The FCI Podcast

The annual FCI Presidential Interview with Dr Tamás Jakkel covering the accomplished projects of the last year, the current challenges in the dog world and their possible solutions, and the plans, predictions, and concerns for the upcoming year. 

Recorded on 11 May 2022

Interviewed by Attila Márton

Recording and editor: Csaba L. Péterfi & Attila Mezei

Many people know the position Dr Tamás Jakkel holds as FCI President and thus define him by that position only.
Other people who have had the privilege to chat with him, know Tamás the individual, the dog lover, breeder, and judge.
In this virtual coffee chat, Gopi Krishnan has a casual chit chat with Tamás on a variety of topics from his personal likes and dislikes, to his views on certain topics about the dog world and of course the FCI, which he has headed as President for the last three years. 

Guest: Dr Tamás Jakkel

Host: Gopi Krishnan

Main theme: Called to win - Zakar Valaha Music

Post-production: Attila Márton

Dog attacks are current issues, and many countries have already implemented legislative measures to ban certain breeds.

But how effective are these regulations?
Can you fix this matter with breed-specific legislation?
What are the real reasons behind dog attacks, and what can be the effective solution?

Dr Samantha Gaines guides us through the vast topic of the matter of dog attacks.

The link to the research report: http://randd.defra.gov.uk/Default.aspx?Module=More&Location=None&ProjectID=19861

Guest: Dr Samantha Gaines

Host: Attila Márton

Main theme: Called to win - Zakar Valaha Music
Post-production: Attila Márton

There has always been a fair amount of assumptions made about the largest global organisation for Pedigree Dogs, so this series of the FCI Podcast Channel titled “Inside the FCI” aims to shed light and dispel assumptions about this international organisation that stands For Pedigree Dog’s Worldwide!

Comprising of ninety-eight member countries globally, the FCI is the largest global organisation for Pedigree Dogs covering almost every area of interest, from conformation dog shows to dog sports and field trials. To keep such a large organisation working effectively, a very dedicated and experienced management team is required. Part of this management team in the FCI General Committee comprising nine members.

In this episode, Gopi Krishnan speaks with three members of the FCI General Committee, Rafael De Santiago, Carla Molinari and Miguel Angel Martinez, to get their views and opinions about the organisation and some of their personal thoughts on the future of the FCI.

Guests:
Rafael de Santiago
Carla Molinari
Miguel-Ángel Martínez

Host: Gopi Krishnan

Main theme: Called to win - Zakar Valaha Music

Post-production: Attila Márton

Ageing is inevitable, and dogs are no exception.
What is ageing exactly? When does it start? What exactly happens during the ageing period?
When can you label it abnormal, and what are the attributes of natural ageing?
What can you do to reduce or optimise the consequences?
And how can current scientific findings contribute to human medicine?

This episode with Enikő Kubinyi, Borbála Turcsán, and Ivaylo Iotchev presents a deep insight into the topic of the ageing of dogs.

Guests:
Enikő kubinyi
Borbála Turcsán
Ivaylo Iotchev

Host: Attila Márton

Main theme: Called to win - Zakar Valaha Music

Post-production: Attila Márton

The early weeks in puppies’ lives are critical for various reasons; one of them is behavioural development.
Improper socialisation leads to many behavioural problems, triggering further animal welfare matters, such as dog abandonment, abuse, and even euthanasia.
Why is this period so vital? What is happing during this time? And what may be the consequences when a litter of puppies is not treated properly?

In this episode, Zazie Todd—the award-winning author of the book ‘Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy’ and the creator of the Companion Animal Psychology blog and The Pawsitive Post newsletter—gives us a thorough insight into this critical period for dogs.

Guest: Zazie Todd
Host: Attila Márton

Main theme: Called to win - Zakar Valaha Music

Post-production: Attila Márton

There has always been a fair amount of assumptions made about the largest global organisation for Pedigree Dogs, so this series of the FCI Podcast Channel titled “Inside the FCI” aims to shed light and dispel assumptions about this international organisation that stands For Pedigree Dog’s Worldwide!

Comprising ninety eight member countries globally, the FCI is the largest global organisation for Pedigree Dogs covering almost every area of interest with dogs from conformation dog shows to dog sports and hunting trials. But to keep such a large organisation working effectively will take a mountain of people to be involved in each area of specialist interest. In the FCI, these committees or groups are known as FCI Commissions. They comprise of volunteers from that particular area or expertise or field who dedicate their time and efforts to ensuring that their respective areas of interest are served with the sole aim being for the benefit of pedigree dogs.

In this episode, Gopi Krishnan speaks with José Buggenhout, President of the FCI Utility (Working) Dogs Commission. In this interview, we get to hear their aims and visions for this FCI commission for those with working dogs and interested in this area of pedigree dogs.

Guest: José Buggenhout
Host: Gopi Krishnan

Main theme: Called to win - Zakar Valaha Music 

Post-production: Attila Márton

Dogs are the most divert species. Not only in conformation but in behaviour as well.
They can complete various tasks due to their various skills. The more we know about dogs, the more often we use human-like terms related to their behaviour. 

Can we talk about ‘personality’ in dogs?
What are ‘skills’, and how do they contribute to functions completed by dogs?
How predictable is the behaviour of breeds or breed groups?

Ádám Miklósi, the Head of the Ethology Department of the Eötvös Lóránd University (ELTE) in Budapest, gives a thorough insight into the personality and character of dogs.

Guest: Ádám Miklósi
Host: Attila Márton Podcast 

Main theme: Called to win - Zakar Valaha Music
Post-production: Attila Márton

The FCI World Dog Show is the most coveted and sought after show by FCI member countries, as it truly represents THE most important show in the FCI global calendar. A show that is bid for by countries wanting to host it and then voted for at the FCI General Assembly by the ninety-eight FCI member countries. The organisation that goes into such a huge event is years in the planning and is usually done at least five years in advance.  

Usually with only one FCI World Dog Show a year, this year sees for the first time in FCI history, two World Dog Shows hosted six months apart on two different continents – Europe and South America. The 2022 WDS was meant to be in Brazil, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic the twice postponed 2020 WDS in Spain was graciously allowed to go ahead in 2022, the same year as the show in Brazil.

In this episode, Gopi Krishnan speaks with the presidents of both, the RSCE, Jose Doval and CBKC, Fabio Amorim to get their insights into what all the exhibitors, breeders and pedigree dog loving public can expect at both shows.

Guests:
Jose DovalŰ
Fabio Amorim

Host: Gopi Krishnan Podcast

Main theme: Called to win - Zakar Valaha Music

Post-production: Attila Márton

Dogs complete various tasks to make our everyday life smoother, and occasionally they even save the lives of those in need.

The duty of rescue dogs is complex and challenging. Each situation, terrain, and weather condition are different.
How can we prepare these fantastic dogs for the mission?
What are the significant characteristics of rescue dogs? What are the requirements, and how do you train them?
And how can the sport under the umbrella of the FCI help to get prepared for real-life situations?

Liviu Ionescu, professor of ethology and the vice-president of the FCI Commission for Rescue Dogs, guide you to the lives of these wonderful creatures.

Guest: Liviu Ionescu
Host: Attila Márton 

Main theme: Called to win - Zakar Valaha Music

Post-production: Attila Márton

In this episode, Gopi Krishnan speaks with Dominika Hradská, a representative of the FCI Youth Commission. Created by the FCI General Committee in 2015, this Commission serves to create activity and education for the younger generation involved in pedigree dogs and also targeting dog-loving youths outside the FCI circle, to showcase the world of the FCI and pedigree dogs and to get them involved with the activities that are on offer by the FCI, for them and their dogs. In this interview, we get to hear their aims and visions for this extremely important FCI commission for the youth and importantly led by the youth!

There has always been a fair amount of assumptions made about the largest global organisation for Pedigree Dogs, so this series of the FCI Podcast Channel titled “Inside the FCI” aims to shed light and dispel assumptions about this international organisation that stands For Pedigree Dog’s Worldwide!  Comprising of ninety-eight member countries globally, the FCI is the largest global organisation for Pedigree Dogs covering almost every area of interest with dogs from conformation dog shows to dog sports and hunting trials. But to keep such a large organisation with working effectively will take a mountain of people to be involved in each area of specialist interest. In the FCI, these committees or groups are known as FCI Commissions. They comprise of volunteers from that particular area or expertise or field who dedicate their time and efforts to ensuring that their respective areas of interest are served with the sole aim being for the benefit of pedigree dogs. 

Guest: Dominika Hradská

Host: Gopi Krishnan

Main theme: Called to win - Zakar Valaha Music

Post-production: Attila Márton

Why and how does a dog’s early life define its future health issues?
Why do the circumstances the mother dog faces impact the well-being of the puppies?
What are the crucial elements that determine the strength of a dog’s immune system?
How does dogs’ health develop, and what are the essential duties of a responsible breeder? 

This episode of The FCI Podcast with Dr Niksa Lemo gives a thorough insight into the topic to emphasise how vital puppies’ first few weeks are for their future health.

Guest: Dr Niksa Lemo
Host: Attila Márton

Main theme: Called to win - Zakar Valaha Music

Post-production: Attila Márton

In this episode, Gopi Krishnan speaks with Frans Jansen, the President of the FCI Utility Dogs Commission, who pioneers this lesser known and seldom misunderstood FCI sport that sees many dedicated exhibitors who work hard to let their dogs do what comes naturally to them with specific training to nurture those natural instincts.

There has always been a fair amount of assumptions made about the largest global organisation for Pedigree Dogs, so this series of the FCI Podcast Channel titled “Inside the FCI” aims to shed light and dispel assumptions about this international organisation that stands For Pedigree Dog’s Worldwide! 

Comprising of ninety-eight member countries globally, the FCI is the largest global organisation for Pedigree Dogs covering almost every area of interest with dogs from conformation dog shows to dog sports and hunting trials. But to keep such a large organisation with working effectively will take a mountain of people to be involved in each area of specialist interest. In the FCI, these committees or groups are known as FCI Commissions. They comprise of volunteers from that particular area or expertise or field who dedicate their time and efforts to ensuring that their respective areas of interest are served with the sole aim being for the benefit of pedigree dogs.

Guest: Frans Jansen
Host: Gopi Krishnan

Main theme: Called to win - Zakar Valaha Music

Post-production: Attila Márton

Dog behavioural problems are among the leading reasons for dog abandonment. In general, it is not easy to live together with a dog suffering from serious behavioural issues.

But when can you call a behaviour problematic?
How do behavioural problems develop?
Is it genetics or something else?
What can you do to avoid them?

This episode of The FCI Podcast with Jessica Hekman gives a thorough insight into dog behavioural problems.

Guest: Dr Jessica Hekman
Host: Attila Márton

Main theme: Called to win - Zakar Valaha Music
Post-production: Attila Márton

There has always been a fair amount of assumptions made about the largest global organisation for Pedigree Dogs, so this series of the FCI Podcast Channel titled “Inside the FCI” aims to shed light and dispel assumptions about this international organisation that stands For Pedigree Dog’s Worldwide!

Comprising of ninety-eight member countries globally, the FCI is the largest global organisation for Pedigree Dogs covering almost every area of interest with dogs from conformation dog shows to dog sports and hunting trials. But to keep such a large organisation with working effectively will take a mountain of people to be involved in each area of specialist interest. In the FCI, these committees or groups are known as FCI Commissions. They comprise of volunteers from that particular area or expertise or field who dedicate their time and efforts to ensuring that their respective areas of interest are served with the sole aim being for the benefit of pedigree dogs.

In this episode, Gopi Krishnan speaks with Emmy Simonsen, the President of the FCI Dog Dancing Commission, who pioneers this fairly new FCI sport that seems to be gaining much global popularity and support.

Guests: Emmy Simonsen

Host: Gopi Krishnan

Main theme: Called to win - Zakar Valaha Music

Post-production: Attila Márton

The illegal puppy trade is one of the most challenging animal welfare and health issues of the current era.

What do we know about the black market of pets? How can we effectively fight it? Who are the stakeholders in solving this cross-border matter? And how could the buying habits of everyday people change the welfare of dogs?

In this episode of The FCI Podcast, Julie Sanders, the International Director of the Companion Animals Department at Four Paws, gives us a deep insight into the illegal puppy trade in the EU.

The Four Paws "Tracing the Trade" model is available here: https://www.four-paws.org/campaigns-topics/topics/companion-animals/tracing-the-trade

Guest: Julie Sanders
Host: Attila Márton

Main theme: Called to win - Zakar Valaha Music
Post-production: Attila Márton

In this episode, Gopi Krishnan speaks with the FCI Vice President, Gerard Jipping and FCI Treasurer, Barbara Müller to find out exactly what this Executive Committee does.

There has always been a fair amount of assumptions made about the largest global organisation for Pedigree Dogs, so this series of the FCI Podcast Channel titled “Inside the FCI” aims to shed light and dispel assumptions about this international organisation that stands For Pedigree Dog’s Worldwide!

Comprising ninety-nine member countries globally, the FCI is the largest global organisation for Pedigree Dogs covering almost every area of interest, from conformation dog shows to dog sports and field trials. To keep such a large organisation working effectively, a very dedicated and experienced management team is required. Part of this management team in the FCI is the Board of Directors comprising nine members, and within this group exists a smaller group of three members, called the Executive Committee, consisting of the President, Vice President and Treasurer.

Guests:
Gerard Jipping
Barbara Müller

Host: Gopi Krishnan 

Main theme: Called to win - Zakar Valaha Music
Post-production: Attila Márton

Separation anxiety is a widespread behavioural problem of dogs.
Why should it be taken seriously? What are the reasons behind it?
What is the difference between separation anxiety and a bored dog? How can one help their dogs suffering it?
And how has the pandemic made the situation worse?

In this episode of The FCI Podcast, Malena DeMartini-Price – the foremost expert in separation anxiety in dogs – gives all the answers and provides a thorough insight into the world of dogs suffering separation anxiety. 

The audience of The FCI Podcast is offered a $50 off the online, self-pace course on separation anxiety dogs with the discount code: FCI https://malenademartini.com/for-owners/separation-anxiety-in-dogs-mission-possible-online-course/

Guest: Malena DeMartini, CTC, is renowned in the dog training world for her work on canine separation anxiety (SA) disorder over the last 20 years. Her book, Treating Separation Anxiety in Dogs, in addition to her newly published book, Separation Anxiety in Dogs, Next Generation in Treatment Protocols and Practices has helped countless numbers of dogs.
Her online course for guardians called Mission: POSSIBLE has proven to be an invaluable resource in the industry and the success rate realized there is inestimable.
In addition to writing and lecturing worldwide, Malena oversees a team of top SA trainers and runs an internationally accessible certification program for accomplished dog professionals looking to hone their skills. Malena is passionate about furthering education in this field through science-based methods.

Resources about separation anxiety and support with training can be found at malenademartini.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeparationAnxietyDogs/
Instagram: @malenademartini

Host: Attila Márton Podcast channel: https://anchor.fm/the-fci-podcast
Main theme: Called to win - Zakar Valaha Music
Post-production: Attila Márton

In this episode, Gopi Krishnan speaks with Jorge Nallem, the President of the FCI Standards Commission, who do the critical role of ensuring that the Breed Standards (the Blueprint) of the nearly 400 breeds of dogs that the FCI recognises, comply with the ideals and aims of the FCI in their promotion of pedigree dogs.

There has always been a fair amount of assumptions made about the largest global organisation for Pedigree Dogs, so this series of the FCI Podcast Channel titled “Inside the FCI” aims to shed light and dispel assumptions about this international organisation that stands For Pedigree Dog’s Worldwide!

Comprising ninety-nine member countries globally, the FCI is the largest global organisation for Pedigree Dogs covering almost every area of interest with dogs from conformation dog shows to dog sports and hunting trials. But to keep such a large organisation working effectively will take a mountain of people involved in each area of specialist interest. In the FCI, these committees or groups are known as FCI Commissions. They comprise volunteers from that particular area or expertise or field who dedicate their time and efforts to ensuring that their respective areas of interest are served with the sole aim being for the benefit of pedigree dogs.

Guests: Jorge Nallem

Host: Gopi Krishnan

Main theme: Called to win - Zakar Valaha Music

Post-production: Attila Márton

What are the available DNA-testing tools for dog breeding to improve health matters?
What is a genomic chip? How does it work? What are its limitations? How can one implement test results in everyday life of responsible breeding?   

This episode of The FCI Podcast with Dr Sára Sándor gives answers to all of these questions!

Guest: Dr Sára Sándor

Host: Attila Márton
Main theme: Called to win - Zakar Valaha Music
Post-production: Attila Márton

There has always been a fair amount of assumptions made about the largest global organisation for Pedigree Dogs, so this series of the FCI Podcast Channel titled “Inside the FCI” aims to shed light and dispel assumptions about this international organisation that stands For Pedigree Dog’s Worldwide!

Comprising of ninety-nine member countries globally, the FCI is the largest global organisation for Pedigree Dogs. These members are geographically divided into three distinct sections, namely the FCI European Section, the FCI Asia, Africa & Oceania Section and the FCI Americas & Caribbean Section. In this episode Gopi Krishnan speaks to the three Section Presidents, to find out more about how the Sections work, the role of Sections and Section Presidents and how all the Sections fit into the greater plans of this extensive and colourful, global family of pedigree dog lovers.

Guests:
Jörgen Hindse
Augusto Benedicto Santos III
Jose Luis Payró

Host: Gopi Krishnan

Main theme: Called to win - Zakar Valaha Music

Post-production: Attila Márton

How can you humanely and effectively reduce the number of stray dogs?
It is a current and urgent matter in many countries worldwide, and in many cases, the solution is more complex than we usually consider.  What are those necessary elements which help you lead to success?

What should a population management strategy comprise? Who are the stakeholders in solving the situation of abandoned dogs? What are the biggest mistakes which ruin the prospective positive outcome? 

This episode of The FCI Podcast deeply covers the causes and the real solution with the help of the two representatives of Four Paws, Dr Katherine Polak and Manuela Rowlings. 

Host: Attila Márton 

The ICAM Humane Dog Population Management guidance: https://www.icam-coalition.org/download/humane-dog-population-management-guidance/  Podcast channel: https://anchor.fm/the-fci-podcast 

Main theme: Called to win - Zakar Valaha Music
Post-production: Attila Márton

There has always been a fair amount of assumptions made about the largest global organisation for Pedigree Dogs, so this series of the FCI Podcast Channel titled “Inside the FCI” aims to shed light and dispel assumptions about this international organisation that stands For Pedigree Dog’s Worldwide!

The first episode goes straight to the epicentre of the FCI, with an interview with Mr Yves de Clercq, its Executive Director, finding out more about the workings of the FCI HQ in Thuin Belgium, his role and that of the permanent staff.

Gopi Krishnan delves deep to get Mr. de Clercq’s views on the organisation, looking at its past, present and plans for the future, to truly understand the nerve centre and to give a clearer and in-depth view on the FCI. 

Host: Gopi Krishnan

Main theme: Called to win - Zakar Valaha Music

Post-production: Attila Márton

What is the exact reason behind the brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)? What is the functional grading system precisely about? What other factors do you need to consider while seeking the solution that effectively works in the long run for the sake of the welfare of the flat-faced dog breeds?

This episode of The FCI Podcast with Dr Jane Ladlow, Wenche Charlotte Skogli, Bill Lambert, and Dr Tamás Jakkel gives deep insight on the topic and the practical solution.

Host: Attila Márton

Main theme: Called to win - Zakar Valaha Music

Post production: Attila Márton

The annual FCI Presidential Interview with Dr Tamás Jakkel covering:

* the effects of the pandemic on the dog world, and the operation of the FCI,

* the achievements of the FCI during the pandemic,

* cancelled and postponed World Dog Shows,

* the story behind the postponement of the FCI General Assembly,

* dog welfare and health matters,

* the resurrection of the FCI Youth,

* plans, predictions, and concerns for the upcoming year.

Recorded on 24 August 2021

Location: Royal Waiting Hall, Gödöllő, Hungary

Interviewed by Attila Márton

Recording and editor: Csaba L. Péterfi & Attila Mezei