Animal Training Academy (Ryan Cartlidge)

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 behavior analytic perspective, using applied behavior analysis to solve behavioral issues, and identifying interventions that improve shelter dog welfare. She has earned several awards for her behavior analytic research and her dedication to the theoretical foundations of behavior analysis. She is passionate about humane, effective animal training, and working with owners, trainers, and shelter staff to improve our interactions with animals through behavior analysis.

For links visit here >>> https://atamember.com/2023/05/15/dr-erica-feuerbacher/

1:30 – Ryan introduces Nicolette.

3:45 – Nicolette talks about her positive reinforcement journey and some of the first animals she trained.

6:13 – Nicolette shares some memories from her time in the Exotic Training and Animal Management Program at Moorpark College.

8:55 – A little about Nicolette’s time working with the Navy and how and why she ultimately decided to follow her curiosity to graduate school.

14:40 – Ryan asks Nicolette how she is able to turn her curiosity into action.

33:40 – Nicolette talks about her working using Community Based Social Marketing (CBSM) model to improve environmental programs.

41:22 – Similarities between CBSM and ABA are discussed.

1:02: Nicolette talks about what she wants to see happen in the behavior science world in the next 5-10 years.

1:06 – To find out more about what Nicolette is currently doing, visit www.action3630.com .  To find out more about CBSM visit www.cbsm.com . People can email Nicolette directly at canzoneri@actionresearch-inc.com

1:07 – Ryan thanks Nicolette for coming on the show.

1:08 - Ryan directs people to www.animaltrainingacademy.com to find out more about ATA including membership.

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 recently joined the Board of Directors. Her efforts in organizing the first-ever UK Symposium highlight her initiative in enhancing bird welfare across the UK and Europe.

A Certified Professional Bird Trainer and Animal Trainer through the International Avian Trainers Certification Board (IATCB), Nicky not only contributes her expertise but also shapes future standards in the field as a board member.

Above all, Nicky's passion lies in seeing all learners, regardless of species, succeed through clear and kind communication. This episode is an exploration of her fantastic career, her insights into positive reinforcement training, and how she’s making a difference in the world of animal care. Join us as we delve into the story of a true pioneer in the field, whose work continues to inspire and shape the future of animal training in the UK & beyond.

Links;

• Facebook >>> https://www.facebook.com/shapingbehaviour
• Instagram >>> https://www.instagram.com/nickyshapingbehaviour/?hl=en
• website >>> https://shapingbehaviour.com/home

Joan Orr is a scientist and internationally recognized clicker trainer. Along with Theresa McKeon, Joan is one of the co-founders of TAGteach International, a company that promotes the application of marker-based positive reinforcement training for humans. Joan was a member of the Karen Pryor Clickertraining Clicker Expo Faculty for 9 years and content creator and advisor to the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior. She is a pioneer in the field of clicker training rabbits and co-author of a book on the subject. Joan and Teresa Lewin are co-founders of Doggone Crazy Inc, a company dedicated to dog bite prevention through education. They created the board game Doggone Crazy!, the “Doggie Detective”  bite prevention education program for elementary school children and the Clicker Puppy training DVD. Joan has published many articles on dog bite prevention, positive training methods and the importance of understanding dog body language and has received many awards for her work. Most recently Joan has teamed up with behavior analyst Ryan O’Donnell to put on the annual conference: The Convergence of Human & Animal Training and Technology.

About this episode!

Episode 168 is part 2 of this special instalment. We welcome back two previous guests of the ATA podcast show to talk about what it's like to parent with some ABA [Applied Behaviour Analysis] & training knowledge on board.

Firstly, Dr Susan Friedman, a retired psychology professor of Utah State University who pioneered the application of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to captive and companion animals.

And secondly, the excellent Rick Hester, the Curator of Behavioural Husbandry for the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado. There Rick oversees all the zoo's behavioural programs, including animal training for husbandry, medical, public show behaviours, enrichment, developing programs to improve problem behaviour situations, and the zoo's formal animal welfare assessments.

And, since 2015, Rick has also worked for Dr Friedman's Behaviour Works as a consultant and course co-instructor

Listen to part 1 here >>>

https://atamember.com/main-ata-podcast-show/

* 1:25 - Ryan introduces Chad.

* 4:17 - Chad talks about when he first learned of positive reinforcement animal training and shares stories of some of the first animals he trained.

* 14:17 - Ryan asks Chad to fill the audience in on the time between his career & his current work - including sharing about some of the amazing people he has had the opportunity to work with.

* 20:27 - Chad talks a bit about his work with marine mammals.

* 24:40 - Chad discusses his current role as the Senior Keeper of Birds and Herpetofauna at Zoos South Australia and how positive reinforcement animal training fits in with that role.

* 27:59 - A story about getting a voluntary blood draw from a 42-year-old tortoise.

* 36:47 - Chad shares some stories of a special bird he worked with.

* 43:30 - A story about one of the marine mammals Chad worked.

* 55:20 - Chad talks about working with two of his rescue dogs.

* 1:02 - Ryan asks Chad to share with the audience what he wants to see in the positive reinforcement animal training world over the next five to ten years.

Podcast outline:

• 1:40 – Introduction of Erin
• 3:33 – Erin’s behavioural journey
• 16:11 - Changes in the bird training world over the last ten to twenty years
• 31:00 – Visit www.torontozoo.org to find out more about Erin’s work including the shows at the zoo
• 34:06 - Ten steps to train a wild bird of prey
• 1:02 – Erin’s hopes for the animal training world in the next five to ten years

* 1:51 – Jesús talks about working with students to design research projects based on “hot topic” training ideas.

* 4:38 – Poisoned cues are discussed including a research project done by Jesús and one of his students.

* 17: 09 - Jesús says he believes the new frontier of animal training is a deeper understanding of stimulus control and how to use that to solve problems and enhance our work.

* 17:33 – Jesús talks about PORTL (Portable Operant Research and Teaching Lab).

* 19:09 – Jesús talks about “Jackpots”.

* 26:07 – Research projects around rate of reinforcement are discussed.

* 30:00 – Jesús suggests googling his name to find his students’ projects or check ORCA’s website (https://orca.unt.edu/) for projects as well.

* 31:38 – Ryan asks Jesús to talk about “Keep Going Signals”.

* 45:57 – Jesús talks about how he wants to see the discussion and understanding around stimulus control develop in the coming years.

Podcast outline

* 2:40 – Susan explains that the “most positive least intrusive” language originated from the ethical and legal standards in the field of special education with children.

* 4:15 – Ryan and Susan discuss the widespread influence of podcasts and online learning opportunities as well as the responsibility that comes along with that influence.

* 9:19 – Susan talks about how a new wave of improved applications of the basic principles is helping practitioners to be even less intrusive with their learners.

* 13:54 – Susan describes Mary Hunter’s demonstration of the technique of using a two-link chain to build duration in a behavior. A video of this can be viewed at https://behaviorexplorer.com/videos/duration-behavior-chain/

* 16:03 - Ryan and Susan discuss Susan’s process of using the technique mentioned above to teach her pup Ray to bark once and then wait at the door to be let out.

* 18:53 - Susan explains the difference between identifying ABCs and developing a time log of events.

* 25:36 – Susan talks about the importance of good observation skills along with a commitment to improving the quality of life of our learners in developing good questions that can help us advance techniques to be less intrusive.

* 35:47 – Susan shares some thoughts regarding how to engage with others about issues we may not agree on.

• 3:10 - Ryan asks Erica if she can take the listeners back to the first time she heard about animal training.
• 15:20 - Erica discusses how her curiosity developed from a young age.
• 17:30 - Ryan asks Erica about how she discusses statements from others that may not have any scientific data supporting them - The two questions Erica would love people to ask!
• 21:05 - Ryan asks Erica what she is doing in 2020 and where the listeners can find out more about her.
• 24:30 - Talking about shelter dogs & Eric’s current research.
• 31:25 - Ryan asks Erica to take us through a journey through her research projects.
• 35:00 - Erica unpacks what she means by ‘having fun with the system’ for the dog trainer at home.
• 40:10 - Erica uses an example to help explain how to know if your making progress.
• 42:20 - Ryan and Erica discuss breaking aims down into bite sized goals and approximations.
• 44:15 - Ryan asks - If we are setting approximations, how does Erica decide what to do next?
• 46:45 - Ryan highlights and discusses a phrase that Erica raises “if your worries are changing then you are making progress”
• 48:47 - Erica talks about some of the results of her research regarding the magnitude of food in training
• 55.55 - Erica discusses one of her studies where they look at if access to the owner is a reinforcement.
• 59:00 – Erica takes us into the future and explains what she would like to see happen in the next 5-10 years in the world of animal training.

Monty Gwynne, founder of Equispeak and a self-proclaimed training junkie, is passionate about sharing her decades of training experience.  This depth and breadth of her experiences with many different breeds and disciplines allows her to draw on them to better solve issues using R+. 

Monty’s training passions are classical dressage and driving.  Because of her long involvement in the horse world she is often called upon to help take and rehab ponies and minis who have been in difficult situations. Using R+ has been the saving grace for many of these rescues. 

Monty’s approach is based on shaping without frustration and is unique in the R+ horse community.

The focus of Monty’s journey is on bringing positive, science-based horse training to the forefront and working with people interested in discovering this powerful tool. Having seen the joy that positive reinforcement training brings to both partners in the horse - human relationship over the past 30+ years, there is no going back.

Through her business, The Best Whisper is a Click, Peggy Hogan provides clicker training lessons, clinics, and online coaching, all focused on horses. She has been a horse-lover since the age of three when her sister put her on a pay-per-lap pony ride, loves all animals and has a passion for training. Her background in training includes N.H. and in-depth study of the teachings of Peggy Cummings, founder of Connected Riding.

In the late 90's there was little information on using positive reinforcement with horses, so after an introduction from Alexandra Kurland, Peggy learned from clicker trainers of other species, as well as diving into the science behind the training with Dr. Susan Friedman. Peggy has investigated ways to add more shaping, capturing, luring, and targeting to her clicker training for horses program. Horses offer complex behaviors freely if given the choice, behaviors that apply to environments that range from agility to freestyle to medical procedures and Start Buttons. Peggy is currently teaming up with Monty Gwynne to reach the online community for teaching this amazing technology.

For links, visit >>> https://atamember.com/2022/07/18/peggy-monty-1/ 

Angelica Hesselius Bio

Angelica Hesselius is an internationally renowned reward-based horse trainer with a background as an instructor in classical dressage and academic art of riding. She specializes in positive reinforcement training for balanced movement in groundwork and riding. Developing proprioception, movement and communication through systematic reward-based strategies. 

Angelica has developed new strategies for creating high precision movements and low frustration from the get-go when working with food reinforcers and is passionate about sharing her knowledge. She trains horses, teaches students and coaches colleagues all over the world.

Together with dutch horse trainer Do Groen, Angelica has founded the Reward Based Horse Academy with the aim to help horse people build a strong foundation using reward based training techniques. They are offering short courses and are currently working on their year-long educational program.

Her current projects include Exploring Nuances with Eva Bertilsson, with lectures and courses for horse trainers and behavior geeks curious to explore and expand their training systems.

Eva Bertilsson Bio

Eva Bertilsson (she/her) is a behavior consultant and educator with a master’s degree in behavior analysis and a passion for all things related to behavior, learning and animal welfare. She started out as a positive reinforcement dog sports trainer in the 90s and nowadays works with a wide variety of settings, helping individuals and organizations develop their practice of modern, science-based, empowering strategies for the benefit of learners of all species.

Eva is a board member of the Swedish Association for Behavior Analysis and an enthusiastic disseminator of ethical practices based in behavioral science. She is a long-standing faculty member of Clicker Expo and of TAGteach, and an accredited speaker for Fear Free. Always striving to further our best practices, she hosts the Scandinavian CCC conference on Choice, Control and Communication and runs a Swedish membership group for husbandry training called Kul med Hantering (“Having fun with cooperative care”).

Eva and her Carpe Momentum colleague Emelie Johnson Vegh are noteworthy influencers within reward-based training, having developed strategies and concepts such as start button behaviors, seamless training sessions and training session flow charts. Much of “E&E”‘s philosophy and approach to training is outlined in their book Agility Right From the Start, and you find them at www.carpemomentum.nu 

If you are curious of Eva’s most recent projects, check out the webinars she hosts on the www.abc247.wtf/online  and look into her positive reinforcement horse training collaboration with with Angelica Hesselius, www.rewardbasedartofriding.com/exploringnuances

For links, visit >>> https://atamember.com/2022/08/29/exploring-nuances-2/ 

* 3:34 – Lili shares about when she first learned about positive reinforcement animal training, including a story about her dog Boogie.

* 10:39 – Lili talks about Boogie and some things she has learned from him.

* 12:14 – Illustrating dog body language has become a bit of an obsession for Lili.

* 18:46 – Ryan asks Lili to share about reaching out to Sophia Yin to collaborate.

* 27:21 – Lili uses art to make language about positive reinforcement training accessible to the public.

* 33:22- The importance of cuteness and simplicity as key components of Lili’s artwork is discussed.

* 36:40 – Ryan asks Lili to talk about her process in developing her animal body language illustrations.

* 41:38 – Lili talks about working with Sarah Owings to develop the “How to Fill Your Dog’s Emotional Cup” infographic.

* 47:33 – Ryan asks Lili what she means when she says that “she hasn’t even got started yet”.

* 50:24 – Lili talks about what she would like to see in the next 5-10 years in the animal training community.

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:

1. Trauma-Informed Care: Discover the essence of trauma-informed care and how its principles can be integrated into your role as a trainer.
2. Patient-Centred Care and Compassion Satisfaction: Explore the significance of shifting focus from compassion fatigue to compassion satisfaction. Learn how reframing your thoughts can play a pivotal role in your professional journey, both in preventing burnout and enhancing satisfaction.
3. Emotions, Reinforcement, and Hope: Gain insights into the Maslow scale and pro qual questionnaires, and discover how "hope" (Healthy Outcomes through Positive Experiences) can benefit you.

By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with new knowledge and ideas to help avoid feelings of overwhelm and burnout. This will boost your confidence as a trainer, enabling you to have your biggest possible positive impact on the lives of both animal and human learners you work with.

Links/references;

• The original Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) questionnaire >>> https://www.ncjfcj.org/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/Finding-Your-Ace-Score.pdf\
• Maslach Burnout Inventory >>> https://pscentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Maslach-Burnout-Inventory-.pdf
• ProQol >>> https://proqol.org/proqol-measure
• Healthy Outcomes From Positive Experiences (HOPE) >>> https://positiveexperience.org/about-us/
• Trauma informed care from CDC >>> https://www.cdc.gov/orr/infographics/6_principles_trauma_info.htm
• Crisis phone line in USA >>> https://988lifeline.org/
• Crisis text line in USA >>> https://www.crisistextline.org/
• Clicker Expo Live (Kathie & Linda present Sat Jan 27 8-10 am pacific time) >>> https://clickerexpo.clickertraining.com/clicker-expo-virtual/live-2024-conference-program/

Videos

• A talk by Dr Nadine Burke Harris (16 minutes) >>> https://youtu.be/95ovIJ3dsNk?si=nI_NtlOeN_0KUunv
• Three and a half minute video on trauma-informed care >>> https://youtu.be/fWken5DsJcw?si=pCZTrKe3Xgz9oujI

* 4:30 - The Growth Mindset defined, why it is important and how it impacts and influences both behaviours and outcomes in our lives

* 8:00 - Ryan and Afiya raise how the context, & individual learning history may support and impact the development of our mindset

* 9:10 - Afiya shares ideas on where our mindset comes from

* 11:45 - How success impacts our mindset

* 15:00 - How praise can influence our mindset

* 18:00 - How communicating and rewarding a process rather than the product can impact mindset and lead to growth over time

* 20:19 - Ryan asks about ‘Imposter Syndrome’ in relation to the growth mindset

* 21:30 - Afiya discusses how our level of self-awareness can be beneficial for developing a growth mindset

* 22:15 - Afiya describes some benefits of being open about mistakes and imperfection

* 23:48 - Afiya shares a personal example of how your mindset can influence others around you and how struggle and challenge is an important part of the learning process

* 25:54 - Neuro-science & the growth mindset.

* 28:49 - Afiya talks about engaging in learning zone activities and deliberate practice to improve an aspect or skill

* 31:40 - Ryans asks about vulnerability, courage and teaching in different contexts with animals or humans

* 39:20 - Afiya discusses ways to help support others in developing a growth mindset.

* 41:09 - Growth mindset as a life long process of learning and development

* 45:57 - The importance of having awareness & reflecting on our own behaviours

Laura Ryder  - Bio

Laura is the Head Dog Trainer at Morley Vet centre in Perth, Western Australia.

She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP), a Full Member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) and is also on the Fear-Free Speakers Bureau.

Laura has three passions when it comes to dog training:

1. As a member of the Fear-Free Speakers Bureau, she passionately brings low-stress handling and Fear-Free training into veterinary clinics – focusing on both the physical and emotional health of patients.
2. Laura is one half of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers Australia education team. IMDT Australia launched in January 2019, and Laura hopes to see it follow in the IMDT UK’s footsteps – where it is known as the leading education provider for dog trainers and behaviourists.
3. Laura also spends a lot of her time creating fun and engaging training courses for pet dogs. 2014 saw Laura create The Canine Adventure course – a non-competitive dog sport, for the family dog to enjoy. The Canine Adventure Course saw Laura travel to Las Vegas in 2016 to presents at the annual APDT conference, and then to London in 2017 where she presented at the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers Conference. There are now trainers all over the world running their very own fun Canine Adventure Courses – which for Laura, means more dogs out there, having fun with their families!

Laura shares her home with her husband, daughter, her four Border Terriers – Wicket, Malani, Lando and Rogue - and her 30-year-old horse, Arnie.

LINKS

Morley Vet centre

• https://vetcentre.com.au/
• https://www.facebook.com/VetcentreMorley/

Institute of Modern Dog Trainers Australia

• https://www.imdt.com.au/
• https://www.facebook.com/IMDTAustralia/
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/641813072887843/

Institute of Modern Dog Trainers UK

• https://www.imdt.uk.com
• https://www.facebook.com/TheIMDT/

Fear Free

• https://fearfreepets.com/
• https://fearfreehappyhomes.com/

Canine Adventure Course

• https://canineadventurecourse.com/

• 1:20 - Ryan introduces Chris Shank
• 4:50 - Chris takes us back to the start of her training journey
• 12:00 - Chris explains that her new education and skills were difficult to transfer to her own pets
• 13:25 - Ryan asks about what valuable learning opportunities occurred from Chris’s time working with dolphins in the US and in Germany.
• 16:45 - Chris is honest and brave about sharing her experience regarding her introduction to breeding birds and the impact to her life.
• 20:45 - Ryan asks about the switch in Chris’s life regarding training techniques with birds
• 23:20 - Chris shares her face book and email details.
• 24:00 - Ryan asks about the activities and events at Cockatoo Downs.
• 28:25 - Ryan asks Chris to discuss free-flying parrots.
• 40:45 - Chris expands how she discusses with people about free-flying their pet parrots as it is often controversial.
• 45:10 - Ryan asks if having a frank conversation about consequences about free- flying their parrots with clients help. Chris describes an example of how it can go drastically wrong.
• 47:45 - Ryan asks about training with parent-raised birds and chicks.
• 54:00 - Chris shares her final comments on the training world at this time.
• 55:50 - Ryan thanks Chris and wraps up the episode.

Jean is the founder and principal instructor of The Academy for Dog Trainers.  The Academy is celebrating its twentieth anniversary in 2019.  She is a four-time winner of The Dog Writers' Association of America's Maxwell Award.  In 2017, Jean was recruited to create Dog Training 101 for The Great Courses.

Born in Montreal, Canada, Jean founded the Montreal Flyball Association, and Renaissance Dog Training, the first positive reinforcement-based school, and counseling service in the province.  Her own dogs and dogs she has trained have earned numerous titles and wins in a variety of dog sports, including OTCh, TDX, HIT and FDCh.  While a student, she worked as an adoption counselor at the Montreal SPCA and later served on its Board of Directors.  Before founding The Academy, Jean did exclusively referral aggression cases for six years.  She lives in Oakland, California, with her dog, Brian, adopted in 2015.

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy Podcast, host Ryan Cartlidge welcomes the highly experienced and knowledgable Angie Madden. Angie is a Certified Control Unleashed Instructor whose career spans over three decades, including notable roles at Sea World Orlando and various zoos. With a training philosophy rooted in relationship building and communication, Angie shares her extensive journey from zookeeper to dog trainer and discusses the profound impact of Control Unleashed techniques.

In thie episode Angie delves into the Control Unleashed program developed by Leslie McDevitt, explaining some foundational behaviors and pattern games designed to help dogs learn to make good choices and build resilience.

Angie also highlights her upcoming workshops and presentations at the Unleash the Rainbow conference, where she will teach practical skills like the "Take a Breath" biofeedback protocol and Requested Approach Training (RAT). She emphasizes the importance of agency and control for dogs, illustrating how these techniques can improve both behavior and the human-animal bond.

This episode is packed with valuable knowledge for trainers and pet owners alike, showcasing Angie's dedication to spreading the word about Control Unleashed and her commitment to mentoring young trainers. Whether you're new to Control Unleashed or looking to deepen your understanding, this conversation will provide you with new tools and inspiration for your training toolbox.

LINKS

• Unleash the Rainbow Conference >>> www.unleashtherainbow.com
• Angie's website >>> www.dogspeakllc.com
• Angie's YouTube Channel >>> https://www.youtube.com/@dogspeakllc
• Angie's FaceBook page >>> https://www.facebook.com/DogSpeakLLCDogTraining
• Angie's Email >>> dogspeakllc@gmail.com
• TAB [Take a breath] video example: https://youtu.be/IHCfKsNNt8A
• RAT Videos:
  • https://youtu.be/LwSrl6_Y3hM?si=eDWDrZioFeDVRD1W
  • https://youtu.be/2-gF5mLRpSM?si=b3ku9d3RXrl796Si
    
• Leslie’s Fiends of Control Unleashed group on FB: >>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/419113494071244

1:25 - Ryan introduces Greg.

3:27 – Greg talks about his recent work in Kenya with the Kenya Wildlife Service.

7:50 – Greg’s journey to becoming the Curator of Applied Welfare at San Diego Zoo is discussed.

18:50 – Greg shares how he learned to evolve to create effective change within systems.

24:34 – The reason for the title of “Curator of Applied Animal Welfare” is explained.

27:21 – Ryan asks Greg to share what an average week is like for him.

30:11 – Greg explains the “Five Opportunities to Thrive” model.

46:00 – “The Opportunity for a Thoughtfully Presented, Well Balanced Diet”

49:00 - “The Opportunity to Self-Maintain”

54:29 - “The Opportunity for Optimal Health”

59:29 - “The Opportunity to Express Species-Specific Behavior”

1:02 - “The Opportunities for Choice and Control”

1:09 – Greg talks about what he would like to see happen in the next 5-10 years in the world of animal welfare.

1:13 - Greg directs people to https://www.sandiegozooglobal.org/ and the Institute for Conservation Research at https://institute.sandiegozoo.org/# to learn more.

1:15 - Ryan thanks Greg for coming on the show.

1:16 - Ryan directs people to www.animaltrainingacademy.com to find out more about ATA including membership.

Dr Robert Hewings bio

Dr Robert Hewings is the author of ‘Scent and Scent-ability’ and head of learning and development for the UK College of Scent Detection, and a highly experienced Canine Trainer. He retired from the Metropolitan Police after 30 years’ exemplary service, 25 of which was as a Police Dog Handler.  The final nine years as a full-time trainer with the Metropolitan Police Dog Training Establishment. He has enhanced this experience with a BSc (Canine Training and Behaviour) MA (Professional Practice Police Dog Training) and a Doctor of Professional Practice (D/Prof) Canine Scent Detection. Rob has instructed all police canine-search disciplines including explosive search and narcotics, supporting this with an amazing academic journey that has without doubt enhanced his relationship with the dogs he trains.

Combining his scent detection experience Rob is currently training scent detection within the ‘Assistance Dog Community’ where, working in partnership with the PTSD Charity Bravehound is researching and training dogs to recognise the scent of a nightmare, and gently wake the sufferer.

Finally, Rob truly understands the importance of a positive training schedule with the dogs he trains and the people he coaches. He wishes to share his love and experience of search training with you and your dog. Witnessing the enjoyment, enthusiasm and excitement the dogs get from being engaged in the natural process of ‘nose-work’ has been his guilty pleasure for the last 25 years & as Rob says… long may this continue!!

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 Francesca's quest to bridge the gap between behaviour analysts focusing on human learners and those working with non-human animals, including her own journey into professional dog training.
• The Art of Communication: Francesca and Ryan discuss the essence of true joint attention, the challenges of rapid word acquisition, and the broader implications for teaching and learning across species boundaries.

Why This Episode Is a Must-Listen:

Dive deeper into the science of behaviour analysis with Francesca Degli Espinosa, exploring the nuanced parallels between human and animal learning. This episode is a testament to the universality of ABA principles and their potential to enrich lives, regardless of species. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that spans the spectrum of behaviour analysis, from theoretical foundations to practical applications.

Engage With Us:

We’re eager to hear your thoughts on this episode and your own experiences in behaviour analysis or animal training. Connect with us through our membership subscription, share this episode with your peers, and become part of our vibrant ATA community for more enriching conversations.

Looking Ahead:

Stay tuned for more episodes that challenge, inspire, and educate. Our journey together continues to unfold, bringing new insights and discoveries at the intersection of human and animal behaviour analysis. Thank you for being an integral part of the ATA community.

Links:

• www.abaclinic.net
• Francesca Degli Espinosa on Facebook

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/

In this awesome continuation of our conversation with Rose Browne, a certified professional animal trainer and founder of Dynamic Canines, we delve into the crucial topic of emotional wellbeing in puppies. Rose shares her expert insights on the five biggest things trainers can do to foster emotional health in puppies and support their clients in creating a positive, nurturing environment for their new furry family members.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• The five essential strategies for trainers to ensure the emotional wellbeing of puppies from the start.
• How these strategies can be effectively communicated to puppy guardians to prevent behavioral issues before they arise.
• Real-life examples from Rose’s extensive experience on how these approaches have improved the training process for both puppies and their owners.
• The importance of early intervention and the role of trainers in guiding puppy parents through the critical early stages of development.
• Rose’s ongoing commitment to integrating the latest research in canine behavior to provide practical, actionable advice for both trainers and pet owners.

Why This Episode Is a Must-Listen:

This episode is a must-listen for dog trainers, puppy guardians, and anyone interested in the emotional and behavioral development of puppies. Rose Browne’s expertise and passion for fostering healthy puppy development offer invaluable lessons on how to build a strong, positive foundation for a lifetime of good behavior.

Engage With Us:

We invite you to subscribe to our podcast, share this episode with fellow   enthusiasts, and join our community for further discussions on dog training and behavior. Your thoughts and experiences are always appreciated as we continue to explore the best practices in canine care.

Check out Rose Browne's website and get in touch here >>> https://www.dynamiccanines.ca/

* 1:40 - Ryan introduces Eduardo.

* 4:00 – About where Eduardo's Behavioural odyssey

* 13:48 – A definition of Behavior Analysis

* 29:25 – Three basic tools to help you use data collection in your animal training.

* 1:06 - What Eduardo would like to see happen in the next 5-10 years in the data collection, behavior analyst, animal training world.

* 1:10 – Various events Eduardo has coming & information about the Behavioural Enrichment Animal Research Group and Animal Reinforcement Forum groups  on Facebook.

• 1:20 - Ryan introduces Sonya Bevan
• 4:00 - Sonya takes Ryan and the listeners back to where she first learned about positive reinforcement training and the journey from a career in being a physio to a behaviour consultant and dog trainer.
• 19:10 - Ryan asks how Sonya’s background in physio has helped her in her new profession.
• 20:20 - Sonya explains the assessment process she uses in her dog training and behaviour consultants.
• 24:15 - Ryan is curious if Sonya has a process for data collection and asks her for thoughts on helping people review their own processes for improving data collection.
• 28:10 - Ryan asks Sonya about her free video series.
• 29:20 - Sonya describes what she has learnt through the period of building the video library with her dog Zuri and how being courageous and sharing her mistakes has helped others train too.
• 32:00 - Ryan empathises that we often want to share our enthusiasm of positive training with others and asks Sonya how her thoughts have changed with sharing information and her enthusiasm with others.
• 36:50 - Ryan describes a situation where a client may be using an aversive tool and asks Sonya how to become an effective coach for the clients that are asking for help in those cases.
• 43:25 - Sonya describes what the year of 2020 has looked like for her through the pandemic, the change and opportunities that have arisen and explains how she has managed to overcome the feeling of being nervous and have the courage to make this podcast with Ryan.
• 50:20 - Sonya provides details of where to find out more about her work within her business Dog Charming.
• 52:10 - Ryan explain that the podcast is going be turned into 2 parts and introduces that part 2 will discuss having a dog as an amputee and the training and husbandry requirements.
• 53:10 - Sonya thanks Ryan for the opportunity to share her journey with the ATA Audience

In this second part of our two-part episode, we continue our conversation with Ulrika Andreasson, a trailblazer in the field of Positive Reinforcement animal training. With over 25 years of experience, Ulrika has trained a wide variety of species, including dogs, horses, and reindeer. In this episode, Ulrika dives deeper into her fascinating work, focusing on the lessons she’s learned from her unique journey of clicker training reindeer for film, tourism, and live performances.

Ulrika shares invaluable insights about cross-species training, explaining how her experience with reindeer has influenced her approach to training other animals, including dogs. She discusses the importance of understanding reinforcers, the need for environmental training, and the delicate art of splitting behaviors into manageable steps to achieve success. Along the way, Ulrika touches on the challenges of working in novel and unpredictable environments and how these experiences have shaped her as a trainer.

Whether you're a seasoned trainer or simply curious about the wonders of Positive Reinforcement, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• Ulrika’s unique work with reindeer and how it has impacted her training methods across species.
• Real-life examples of training animals to perform in complex environments, including film sets and live shows.
• How to adapt your training techniques for novel challenges, from reindeer to dogs.

Links:

• Visit Ulrika's website HERE
• Reindeer workshop! March 2025
• Social Media; 
  • https://www.instagram.com/ullisrudolf/
  • https://www.facebook.com/ullisrudolf/
  • https://www.youtube.com/@ullisrudolf
  • https://www.tiktok.com/@ullisrudolf

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 satisfaction in life and work. Jessica and Ryan explore strategies for managing these challenges, including the importance of hobbies and activities unrelated to work, differentiating active from passive rest, and embracing practices like gratitude exercises.

This episode promises not only to educate but also to inspire and empower animal welfare professionals in their journey towards a balanced, joyful, and sustainable career in animal care.

Find Jessica online at:

https://jessicadolce.com and https://www.compassioninbalance.com

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;

1. setting boundaries for safety between dogs and newborns
2. Establishing "success stations" around the home
3. The necessity of practising active supervision
4. Modelling appropriate behaviour for children and
5. The value of creating predictable routines.

These takeaways are not just theoretical but are backed by real-life success stories shared by Jennifer, demonstrating the transformative impact of learning from her knowledge and experience.

Join us as we navigate the journey of integrating dogs into families with newborns, aiming to foster an environment of safety, understanding, and mutual respect. Whether you're a parent, dog owner, or both, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and tips to help you lead a fulfilling life while positively impacting the lives of both your human and animal learners.

• Visit the Family Paws website here >>> https://www.familypaws.comhttps://www.familypaws.com/services/for-dog-professionals/
• See Family Paws on Instagram here >>> https://www.instagram.com/familypawsofficial/?hl=en
• See Family Paws on FaceBook here >>> https://www.facebook.com/FamilyPawsParentEd

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://evabertilsson.com/
• Click here to access the exclusive Australasian event page on Eva Bertilsson's website.
• Click here to visit Canine Education Academy website and join their newsletter to stay up-to-date with Eva Bertilsson's event in Australia.
• Click here for Canine Education Academy Australia's Eva Bertilsson workshop event on Facebook.
• Click here for the ATA & Pawsitive Behaviours New Zealand workshop event with Eva Bertilsson on Facebook.

• 4:30 - Veronica shares the experience of her first dog and the training journey through different dog schools until she was able to find one to help her with her reactive dog.
• 10:00 - Veronica explains how she became sick with the neurological condition Generalized Dystonia and her life came to a halt.
• 12:20 - Veronica explains how she became interested in the Service Dog industry which led to the decision to open her business Co-operative Paws
• 15:00 - Veronica realised the need to bridge the gap between the Service Industry and the pet dog owners that needed professional guidance to train their dogs appropriately.
• 16:40 - Ryan thanks Veronica for bravely sharing her experience with a life changing disease and Veronica shares how it has helped her understanding of the requirements with the human part of training service dogs.
• 25:20 - Ryan asks if Veronica’s early approach to seek out and try something different helped her with her illness.
• 28:00 - Veronica explains how she got the Service Dog Coach Certification program up and running and what was involved.
• 35:00 - Veronica explains how her work changes constantly, and incorporates the support she gives to students, the development of courses, the work involved in training of her dogs, and the marketing aspect required.
• 39:40 - Ryan asks Veronica why it is important that we have science based trainers in the service training industry.
• 43:30 - How a trainer might get started in offering service dog training and what is involved.
• 51:30 - Veronica discusses further about point 4, and in particular how she handles the intake and plans for addressing the initial cases.
• 55:50 - Ryan asks Veronica if there are any particular resources that she shares with people looking for information.
• 56:50 - What are the next steps and expectations if a trainer wants to get involved with the certification process.
• 59:00 - Ryan asks his final question and asks Veronica to take us into the future and what she would love to see happen in the next 5-10 years.

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.
• Creating Comfort: Focuses on building a comfortable and stress-free training environment where animals feel safe and understood.

Practical Training Insights

• Simplifying the Process: Advocates for a simplified approach to training that prioritises positive reinforcement and allows for opting out.
• Avoiding Aversives: Warns against the use of aversives in training, suggesting they can lead to avoidant behaviors.
• Engagement Over Rules: Encourages focusing on the overall attitude and engagement of learners, rather than strict adherence to specific rules.

Through Eva Bertilsson's expertise and Ryan Cartlidge’s thoughtful questioning, listeners are offered a masterclass in refining their training practices to be more aligned with the needs and well-being of their animal companions. This episode serves as a reminder of the transformative power of empathy, observation, and respect in the world of animal training and specifically with cooperative care.

Agnieszka Janarek Bio

Behavior nerd, advocate of choice in animal training, nosework addict, obedience and concept training geek, trainer with passion and knowledge. Founder of Polish Nosework Association. Owner of three rescued mixed breeds with whom take part in various canine sports. Agnieszka relies on international education (courses and seminars in the USA, UK, Netherlands, Germany) and experience. Her priorities are combining learning science and practice, dog-handler relationship and balance between maintaining precision and fun.

Monty Gwynne, founder of Equispeak and a self-proclaimed training junkie, is passionate about sharing her decades of training experience.  This depth and breadth of her experiences with many different breeds and disciplines allows her to draw on them to better solve issues using R+. 

Monty’s training passions are classical dressage and driving.  Because of her long involvement in the horse world she is often called upon to help take and rehab ponies and minis who have been in difficult situations. Using R+ has been the saving grace for many of these rescues. 

Monty’s approach is based on shaping without frustration and is unique in the R+ horse community.

The focus of Monty’s journey is on bringing positive, science-based horse training to the forefront and working with people interested in discovering this powerful tool. Having seen the joy that positive reinforcement training brings to both partners in the horse - human relationship over the past 30+ years, there is no going back.

Through her business, The Best Whisper is a Click, Peggy Hogan provides clicker training lessons, clinics, and online coaching, all focused on horses. She has been a horse-lover since the age of three when her sister put her on a pay-per-lap pony ride, loves all animals and has a passion for training. Her background in training includes N.H. and in-depth study of the teachings of Peggy Cummings, founder of Connected Riding.

In the late 90's there was little information on using positive reinforcement with horses, so after an introduction from Alexandra Kurland, Peggy learned from clicker trainers of other species, as well as diving into the science behind the training with Dr. Susan Friedman. Peggy has investigated ways to add more shaping, capturing, luring, and targeting to her clicker training for horses program. Horses offer complex behaviors freely if given the choice, behaviors that apply to environments that range from agility to freestyle to medical procedures and Start Buttons. Peggy is currently teaming up with Monty Gwynne to reach the online community for teaching this amazing technology.

For links, visit >>> https://atamember.com/2022/08/01/peggy-monty-2/

In this unique two-part episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast, we sit down with Ulrika Andreasson, a seasoned expert in Positive Reinforement animal training who has spent the past 25 years perfecting her craft. Ulrika, has a background in training a wide range of animals, including dogs, horses, and reindeer. 

In this first part of our conversation, Ullis takes us on a journey through her early years, growing up in the remote forests of northern Sweden, where her passion for animal training began. She shares insightful stories about her transition from traditional training methods to positive reinforcement techniques, inspired by a chance encounter with Anders Hallgren's book on clicker training. Ulrika also discusses her innovative work with reindeer, including how she became one of the first in the world to train them for film, tourism, and live performances.

Listeners will gain a understanding of Ulrika's philosophy, her approach to overcoming training challenges, and the unique bond she creates with the animals she works with. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in animal behavior, ethical training practices, and the incredible potential of Positive Reinforcement methods.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• Ulrika's inspiring journey from traditional training methods to clicker training.
• The challenges and triumphs of training a wide range of animals, from hunting dogs to reindeer.
• The unique aspects of animal training in the remote northern regions of Sweden.
• How Ulrika became a pioneer in training reindeer for film and live performances.

Why This Episode is a Must-Listen: Ulrika Andreasson's extensive experience and innovative training techniques provide invaluable insights for animal trainers, behaviorists, and enthusiasts alike. Her dedication to reward-based training and her success in applying these methods to diverse species make this episode an essential listen for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and skills in animal training.

Engage With Us: We invite you to subscribe to our podcast, share this episode with fellow animal enthusiasts, and join our community for ongoing discussions on ethical training practices and animal care.

Links:

• Visit Ulrika's website HERE
• Reindeer workshop! March 2025
• Social Media; 
  • https://www.instagram.com/ullisrudolf/
  • https://www.facebook.com/ullisrudolf/
  • https://www.youtube.com/@ullisrudolf
  • https://www.tiktok.com/@ullisrudolf

A Journey of Resilience and Innovation with Belinda Young [Episode 245]

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy Podcast, Ryan Cartlidge welcomes Belinda Young, an accomplished animal trainer and cherished member of the ATA team. With over a decade of experience, Belinda has worked extensively with dogs, cats, and parrots, specialising in reward-based training methods and tackling complex behavioral challenges.

In this episode Belinda shares an extraordinary case study featuring Scramble, her charismatic crimson-bellied conure. Scramble's journey with feather-destructive behavior - a challenge unique to captive parrots - is the centerpiece of this episode, offering listeners a raw, insightful, and inspiring look into the intricacies of animal training and behavior management.

Through heartfelt discussion, Belinda details her exploration of medical, environmental, and behavioral interventions to support Scramble’s recovery. She emphasises the importance of collaboration with veterinarians and behaviorists, the power of targeted cognitive training, and her commitment to addressing Scramble's emotional and physical needs.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• The unique challenges of feather-destructive behaviors in parrots.
• Insights into using environmental enrichment and targeted cognitive training to support behavioral change.
• How collaboration and community support are pivotal in navigating complex cases.
• Practical strategies and creative solutions applicable to multiple species and behavioral challenges.

Why This Episode is a Must-Listen:
Belinda’s journey is a testament to the resilience required when faced with unforeseen training challenges and the transformative power of persistence, learning, and compassion. Whether you’re managing feather-destructive behaviors, working with domestic or exotic animals, or seeking inspiration to tackle tough training problems, this episode is brimming with invaluable insights.

Links:

Scramble is @nevershakeababybird on instagram.

Belindas' website is www.treatplaylove.com.au and business facebook is www.facebook.com/treatplaylovetraining/

• 4:00 - How does the current global situation with the pandemic & subsequent change in our routines influence our animals and their behaviors.
• 4:20 - Malena defines and unpacks the term ‘Separation Anxiety’
• 6:44 - Ryan describes his own experience of a panic attack
• 7:30 - Ryan asks how do we build empathy in dog owners towards the effect of a panic attack or separation anxiety
• 10:45 - Malena’s shares the importance of helping clients to understand ‘The Why’ of the treatment of separation anxiety.
• 14:25 - Ryan asks: How important is it to get honesty and truth from your clients?
• 16:30 - Ryan asks to know what has been the most exciting change in Malena’s thinking, methods and research since the last podcast in 2018?
• 17:00 - Malena discussed her new book regarding the research since 1970’s
• 21:35 - Malena explains that she feels that there are some specific effective treatment protocols in place now that lead to success.
• 24:50 - Malena shares her personal findings and thoughts on which dogs tend to show more separation anxiety than others.
• 29:35 - Why separation anxiety is the biggest researched behaviour related diagnosis.
• 31:30 - Whether the changes occurring during the global pandemic will impact our dogs and how can we assess the impact of these changes.
• 40:15 - Malena discusses the genetic markers that have been researched in regards to separation anxiety.
• 45:55 - Ryan asks if owners may have noticed signs before lockdown of dogs having a tendency of separation anxiety and Malena describes the lower level signs of distress that get ‘missed’ by the owners.
• 49:50 - Malena shares her suggestions for clients at this time for dogs that may have separation relation concerns.
• 57:00 - Malena’s explains her approach to building a community to help clients with their dog.
• 59:50 - Ryan touches on one of Malena’s previous hopes and goals stated in 2018 and how she feels they have achieved or moved forward from that time.

• 3:10 - Sean shares how he started on his training journey and how constructional affection was ‘born’
• 15:50 - Ryan asks: Do some trainers have a reliance on food? Or are not looking for other methods or reinforcers?
• 20:20 - Sean introduces how he used CAT and CA with his own dog.
• 21:20 - Sean describes the procedure of Constructional Affection and outlines the two main steps required: Step 1: The interaction guidelines & Step 2: The affection required
• 28:07 - Sean defines the term ‘complex fading procedures’
• 29:15 - Ryan asks how Sean applies the process to the dogs in the shelter and if there are some dogs are more or less suitable for this particular process.
• 32:30 - Sean shares the story of ‘Big Mike’
• 39:10 - Sean describes that the schedule we are using is not actually a schedule of reinforcement but that the application of affection is actually a conjugate reinforcement procedure or technique.
• 43:20 - Ryan shares his experience with trying to apply it to his own situation at home with Fibi and Summer and asks Seans advice on the difficulties of split attention and being able to settle the dog using attention.
• 52:25 - Ryan asks how has constructional affection been applied with humans?
• 53:00 - Seans discusses the philosophies of the constructional approach.
• 58:15 - Ryan asks if some people have challenges with the application of the procedures.
• 1:03:00 - Sean explains what he would like to see occur in the next 5-10 years.

Lindsay Wood Brown Bio

Lindsay Wood Brown is a board-certified Associate Applied Animal Behaviourist (ACAAB) with a master’s degree in Animal Behavior.  She specializes in finding solutions for behavioural challenges and consults for animal shelters on the design and implementation of behavior programs, effective behavior modification methods, and the development of robust operational strategies to achieve behavioral health for animals within the shelter environment.

Lindsay teaches seminars and workshops around the country and serves as a faculty member for Karen Pryor Academy and Clicker Expo.  She offers coaching and 1:1 mentorship opportunity for behavior consultants.

Lindsay has a long history of leadership and building high functioning teams within animal shelters.  She served as the Director of Operations for Lynchburg Humane Society (LHS), an open-admission animal shelter located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.  Her role at Lynchburg Humane included the oversight of all shelter operations, with a strong focus on behavior and behavior modification to increase the number of animal lives saved and successfully rehomed.

Lindsay served for 8 years as the Director of Animal Training and Behavior for the Humane Society of Boulder Valley in Boulder, Colorado.  She developed Boulder Humane’s Training and Behavior Department, including their comprehensive behavior modification program, which focuses on rehabilitating dogs with specific behavior conditions, including resource-guarding, fearful behavior, body-handling sensitivities, separation anxiety, and dog-dog aggression.  Lindsay also developed the Humane Society of Boulder Valley’s curricula for a wide array of positive reinforcement, clicker training classes for community members.

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, seminars, and workshops sharing her experience and unique Un-Chase!® program with fellow dog training professionals. 

For links visit here >>> https://atamember.com/2023/02/13/alexis-davison/

When standing in front of a giraffe training partner, Amy is acutely aware of how lucky she is to have been surrounded by such amazing people and animals throughout her life.  All of those people have led her to her current role, which is the Senior Animal Behaviorist for the International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe.  The organization is run by the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and partners with Dr. Susan Friedman and The Behavior Works Team. 

She's dabbled in field research, veterinary nursing, and zookeeping. While exploring all of the options of where she could best focus her time and energy to make a difference, she discovered the science of behavior change! ABA has changed how she's wors with both animals and people throughout the years. She enjoys coaching training sessions, running giraffe workshops, and continuing to learn from others.

For links visit here >>> https://atamember.com/2023/01/02/amy-schliz-2/

• 1.20 – Ryan introduces Adele Shaw and her bio that is driven by her passion for horses.
• 3.22 - Adele thanks Ryan and they discuss the challenges that occurred at the start of 2020.
• 6.00 – Ryan aske Adele to take us back to where she first started her journey with positive reinforcement training.
• 11.55 – Adele explains the particular problems that she experienced with the horse she was training.
• 19.50 – Ryan asks if Adele is influenced by the local horse community in Texas and the thoughts on her using clicker training.
• 25.00 – Adele discusses the courage, bravery and her learning process that was required to make the change in her training methods.
• 32.10 – Ryan asks if she sees a difference in herself and how she views herself in the process. Adele details how she is now less goal orientated in tasks and the evolution and stages that she has worked through in her learning.
• 39.00 – Adele discusses what she learnt from understanding her growth mindset, looking into choice and control, and the experience of studying with Susan Freidman on the LLA course.
• 43.20 – Adele unpacks what she means by terrifying for her when she is using and learning new information and skills.
• 48.30 – Ryan asks if Adele teaches her mindset to others and how she goes about this.
• 53.25 – Adele discusses that she needed all of her experiences to be where she is now, including any experience of failures that have taken place.
• 1.11.10 – Ryan and Adele wrap up with explaining that the human learner needs to be in the growth mindset to explore all opportunities.

Eva Bertilsson - Bio

Eva Bertilsson has a master’s degree in behavior analysis and a passion for all things related to behavior, learning and animal welfare. Together with business partner Emelie Johnson Vegh, Eva runs their collaboration Carpe Momentum, teaching seminars on the general principles of behavior and learning, and coaching trainers in the art of structuring great training sessions regardless of the venue or the species. Eva is a board member of the Swedish Association for Behavior Analysis, a faculty member of Clicker Expo, and an enthusiastic disseminator of ethical practices based in behavioral science. In addition to her own teaching, she has also been instrumental in introducing TAGteach ™ and Fear Free™, as well as numerous renown speakers (for example Susan Friedman, Susan Schneider and Clive Wynne), to the Scandinavian audience.

Maasa Nishimuta Bio:

Maasa Nishimuta studied under Dr. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz and earned a master's degree in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas. In her master's thesis, she studied the reinforcing effects of affection in the form of petting and gentle scratching with rescued equines. She modified Constructional Affection for use with equines and continues to apply Constructional Affection with animals in shelters where she volunteers.

In 2021, Maasa co-founded a 501(c)3 non-profit organization Constructional Approach to Animal Welfare and Training (CAAWT), and serves as its chief operating officer. CAAWT provides free training to individuals and organizations in need of training and cannot afford it, with the goal of improving the lives of animals and their caretakers through applications of the Constructional Approach. To carry out CAAWT's mission, she co-hosts a monthly podcast, runs private sessions and group classes in-person and online, and hosts webinars and the Annual CAAWT Conference to disseminate information on the Constructional Approach and its many applications to animal welfare and training.

Jessica Hekman, DVM, PhD, is a veterinary genetics researcher who is fascinated by dog behavior. She works at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard as a computational biologist, studying the genetics of behavior in pet and working dogs through the Darwin's Ark project and the Working Dogs Project. She teaches behavioral biology at the Virginia Tech online Masters program for Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare. She also offers webinars online and consults with breeders about genetic testing and breeding choices. She is one of the founders of the Functional Dog Collaborative (functionalbreeding.org), a non-profit which seeks to change the conversation around dog breeding in the dog loving community. Jessica lives in Raymond, NH with her husband and three dogs.

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/ 

In this engaging follow-up conversation with Erin Jones, an independent scholar and educator, we dive into the core themes of her latest book, Constructing Canine Consent. Erin, an expert in the ethical dimensions of the dog-human relationship, shares the top five aspects she hopes will spark curiosity in readers of her book. This episode offers a deeper look into the critical questions and ideas that Erin believes are essential for anyone interested in understanding and improving their relationship with dogs.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• The significance of canine consent in training and everyday interactions.
• How understanding the ethical implications of the dog-human relationship can lead to better communication and trust.
• The role of curiosity in questioning traditional dog training practices.
• Why it's important to explore the psychological and anthropological aspects of human-animal interactions.
• How Erin's interdisciplinary approach can inspire a more thoughtful and informed perspective on dog behavior and care.

Why This Episode Is a Must-Listen: This episode is a must-listen for readers of Constructing Canine Consent and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the ethical considerations in dog training. Erin Jones’ insights will challenge you to think critically about the way you interact with dogs and encourage you to explore new ideas and perspectives.

Engage With Us: We invite you to subscribe to our podcast, share this episode with fellow animal enthusiasts, and join our community for further discussions on ethical dog training and behavior. Your thoughts and experiences are always appreciated as we continue to explore the best practices in canine care.

• 3:00 - Trish shares where she began her positive reinforcement animal training journey.
• 7:00 - Trish explains how she started working in a shelter environment, how it led to working with the San Francisco’s SPCA and developed into the opportunity to work towards achieving a Master’s Degree in Animal Behaviour.
• 11:00 - Trish and Ryan discuss the opportunity Trish created to speak with Dr Sophia Yin and the early training Trish dog with her Dalmatian.
• 12:30 - Ryan asks more about Trish’s experience when she wanted to adopt her first dog from a shelter.
• 13:00 - Trish explains her ‘No 1’ take home lesson that she shares with all her new clients
• 16:15 - Trish and Ryan discuss Stanley Milgram’s’ study on the “Obedience to Authority” and the effects this can have on our behaviour.
• 19:30 - Ryan asks Trish about her experience with her more challenging foster dogs that she & how it helped her understand some of the hard decisions she has to make
• 24:40 - Ryan asks Trish what mindset and experiences would be of value for trainers that are looking to enter a shelter environment to expand their skills and knowledge.
• 30:00 - Trish explains how she has become a co-founder of a grief support group with Sue Alexander to help people who have had to euthanise their pets on behaviour grounds.
• 35:00 - Ryan asks Trish to expand on her 5 main thoughts on what will help to improve shelters become more successful fin 2020 and beyond.
• 46:20 - Ryan asks Trish about neglect cases and how to help people care better for their dogs.
• 49:30 - Ryan and Trish discuss further the concept of ‘start with yes’ when discussing animal adoptions and how to address neglect, animal hoarding and cruelty situations.
• 52:00 - Ryan asks Trish about the concepts of shifting some of the paradigms that are linked around the shelter adoption processes and concepts.
• 57:45 - Ryan asks Trish if she has any tips on helping people bring ideas into the shelters that they may already be helping and where to find useful resources.
• 1:00:15 - Trish shares her final point on what she thinks we will see happen in the next 5-10 years in the shelter world.

• 4:25 - Sean discusses brave learning and how it has enabled him to be resilient through many challenges
• 9:00 - Sean explains how his desire to learn developed with direct feedback and reinforcement, and how he learnt the difference between education and learning.
• 13:30 - Sean describes his first experience of using a clicker and his first step into the world of using Tag teaching and the support and the exploration into help teaching his daughter.
• 20:40 - Sean explains more regarding the genetic conditions of his daughter and the impact on her learning.
• 25:30 - After Sean reached out to Martha at Tag Teach and Joan Orr he began looking for small behaviours that he could reinforce that her daughter was able to do and how ‘touch’ became the foundation behaviour skill for all other learning.
• 31:50 - Sean describes how he realised at the time that he had not previously been able to see the tiny behaviours that his daughter, Erin, was offering as functional behaviours. Sean explains how his daughter became his great teacher through the tag teach process.
• 38:00 - Ryan asks further about the contingencies relating to the process of shaping behaviours and Sean explains the importance of the tactile reinforcement for Erin.
• 42:30 - Sean briefly explains the process of teaching Erin to learn to accept the process of a blood test.
• 44:30 - Sean explains how he began to try to find out a way to help Erin to learn to walk and the processes and tag points that he worked through with Erin to build the balance to be able to start to prepare for learning to walk.
• 1:00:00 - Sean explains how he has had to fight, even if he doesn’t want to, to be able to provide his daughter with her own control and choices and to provide her with her personal rights, including recently winning the fight for funding for a TagTeach program to be able to continue to teach her.

CLICK HERE for the podcast outline

Ken Ramirez Bio

Ken Ramirez is the Executive Vice-President and Chief Training Officer of Karen Pryor Clicker Training where he oversees the vision, development, and implementation of training education programs for the organization, including ClickerExpo, Karen Pryor Academy, and The Ranch. This allows Ken to help bring positive reinforcement training to all corners of the animal training world. Previously, Ken served as the Executive Vice-President of animal care and animal training at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium, where he developed and supervised animal care and animal health programs, staff training and development as well as public presentation programs for a collection of more than 32,000 animals. He worked at Shedd Aquarium for over 25 years. A 40+ year veteran of animal care and training, Ramirez is a biologist and animal behaviorist who served nine years at Marineworld of Texas.  He also was a trainer and coordinator at Ocean Safari in South Padre Island, Texas, as well as acting as a consultant to many zoo and aquarium programs throughout the world.  He began his training career working with guide dogs for the visually impaired and has maintained a close affiliation to pet training throughout his career.  He hosted two successful seasons of the pet training television series Talk to the Animals that compared pet training to the important work done with training and caring for animals in zoological facilities.  He also works closely with several search and rescue dog organizations, service dog groups, as well as with bomb and narcotic dogs. Since 2005, Ken has brought his experience as a trainer of many cognitive projects with marine mammals and primates to the dog arena.  Most notable has been his work with modifier cues, adduction, matching to sample, mimicry, and counting. The latter two projects: teaching dogs to mimic or imitate other dogs, and to learn the concept of counting are in the process of being prepared for scientific publication.  Both of these projects have documented cognitive abilities in dogs that have not been previously well reported or understood. Ken has also pioneered groundbreaking conservation training projects with chimpanzees, polar bears, elephants, butterflies, and other animals. Conservation training applies behavior science in the field with free-ranging animals and uses remote training to facilitate learning to assist wildlife biologists in a wide range of projects. Ramirez has been active in several professional organizations, including the International Marine Animal Trainer’s Association (IMATA), of which he is a past president.  Ken has been actively involved in the creation of a certification process for animal trainers in zoological settings. Ramirez has written for numerous scientific publications and authored countless popular articles.  He authored the book ANIMAL TRAINING: Successful Animal Management through Positive Reinforcement, published in 1999 and Better Together: The Collected Wisdom of Modern Dog Trainers, published in 2017.  Ken taught a graduate course on animal training at Western Illinois University for 20 years and currently offers several online courses through the Karen Pryor Academy. In 2017 Ken moved to Washington state where he created a series of immersive hands-on training courses at The Ranch, the Karen Pryor National Training Center.

* 1:40 - Ryan introduces Nancy Tucker

* 3:15 – Nancy’s journey into positive reinforcement training

* 8:19 – How a background in public relations helps Nancy as a trainer

* 15:13 - Find Nancy online at nancytucker.com to find out more about her work

* 17:53 –Nancy offers - Five tips for happier clients

* 55:50 – Preventing compassion fatigue and burnout by listening to clients to find solutions and by adjusting our expectations

* 57:32 – Behavior change takes time and requires patience

* 1:05 – What Nancy would like to see happen in the next 5-10 years in the animal training world

* 1:08 - Ryan thanks Nancy for coming on the show

* 1:09 - Ryan directs people to www.animaltrainingacademy.com to find out more about ATA - including membership

* 1:30 – Ryan introduces Jennifer Shryock.

* 5:17 – Jennifer talks about where she first learned about positive reinforcement animal training and shares some stories of the first animals she trained.

* 7:17 – Jennifer talks about adopting Moose, a German Shepherd dog, when she had two small children.

* 13:52 – Jennifer shares about the next part of her journey that led her to where she is today.

* 18:11 – The importance of persistence and consistence in developing a dog and baby business is discussed.

* 19:33 – Ryan asks Jennifer how her early vision matches with where she is today.

* 20:56 – Jennifer explains what an average week looks like for her.

* 22:50 - Visit www.familypaws.com  to find out more about Jennifer’s work including the Family Paws Parent Educators licensing program.

* 24:49 – Jennifer shares some tips for families with dogs.

* 32:10 – The idea of “keeping it simple” is expanded upon.

* 34:22 – Ryan asks Jennifer to talk about how she utilizes technology for video sharing with clients.

* 37:08 – Jennifer talks about avoiding burnout.

* 41:02 – The importance of meeting people where they are with their dog awareness is explained.

* 46:37 – What makes “bringing home the blanket” such a “sticky” suggestion?

* 52:00 – Ways to create more dog aware generations are discussed.

* 53:59 – Jennifer talks about how she stays curious.

* 57:13 – Jennifer shares what she would like to see happen in the next five to ten years in the animal training world.

* 58:47 – Jennifer reminds everyone that they can visit www.familypaws.com to find out more about what she is up to.

Podcast Outline

* 1:40 - Ryan introduces Kathy.

* 4:00 – Kathy shares where she first learned about positive reinforcement animal training and some of the first animals she trained.

* 22:22 – A couple of stories from Kathy about her time training dolphins.

* 19:38 – What Kathy is up to now and where you can find her at www.kathysdao.com.

* 22:57 – The difference between cues and commands and why this is important.

* 42:13 – Some potential phrases from non-violent communication to use in consultations.

* 47:31 – How Kathy deals with compassion fatigue or "attachment to outcome fatigue."

* 52:50 – Five tips listeners can use to move toward non-violent communication.

* 1:15 - Kathy discusses what she’d like to see happen in the next 5-10 years in the world of positive reinforcement animal training.

About Kathy Sdao

Kathy is an applied animal behaviourist. She’s been a full-time animal trainer for thirty years, first with marine mammals and now with dogs and their people. At the University of Hawaii, she received a master’s degree as part of a research team which trained dolphins to solve complex cognitive puzzles. She then worked for the United States Navy to train dolphins for open-ocean tasks. Next, Kathy worked as a marine-mammal trainer at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma Washington. After leaving the zoo world, Kathy created Tacoma’s first dog day-care.

Since 1998, Kathy has owned Bright Spot Dog Training. Services include consulting with families about their challenging dogs and mentoring professional trainers who want to maximize the power of positive-reinforcement training. Kathy is proud to be an original faculty member for Karen Pryor’s ClickerExpos and has taught at thirty-eight of these popular conferences. Kathy has travelled extensively across the United States, Canada and Europe, and to Australia, Israel, Japan and Mexico. In 2012, she published her first book, Plenty in Life Is Free: Reflections on Dogs, Training and Finding Grace.

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

1. A little bit of frustraion on your end is okay: Learn to channel your emotions effectively, 
2. The importance of honesty [paired with kindness]: The critical importance of honesty and transparency in building trust with clients.
3. Building Trust: Learn about the importance of trust in your relationships with others, [drawing parallels between the relationships you forge with animals]

We want to see you avoid embarrassment, overwhelm and burnout. Instead, we want to see you build resilience to setbacks, get more organised, and grow your training skills and knowledge. In short, we want to see you enjoy confidence in yourself as a trainer and lead a fulfilling life, positively impacting the lives of the animal and human learners you work with.

Join us in this awesome episode and turn your aspirations into ripples.

LINKS;

website:  www.michelepouliot.com

IAABC online course:  https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/creating-desirable-behavior-around-distractions/

Links to videos

Freestyle routines

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/kgy9fkap7xzi1gqpedji7/Somewhere-Over-the-Rainbow-MichelenSake.mp4?rlkey=dyaovrp14gf3f7pybj2c4u4wc&dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/a650fq5rsvc90z4/I%20Love%20Paris%20MPn%20D.mp4?dl=0

Nikki Morrison has been in the animal training field for over 20 years. Starting off working with sea lions at the age of 19, where she established a passion for animal behaviour, training and welfare.

She then moved on to become Animal Training Coordinator for a wildlife park in England, working with several species ranging from a variety of big cats, primates, small mammals and birds. She also started the UK’s first sea lion swim program and internship program here.

After a 6-month sabbatical trip, spending time researching animal training programs around Australia, Nikki went on to work with dolphins in the Caribbean for a couple of years before being asked to help start a trailblazing penguin training program in Dubai. This earned Nikki’s team several international awards and recognitions and ultimately led to an offer of work as Director of Animal Training for a worldwide zoo and aquarium consultation company.

At the peak of Nikki’s career, however, sadly, she gave up her role to move back home and care for her terminally ill mum. During this time, Nikki also supported re-evaluating a local sea lion facility and operation, which led to a new pool and advanced research on stereotypical behaviour in sea lions.

Nikki is now working with Guide Dogs for the Blind, supporting the puppy development operation in Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as running her own consulting business to continue her passion for supporting zoological facilities to integrate animal-centred training programs that positively impact zoo operations in many ways but most importantly, the lives of the animals and their primary caretakers.

For links check here >>> https://atamember.com/2022/11/21/nikki-morrison/

In this highly anticipated second part of our conversation with Craig Ogilvie, renowned dog trainer and behavior consultant, we continue to dive deep into the world of interactive play. Craig, who operates the successful Ogilvie Dogs training center and authored The Interactive Play Guide, shares invaluable insights into how play can revolutionize dog training by meeting the biological needs of dogs, while also creating powerful reinforcement tools.

In this episode, Craig dissects the science behind play, exploring its origins in the predatory motor pattern, and how it serves both the physical and social development of dogs. From toy play to interpersonal play, Craig emphasizes the importance of creating structured yet engaging play experiences that not only enhance the dog’s ability to learn but also strengthen the bond between dogs and their caregivers. Craig also discusses the underutilized potential of play in addressing behavioral issues, showing how trainers can use play to increase responsiveness and reduce problematic behaviors, even in highly aroused states.

Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how to incorporate play as a key training strategy and hear Craig’s expert advice on adapting play styles to individual dogs for the most rewarding results.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• How play taps into dogs’ predatory motor patterns for learning and behavior development.
• Techniques to tailor play styles to meet each dog’s unique needs and motivations.
• The role of play in behavior modification and managing arousal levels.
• Practical tips on using play as a reinforcer in both pet and sport dog training settings.

Why This Episode is a Must-Listen: Craig Ogilvie’s passion for play-based training and his wealth of experience make this episode a valuable resource for trainers and dog owners alike. Whether you’re working with reactivity, recall, or general engagement issues, Craig’s insights will inspire you to rethink how play can become a cornerstone of your training toolbox.

Engage With Us: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, share with fellow trainers, and join our online community to explore more about ethical and science-based training practices.

LINKS:

• Craig’s website
• Craig on Instagram
• Craig on TikTok

* 3:42 – Tim discusses how he came to co-found the ABMA.

* 6:36 – Tim’s learning journey and the benefits he has received by taking advantage of a wide variety of learning opportunities.

* 15:01 – A couple of stories from Tim’s early days as a trainer.

* 19:40 – A few of the biggest things Tim has learned throughout his time as an animal trainer are discussed.

* 23:53  - Tim tells listeners about Brookfield Zoo https://www.czs.org/

* 26:34 – Resilience in zoo animals.

* 32:25 – Tim shares some about some ways to work with an older animal who is showing signs of decreased resilience.

* 38:43 - Tim talks about the gorilla program and some challenges they are working through.

* 49:58 – The  power of self-fulfilling prophecies.

 1:00  What Tim would like to see happen in the next 5-10 years in the world of positive reinforcement animal training.

Terrie Hayward Bio

Maasa Nishimuta Bio:

Maasa Nishimuta studied under Dr. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz and earned a master's degree in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas. In her master's thesis, she studied the reinforcing effects of affection in the form of petting and gentle scratching with rescued equines. She modified Constructional Affection for use with equines and continues to apply Constructional Affection with animals in shelters where she volunteers.

In 2021, Maasa co-founded a 501(c)3 non-profit organization Constructional Approach to Animal Welfare and Training (CAAWT), and serves as its chief operating officer. CAAWT provides free training to individuals and organizations in need of training and cannot afford it, with the goal of improving the lives of animals and their caretakers through applications of the Constructional Approach. To carry out CAAWT's mission, she co-hosts a monthly podcast, runs private sessions and group classes in-person and online, and hosts webinars and the Annual CAAWT Conference to disseminate information on the Constructional Approach and its many applications to animal welfare and training.

* 1:36 - Ryan introduces Wes.

* 5:55 – Wes shares about his experience training chickens with Bob Bailey and how that influenced his decision to further the use of technology in animal training.

* 10:28 – Wes talks about his background in engineering and statistics.

* 12:18 – Ryan asks Wes to tell the listeners how his background in these fields merged with his interest in behavior science and positive animal training.

* 15:30 – Wes talks about how he made connections with others in the positive reinforcement animal training community.

* 17:13 – The initial design process, and the evolution of the design of the Pet Tutor is discussed.

* 22:07 – Visit www.pettutor.biz  to purchase a Pet Tutor for direct shipping in the United States and Canada.  There is also a distributer in Australia.

* 27:27 – Wes shares some stories about how the Pet Tutor is being used to help people with disabilities.

* 42:27 – Using the Pet Tutor to reduce barking is discussed.

* 48:00 – Wes talks about the unending possibilities of the uses of the Pet Tutor and gives examples of uses with multiple species, and in a variety off settings.

* 1:05 – Wes shares his vision for the future, including what he would like to see happen in the next 5-10 years in the world of positive reinforcement animal training and technology.

* 3:44 – Greg talks about getting started in the field of Behavior Analysis.

* 9:13 – Greg shares about some pivotal moments in his career.

* 14:17 – About Greg's company - FTF Behavior - and the work that they do.

* 22:15 – Greg tells people they can visit www.practicalfunctionalassessment.com and go to the “Implementation Assistance” tab to find information about how to improve sleep.

* 23:54 – Ryan asks Greg to share important considerations he makes when teaching clients about Behavior Analysis.

* 28:25 - Greg explains the term televisibility.

* 37:50 – Greg talks a little about schedules of reinforcement and choice.

* 42:34 – Five big ideas Greg would like to share with animal trainers.

* 42:37 – The big idea that ... “All our procedures are derived from our priorities.”

* 48:53 – Greg talks about his priorities of safety, televisibility and rapport.

* 50:13 – Greg talks about holism.

* 1:00 – “Shaping from joy and shaping from freedom.”

* 1:09 – The use of intermittent and unpredictable reinforcement is discussed.

* 1:15 – Greg tells people they can find the apps he talked about by going to the “Implementation Assistance” tab at www.practicalfunctionalassessment.com

* 1:21 – Ryan asks Greg what he would like to see happen over the next 5–10 years in the world of Behavior Analysis.

Sarah is the founder of The Cognitive Canine, a dog trainer, dog agility and obedience competitor, and dog behavior consultant.  She travels the globe helping dogs and handlers understand each other better.

Her credentials include a bachelors of science degree in psychology from Colorado State University, and more than a decade in the field of dog training and behavior with her special interest area being problem solving for performance dogs.

She is committed to education and growth in the field of dog training and attends the innovative training conference, Clicker Expo, every year.  In addition to offering seminars internationally, she coaches teams online and is a faculty member at Fenzi Dog Sports Academy.

Nikki Morrison has been in the animal training field for over 20 years. Starting off working with sea lions at the age of 19, where she established a passion for animal behaviour, training and welfare.

She then moved on to become Animal Training Coordinator for a wildlife park in England, working with several species ranging from a variety of big cats, primates, small mammals and birds. She also started the UK’s first sea lion swim program and internship program here.

After a 6-month sabbatical trip, spending time researching animal training programs around Australia, Nikki went on to work with dolphins in the Caribbean for a couple of years before being asked to help start a trailblazing penguin training program in Dubai. This earned Nikki’s team several international awards and recognitions and ultimately led to an offer of work as Director of Animal Training for a worldwide zoo and aquarium consultation company.

At the peak of Nikki’s career, however, sadly, she gave up her role to move back home and care for her terminally ill mum. During this time, Nikki also supported re-evaluating a local sea lion facility and operation, which led to a new pool and advanced research on stereotypical behaviour in sea lions.

Nikki is now working with Guide Dogs for the Blind, supporting the puppy development operation in Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as running her own consulting business to continue her passion for supporting zoological facilities to integrate animal-centred training programs that positively impact zoo operations in many ways but most importantly, the lives of the animals and their primary caretakers.

For links check here >>> https://atamember.com/2022/12/05/nikki-morrison-2/

In this episode, we are thrilled to bring you an insightful conversation with Debbie Martin, a distinguished Licensed Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Technician Specialist in Behavior, and Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner. Debbie's vast experience, spanning over two decades in veterinary medicine and animal behavior, shines through as she shares her unique journey from preschool teacher to a renowned behavior specialist.

What You'll Discover in This Episode:

• Debbie's transition from teaching preschool children to becoming a veterinary technician and behavior specialist.
• Her early experiences with her dog Snickers and the profound impact it had on her career.
• Insights into preventive behavior medicine and the Fear Free initiative.
• The importance of positive reinforcement and creating good experiences for young puppies in veterinary settings.
• Debbie's contributions to veterinary behavior education, including her co-authored book "Puppy Start Right."

Why This Episode Is a Must-Listen:

Debbie Martin's journey is a testament to the power of combining passion with expertise. Her stories highlight the importance of empathy, communication, and a team approach in animal behavior. Whether you are a seasoned trainer or new to the field, Debbie's experiences and insights offer valuable lessons for all.

Engage With Us:

If Debbie's story resonates with you or if you have your own experiences to share, we'd love to hear from you. Subscribe to our podcast, share this episode with your network, and join our dedicated membership for more discussions.

Looking Ahead:

Don't miss our next episode, where we'll delve into part two of our conversation with Debbie Martin. Thank you for tuning in and being a part of our ATA community.

Links 

• www.TEAManimalbehavior.com
• www.DebbieMartinABC.com
• www.AVBT.net
• https://easepetvet.com/dr-martin/
• www.fearfreepets.com
• www.fearfreehappyhomes.com

Videos

• Puppy Start Right Preschool example
• Power of choice video 
• Harness trianing and problem solving

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast, host Ryan Cartlidge continues his conversation with Debbie Martin, a renowned licensed veterinary technician and veterinary technician specialist in behavior. Building on the insights shared in part one, Debbie dives deeper into advanced topics and practical strategies for promoting positive reinforcement in animal training.

Key highlights from this episode include:

• Addressing the unique challenges within the unregulated industry of animal training and how to navigate them.
• Five actionable strategies for advocating and implementing positive reinforcement training in your community.
• The critical importance of collaboration between trainers and veterinary professionals for achieving optimal animal care and welfare.
• Debbie's thoughts on the future of animal training and her vision for a more cohesive and effective industry.

Debbie also reflects on the future of animal training and welfare, advocating for increased cooperation between trainers and veterinarians to enhance the well-being of both animals and their owners.

Listeners are encouraged to visit Debbie's website, Team Animal Behavior, for free webinars and additional resources to further their knowledge and skills in animal training.

Join Ryan and Debbie for an engaging discussion filled with valuable tips and strategies to enhance your animal training practices and positively impact your learners.

Links 

• www.TEAManimalbehavior.com
• www.DebbieMartinABC.com
• www.AVBT.net
• https://easepetvet.com/dr-martin/
• www.fearfreepets.com
• www.fearfreehappyhomes.com

Videos

• Puppy Start Right Preschool example
• Power of choice video 
• Harness trianing and problem solving

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy Podcast, host Ryan Cartlidge is joined by the esteemed Dr. Susan Friedman and Rick Hester. Dr. Friedman, a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Psychology at Utah State University, has been a trailblazer in the field of animal behavior, with her work translated into over 15 languages and her influence felt globally. Rick Hester, the Curator of Behavioral Husbandry at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and adjunct faculty member at Colorado State University, has been collaborating with Dr. Friedman since 2015 to deepen the understanding of behavior analysis and its application to animal care.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The origins of LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive).
• Adoption of LIMA in animal training and its significance.
• Ethical considerations of applying LIMA in training practice.
• The continuum of intrusiveness in training procedures.
• Importance of providing animals with control over their outcomes.
• Differences in the interpretation and application of LIMA.
• Insights from Dr. Friedman's and Rick Hester.
• Future directions and ongoing developments in ethical animal training.

Learn more from Dr Friedman and get in touch with both her and Rick here >>> https://www.behaviorworks.org/

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:

1. Seize learning opportunities by connecting with top-tier education bodies like BIAZA, EAZA, and the Animal Behaviour Training Council (ABTC).
2. Emphasize quality over quantity in your training sessions, ensuring each moment is impactful and purposeful.
3. 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 equipped to sidestep common pitfalls and embrace an ethical and effective training methodology. Dive into this episode with us, and let's help you grow your animal training skills, knowledge and confidence so that you can have your biggest possible positive impact on the lives of all the animal and human learners you work with! 

Links

• The Animal Behaviour Training Council [ABTC] >>> https://abtc.org.uk
• ABTC standards >>> https://abtc.org.uk/practitioners-info/
• Zoo Animal Training Symposium poster
• Register for the ZATS 2023 conference HERE

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 Behaviour Analysis at Queen’s University Belfast. Currently she conducts research on canine learning, human-dog interactions, and owner training from a behaviour-analytic perspective as a Visiting Scholar affiliated with Queen’s University Belfast.

For links, visit here >>> 

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:

1. Be a Good Observer: Recognize both in and out of training behaviours that might be red flags for health issues.
2. Have a Whole Life Plan: Teach foundation behaviours early on to make future training for specific issues easier.
3. Educate Yourself: Learn about common issues that aging animals face, from pain and cognitive decline to kidney disease and arthritis.
4. Take a Wholistic Approach: Consider every component of care, from medications and environmental conditions to nutrition and daily husbandry.
5. Be Compassionate and Flexible: Understand what the animal is experiencing and modify your training expectations accordingly.

Don't let the challenges of caring for aging animals lead to stress, overwhelm, or burnout. By listening to this episode, you'll be better equipped to build resilience to setbacks, get more organized, and grow your training skills and knowledge. Enjoy confidence in yourself as a trainer and lead a fulfilling life, positively impacting the lives of the animal and human learners you work with.

Listen to the podcast episode now and transform your approach to aging animal care.

-- -- -- -- --

Debbie Marrin's email >>> debbiem@sfzoo.org

Links

• Doc; The benefits of training for aging animals [talked about in the episode]
• Geriatric animal observation log

1:27 – Ryan introduces Bryan.

3:35 – Bryan talks about Aubrey Daniels International.

7:07 – Bryan’s journey to behavioral analysis and work with organizations and businesses is discussed.

14:36 – Ryan asks Bryan if he always knew he wanted to work in Organizational Behavioral Management.

17:37 – Bryan talks about what he thinks his wife might say it is like to be married to someone who works in the field of behavioral science.

20:00 – “A day in the life of Bryan.”

24:09 – Bryan explains why they always teach organizational leaders about the science.

28:13 – Ryan shares a favorite story about teaching someone about the science of behavior.

31:32 - Find out more about Bryan and his work at Aubrey Daniels International at https://www.aubreydaniels.com/ or find him on LinkedIn.

34:28 – Bryan talks about what animal trainers are already doing really well that others could learn from beginning with embracing “the rat is always right” thinking.

40:25 – Bryan notes that animal trainers already do extremely well relying on positive reinforcement.

51:19 – The importance of precision of reinforcement delivery is discussed.

56:15 – Bryan says animal trainers use shaping and chaining better than most.

58:40 - Five things we can learn from Bryan’s work with organizations to be better animal trainers.

58:45 – Start by building relationships.

1:01 – Deliver reinforcement to human learners immediately or describe the behavior well enough so that the person knows what to repeat.

1:02 – When you coach behaviors, start with only one or two at a time and apply the concept of shaping.

1:04 – Develop a plan and collect data.

1:05 – In most organizations today, there is a lack of positive reinforcement.

1:10 – Bryan talks about what he hopes to see transpire with behavior science in the next 5-10 years.

1:12 – Bryan reminds everyone they can find out more about him at https://www.aubreydaniels.com/.

1:13 – Ryan thanks Bryan for coming on the show.

1:14 - Ryan directs people to www.animaltrainingacademy.com to find out more about ATA including membership.

Dante Camacho Bio

He’s a teacher for the “Animal Behavior and Welfare” post grad course at the UNIRP University. Since 2020  Dante has worked as a volunteer developing training programs and training staff at the Rio Preto Zoo.

To check all the links visit here -  https://atamember.com/2022/06/07/dante-camacho2/ 

* 3:38 – Marjie talks about how she became a dog trainer and shares some stories from that time.

* 20:13 – Marjie discusses how her approach to learning has helped her as the Executive Director of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).

* 24:50 – Ryan asks Marjie to talk a bit about what she means by some people viewing the use or non/use of certain tools in training as a religion.

* 30:11 – Marjie talks about the importance of accountability and collaboration in the field.

* 33:11 – The need for regulation in the industry is discussed.

* 35:36 - Marjie and Ryan talk about the potential benefits or harm of the use of the word “tribe”.

* 38:38 – Ryan asks Marjie if she thinks that people have a desire to belong to something and how we can satisfy that desire to people, while being inclusive.

* 51:12 – Marjie shares five important lessons she has learned that have helped her achieve success with the IAABC.

* 51:38 – 1.) “Never select ‘reply all’ by mistake.”

* 51:47 –  2.) “Be something people can move toward, rather than huddling against together”.

* 52:10 –  3.) “Fight for what’s right over what is popular”.

* 52:28 – 4.) “The internet will kill me someday”.

* 52:34 – 5.) “Most people are great.”

* 53:37 - Marjie talks about the “Lemonade Conference” which is being done in collaboration between the IAABC and Fenzi Dog Sports Academy.

* 57:15 – “The Pandemic Handbook” and “The Dog Trainer’s Handbook” will soon be available on the IAABC website .

* 1:02 – Marjie talks about what she would like to see happen in the next 5-10 years in the animal training world.

When standing in front of a giraffe training partner, Amy is acutely aware of how lucky she is to have been surrounded by such amazing people and animals throughout her life.  All of those people have led her to her current role, which is the Senior Animal Behaviorist for the International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe.  The organization is run by the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and partners with Dr. Susan Friedman and The Behavior Works Team. 

She's dabbled in field research, veterinary nursing, and zookeeping. While exploring all of the options of where she could best focus her time and energy to make a difference, she discovered the science of behavior change! ABA has changed how she's wors with both animals and people throughout the years. She enjoys coaching training sessions, running giraffe workshops, and continuing to learn from others.

For links visit here >>> https://atamember.com/2022/12/19/amy-schliz/

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, there's something in this episode for everyone.

Engage With Us:

If Francesca's story has sparked your interest or if you have your own experiences to share, we'd love to hear from you. Subscribe to our podcast, share this episode with your network, and join our dedicated membership for more discussions.

Looking Ahead:

Don't miss our next episode, where we'll delve into part two of our conversation with Francesca. Thank you for tuning in and for being a part of our ATA community.

Links;

• www.abaclinic.net
• https://www.facebook.com/francesca.d.espinosa

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/

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 not just understand animals better but also become a more effective advocate for their welfare and be better prepared to meet their need. Her expert insights help you break down the barriers and decipher what the animals are trying to communicate.

So tune in to our latest episode, "Asking the Animals: A Guide to Animal Welfare", and let Dr Fernandes guide you through the fascinating world of animal welfare. Discover a new understanding of animals and their needs and empower yourself to make a real difference in their lives. With this new knowledge, you're not just a listener; you're a changemaker in the realm of animal welfare.

Links:

www.animal-centric.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-fernandes-b3b22827/

MELISSA MILLETT - Professional Stunt and Movie Animal Trainer

Melissa is the founder and head trainer of In Dogs We Trust, The Ultimutts, and Ontario Animal Actors. 

Melissa has taught thousands of family pets, holds training workshops for professionals in the pet industry including Veterinary technicians, Rescue Organizations, Professional Dog Trainers and sessions for the staff and volunteers at the London Humane Society.

After joining the world of cat training, Melissa has offered online lessons to cat owners around the world and is part of the faculty for  ClickerExpo,  Melissa's own cat team (Sashimi, Tonic and Kit Kat) have acquired a Guinness World Record, travelled to California to earn 4 yesses on the America's Got Talent stage and performed in Hollywood Blockbusters and commercials. 

Most notably, Melissa was the key trainer for the cats for Stephen Kings 2019 Pet Sematary.  The dogs and cats represented by Ontario Animal Actors have been featured in Commercials for Tim Hortons, Duracell, a 2019 SUPERBOWL commercial and alongside A-list celebrities like Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell and Sam Worthington (Avatar)!

For the links visit here >> https://atamember.com/2022/06/20/melissa-millet/ 

Michelle Skurski Bio

Michelle is going on almost 30 years now training animals in a zoological setting.  She began her career at a facility called marine World Africa USA, training predominantly tigers.  She joined Disney in 1998 and in 2001 became a Zoological Manager of Behavioural Husbandry.  In this role she supports the animal care teams at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with maintaining training and enrichment programs for all species under their care.  Along with her special interest in tigers Michelle has a passion for training reptiles large and small.  Currently she sits on the AZA (American Zoological Association) Professional Development Committee and is co-course administrator and instructor for the AZA Professional Course: Environmental Enrichment in Zoo and Aquarium Settings.

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

1. Listen to the episode to immerse yourself in Eva's profound insights on cooperative care.
2. Grow your skills, knowledge, and confidence through Eva's shared experiences and strategies.
3. Impact the lives of animal and human learners by applying what you learn!

We don’t want you to feel stressed and overwhelmed by cooperative care challenges, we’re here to support your growth in skills and knowledge. Our aim is to build your confidence empowering you to make a profound positive impact on the lives you touch.

LINKS

• Eva's website >>> https://evabertilsson.com/
• Click here to access the exclusive Australasian event page on Eva Bertilsson's website.
• Click here to visit Canine Education Academy website and join their newsletter to stay up-to-date with Eva Bertilsson's event in Australia.
• Click here for Canine Education Academy Australia's Eva Bertilsson workshop event on Facebook.
• Click here for the ATA & Pawsitive Behaviours New Zealand workshop event with Eva Bertilsson on Facebook.

* 4:06 - Steve talks about when he first learned about positive reinforcement training and shares some stories from that time.

* 8:45 – Steve shares about learning to give the animal a voice by being a student of body language and his move to becoming “the partner of the bird”.

* 12:43 – Ryan asks Steve to share with the listeners how they might become better observers of behavior.

* 16:15 – Steve talks about his process in building high trust accounts with people to give them feedback in order to help them improve their training.

* 29:38 – Ryan asks Steve to talk about something he heard him say years ago “I don’t aim to be the smartest person in the room.”

* 34:47 - Steve talks about how meeting Dr. Susan Friedman has impacted his life.

* 40:13 – Steve talks about his work consulting at zoos, his work travelling to observe natural behavior, and his new work moving into the world of virtual consulting.

* 44:04 – New learning opportunities through NEI TEC are discussed and can be found by visiting https://naturalencounters.com/.

* 50:17 – Inspiring caring that leads to conservation action is discussed.

* 59:47 - Steve discusses what he would like to see happen in the next 5-10 years in the world of positive reinforcement animal training.

• 4:40 - Ryan asks Amy to take us back to when she started with training with positive reinforcement.
• 9:30 - Ryan and Amy discuss her PhD further and the questions that were raised through her PhD and how her research resulted in studying and researching studies involving children.
• 15:40 - Amy explains that the approach at UC Berkeley was focused around cognition rather than psychology and asking cognitive questions rather than focussing on ethology and behaviour. She details how the questions we ask about dogs tend to mirror the questions that we ask about children.
• 32:20 - Amy Cook explains how she started working with Denise at the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy and expands how play became an important part in her thoughts.
• 42:00 - Amy describes play as a therapy for the animal.
• 45:30 - Amy explains how having a low value play interaction allows us to see when they ‘can’t’ respond.
• 49:35 - Amy highlights using play in a set up and starting it in the environment when a dog is under threshold with a detailed example.
• 56:20 - Amy explains how using ‘theraplay’ and social play can be used as an early warning system, to indicate the low levels of stress the dog may be exhibiting in an environment.
• 58:30 - Ryan discusses with Amy an article regarding The Play Way written in the Whole Dog Journal.
• 1:05:50 - Ryan and Amy encapsulate the overall principle to training with the play way.

Lisa, PhD, CBCC-KA, is an Associate Professor at Coastal Carolina University in the Psycholgy Department and directors the laboratory for animal behaviour and welfare. Before beginning her graduate studies, she worked for nearly a decade with pets in animal shelters and with dogs and their owners. Lisa's research aims to better the lives of companion animals and their owners. Under the mentorship of Clive Wynne, Lisa earned her Masters in 2015 and her PhD in 2018 as a graduate student in the behavioural neuroscience and comparative psychology program at Arizona State University. 

Prior to her graduate school, she worked as a behaviour consultant and trainer in San Francisco, where she taught group classes and consulted with owners experiencing issues of fear, anxiety, and aggression with their dogs. Her interest in canine behaviour began in 2002 as an animal shelter volunteer, training dogs in basic skills and assisting in shelter dog playgroups. That interest grew into a career where she managed the behaviour programs of several shelters throughout the West.

 These experiences led Lisa to co-found Wagfield Academy, an online dog training and behaviour resource for owners (which was acquired by the Humane Society of the United States Pets for Life program), and the Institute for Shelter Dogs with past ATA podcast guest Dr Erica Feuerbacher, where they combine the latest in shelter research with the current best practices in workshops for staff and volunteers.Six years ago, she founded and annually organised the Canine Science Symposium, which regularly disseminated the latest applied canine science to practitioners from across the country and excitingly might be returning in 2023

For links CLICK HERE >>> https://atamember.com/2022/09/12/lisa-gunter/

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 remains the heart project, with the monthly workshops and strong community providing a safe anchor for kids during the challenging teenage years. The focus for all the youth programs is on animal welfare and trainer skills, and the underlying values of compassion, consent, confidence, resilience and respect – for animals, and for humans. 

Over the years the videos of these classes posted on Positively Together social media pages have prompted enthusiastic enquiries from trainers around the world wanting advice on how to design and launch similar programs. Bex has guided many people through this process one-on-one, but  as a firm believer that, as Dr Friedman says, “All of us are smarter than one of us”, a new idea was born.  Therefore, launching in 2023 is a BRAND NEW offering from Positively Together – “Shaping the Future”.  This is a coaching collective and community where those of us who are interested in teaching kids and animals can come together to share ideas and advice, gain support, get inspired, and ultimately get started with changing the world!  If you have a special interest in this field, in any capacity, we would love you to join us.

For links visit >>> https://atamember.com/2023/01/16/bex-tasker-2/