Animal Training Academy

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast, host Ryan Cartlidge welcomes back Sarah Stremming, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with nearly two decades of experience in dog training and behavior, and 25 years competing in dog sports. Sarah, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Colorado State University, shares has extensive hands-on experience working in various professional settings including daycares, boarding kennels, veterinary clinics, and shelters. Known for her compassionate and knowledgeable approach, Sarah provides valuable insights into achieving household harmony in multi-dog homes. This episode arose from a question posed by a member of the Animal Training Academy's members only Facebook community - concerning challenges they faced in multi-dog households. Sarah therefore shared information about her online course, 'Household Harmony,' with our community members, focusing on fostering harmonious relationships between dogs to prevent conflict.  Motivated by that

In this inspiring episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast, host Ryan Cartlidge welcomes back Sarah Van Herpt, the Director of Veterinary and Behavioural Husbandry Services for Animals Asia Vietnam. Sarah shares her extensive experience and insights on the groundbreaking work being done at the Animals Asia Vietnam Bear Rescue Center. With over 200 Asiatic black bears and Malayan sun bears under her care, Sarah discusses the organisations approaches to bear care, cooperative training, and rehabilitation. Listeners will gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges and successes in rescuing bears from the bile trade and other adverse conditions. Sarah also highlights the importance of compassion and empathy, not just for the animals but also for the people involved in this difficult work. This episode offers valuable lessons for trainers on how to implement cooperative care techniques and how to build trust and resilience in animals that have experienced trauma. Key Points Discussed: The mission and o

In this third episode of our series, Eva Bertilsson returns to discuss advanced cooperative care techniques in animal training. With a focus on enhancing autonomy and participation, Eva offers insights into the use of "start buttons" that allow animals to initiate interactions, which is crucial for building trust and cooperation. This session provides practical advice on creating positive and engaging training experiences using positive reinforcement. Eva explains how these methods not only improve routine care but also support complex behavioral adjustments. The episode is aimed at intermediate to advanced animal trainers looking to deepen their understanding of animal behavior and training ethics. Listeners will learn strategies to make training sessions enjoyable and effective, emphasizing respect for animal well-being and autonomy. Eva Bertilsson's approach offers a comprehensive view of modern training techniques that prioritize ethical considerations and animal welfare. LINKS Eva's website >>> https://

In the continuation of our insightful conversation with Andre Yeu, we dive deeper into the evolving landscape of animal training in a digital age. As the founder of When Hounds Fly Dog Training, Andre shares his strategies for integrating digital marketing into your traditional dog training business. This episode uncovers the nuanced challenges animal trainers face as they transition from brick-and-mortar operations to online platforms. Andre discusses the crucial role of digital marketing, from working with social media [like TikTok and Instagram] to harnessing the power of online engagement to foster a thriving community of trainers and pet owners. Listeners will gain exclusive access to Andre's strategies for optimizing digital presence without succumbing to the common pitfalls of overwhelming, confusing, and stressful digital transitions. He emphasizes the importance of seeking specialised help to navigate these waters, reflecting on his own journey from a tech-savvy entrepreneur to a succesful business i

In this episode of our podcast, we sit down with Andre Yeu, a visionary in the dog training arena, whose journey from tech entrepreneur to a leading figure in animal training is both inspiring and instructive. As the founder of "When Hounds Fly Dog Training" and a distinguished faculty member at the Karen Pryor Academy, Andre brings a wealth of experience and insight into the world of positive reinforcement training. Andre opens up about his transition from a career in technology to launching a successful dog training business. This episode explores the challenges and triumphs of Andre's entrepreneurial journey, including his initial struggles in sales, his bold leap into entrepreneurship, and the eventual establishment of his dog training academy, "When Hounds Fly." His commitment to ethical training methods and his dedication to providing quality education for both dogs and their trainers helping to set a high standard in the industry. Listeners will be treated to Andre's personal stories, including his lif

In Episode 224 of the ATA podcast show, host Ryan Cartlidge reconnects with Eva Bertilsson for an insightful part two of their conversation on cooperative care. Building on the foundational information from Episode 219, this session dives deeper into effective strategies and ideas. Through the lens of real-world scenarios, such as Fibi's [Ryan's dog] eye-cleaning discomfort, Eva shares her expertise in creating positive learning environments that respect animal autonomy and foster engagement. Here’s a breakdown of the key themes discussed in the episode; Understanding Animal Cues Observation is Key: Recognizing subtle behaviors in animals like Fibi can significantly enhance training effectiveness. Behavioral Responses: Discusses how animals communicate discomfort and stress, emphasizing the importance of adapting training methods accordingly. The Role of Start Buttons Empowering Animals: Introduces the concept of "start buttons" in training, allowing animals to initiate interactions and training sequences.

In the second instalment of our enlightening conversation with Francesca Degli Espinosa, we venture further into the realm of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and its transformative power across species. Francesca, an acclaimed behaviour analyst and board member of the B.F. Skinner Foundation, shares her expansive journey and pioneering research in ABA, from groundbreaking work with children with autism to exploring the cognitive underpinnings of behaviour in both humans and animals. What You'll Discover in This Episode: The Science of Behavior Analysis: Francesca delves into the critical importance of controlling variables in child development and the innovative strategies for fostering generative learning and verbal behaviour. From Theory to Practice: Insights into Francesca's approach to translating complex cognitive processes into practical interventions for children with autism, emphasizing the pivotal role of early social responding and joint attention. A Unified Approach: The compelling narrative of Fr

In this episode, dive into the unique journey of Francesca Degli Espinosa, from her groundbreaking work in behavior analysis with children with autism to her personal exploration of dog training [stared during the pandemic]. With the adoption of her Labrador puppy, Darwin, Francesca opens up about how her professional life influenced her dog training and vice versa. What You'll Discover in This Episode: Francesca's transition from using Applied Behaviour Analysis with human learners to dog training and the lessons learned along the way. Insights into behavior analysis and its application in understanding and training dogs. The story of Darwin, the pandemic puppy, and the challenges and joys of training him. Why This Episode Is a Must-Listen: Francesca shares her insights into the parallels between behavior analysis in humans and animals, emphasizing the importance of communication, understanding, and empathy in both fields. Whether you're a seasoned animal trainer or just passionate about behavior analysis,

In this compelling continuation of our discussion with Jessica Dolce, a certified compassion fatigue educator, this episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast delves deeper into the challenges of burnout. Ryan opens the conversation by addressing the critical need to redefine success in the face of burnout. Jessica elaborates on burnout as a syndrome stemming from chronic workplace stress, asserting that it is a condition of the work environment rather than a personal failure. The dialogue uncovers the primary causes of burnout, highlighting the systemic nature of this issue and offering insights into creating a healthier work-life balance. Further, the discussion pivots to the growth mindset and the strategic approach of setting "enoughness" conditions for personal and professional satisfaction. Jessica shares her methodology in coaching and public speaking, demonstrating how specific, measurable goals can alleviate decision fatigue and contribute to a more fulfilling career. The episode also delves into

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast, Ryan Cartlidge has a conversation with the insightful Jessica Dolce, a certified compassion fatigue educator. Jessica, with her extensive background in animal welfare and education, delves into the often-overlooked realm of compassion fatigue, an issue prevalent among animal caregivers and welfare professionals. Her journey, beginning with a personal dog walking business and evolving into co-founding a non-profit, illustrates the deep emotional investment inherent in animal welfare. Jessica's firsthand experience with burnout and compassion fatigue while working in shelters led her to become a certified educator in this field, offering a lifeline to those struggling with the emotional toll of intensive caregiving. Throughout the episode, Jessica illuminates the concept of compassion fatigue, describing it as a complex mix of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion. She stresses the significance of replenishing empathy to maintain joy and sa

In this episode we welcome the remarkable Eva Bertilsson, a behaviour analyst and co-founder of Carpe Momentum, renowned for her pioneering work in animal behaviour and cooperative care. Eva Bertilsson brings a wealth of knowledge to today's discussion, aimed at assisting you, the listener, in navigating the often-stressful challenges of cooperative care, both for you and your clients. Our special guest; Eva Bertilsson, From her humble beginnings at a local dog club to becoming an international educator. Her insights into R+ approaches, behavioural principles, and quality of life enhancement are invaluable. Her collaboration in Carpe Momentum and various other partnerships symbolize her commitment to pioneering animal care. The Plan: Listen, Learn, and Impact Listen to the episode to immerse yourself in Eva's profound insights on cooperative care. Grow your skills, knowledge, and confidence through Eva's shared experiences and strategies. Impact the lives of animal and human learners by applying what you lea

In the second part of our awesome coversation with Nicky Plaskitt, we delve into a topic that resonates deeply with many of our listeners: overcoming impostor syndrome and growing your confidence in the realm of animal training. We understand that Impostor syndrome can totally be a daunting barrier, often leaving many feeling inadequate and overwhelmed in their journey to become proficient positive reinforcement animal trainers. This feeling is echoed in the recurring discussions among our Animal Training Academy community members, who frequently share their struggles with feeling like an 'impostor' in their field. Therefore I was so excited to have Nicky Plaskitt, a seasoned expert in animal training, join us for this episode to share her invaluable insights on how to cultivate confidence within yourself as a trainer. With years of experience, Nicky is the ideal guide to help us navigate these challenging waters. In our conversation, we cover several key areas. Our goal for 2024 is to help you grow — not jus

In this episode of our podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Nicky Plaskitt, a seasoned animal care professional and positive reinforcement training subject matter expert. Nicky's journey, which spans over two decades, is a testament to the transformative power of science-based training methods in animal care. Starting in 2000, Nicky embarked on her career in various zoological collections, where she honed her skills in a multitude of roles - from animal keeping to team leadership. In 2021, Nicky took her expertise to a new frontier, founding Shaping Behaviour. This venture reflects her deep commitment to improving animal welfare by empowering caregivers with the knowledge and skills they need to excel. Her role as a Zoological Behaviour Consultant has allowed her to impact animal care both in the UK and internationally. Nicky's dedication to her field is further evidenced by her involvement with the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (IAATE), where she has been a member since 2012 and rec

In this special archival episode of the Animal Training Academy Podcast, we revisit a gem from our collection - an insightful conversation with the awesome Chirag Patel. Chirag takes us through his early days in the field, sharing the experiences that shaped his unique perspective on animal behaviour and training. A highlight of this episode is Chirag’s explanation of his 'Bucket Game', a fun technique for cooperative care that fosters trust and patience in animals during training sessions. This game demonstrates Chirag’s creative approach & also serves as an invaluable tool for trainers worldwide. Chirag also delves into strategies for empathetically dealing with challenging situations and people, offering practical advice. His insights are a testament to the importance of understanding, patience, and empathy in any form of teaching or interaction. In addition to these key topics, our conversation branches out into a variety of other subjects, making this episode a treasure trove of knowledge and inspira

In this episode of the ATA podcast show, we delve into the dynamic and often challenging world of families juggling the responsibilities of parenting young children and managing their dogs. Our story revolves around families who find themselves overwhelmed by the chaos of a household with toddlers, babies, and pets. The complexity of ensuring safety and harmony for everyone - adults, children, and animals - is a pressing concern that many face daily. Enter Jennifer Shryock, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and the founder of Family Paws LLC. Jennifer's unique journey from a special education teacher to a leading figure in dog behaviour equips her with unparalleled insights into this delicate balance. Through her innovative programs, Dogs & Storks and Dogs & Toddlers, she has established a new paradigm for families navigating these challenges. In our conversation, we uncover crucial strategies for success, including; setting boundaries for safety between dogs and newborns Establishing "success stat

As a listener of the ATA podcast show, we understand how deeply you care about the well-being of the animals you work with. However, at times, your role as a positive reinforcement trainer can feel isolating, stressful, and overwhelming. At ATA, we don't want anyone to feel this way, especially knowing how diligently our listeners strive to make a positive impact on the lives of both animal and human learners they work with. Enter Dr. Kathie Nurena, a human physician and a certified dog trainer. Kathie deeply understands how learning theory and positive reinforcement principles can benefit both animals and humans. Having graduated from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Karen Pryor Academy, Kathie's unique background blends medicine and dog training, providing her with a truly unique perspective on the challenges faced in caring roles. In this episode, together with Kathie, you'll learn about: Trauma-Informed Care: Discover the essence of trauma-informed care and how its principles can be integrated in

With the relentless pace of research enhancing our community's insights, how frequently do you reassess the positive impact of your training methods on your animals? Many grapple with bridging the chasm between theory and practice. If you've been there, stressing over how to implement new knowledge, you're not alone - therefore In this episode, you, the dedicated listener, will unravel the subtle layers of one such area - 'assent' in animal training.  Meet Your Guide: Hannah D. McGee, a souce of wisdom in the realm of canine behaviour. With her extensive credentials as a Canine Behavior Consultant and with her role at the University of North Texas, she dives deep into the science and art of animal training. And as someone passionate about refining trainer skills, she bridges the academic and practical seamlessly. Here's a sneak peek of your journey: Understanding Assent: Grasp the nuances between assent and consent. Hannah lays down why continuous monitoring is essential and how assent paints a clearer pict

It's undeniable that caring for aging animals is a complex task. The unique needs of older animals can sometimes leave you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and even a bit helpless. It's a journey filled with emotions and challenges. Enter our guide for this episode, Debbie Marrin. With over 48 years of professional animal training and management experience, Debbie is the Director of Training and Behavioral Husbandry at the San Francisco Zoo and Gardens. She's been at the forefront of husbandry training since 1985 and has a special passion for the care and training of geriatric animals. Debbie has co-authored multiple papers, a book chapter, and has presented at several conferences dedicated to geriatric animal welfare. In this episode, Debbie shares her top 5 strategies to help you navigate the challenges of aging animal care: Be a Good Observer: Recognize both in and out of training behaviours that might be red flags for health issues. Have a Whole Life Plan: Teach foundation behaviours early on to make futur

At Animal Training Academy, we understand your passion. You're dedicated to mastering your animal training skills using a force-free approach. You're driven by the desire to handle the myriad of challenges that come your way, equipped with a broad knowledge & experience base. But like all of us, there are times you hit rough patches in your training journey. These challenges can sometimes leave you feeling overwhelmed & helpless. It's disheartening, especially when you have so much love and dedication for what you do. We believe everyone should be empowered to positively impact the lives of the animal and human learners they come into contact with. Enter our guides for this episode: Dr. Susan Friedman and Rick Hester. Rick Hester has extensive experience at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. He's worked with a diverse range of species from penguins to African lions. Collaborating with experts like Dr. Susan Friedman, Rick has deepened his understanding of behaviour analysis. His work at the zoo and his role a

We know you're a passionate trainer, driven by a desire to master animal training skills through a force-free approach. You dream of a world where animals operate from a place of understanding and trust, not fear. Yet, advocating for positive reinforcement, especially when up against those using aversives, isn't straightforward. How can you effectively champion this cause and foster a paradigm shift in the animal training world? Enter Michele Pouliot, your guide in this most recent ATA podcast episode. With an impressive 51 years in the field, Michele understands the challenges you face and offers a roadmap to navigate them.  Here are three of the [many] big takeaways from the episode on how to advocate for positive reinforcement A little bit of frustraion on your end is okay: Learn to channel your emotions effectively,  The importance of honesty [paired with kindness]: The critical importance of honesty and transparency in building trust with clients. Building Trust: Learn about the importance of trust in