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Emma Cook: Nurturing Confidence in Canine Care [Episode 45]

Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

Release Date: 05/02/2024

Shifting Perspectives in Wildlife Rehabilitation with Debbie Sykes [Episode 73] show art Shifting Perspectives in Wildlife Rehabilitation with Debbie Sykes [Episode 73]

Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

In this inspiring episode of the Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples podcast, host Shelly Wood sits down with Debbie Sykes — veterinary technician, instructor for the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, and speaker chair for the Clinical Animal Behavior Conference — for a rich conversation about wildlife rehabilitation, animal welfare, and the power of shifting our perspective to see care through the animal's eyes. With an extensive background spanning two decades in wildlife rehabilitation, Debbie shares her journey from stumbling into the field in Southern California to...

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Beyond the Training Plan: Prioritizing the Human-Canine Bond with Jimmy Maxwell [Episode 72] show art Beyond the Training Plan: Prioritizing the Human-Canine Bond with Jimmy Maxwell [Episode 72]

Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples podcast, host Shelly Wood sits down with Jimmy Maxwell—founder of Leap Canine Coaching—to explore the powerful intersection of human behavior, empathy, and science-based dog training. Jimmy shares his unexpected journey into the industry, which began not with dogs, but through years of youth ministry. He offers an honest account of growing up with a "traditional" view of dog training and the pivotal, eye-opening experience with his own chocolate Lab, Lambeau, that shifted his perspective toward reinforcement-based methods....

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From Microchips to Mutts with Alamelu Sankaranarayanan [Episode 71] show art From Microchips to Mutts with Alamelu Sankaranarayanan [Episode 71]

Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

In this fascinating episode of the Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples podcast, host Shelly Wood sits down with Alamelu Sankaranarayanan—a KPA-certified training partner based in the San Francisco Bay Area—for a deep dive into the intersection of technology, science, and the evolving dialogue between humans and animals. Alamelu shares her remarkable journey from pursuing a PhD in computer engineering and designing microchips to finding her "true north" in the world of positive reinforcement animal training. Alamelu reflects on her roots in India, where the cultural message to stay away...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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More Episodes

Welcome to another episode of the Making Ripples podcast, where we explore the journeys and insights of the amazing trainers that make up the Animal Training Academy Membership. In this episode, we are thrilled to host Emma Cook, a progressive dog groomer and trainer from Adelaide, South Australia. Emma, the heart behind The Funky Foxhound, shares her compassionate approach to dog grooming and training, where each session is tailored to the needs of dogs who find grooming challenging.

Emma delves into her personal and professional journey, illustrating how her childhood experiences shaped her compassionate, holistic approach to animal care. By fostering an environment of trust and safety, she ensures that the dogs she works with feel empowered and secure, thus transforming grooming from a stressful chore to a positive, enriching experience.

Throughout our conversation, Emma highlights the significance of positive-reinforcement training, cooperative care, and the critical role of autonomy in animal grooming. Her work not only enhances the grooming experience for her canine clients but also educates other professionals on the benefits of fear-free practices.

Join us as Emma Cook shares valuable insights into creating a more humane and responsive approach to dog grooming, proving that understanding and patience can truly make ripples in the world of animal care.

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