Libsyn Directory

A Nose for Growth: Jess Ghali's Evolution in Animal Care [Episode 43]

Release Date: 02/01/2024

Giving Animals a Say: The Journey to Force-Free with Simone Tuten [Episode 70]

Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

In this enlightening episode of the Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples podcast, host Shelly Wood sits down with Simone Tuten—an animal behavior consultant and trainer based in Western Australia—for a deep conversation about the evolution of empathy, the science of behavior, and the profound impact of giving animals a voice . Simone works with both dogs and horses, bringing a unique multi-species perspective grounded in the firm belief that animals are sentient individuals who deserve to feel safe and understood . Simone shares her journey from a "shy child" who once comforted a...

From Canes to Canines with Anna Gigliotti-Skret [Episode 69]

Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

Podcast Synopsis In this insightful episode of the Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples podcast, host Shelly Wood sits down with Anna Gigliotti-Skret—a behavior-focused dog trainer based in Fremantle, Western Australia—for a deep dive into the intersection of human disability services and compassionate animal training. Anna shares her fascinating career evolution, starting from her roots in orientation and mobility instruction for the blind to her extensive experience as a Seeing Eye Dog instructor. Anna discusses the unique challenges of bridging the gap between high-stakes service dog...

Xenia Jones - Rescue, Resilience, and Behaviour Change Across the World [Episode 68]

Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

In this inspiring episode of the Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples podcast, host Shelly Wood sits down with Xenia Jones — Behavior Therapist at the Animal Behavior Wellness Center in Northern Virginia — for a rich conversation about rescue, resilience, and the power of science-based, compassionate behavior support. With a lifelong background rescuing dogs and cats across five countries — from her native Costa Rica, to South Florida, Spain, Taiwan, and China — Xenia shares the extraordinary experiences that shaped her trauma-informed, choice-based approach to helping both...

Rosina’s Legacy and the Power of Connection with Pipsa Toikka [Episode 67]

Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

In this warm, reflective, and deeply human episode of the Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples podcast, we are joined by Finnish dog enthusiast and Pawsitive Wellness Coach-to-be Pipsa Toikka, whose journey into animal training began later in life - and changed everything. After raising three boys and building a career in singing, drama, and clown work, Pipsa welcomed her first-ever dog, Rosina, in 2011. A spirited Vizsla–Weimaraner mix with a strong independent streak, Rosina was both a challenge and a profound teacher. Through their years together, Pipsa learned patience, trust, recall...

Practicing Gratitude Inside and Outside ATA with Ryan Cartlidge, Shelly Wood & Belinda Young [Episode 66]

Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

In this reflective and values-driven episode of the Making Ripples podcast, host Shelly Wood is joined by Animal Training Academy founder Ryan Cartlidge and companion animal trainer Belinda Young for a rich conversation about gratitude - one of ATA’s core values - and the powerful role it plays in learning, community, and wellbeing. Together, Shelly, Ryan, and Belinda share personal stories, professional insights, and candid reflections on how intentional gratitude shapes the culture of Animal Training Academy and creates safer, more supportive spaces for human learners. From early...

Caroline Ritter on Horse Training, Cognitive Science, and Somatic Learning [Episode 65]

Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

In this fascinating and thoughtful episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we welcome Caroline Ritter—a positive reinforcement horse trainer, a certified Feldenkrais teacher, and a true behavior nerd with an academic background in cognitive science. Living and working in Vienna, Austria, Caroline shares her remarkable journey, starting from a life spent with horses, dogs, and cats, to her deep dive into learning theory through dog agility and clicker training. She discusses the pivotal moment that led her to switch her horses over to positive reinforcement, not out of necessity to solve...

Caitlin Cohn on Cooperative Care, Consent, and Cats [Episode 64]

Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

In this heartfelt episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we welcome the thoughtful and dedicated Caitlin Cohn - professional dog trainer, cooperative care advocate, and proud human to Elvis the Maine Coon. Caitlin shares her journey from horses to dogs to cats, and how each species has shaped her perspective on training, autonomy, and the human-animal bond. From her early experiences working at liberty with horses, to volunteering at a therapeutic riding center and training assistance dogs, Caitlin reflects on the pivotal moments that led her to positive reinforcement and force-free methods....

Jillian Howlett – Learning From Dogs, Growing With People [Episode 63]

Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

In this heartfelt episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we’re joined by Jillian Howlett – Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and founder of Walk and Train ACT. From her early days growing up surrounded by animals in rural Victoria, to discovering the transformative power of clicker training with her deaf Koolie cross Archie, Jill shares the winding path that led her from a career in education to her current work supporting dogs and their people in Canberra, Australia. Together, we explore: ✅ How Jill’s childhood with spirited animals shaped her perspective on learning and...

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...

More Episodes

In this insightful episode of the 'Making Ripples' podcast, hosted by Shelly Wood of the Animal Training Academy, we dive into the multifaceted world of animal training with our esteemed guest, Jess Ghali. Jess, hailing from Marulan, Australia, brings a wealth of experience from her journey in the field of animal care and training.

Jess, who transitioned from aspiring to be a zookeeper to becoming a dog trainer, and eventually a specialist in nosework, shares her unique story of resilience and adaptation. We explore the highs and lows of her career, including her pivot from general administration to finding her true calling with dogs, and how the pandemic played a critical role in reshaping her professional path.

This episode touches upon the emotional dimensions of animal care professions, a topic close to Jess's heart. Jess candidly discusses the challenges of compassion fatigue and burnout, issues that are sometimes overlooked in the animal care community. Her passion for addressing these emotional aspects and providing support is evident throughout the conversation.

We also delve into the practical aspects of Jess's work, from her innovative 'Free Sniff Fridays' at Serenity Scent Work to her approach in managing behavioral issues in dogs through nosework. Jess highlights the therapeutic aspects of nosework, emphasizing its importance in creating a harmonious relationship between dogs and their owners.

Join us for this episode of 'Making Ripples' as Jess Ghali enlightens us with her experiences, struggles, and triumphs in the realm of animal training, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and continuous learning in this ever-evolving field. Jess's journey is not just about training animals, but also about nurturing a community of compassionate and informed animal care professionals.

Links

Serenity Dog Training Official Website: Visit serenitydogtraining.com.au for comprehensive information about Jess Ghali's services, training programs, and her unique approach to dog training and nosework.
Serenity Dog Training on Facebook: Follow Jess on Facebook for the latest updates, training tips, and community stories at Serenity Scent Work Facebook Page.
Serenity Dog Training on Instagram: Get a visual glimpse into the world of Serenity Dog Training. Follow Jess's journey on Instagram at Serenity Scent Work Instagram.
Serenity Scent Work on YouTube: Watch engaging videos and tutorials on nosework training by Jess at Serenity Scent Work YouTube Channel.
Colleen Pelar's Podcast: Discover insightful discussions on animal training and care in Colleen Pelar's podcast. Listen to episodes featuring Jess and other experts at Colleen Pelar's Podcast.

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