Libsyn Directory

Cynthia Minden: The Heart & Science of Donkey Training [Episode 41]

Release Date: 11/30/2023

Wendy Katz – Lessons From Dogs, Science, and Life [Episode 62]

Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

In this inspiring episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we’re joined by the thoughtful and compassionate Wendy Katz - Ph.D. biologist, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, CPDT-KA, Fear Free Professional, certified Control Unleashed Instructor, and Family Dog Mediator. Wendy shares her remarkable journey from biomedical research to professional dog training, weaving together personal experience, academic rigor, and decades of hands-on work with dogs and their families. Along the way, she reflects on the dogs who shaped her path, the challenges of shifting careers, and the lessons...

Choice, Control & Conservation with Olly Jacobs & Calum Torcasio [Episode 61]

Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Olly Jacobs (he/him) and Calum Torcasio (they/them) from Moonlit Sanctuary - two zookeepers whose passion for animal welfare and behavior science shines through every word. From early dreams of working with animals to becoming key members of Moonlit’s show and mammal teams, their parallel journeys are filled with curiosity, grit, and deep respect for the animals they care for. Olly and Calum share their unique entry points into zookeeping, the roles that education, volunteering, and community played in launching their careers, and how their love...

Ryan Cartlidge — Celebrating a Decade of Animal Training Academy [Episode 60]

Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

In this special 60th episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we’re celebrating a major milestone - 10 years of Animal Training Academy! And who better to join us for the celebration than the founder himself, Ryan Cartlidge. Ryan has worked professionally with animal behavior and training since 2007, across zoos and organizations throughout Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the US. He’s a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (KPA), Fear Free Certified Professional, Family Paws Parent Educator, and Level 1 Certified TAGteach Instructor. But most notably, he’s the visionary behind ATA - the...

Zuzia Kubica: Building Trust with Dogs and the People Who Love Them [Episode 59]

Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

In this heartfelt and compelling episode, we meet Zuzia Kubica - Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, founder of CoeurCanin, and passionate advocate for animals who walk the wilder edges of society. From befriending street dogs as a child in communist Poland to developing a thriving behavior consultancy in Quebec, Zuzia’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Zuzia shares how her upbringing among free-roaming animals and a nature-loving family laid the foundation for a life built on curiosity, empathy, and quiet rebellion against coercion. Her first dog, Zorro - a reactive, resilient...

From Overwhelm to Understanding: Martina Luisetti’s Training Journey [Episode 58]

Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we're joined by Martina Luisetti, Certified Dog Trainer and founder of ULI Dog Training in the UK. Martina brings a refreshing and compassionate perspective to canine behavior, offering training that’s as much about the humans as it is about the dogs. With a background shaped by personal growth and a deep love for animals, Martina shares how her passion for trauma-informed care, attachment theory, and relational safety informs her training methods. Her work centers on supporting excitable dogs and their guardians through classes like Fun Agility...

April Williams: A Kind Approach to Dog Grooming and Training [Episode 57]

Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we're joined by April Williams, the passionate owner and operator of All About The Hound dog services in Masterton, New Zealand. With 13 years of experience, April is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and Certified Professional Groomer who is dedicated to providing stress-free grooming and training experiences. April's commitment to kind and gentle training is evident in her specialized "Little Groomies" Puppy Grooming Intro packages, designed to ease puppies into the grooming process. She shares her journey from...

Raoudha Mairos: The Journey from Fearful to Fearless Dog Trainer [Episode 56]

Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we’re delighted to welcome Raoudha Mairos, a passionate dog trainer and behavior consultant, as she shares her inspiring journey from fearing dogs to dedicating her life to understanding and improving animal welfare. As the founder of Sunny Paws, Raoudha offers one-on-one coaching to help dogs and their guardians build confidence, trust, and a stress-free bond. She also co-founded Global Animal Experts, a platform that connects professionals in the French-speaking community with expert insights through courses and webinars. Raoudha’s story is...

Samantha Rubio: Challenging Old Beliefs in Horse Training [Episode 55]

Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Samantha Rubio, a dedicated horse trainer specialising in positive reinforcement and equine rehabilitation. Based in Montgomery County, Maryland, Samantha works at a cutting-edge equine behavior and sports medicine rehabilitation facility while also running her own training business. Samantha shares her inspiring journey from a childhood passion for animals to earning her degree in Animal Science and Neurobiology at Cornell University. She opens up about her experience bridging the gap between academic research and...

Eileen Anderson: Writing, Mentorship, and Dog Behavior Science [Episode 54]

Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Eileen Anderson—writer, researcher, and advocate for humane dog training. Eileen is the author of Remember Me?, a Maxwell Award-winning book on canine cognitive dysfunction, and a thought leader in the world of positive reinforcement training. Eileen shares her fascinating journey from engineering and music to becoming a trusted voice in the animal behavior community. She discusses how a chance adoption of a challenging dog named Summer set her on a path of discovery, leading her to the world of behavior science, dog...

Dr. Daniela Zurr: Integrating TTouch and Behavioral Medicine Across Species [Episode 53]

Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Daniela Zurr, a distinguished behavioral veterinarian from Nuremberg, Germany. With over 25 years of experience as a veterinarian and a Tellington TTouch instructor, Dr. Zurr combines her expertise in behavioral medicine, zoo animal consultations, and positive reinforcement training to create innovative approaches to animal care. Dr. Zurr shares her journey from an early passion for reptiles to her current role, where she works with a wide range of animals, from household pets to zoo residents. She discusses the...

More Episodes

Venturing into the world of training a different species - like donkeys - often presents a mix of complexity and stress as we attempt to adapt our existing skills to unfamiliar territory.

Therefore, this episode, featuring our special guest, Cynthia Minden, aims to shed light on these challenges. Cynthia is a passionate advocate for positive reinforcement and a seasoned donkey trainer. In this episode, she shares her valuable insights and experiences to guide and inspire us.

Cynthia's story begins in 2002 when two donkeys arrived unexpectedly at her farm on Denman Island, BC. This marked the start of an incredible journey, taking her from traditional training methods to the transformative world of clicker training. She has learned from renowned experts and continues to deepen her understanding and bond with these magnificent creatures.

This episode is packed with valuable insights, but let's highlight three key takeaways you won't want to miss:

1. Positive Reinforcement in Animal Training: Cynthia's transformative journey from traditional to positive reinforcement methods in donkey training showcases the power of positive reinforcement and trust-building. She shares how clicker training revolutionised her approach, leading to stronger, more respectful relationships with donkeys.

2. Understanding and Appreciating Donkeys: Dive into the emotional world of donkeys with Cynthia's insights. Her experiences reveal the depth of their personalities and the importance of recognising their unique communicative nature, enriching your perspective on these often misunderstood animals.

3. Challenges and Strategies in Donkey Training: Learn practical solutions to common training hurdles. Cynthia discusses her strategies for managing persistent behaviours, emphasising the importance of patience, detailed planning, and innovative training techniques, including the use of video footage for review and improvement.

This episode is more than just Cynthia’s story; it's a guide to navigating the complexities of our roles as trainers. By listening to Cynthia's experiences, you'll gain new knowledge and confidence to help you tackle your own training challenges.

Links;

www.cynthiamindenartsandequine.ca
www.cynthiaminden.com

Photo credit: Bellaphoto, Courtenay BC

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