spoke candidly about the emotional toll on shelter staff and the inherent limitations of kennel life. A particularly moving account of a foster dog with complex health needs underscored the difficult decisions that often have to be made in the pursuit of quality of life.
The conference closed on an uplifting note, with a montage of images and videos submitted by delegates, showcasing dogs thriving in loving environments. As the final frames paid tribute to Sarah Fisher, there was barely a dry eye in the house.
In the sunshine of Torquay, amid laughter, learning and reflection, one message resonated with all in attendance, that emotional wellbeing is not an optional extra
