Animal Training Academy

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

Welcome, appreciated listener of the ATA podcast show. We know you're eager to master your personal animal training skills using a force-free approach. Moreover, you aim to make a significant positive difference with the work you do! Thus, the challenge isn't solely about honing your training skills, but also about conveying the value of positive reinforcement to others. How do you advocate for positive reinforcement, especially when faced with those who still rely on aversive tools? Such challenges can indeed be frustrating, stressful, and overwhelming. Enter Michele Pouliot, your guide in this episode. With an impressive 51 years of experience, Michele isn't just an expert; she's someone who's trodden the path you're on. We delve deep in our discussion, but here are three major takeaways to bolster your ability to influence others: Takeaway 1: Be kind - a philosophy that forges trust between you and those you collaborate with. Takeaway 2: Continually hone your skills in effective communication. Michele will

In this enlightening episode, we've tailored content especially for you, the passionate animal trainer eager to refine your skills. We recognize that, despite your dedication, the path to mastering animal training can sometimes feel overwhelming, filled with complexities and challenges. That's where our expert guest, Jim Mackie, steps in. With over two decades at The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and as their first-ever Animal Behaviour Management Officer, Jim brings a wealth of knowledge on evidence-based training techniques. He offers you a clear three-step plan in this episode: Seize learning opportunities by connecting with top-tier education bodies like BIAZA, EAZA, and the Animal Behaviour Training Council (ABTC). Emphasize quality over quantity in your training sessions, ensuring each moment is impactful and purposeful. Seek out a supportive community where you can exchange experiences, gain guidance, and grow alongside fellow trainers. With Jim's insights and this actionable approach, you're eq

Welcome to an inspiring episode of our podcast designed just for you - a passionate listener striving to master your personal animal training skills. We know that you are eager to deepen your understanding and connection with animals. Yet, you may often face challenges that can, at times, lead to feelings of overwhelm and helplessness. But in this episode, get ready to meet your guide, Tabitha Kucera. As a renowned animal behaviour consultant and one of only 30 Veterinary Technician Specialists in Behavior globally, Tabitha will provide you with her profound understanding of animals. Her commitment to improving human-animal relationships will help you navigate through the complex landscape of animal training. Tabitha shares a clear, actionable three-step plan to level up your animal training skills: Build good relationships with veterinarians Engage clients effectively in cooperative care Recognize the importance of mental health in your role as an animal trainer, and prioritize fostering good mental health

Animal care professionals stand as advocates in a world where animals and their welfare often remain misunderstood. But sometimes, even the most passionate of us can feel lost and overwhelmed, unable to understand what 'welfare' truly means to these animals. Enter Dr Jill Fernandes, our guest for today's episode. An animal welfare scientist and consultant, Dr Fernandes grew up surrounded by a diverse range of animals, which sparked her curiosity and dedication towards their welfare. She has carved a niche for herself, advocating for animals and helping us understand their needs better. She's here to solve your problem, to demystify the often challenging concept of animal welfare, and guide you through a journey of understanding and communicating with the animals. She shares with us her three unique approaches to 'ask the animals' - beginning with understanding the animal's natural history, forgetting our preconceived notions, and honing our observational skills. By applying Dr Fernandes' techniques, you'll no

About the episode; Welcome, animal training enthusiasts! You're tuning in to a unique and exciting episode of our podcast. This time, we're giving you a glimpse behind the mic, revealing the ins and outs of being a podcast host in the fascinating field of animal training. Today's episode features an intriguing discussion from my guest appearance on the TEC Talk podcast from Natural Encounters. This delightful experience was hosted by the passionate and knowledgeable Chris Jenkins and Ari Bailey. But that's not all. I had the honour of being on the panel with Dr. Grey Stafford, the insightful voice behind the Zoo Logic podcast, and Shane Gorbett, the engaging host of Animal Behavior Conversations: The Podcast of The ABMA. Together, we navigated the stimulating world of podcast hosting, exploring its challenges, triumphs, and the finer details that make this journey unique. This is a bit different from our usual fare, and you might wonder why. It's a rare opportunity to learn about the personalities that echo

Here are five crucial takeaways from the research that can be practically implemented by those engaged in the field of scent work: It may be beneficial to let go of pre-existing notions about canine olfaction and relearn everything from the ground up. Your human sense of smell, to a certain extent, might not be drastically different from a dog's. Make sure to enjoy the process. It is vital that your training environment aligns with your real operational setting. Ensure that the odor used for training mathced the one used in actual operational settings. Dr. Hall is an Associate Professor of Companion Animal Science at Texas Tech University and the Director of the Canine Olfaction Research and Education Laboratory in the Department of Animal Science. He earned his PhD at the University of Florida, specializing in Behavior Analysis and canine olfaction. Following his doctoral studies, he continued as a postdoc at Arizona State University, investigating the optimization of training to enhance canines' detection

Nicole has been a veterinarian since the late 1980’s and has worked exclusively on companion animal behaviour since 2016. She is a member of the ANZCVS in Veterinary Behaviour and operates a private practice, Animal Sense, for companion animal behaviour issues in Perth, Western Australia. She has been a member of staff at Murdoch University Veterinary school since 2017, teaching the clinical behaviour medicine to undergraduate veterinary students. She loves to pass on knowledge to others through presenting and using case studies to illustrate the enormous array of behaviour problems and their various treatment protocols. She is passionate about educating others on the need for kind, scientifically sound ways to change behaviour. At the heart of her work is a goal for increased empathy between humans and the animals with whom we share the world. For links check here >>> https://atamember.com/2023/06/05/nicole-lobry-de-bruyn-2/

Nicole has been a veterinarian since the late 1980’s and has worked exclusively on companion animal behaviour since 2016. She is a member of the ANZCVS in Veterinary Behaviour and operates a private practice, Animal Sense, for companion animal behaviour issues in Perth, Western Australia. She has been a member of staff at Murdoch University Veterinary school since 2017, teaching the clinical behaviour medicine to undergraduate veterinary students. She loves to pass on knowledge to others through presenting and using case studies to illustrate the enormous array of behaviour problems and their various treatment protocols. She is passionate about educating others on the need for kind, scientifically sound ways to change behaviour. At the heart of her work is a goal for increased empathy between humans and the animals with whom we share the world. For links visit here >>> https://atamember.com/2023/05/22/nicole-lobry-de-bruyn/ 

Dr. Erica Feuerbacher is an Associate Professor of Companion Animal Behavior and Welfare at Virginia Tech and director of the Applied Animal Behavior & Welfare Lab in the School of Animal Science. She earned her Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Florida in the UF Canine Cognition and Behavior Lab and her Masters in Behavior Analysis at the University of North Texas in the Organization for Reinforcement Contingencies with Animals. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, she was an Assistant Professor at Carroll College in Helena, MT, where she led the canine program in which students trained foster dogs during the academic year. She has worked as a shelter behavior consultant, offered group dog training classes and private behavior consultations, and is co-founder of the Institute for Shelter Dogs. She is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. Her research at Virginia Tech focuses on understanding dog behavior and learning from a

Dr. Susan G. Friedman, Ph.D. is a professor emeritus in the Department of Psychology at Utah State University. Susan has co-authored chapters on behavior change in five veterinary texts, and her popular articles have been translated into 17 languages. She teaches seminars and courses on animal learning online (How Behavior Works: Living & Learning With Animals), with students from 63 countries so far. Susan also consults with zoos and animal organizations around the world. She was appointed to the F&WS California Condor Recovery Team from 2002 – 2010, after which time the team was retired due to the success of the birds in the wild. She is the Chairperson of the Scientific Advisory Committee of American Humane Association (AHA) Film and TV Unit, and a member in good standing of ABAI, ABMA, IAATE and IAABC. For links visit here >>> https://atamember.com/2023/05/08/function-assessments/

Malena DeMartini, is a Certified Trainer and Counselor (CTC), and a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) – She is renowned in the dog training world for her work on canine separation anxiety over more than two decades. Her books, Treating Separation Anxiety in Dogs, and Separation Anxiety in Dogs, Next Generation in Treatment Protocols and Practices have helped countless numbers of dogs (and the people that love them). 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 immeasurable. In addition to writing and lecturing for a worldwide audience, Malena oversees a team of top separation anxiety 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. For links visit here >>> https://atamember.com/2023/04/24/csat/

Nicole Pfaller-Sadovsky, PhD Bio As a long-time dog owner (since 1994) and a “Dog Trainer Certified According to Animal Welfare and Protection Legislation” (awarded by the Austrian Ministry of Health and the Messerli Research Institute, VetMed Vienna), Nicole founded her own dog training business in 2008, Happy-Fellow® Coaching & Seminars. Since then, she has worked with clients whose dogs display a wide range of problematic behaviours, such as fear-related behaviour, inter- and intraspecific aggression, or stereotypic behaviours. Additionally, to her work as a behaviourist, Nicole frequently teaches retrieving classes as a fun and stimulating activity for all dogs but also for dog-owner teams participating in retriever-specific competitions. Nicole holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Applied Animal Behaviour from University of Portsmouth (UK) and a MSc degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Queen’s University Belfast (UK). In 2022, Nicole completed her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in Behavio

Nicole Pfaller-Sadovsky, PhD Bio As a long-time dog owner (since 1994) and a “Dog Trainer Certified According to Animal Welfare and Protection Legislation” (awarded by the Austrian Ministry of Health and the Messerli Research Institute, VetMed Vienna), Nicole founded her own dog training business in 2008, Happy-Fellow® Coaching & Seminars. Since then, she has worked with clients whose dogs display a wide range of problematic behaviours, such as fear-related behaviour, inter- and intraspecific aggression, or stereotypic behaviours. Additionally, to her work as a behaviourist, Nicole frequently teaches retrieving classes as a fun and stimulating activity for all dogs but also for dog-owner teams participating in retriever-specific competitions. Nicole holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Applied Animal Behaviour from University of Portsmouth (UK) and a MSc degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Queen’s University Belfast (UK). In 2022, Nicole completed her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in Behavio

Matt Beisner (CPDT-KA, LFDM-T), is the founder of THE ZEN DOG, and host of “Dog: Impossible” on Disney+. Matt is dedicated to humanely helping dogs and their humans learn how to better connect with one another. He believes that there are "no bad dogs", and works to support positive behaviour change rather than rely on fear, force or commands for control. “What’s good for a dog is good for the world,” says Matt, who also serves as an ambassador of the Texas Humane Network. He and his wife Brooklin now live in Austin with their son, daughter, and family of once "impossible" dogs" For links visit here >>> https://atamember.com/2023/03/13/matt-beisner/

Mary earned her undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Chicago and a master’s degree in behaviour analysis from the University of North Texas. She consults with people and their pets, working mainly with dogs and horses. In addition, Mary teaches online courses for professional animal trainers and others interested in the science of behaviour through her company, Behavior Explorer.  Mary has taught classes at the University of North Texas as an adjunct instructor. Her interest in instructional design led her to convert an upper-level undergraduate class into a self-paced, mastery-based course using Dr Fred Keller’s Personalized System of Instruction.  In 2019, Mary and Dr Jesús Rosales-Ruiz published their first book, PORTL: The Portable Operant Research and Teaching Lab. Mary’s primary research interests include studying the process of shaping and developing better methods for teaching both people and animals. She is a full member of the Association for Behavior Analysis International and has

Alexis Davison - Bio Alexis has been a professional dog trainer since 2001 and began developing Un-Chase!® in 2012 to help clients and students seeking solutions to their dogs’ chasing behaviours. Since then, she has helped countless dog lovers curb their dogs’ chasing behaviours and shared her innovative approach with dog training professionals all over the world. Training Credentials Alexis is a nationally accredited Dog Behavioural Trainer with a Certificate IV in Dog Behavioural Training, a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP), and an internationally Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.  Trainer Educator & Speaker Alexis is a Karen Pryor Academy faculty member, charged with teaching the KPA Dog Trainer Professional Program in Australia and New Zealand.  In addition, she is a coach for KPA’s Dog Trainer Comprehensive course and dog*biz business consultant. Alexis regularly speaks at dog training conferences, se

Alexis Davison - Bio Alexis has been a professional dog trainer since 2001 and began developing Un-Chase!® in 2012 to help clients and students seeking solutions to their dogs’ chasing behaviours. Since then, she has helped countless dog lovers curb their dogs’ chasing behaviours and shared her innovative approach with dog training professionals all over the world. Training Credentials Alexis is a nationally accredited Dog Behavioural Trainer with a Certificate IV in Dog Behavioural Training, a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP), and an internationally Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.  Trainer Educator & Speaker Alexis is a Karen Pryor Academy faculty member, charged with teaching the KPA Dog Trainer Professional Program in Australia and New Zealand.  In addition, she is a coach for KPA’s Dog Trainer Comprehensive course and dog*biz business consultant. Alexis regularly speaks at dog training conferences, se

Nicolette Canzoneri has a Masters of Science in Environmental Sciences, focusing on free-choice learning and behaviour change. Her thesis, Theory of Action for Pro-Environmental Behavior Change at Zoos and Aquariums, uncovered gaps in program design and implementation where zoos targeted conservation-focused behaviour change in their human zoo visitors. These gaps Nicolette discovered were common for many AZA-accredited institutions and served as the basis for creating her new venture EnvARK. Nicolette also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, as well as an Associate of Science in Exotic Animal Training & Management, Animal Behavior, and Wildlife Education. Her expertise includes behavioural science, social science research, informal learning, science communication, and behaviour-focused program design. For links CLICK HERE >>> https://atamember.com/2023/01/30/nicolette-canzoneri-2/

Bex and her family live on a small farm in beautiful Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. Under her business Positively Together, Bex teaches humans in NZ and around the world how to inspire behaviour change in their horses and dogs. In addition, Positively Together hosts classes where youth can experience the power of positive reinforcement and see learning and communication in action, as they work hands-on with friendly trained sheep, horses, chickens, dogs, cows, pigs and more.  Bex is a KPA Certified Training Partner and has been training animals with positive reinforcement for over 20 years, with a long-standing interest in clicker training for horses. However the youth programs and multi-species focus have been growing rapidly since 2018 and have become a special passion.  Positively Together offers “Junior Animal Trainer” classes, “PupStars” classes for kids and their dogs, and a series of very popular online Zoom classes for home-schoolers.  The flagship “Next Gen Trainers” membership for tweens and teens rema