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The Human Element in Animal Training Teams with Dr. Christy Alligood [Episode 242]

Release Date: 12/02/2024

Movement, Mindfulness, and Mastery with Lori Stevens [Episode 267]

Animal Training Academy

In this reflective and wisdom-filled conversation, Ryan Cartlidge welcomes back Lori Stevens, canine fitness, movement, and behavior specialist, creator of the Balance Harness, and long-time leader in the world of positive reinforcement training. As Lori marks her retirement from the professional speaking circuit, she takes us through the lessons that have defined her teaching philosophy and the perspectives that continue to guide her today. Drawing from decades of experience, Lori shares how her background in dance and movement shaped her keen eye for posture, balance, and subtle physical...

Generalization, Growth & Good Faith Learning – Ellen Yoakum [Episode 266]

Animal Training Academy

In this insightful conclusion to our two-part conversation, Ellen Yoakum—Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Behavior Consultant, KPA CTP, and Behavior Consultant with Pet Harmony—returns to explore how we can thoughtfully apply the learning principles we use with our animal learners to ourselves and the humans we work with. Building on the foundations of Part One, Ellen and Ryan dive into the complexities of generalization—how humans, much like our non-human learners, can struggle to transfer skills across contexts. From communication and empathy to client coaching and professional growth,...

Good Enough to Get Going: Lessons from Ellen Yoakum [Episode 265]

Animal Training Academy

In this thoughtful first half of a two-part conversation, we’re joined by the insightful and articulate Ellen Yoakum—Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Behavior Consultant, KPA CTP, and Behavior Consultant with Pet Harmony. Ellen’s path in animal behavior began at the University of Washington, where she immersed herself in captive animal welfare and enrichment research under mentors including Dr. Eduardo Fernandez, Dr. James Ha, and Dr. Renee Ha. From conducting enrichment studies with gray wolves, penguins, and brown bears to working with Natural Encounters Inc. on free-flight avian...

Megan Sanders: Why Training the Trainer Changes Everything [Episode 264]

Animal Training Academy

In this second half of our two-part conversation, we’re joined again by the insightful Megan Sanders—zoo behavior consultant, educator, and long-time advocate for evidence-based training. Building on Part One, where we explored Megan’s career journey and the value of leaning into discomfort, this episode dives into her master’s thesis research on how best to teach the teachers—animal trainers themselves. Megan shares how tools like Behavior Skills Training (BST) and PORTL can systematically shape trainer mechanics, improve procedural fidelity, and ultimately lead to less stressed,...

Megan Sanders: Training Journeys Across Species and Settings [Episode 263]

Animal Training Academy

In this inspiring first half of a two-part conversation, we’re joined by the accomplished and thoughtful Megan Sanders—zoo behavior consultant, educator, and long-time advocate for evidence-based training. With over 23 years in the zoo field, much of it at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Megan’s journey has spanned caring for everything from goats and guinea pigs to snow leopards and mountain lions. Along the way, she became CMZ’s first Animal Behavior Programs Manager, helped launch zoo-wide training and enrichment initiatives, and co-developed courses that have shaped the next generation of...

Mari Valgma – Unlocking the Power of Movement Puzzles [Episode 262]

Animal Training Academy

In the second half of this enlightening conversation, we’re once again joined by Dr. Mari Valgma—Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer, creator of Movement Puzzles, and founder of The Moving Canine. After hearing Mari’s remarkable journey in part one, we now dive deep into the work that has touched thousands of dogs and their humans worldwide. Mari unpacks the origins and applications of Movement Puzzles, sharing how a simple idea has blossomed into a global community dedicated to canine fitness, confidence, and joy. Together, we explore: ✅ The philosophy and structure behind...

Mari Valgma and The Journey Behind Movement Puzzles [Episode 261]

Animal Training Academy

In this inspiring first half of a two-part conversation, we’re joined by the innovative and passionate Dr. Mari Valgma - Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer, creator of Movement Puzzles, and trailblazer bringing evidence-based training from Estonia to the world. Mari’s story is anything but ordinary. From pursuing a PhD in maritime engineering in the UK to pioneering canine fitness training back home in Estonia, her journey reflects a powerful blend of problem-solving, resilience, and creativity. What started as a search to support her own dog’s joint health has grown into...

The Reinforcement History We Ask Others to Ignore with Adam Skandarani [Episode 260]

Animal Training Academy

In this second installment of our two-part conversation, Adam Skandarani returns to explore one of the most nuanced and vital topics in our industry: the intersection of art, science, and culture in animal training. Blending professional insight, lived experience, and thoughtful introspection, Adam and Ryan unpack the complexities that arise when training mechanics meet real-world messiness—where logical reasoning, cultural norms, and individual values can shape how training is practiced, received, and understood. Together, we explore: ✅ The difference between applying science and...

From Lunging to Learning: Flash Gordon’s Legacy with Adam Skandarani [Episode 259]

Animal Training Academy

In this powerful and heartfelt first part of a two-part conversation, we’re joined by the insightful and compassionate Adam Skandarani—Certified Control Unleashed Instructor, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, and tireless advocate for both dogs with Really Big Feelings and the humans who support them. Adam takes us on their “behavior odyssey,” tracing a journey shaped by learning, unlearning, and growing alongside their two Boxers—Sansa and the unforgettable Flash Gordon. Through stories that are raw, moving, and instructive, Adam shares how Flash, with all his...

Juliana DeWillems: Beyond Training - How Management Shapes Behavior [Episode 258]

Animal Training Academy

In the second part of our conversation with Juliana DeWillems - Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, faculty member at the Karen Pryor Academy, and author of Manage It! - we dive headfirst into a topic often overlooked in our industry: management. Juliana unpacks why management is more than just a stopgap solution and how it can serve as a powerful, proactive, and compassionate tool for behavior change. Drawing from the content of her book and years of hands-on experience, Juliana walks us through how antecedent arrangement, environmental adjustments, and unmet needs shape the behaviors we...

More Episodes

In this insightful episode of the Animal Training Academy Podcast, Ryan Carledge is joined by the esteemed Dr. Christy Alligood-Rice, a leader in the field of behavior analysis. Dr. Alligood-Rice brings over 20 years of experience and a unique perspective, blending the science of behavior with the practice of animal training, particularly through her work at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and in academic roles at the University of Kansas.

Together, Ryan and Dr. Alligood-Rice explore one of the most challenging aspects of animal training: navigating team dynamics while implementing best practices for behavior change. They dive deep into how organizational culture, individual learning histories, and social reinforcers can either support or hinder progress in training environments such as zoos, animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and beyond.

Dr. Alligood-Rice emphasizes the importance of understanding both human and nonhuman learners, discussing how culture and leadership can influence behavior and training outcomes. Whether you’re facing resistance to change, navigating difficult team dynamics, or striving to implement new systems, this episode provides valuable strategies for creating sustainable, positive change in animal care settings.

What You'll Discover in This Episode:

The role of organizational culture in shaping animal care and training practices.
How team dynamics and social reinforcers affect the implementation of behavior change.
Strategies for overcoming resistance to change in animal care environments.
The importance of celebrating small wins and focusing on gradual progress in training.
How to navigate the complexities of working with both human and animal learners.

Why This Episode is a Must-Listen:
Dr. Alligood-Rice offers practical insights for anyone working in animal care environments, helping listeners understand the human elements that influence training success. Whether you're in a leadership role or part of a team, this episode is packed with strategies for fostering collaboration, improving training practices, and enhancing the welfare of the animals in your care.

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