Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

A show highlighting the animal training subject matter experts that make up the Animal Training Academy membership community

Dr. Daniela Zurr: Integrating TTouch and Behavioral Medicine Across Species [Episode 53] 01/02/2025

Kristi Martin: A Passion for Behavior, From Zoos to Veterinary Practice [Episode 52] 12/05/2024

Juliette Nash; Cats to whales & back again, a Behavior Nerds journey [Episode 51] 10/31/2024

Empathy, Growth, and Behavior Science with Teisha Rolph [Episode 50] 10/03/2024

Positive Reinforcement and the Power of Patience with Pernilla Elving [Episode 49] 09/05/2024

Carmaleta Aufderheide on Conflict Resolution & Dog Training [Episode 48] 08/01/2024

Robin Horemans: The Journey of a Parrot Behavior Consultant [Episode 47] 07/04/2024

Robin Horemans: The Journey of a Parrot Behavior Consultant [Episode 47] In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we are delighted to welcome Robin Horemans, the owner of Parrot SOS, to share her expertise and passion for avian behavior and training. Robin has dedicated her career to improving the lives of pet bird owners and their feathered companions by providing quality education materials that enhance communication and bonding. Robin's journey began in 1998 at the Hagen's Avicultural Research Institute (HARI), and over the years, she has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and certifications, including being a Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant with the IAABC, a Certified Professional Bird Trainer with the IATCB, and a Certified Training Partner with the Karen Pryor Academy. She is also an Accredited Dog Trainer with IAABC. In this episode, Robin shares her fascinating story of growing up with animals, her early experiences with budgies, and her academic pursuit of a degree in biology. She discusses the challenges and rewards of working with birds, the importance of foundation skills in bird training, and how these skills can prevent behavioral issues and rehoming. Robin also delves into the specifics of her training methodology, including her innovative approach to online classes and private consultations, which have broadened her reach and impact. Robin's dedication to evidence-based behavior change shines through as she describes her work with both pet and foster birds, highlighting her problem-solving strategies and the unique needs of avian companions. This episode is packed with valuable insights for bird owners and trainers alike, emphasizing the importance of positive reinforcement and continuous learning. Join us as Robin Horemans shares her journey, expertise, and practical tips for building stronger relationships with your pet birds. Whether you are a seasoned bird owner or new to the avian world, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Links /episode/index/show/ata-ripple-makers/id/31991817

Expert Tips for Border Collie Owners from Sarah Hedderly [Episode 46] 06/06/2024

Expert Tips for Border Collie Owners from Sarah Hedderly [Episode 46] In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Sarah Hedderly, a distinguished dog trainer specializing in Border Collies. With a wealth of experience working exclusively with this breed, Sarah provides a unique and in-depth perspective on the nuances and challenges specific to Border Collies. Prior to her specialization, Sarah worked as a McTimoney Animal Chiropractor and ran in-person dog training classes based on the Control Unleashed system [from Leslie Mcdevitt]. Sarah's journey with her own Border Collies, including the sensitive Mini, the intellectually demanding Ding, the driven Beau, and the energetic Sparkles, has profoundly shaped her training methods. These personal experiences have honed her ability to identify and address breed-specific behaviors, making her an invaluable resource for Border Collie owners. Throughout the episode, Sarah discusses her early love for animals, influenced by her grandfather's working sheepdogs, and how her professional path evolved from chiropractic work to specialized dog training. She shares insights into the unique behavioral traits of Border Collies, such as their herding instincts and sensitivity to movement, and explains how understanding these traits is crucial for effective training. Sarah also delves into the transition from in-person to online training, highlighting the benefits of continuous support and accessibility for clients worldwide. She offers practical advice for managing common Border Collie behaviors, such as impulse control and appropriate herding, emphasizing the importance of mental stimulation and tailored training approaches. Join us as Sarah Hedderly shares her expertise, passion, and practical tips for working with this exciting and energetic dog breeds. Whether you are a seasoned trainer or a new Border Collie owner, this episode is packed with valuable insights and strategies to help you and your dog thrive. LINKS Youtube @dingbattdogtraining8763 /episode/index/show/ata-ripple-makers/id/31610057

Emma Cook: Nurturing Confidence in Canine Care [Episode 45] 05/02/2024

Cows, Canines, and Compassion with Dr. Rabea Christmann [Episode 44] 04/04/2024

Cows, Canines, and Compassion with Dr. Rabea Christmann [Episode 44] In this insightful episode of Making Ripples, host Shelly Wood welcomes Dr. Rabea Christmann, a distinguished biologist and passionate advocate for animal welfare from Germany. With a rich background in search and rescue dog work and a pioneering force in farm laboratory animal welfare, Dr. Christmann shares her journey towards enhancing animal lives through positive reinforcement and enrichment activities. Diving into the heart of animal training, Dr. Christmann elaborates on her innovative approaches to cooperative care training across a variety of farm animals, including chickens, sheep, goats, pigs, and cattle. Her dedication to fostering an environment of well-being and respect for animals shines through as she discusses her work in educational settings, training laboratory staff, and students in humane and effective animal handling techniques. The conversation flows into the realms of animal welfare within research settings and Dr. Christmann touches on the ethical pillars of replacement, reduction, and refinement. A highlight of the episode is Dr. Christmann's recount of a groundbreaking project involving the training of 20 cows for medical tasks. This initiative not only showcases the feasibility and benefits of positive reinforcement in livestock management but also underlines the importance of finding suitable motivators and maintaining the safety of both animals and trainers. Concluding with a powerful message on the impact of positive training methods and environmental enrichment, Dr. Christmann invites listeners to reflect on the transformative potential of kindness and science-based techniques in the realm of animal training. Join Shelly and Dr. Christmann for an episode that promises to inspire, educate, and perhaps even challenge the way we think about animal welfare and training. E-Mail: [email protected] /episode/index/show/ata-ripple-makers/id/30636518

From Porcupines to Pooches: Zara Jackson's Training Tales [Episode 43] 02/29/2024

A Nose for Growth: Jess Ghali's Evolution in Animal Care [Episode 43] 02/01/2024

A Nose for Growth: Jess Ghali's Evolution in Animal Care [Episode 43] 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 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 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 on YouTube: Watch engaging videos and tutorials on nosework training by Jess at . 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 . /episode/index/show/ata-ripple-makers/id/29708678

Kimberly Lundy: Soaring Success in Training Birds of Prey [Episode 42] 01/04/2024

Cynthia Minden: The Heart & Science of Donkey Training [Episode 41] 11/30/2023

Cynthia Minden: The Heart & Science of Donkey Training [Episode 41] 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 /episode/index/show/ata-ripple-makers/id/28816633

Understanding Rabbits: A Chat with Thea Harting [Episode 40] 11/02/2023

Understanding Rabbits: A Chat with Thea Harting [Episode 40] Synopsis: Animal Training Academy's Special Rabbit Episode For those dedicated to elevating their animal training skills with a focus on the most positive and least intrusive methods, this episode is especially relevant for professionals working with rabbits. The Challenge: Delving into training a new species, like rabbits, presents unique challenges. These challenges can lead to stress and frustration. However, our mission remains clear: Empower each trainer to make a marked positive difference in the lives of the animals they work with [in this case, rabbits!]. Your Guide: Introducing Thea Harting, a seasoned behaviour consultant and rabbit training instructor. Residing in New York City, she has two decades of experience living alongside rabbits and a commendable decade-long dedication to rabbit rescue and shelter work. One of her specialised skills involves facilitating rabbit bonding sessions, effectively guiding new rabbit owners through the intricate bonding processes. 3 Key Takeaways from the Episode [of many]: Emphasising Enrichment and Agency: Thea elaborates on techniques that place importance on enrichment, agency, consent, and resilience for rabbit care and training. Understanding Rabbit Behavior and Bonding: The unique behavioural characteristics of rabbits are explored, highlighting the challenges and methods to establish a bond with these special learners. The Value of Applied Animal Behavior: Gain insights into the broader field of Applied Animal Behavior and its relevance to rabbit training, emphasising the importance of continuous education and seeking mentorship. The Goal: By understanding and addressing the intricacies of rabbit behaviour, the objective is to mitigate feelings of overwhelm and uncertainty. In doing so, trainers can confidently approach rabbit training, equipped with the knowledge to make a positive impact in the lives of these animals. Tune into the episode to gain invaluable insights from Thea Harting, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the world of rabbit training, behaviour and care. website . /episode/index/show/ata-ripple-makers/id/28457846

Jessica Mann: From Timid Tails to Confident Canines [Episode 37] 10/05/2023

Jessica Mann: From Timid Tails to Confident Canines [Episode 37] At Animal Training Academy, we know you want to master your animal training skills using a force-free approach. And we recognize that you're not just any trainer. Instead, you're someone driven to elevate the confidence of dogs, ensuring they lead a life rich with meaningful activities and training exercises. However, this journey is not without its challenges. High-energy working breeds, in particular, require consistent mental and physical stimulation to sustain their confidence and overall well-being. Like many trainers, you might often find yourself at a crossroads, seeking effective yet gentle methods to boost your dog's confidence. This task becomes even more challenging when dealing with dogs that have physical limitations or fears, leading to feelings of stress, frustration, and overwhelming concern. Enter Jessica, your guide for this episode. A dedicated dog trainer since 2012, Jessica is here to support you. Drawing from her personal journey living with her own fearful dog, Jessica provides insights that come from a place of deep understanding and compassion. Her expertise, honed through one-on-one consultations, group sessions, and online classes, offers a plethora of opportunities. With an academic background in political science and journalism, Jessica has written books to aid dog owners like you and remains a valued contributor to the Tromplo community. Throughout the episode, Jessica imparts a wealth of insights tailored just for you to help build dogs confidence. Here are three key takeaways: Scent Work, Tracking, and Agility: Introduce dogs to activities such as scent work, tracking, and agility to bolster their self-assurance. Safe Before Challenging: Before exposing dogs to demanding scenarios, ensure they're grounded in more secure settings. Practical Training: Incorporate enjoyable simple behaviors, like teaching a dog to shut a cupboard, into your dog's training routine. Eager to learn more? Hit play on the podcast episode! Our goal is for you to sidestep feelings of embarrassment, overwhelm, and burnout. Instead, with Jessica's guidance, your dog will emerge more confident, happier, and adept at navigating a range of situations, from the serenity of a forest to the bustling city streets. They'll thrive in a life filled with activities tailored to their mental and physical needs. As for you? Revel in the satisfaction of newfound skills and knowledge, poised to make your biggest possible positive impact on the lives of all the animal and human learners you work with! Links: Jessica Mann on Tromplo >>> Videos & tips shared from Jessica - Search and retrieve. This is my go-to game, and you can make it as easy or hard as your learner needs. Here are some of the beginner steps (you might need to start closer!) Next step would be to do a "blind" search - placing the toy without him seeing and then add more objects. Make sure the dog is coming to you as soon as he's got the object- you don't want him to go searching for the next /switching toys. This is so much easier on the body than fetching. This can be done in a long line, in a fenced yard and even indoors if needed. - searching in water. Same as above but in water. Start in shallow water and then deeper. I use hockey pucks! - all kinds of games with an object, such as a traffic cone. I reward all interaction, and this is such a good confidence builder as well. - All kinds of dog parkour - jumping up, going under, balancing on things... - a little more advanced parkour. Make sure to use a harness so you can support the dog as needed! - Cavaletti is such a good controlled movement too. Make sure you use very low obstacles, to work slowly and that the dog has his spine horizontal - not looking up to see the treat. You can work in a straight line as in the film, or on a half circle. Make sure to work both directions. /episode/index/show/ata-ripple-makers/id/28230566

Danielle Winkelman - Intrepid Animal Learning [Episode 36] 08/31/2023

Danielle Winkelman - Intrepid Animal Learning [Episode 36] Danielle Winkelman - Intrepid Animal Learning At Animal Training Academy, we understand that you aim to master your animal training skills using a force-free approach. However, we also recognise that this journey has challenges, especially when dealing with complex behaviours, such as those labelled as reactive. Trainers can often feel overwhelmed and need help addressing these challenging behaviours effectively. Enter Danielle Winkelman. While she boasts an impressive background as a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, an Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, a Fear Free Certified Professional, and a Puppy Start Right Instructor, Danielle remains a humble lifelong learner. Her dedication to continuous growth and her hands-on experience with various species make her not just an authority but also a relatable guide for those on a similar journey of learning and enhancement. In this podcast episode, Danielle talks about many things, including board and train methods to help work with reactive dogs - Here are three valuable insights [of many that] she shared: The importance of a controlled environment: Ensuring safe exposure to triggers. Consistency and Structure: Providing regular practice and reinforcement. Socialisation Opportunities: Facilitating controlled interactions with other dogs. So, tune into this insightful episode, where Danielle shares her experiences in the field to learn about the above [and much much more]. At ATA, our goal is clear: to help you avoid embarrassment, overwhelm, and burnout. Instead, the focus is on building resilience to setbacks, getting organised, and growing your training skills and knowledge. In essence, the aim is to instil confidence in you as a trainer, ensuring you lead a fulfilling life and positively impacting the lives of the animal and human learners you work with. NOTE: In the episode, Danielle mentions that she doesn't identify as a crossover trainer; however, she would like to be sure to point out that she loves and admires those who do identify as crossover trainers. Links Website >>> FaceBook >>> Instagram >>> Email >>> Video of Em & Comet >>> /episode/index/show/ata-ripple-makers/id/27888372

Natalie Rogers - k9 Concepts [Episode 35] 08/03/2023

Natalie Rogers - k9 Concepts [Episode 35] As someone aspiring to master their animal training skills using a force-free approach, you might find yourself feeling trapped or overwhelmed by a dog's fearful or even aggressive behaviour. However, you can draw inspiration from the story of Havoc, a dog who successfully overcame his fears of handling and veterinary procedures with the help of his human, Natalie. Havoc has faced a variety of medical challenges requiring him to become accustomed to different procedures—an understandably complex situation. Nevertheless, through consistent training and the application of cooperative care techniques, Havoc has learned to trust the process. This significant transformation was largely influenced by Havoc’s human, Natalie, from K9 Concepts Dog Training, a specialist in cooperative care training. Natalie's approach aims to strengthen the bond between a dog and its guardian, promoting patience and confidence in both. With her emphasis on communication and gentleness, she fosters a deep level of trust between dogs and their handlers, leading to lasting behavioural improvements. The key to Havoc's success lay in consistency, patience, and the use of positive reinforcement and force-free techniques. Although his transition from fear to trust didn't happen overnight, persistent dedication eventually resulted in Havoc willingly participating in medical procedures. This not only brings relief to his guardian but also exemplifies the transformative potential of patience and consistent training. With appropriate guidance, patience, and consistency, you can also achieve significant transformations with the non-human learners in your life. We want to see you avoid embarrassment, overwhelm and burnout. Instead, we want to see you build resilience to setbacks, get more organised, and grow your training skills and knowledge. In short, we want to see you enjoy confidence in yourself as a trainer and lead a fulfilling life, positively impacting the lives of the animal and human learners you work with. Links: Facebook >>> https://www.facebook.com/K9ConceptsDogTraining/ Youtube >>> https://www.youtube.com/@k9conceptsdogtraining/ Videos; Ear drops journey Injection journey /episode/index/show/ata-ripple-makers/id/27588945

Linda Randall, DVM, KPA-CTP, TagTeach Level 3 - One Smart Dog [Episode 34] 07/06/2023

Linda Randall, DVM, KPA-CTP, TagTeach Level 3 - One Smart Dog [Episode 34] Linda Randall, DVM, KPA-CTP, LLA, TagTeach Level 3 Owner: One Smart Dog, Seville OH, USA Linda sold her veterinary hospital in 2019, where she had practiced as an ABVP Board Certified Diplomate, Companion Animals, for 20 years, and also worked with exotics. She then opened One Smart Dog, a full-service dog training facility, the month Ohio shut down for the pandemic in 2020, which, she says, was “exciting”. Linda has been engaged in dog sports, obedience, agility, and field trials with her Flat Coated Retrievers, and sheep herding, agility, and Scent with her Border Collies. Her passion for behavior grew from learning about training from a variety of trainers (she is a cross-over trainer) and realizing that although all the trainers she worked with felt they had a method that worked, only a few took the time to develop insight into why animals did what they did, or had the curiosity needed to want to understand what function their behavior had. Most had a “top-down” method of working with dogs which, the more she learned about the science of behavior, she found uncomfortable. And then: a friend came back from one of the first clicker conferences and talked about clicker training. Linda couldn’t get enough information about it. She started attending positive reinforcement conferences such as Clicker Expo and taking classes (Living and Learning With Animals is a favorite!) and joining intentional R+ communities such as the Animal Training Academy. Linda works hard to maintain a positive presence in her daily interactions with friends, clients, students, and instructors. It can be difficult to run a full-service dog training facility, maintain her relief veterinary business and find time to do webinars and conferences, but Linda feels strongly the effort is worth it. She especially finds joy in working with kids who want to learn to train their dogs. With their increased ability at a young age to have excellent hand-eye coordination (hello cellphones and video games!), kids make wonderful, compassionate trainers. She believes that engaging with another species and working in age-appropriate spaces helps develop compassion for others and encourages acceptance of diversity. Linda has produced a 4-hour series on Kids, Race, and Positive Reinforcement for the Heart Album and, along with her co-host Kathie Nurena, MD, KPA-CTP, NACSW Cert. Instructor, Linda has spoken at The Convergence of Human Behavior, Animal Training, and Technology (CHATT) conference, The Lemonade Conference, and is speaking this fall at APDT. Linda and Kathie discuss Trauma Informed and Trauma Assumed Care in animals and people, with an emphasis on the intersection of animal training, human caregivers, and behavior. As a Black woman in the majority white professions of veterinary medicine and dog training, Linda has had experiences that have been life-changing and soul-searching at the same time. She is inspired to support others who have ventured into these worlds and to seek a deeper understanding of why we do what we do and why we believe what we believe. Behavior can help, and it can hurt, both the giver and the receiver. In a world of increasing compartmentalization of groups, and anger directed towards those considered “other”, she hopes encouraging a behavioral view and positive reinforcement interactions will, in some small, but tangible way, make a difference. As Linda says: we have to try. For links visit here >>> /episode/index/show/ata-ripple-makers/id/27033561