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Honoring the No, Shaping the Yes with Dr. Susan Friedman [Episode 250]

Release Date: 03/24/2025

Peggy Hogan: Teaching Horses with Clarity, Kindness & Clickers [Episode 251]

Animal Training Academy

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Peggy Hogan, an esteemed positive reinforcement trainer known for her groundbreaking work with horses. Peggy’s journey into animal training began at a young age, fueled by a deep love for horses and a natural curiosity about communication between humans and animals. Over the years, she explored various training methodologies before fully embracing clicker training—an approach that prioritizes choice, consent, and clear communication. Throughout this engaging conversation, Peggy shares her evolution from...

Honoring the No, Shaping the Yes with Dr. Susan Friedman [Episode 250]

Animal Training Academy

Podcast Synopsis In this milestone episode of the Animal Training Academy Podcast, host Ryan Cartlidge is joined once again by the incredible Dr. Susan G. Friedman—a leading expert in behavioral science and animal training. A returning guest every 50th episode, Susan brings her extensive knowledge and decades of experience to discuss the evolving role of negative reinforcement in ethical training, recognizing subtle "no" signals from animals, and the power of behavioral science to create more informed trainers. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of: ✅ The importance of teaching...

ACE Free Work and the Art of Canine Observation with Sarah Fisher [Episode 249]

Animal Training Academy

In part two of our engaging conversation with Sarah Fisher, renowned canine and equine behavior advisor and co-founder of Animal Centred Education (ACE), we dive even deeper into the transformative power of ACE Free Work. Sarah shares extraordinary insights from her decades of experience, explaining how detailed observations, movement analysis, and sensory experiences can add immense value to the way we understand and support our dogs. Sarah recounts pivotal moments that shaped the evolution of Free Work, including how dogs like Oscar, Cookie Dough, and Henry played a crucial role in its...

Sarah Fisher’s Journey into Animal Centred Education [Episode 248]

Animal Training Academy

In part one of this compelling two-part episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast, we are honored to welcome Sarah Fisher, a renowned canine and equine behavior advisor, educator, and co-founder of Animal Centred Education (ACE). With nearly 30 years of experience working with animals, Sarah has dedicated her career to helping trainers, caregivers, and behavior professionals develop a deeper understanding of their animal learners. In this first part of our conversation, Sarah takes us on a heartfelt journey through her formative years and the pivotal moments that shaped her approach to...

Chris Jenkins on Leadership, Learning, and Moving the Needle [Episode 247]

Animal Training Academy

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy Podcast, Ryan Cartlidge welcomes back Chris Jenkins, Chief Operating Officer of Natural Encounters, Inc. (NEI). Chris has spent decades in the field of animal training and behavior management, working with zoos, theme parks, and professional organizations worldwide. As a leader in animal training education, he has played a crucial role in shaping NEI’s training programs, consulting with organizations to improve animal welfare, staff training, and guest experience. Chris shares his insights on leadership, professional growth, and how behavior...

Exploring 24/7 Animal Welfare with Sabrina Brando [Episode 246]

Animal Training Academy

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy Podcast, Ryan Cartlidge welcomes back Sabrina Brando, a psychologist and the Director of AnimalConcepts, for an engaging discussion on the intersection of animal welfare, human well-being, and environmental care. Sabrina brings decades of experience from her work in zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, and academic settings worldwide. In this episode, Sabrina shares five key areas where animal training principles are integral to her work, covering a broad spectrum of species and settings, from zoos to city farms. Listeners will gain insights into her...

Navigating Feather-Destructive Behaviors with Belinda Young [Episode 245]

Animal Training Academy

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...

Exploring Canine Play with Craig Ogilvie [Episode 244]

Animal Training Academy

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...

Craig Ogilvie’s Training Journey; From Police Dogs to Play [Episode 243]

Animal Training Academy

In this engaging two-part episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Craig Ogilvie, a globally respected dog trainer, behavior consultant, and business mentor. Craig has dedicated his career to having his biggest possible positive impact on the world of dog training with his innovative interactive play approach and a deep understanding of canine behavior. In this first part of our conversation, Craig shares his journey that brought him from his early days as a child inspired by his grandfather’s work with police dogs to becoming one of the UK’s top subject...

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

Animal Training Academy

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...

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Podcast Synopsis

In this milestone episode of the Animal Training Academy Podcast, host Ryan Cartlidge is joined once again by the incredible Dr. Susan G. Friedman—a leading expert in behavioral science and animal training. A returning guest every 50th episode, Susan brings her extensive knowledge and decades of experience to discuss the evolving role of negative reinforcement in ethical training, recognizing subtle "no" signals from animals, and the power of behavioral science to create more informed trainers.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of:
✅ The importance of teaching animals to say "no" and trainers to honor it
✅ The ethical application of negative reinforcement in animal training
✅ Sub-threshold training techniques to reduce stress and improve communication
✅ The impact of non-linear contingency analysis in understanding complex behaviors
✅ Why positive reinforcement training has been so successful—and the next frontier of voluntary medical procedures

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about progressive, evidence-based training methods. Whether you're an animal trainer, behavior consultant, or just fascinated by the science of learning, Dr. Friedman's insights will challenge your thinking and push the boundaries of what's possible in ethical animal training.

🔗 Want to learn more? Be sure to check out Dr. Friedman’s resources at www.behaviorworks.org and explore the wealth of courses available through her work.

Podcast Synopsis

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