Away to Me is Patricia McConnell PhD’s first mystery novel, and it’s gorgeous. Zazie and Kristi chat with Patricia to learn more about the book and why she decided to write fiction set in the dog world. We talk about what it’s like moving from non-fiction to fiction, how her many real-life training experiences are reflected in the book, the importance of relationships both human and canine (and how both can create community), and what the future is for Maggie, the runaway star of the book. [Insider info: Zazie fabulous book, Bark: The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog, just won a huge Dog Writer’s Association of America award! Kudos! Zazie and Kristi are rock stars in my opinion; it is always a joy to talk with them!]

Listen Now: The Pawsitive Post

Lisa Towles talks with Patricia to discuss canine behavior, sheepdog trials, Away To Me, and why she decided to write her first novel at seventy-two. If you’ve ever wondered what animals can teach us about fear, trust, healing and ourselves, you’ll enjoy this one!

Listen Now: Story Impact Podcast

Victoria Stilwell has Patricia on her show to discuss Away To Me, why no dogs die in her book, and the heart-wrenching saga of the Ridglan Beagles. They explore the emotional and scientific aspects of animal behavior, the power of storytelling, and the importance of advocacy.

Listen Now: Positively Dog Training – The Official Victoria Stilwell Podcast 

Larry Meiller featured Patricia on WPR on June 23, 2026 for one of his last shows before Larry retired. Missed it?

Listen Now: The Larry Meiller Show.

Joining me for this episode is Internationally renowned animal behaviorist and bestselling author, Patricia McConnell. We have a chat about her first novel, Away To Me. Away To Me is full of all the things a good mystery should have – a senseless murder, a heroine and (of course) a canine companion. Learn what it takes to write a stunning book of fiction from one of the best non-fiction writers around. Enjoy!

Listen Now: Animal Writes with Tim Link 

After decades of helping people understand dogs through science and compassion, Patricia shares what led her to write a novel—and how a lifetime of real-life dog behavior shaped the story. From her early days as a dog trainer to becoming a leading voice in applied animal behavior, Patricia reflects on her journey, her writing process, and the responsibility of telling dogs’ stories authentically. Whether you’re a longtime fan, a dog lover, or a reader curious about fiction rooted in real experience, this conversation is thoughtful, warm, and deeply engaging. [Insider info: Host Shannon Riley is a skilled positive trainer, and the author of the Evolution of Dog Training (which I just ordered!.), and a great interviewer. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.]

Listen Now: Backyard Pet Talk

Steve Goodall, Natalie Light & Corrin Goodall chat all things writing with Dr. Patricia McConnell, including how she built the world inside the Away to Me. We talk about the power of voice, how education on dogs can be spread through stories, why storytelling is a magic skill for communication, and MUCH more! [Insider Info: Steve, Natalie, and Corrin are a hoot! I want to fly across the pond and talk dogs with them all day long. They are a joy to talk with, and the perfect source for new dog-related books. Waiting for my plane ticket . . . ]

Listen Now: Barks From The Bookshelf 

In this two-part series, the Amys visit with Dr. Patricia McConnell to discuss her new mystery novel, Away to Me. We explore the inspiration behind the book, the themes woven throughout the story, and how her background in behavior influences the way she develops characters—human and animal alike. The conversation also touches on creativity, empathy, and the unexpected ways science and storytelling intersect. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Dr. McConnell or discovering her work for the first time, this is a buzzzzzz-worthy listen. [Insider Info: The premise here is that we are all drinking cocktails, getting a buzz, while talking all things dog, not to mention my novel. But all I could come up with to drink was Earl Grey tea. Sigh. But I left feeling high as a kite after talking to the Amy’s, two veterinarians who are smart, and funny, and fun.]

Listen Now: Behaviour Buzzzzzz (Part 1) 

In this special episode of Dog Fostering 101, host Jackie Adams welcomes world-renowned canine behaviorist and best-selling author, Dr. Patricia McConnell. The conversation delves into the fascinating intersection of human and canine behavior, exploring how our primate instincts can sometimes confuse the dogs we are trying to help. Dr. McConnell also shares insights into her transition from nonfiction to fiction with her new murder mystery novel, Away to Me, which features a dog foster protagonist and integrates authentic canine behavior into the plot. [Who could not cheer for someone who works so hard to help foster dogs and their new people turn into forever families? Jackie has a new fan (that would be me); check out this new podcast and join the party!]

Listen Now: Dog Fostering 101 

Patricia McConnell’s debut novel beautifully blends immersive nature writing and taut suspense in a canine-fueled mystery that dog lovers won’t be able to put down. A gripping read, Away to Me keeps the reader on the edge of their seat – or propped up on their pillows well into the night! Patricia has created a wonderful world, people with characters host Julie felt she came to know, and some of whom she’d love to sit and watch the sun go down with sharing conversation, coffee and canine cuddles. [Insider info: I could spend all evening sharing a conversation and a cup of tea with Julie, the two of us cuddled up with dogs . . . Julie is in the UK, so I’d REALLY like to go and spend some time with her. Enjoy her great questions and delightful British accent!]

Listen Now: DogCast Radio 

Dog behavior specialist Nikki Ivey sits down with Patricia for a thoughtful conversation about what dogs have been teaching us all along. Together, they explore canine communication, emotions, and the power of seeing the world through our dogs’ eyes.

Listen Now: DogSpeak Radio 

Patricia McConnell is renowned for her ground-breaking theories of dog training in her famous book “The Other End of the Leash.” Now she has aimed for the moon — writing fiction for the first time in her 70’s — and opened up a whole new world in the glorious novel Away to Me, a murder mystery set in the world of sheep herding dogs.

Listen Now: Dog Talk 

Patricia McConnell, internationally renowned animal behaviorist and author of bestselling nonfiction titles The Other End of the Leash, For the Love of a Dog, and The Education of Will discusses her first-ever mystery novel, Away to Me. To order her books, follow her blog, or access her learning center, visit patriciamcconnell.com.

Listen Now: Dog Words 

In this very special episode, THE Patricia McConnell talks with us about her fantastic debut novel, Away to Me. What happens when the world’s favorite canine behaviorist decides to write a murder mystery? Think Agatha Christie meets All Creatures Great and Small. We were lucky enough to read an advance copy of this absolute page-turner, and even luckier to get to spend time chatting about dogs with one of the people we admire most. [I love all of Kathy’s books, but wrote a blog post on Old Dog, New Dog (co-authored with Helen St. Pierre), because it is just SO good. So was talking to Kathy about my novel—she is just one lovely, lovely person, and great fun to talk to.]

Listen Now: Pick of the Litter 

From the Hosts: The “Helping Families Love Living With Dogs” podcast hosts welcome Patricia back to the show, this time to talk about her new mystery novel, Away to Me. In this episode, we talk about how she went from training and giving talks around the world to deciding to write fiction, what the process was like, and how her love of dogs carries through it all. [Insider info: Colleen Pelar has been my go-to expert on kids and dogs for a long time. She literally wrote the book. (Actually, three of them!) I had such fun talking with her and co-host Tina Spring.]

Listen Now: Your Family Dog 

In this episode I’m joined by Patricia McConnell —  we’re talking about her debut mystery novel, Away to Me. What unfolds in this novel is both a gripping mystery and an accurate portrayal of life as a behavior professional. If you love a good mystery, or just a good book, especially one where the dogs are written accurately—this episode is for you. [The inside info: Dr. Spaulding has given all dogs lovers a gift with her book, The Stress Factor in Dogs: Unlocking Resiliency and Enhancing Well-Being. She is my go-to scientist about all things regarding canine emotions, and is one delightful woman besides. It was a gas talking to her!]

Listen Now: Research Bites 

Patricia has embraced a new adventure and delved into the world of fiction with her new book, Away to Me, involving a behaviourist and a murder in the sheepdog world. The book releases Feb. 24, 2026. Pre-orders are available now! [Insider info: Kathy is too humble to tell you she is an international champion athlete and a kick-ass dog handler in agility and sheep herding. She does webinars that can be summed up as “how to be excellent at almost anything” that are pure gold.]

Listen Now: The Kathy Keats Show(opens in new tab) (subtitled “Humbling, hilarious, instructive and inspiring lessons on pursuing excellence in dog sport and in life.”)

It’s never too late for old dogs—or humans!—to learn new tricks. At 77, animal behaviorist and best-selling non-fiction author Patricia McConnell, PhD, CAAB, has shifted gears and is now publishing her first-ever novel. A murder mystery set amid the world of competitive sheepdog trials, Away to Me features plenty of suspense but rest assured—all the dogs make it out safely!

Listen Now: Unleashed 

COMING SOON!

Listen Now: The Deal With Animals(opens in new tab)