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In this episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast, Ryan Cartlidge is joined by Julie Smith — Associate Professor in the Zoo Animal Technology Program at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, where she teaches courses focused on animal husbandry, coordinates the animal training program, and mentors new trainers preparing for professional animal care careers. With more than 20 years of experience in animal care and a special interest in positive reinforcement training, Julie has worked with a wide variety of species across three AZA accredited facilities. Together, Ryan and Julie explore the changing landscape of animal care careers and the importance of developing resilience alongside technical skills. Julie shares her own career journey, from an internship at the Minnesota Zoo and her first animal training experiences at Zoo Miami, to her current role at Santa Fe College. She also discusses how the teaching zoo gives students extensive hands-on experience, while helping them develop communication, teamwork, feedback, and other skills that are essential when entering the animal care profession. The conversation then turns to resilience and the challenges that can come with caring deeply about animals and their welfare. Julie explains why she sees resilience as a practice and a set of skills that can be developed over time, rather than something that some people simply have and others don't. Together, Ryan and Julie explore practical ways to build those skills, including understanding what the job involves, creating safe environments where people can make mistakes, understanding your personal and organisational "why", knowing and using available resources, and making time for days off and activities outside of work. Julie also shares practical examples of how these ideas can be incorporated into everyday life and workplace culture, from encouraging open conversations and useful feedback to practising adaptability through small challenges and having Plan A, B, and C. The conversation highlights the importance of recognising your own progress, making space for difficult feelings, and treating yourself with the same kindness you would offer a colleague or teammate. Throughout this episode, we discuss: ✅ Julie's career journey from her internship at the Minnesota Zoo to her current role at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo ✅ How the Santa Fe College Zoo Animal Technology Program prepares students for hands-on animal care careers ✅ The changing role of animal training within professional animal care ✅ Why communication, teamwork, feedback, and foundational workplace skills matter alongside animal-care knowledge ✅ What resilience means for people working with animals ✅ Why resilience can be viewed as a practice and a set of skills that can be developed ✅ The importance of understanding what you're getting into when working in animal care ✅ Creating safe environments where people can ask questions, make mistakes, and learn from them ✅ Understanding your personal "why" and the reasons behind organisational decisions ✅ Knowing and using the resources available to you, including support from colleagues, employers, mentors, and other professionals ✅ Practising adaptability through everyday challenges and preparing Plan A, B, and C ✅ Stepping outside your comfort zone and "doing it scared" ✅ Making space to experience difficult feelings and developing skills to sit with them Whether you're preparing for a career in animal care, already working in the field, training animals in a professional setting, or simply caring deeply about the animals in your life, this episode offers practical ideas for developing the skills and practices that can help you navigate the challenges of this work. Julie's experiences provide a valuable reminder that resilience can be built over time, and that taking care of ourselves is an important part of being able to care for others. Links Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo : https://www.sfcollege.edu/zoo/ AZA: https://www.aza.org/ Julie Squires: https://www.juliesquires.net/ Julie's Instagram for the cats: @loki_the_wondercat Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo Instagram: @sfteachingzoo

In this episode, Ryan Cartlidge welcomes back Dr. Chris Pachel — veterinarian, veterinary behaviorist, educator, speaker, business owner, and lifelong problem solver with a passion for understanding the complex relationship between animals, people, and their environments. Chris runs the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland and serves as Vice President of Veterinary Behavior at Instinct Dog Behavior and Training, and he speaks internationally to veterinarians, trainers, and pet owners about behavior, relationships, and well-being. Grounded in curiosity, collaboration, and a desire to move beyond simply fixing behavior towards truly understanding it, Chris brings a fascinating perspective to a conversation about how we can apply the principles of animal training to ourselves. Together, Ryan and Chris explore the idea that many of the skills we admire in experienced trainers, clinicians, presenters, and communicators aren't innate talents — they're behaviors that can be observed, broken down into approximations, practiced, and strengthened over time. Chris shares how skills he developed through music, performance, drama, and working as part of an ensemble have shaped the way he communicates with clients, audiences, colleagues, and animals. He explains how recording and listening back to his own veterinary consultations became a powerful way to identify patterns, experiment with different choices, and build greater fluency, while Ryan explores how these same principles can be applied to developing our own skills through deliberate practice. The conversation also dives into the role of community, belonging, safety, and the challenges of navigating emotionally charged interactions. Chris shares the story behind Lima Beings, a community created during the uncertainty of 2020 to explore what it means to show up in the world in ways that are least intrusive and minimally aversive, while remaining curious and invitational even when people disagree. Together, Ryan and Chris consider the parallels between animals going over threshold and humans experiencing overwhelm, burnout, and emotional fatigue — and how identifying an appropriate "stimulus gradient" can help us find opportunities to practise skills without becoming overwhelmed. Chris also shares practical strategies for working with our own behaviour, including the "ask why five times" exercise, recognising patterns before they take over, using small approximations to build new skills, allowing ourselves "10,000 new beginnings," and creating three alternative stories when we notice ourselves moving into judgement. Throughout the conversation, he returns to the importance of effort, grace, curiosity, agency, and recognising that failure isn't the enemy — it's an opportunity to learn. Throughout this episode, we discuss: ✅ Why communication and interpersonal skills should be viewed as hard-earned, observable skills rather than innate talents ✅ How Chris's experiences with music, performance, ensembles, and drama have influenced his work as a veterinary behaviorist and presenter ✅ The story behind Lima Beings and the importance of community, belonging, safety, and being heard ✅ How to use approximations, repetition, and reinforcement history to build skills in ourselves ✅ Why recording and listening back to your own consultations can be such a powerful learning tool ✅ Recognising the difference between being under threshold, over threshold, and finding the "feathered edge" where meaningful skill-building can happen ✅ The parallels between managing reactive dogs and navigating human overwhelm, burnout, and emotional fatigue ✅ How asking "why?" five times can help uncover what is really important enough to generate effort ✅ Working with the inner critic, letting go of perfectionism, and finding more grace for ourselves and others ✅ Chris's practical strategy of creating three alternative stories when we notice ourselves becoming judgemental ✅ Why choice and agency matter for ourselves just as much as they do for the non-human learners we work with Whether you're looking to become a better communicator, build greater fluency in your professional skills, navigate challenging conversations, or simply find a more compassionate way to work with your own behaviour, this episode offers a powerful reminder that the principles we use to help our animal and human learners can also be turned inward. As Chris puts it, these skills are learnable — but building them takes effort, practice, curiosity, and time. Links https://thelimabeings.thinkific.com/

In this forward-thinking conversation, Ryan Cartlidge is joined by Joey Golden — curator of animal behavior programs at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, where he oversees behavioral husbandry programs with a focus on extending behavioral husbandry across the full 24-hour cycle. Joey's work centres on building scalable systems for behavioral and environmental data collection, and using data-driven reports to connect that information to welfare decisions. Inspired by Hal Markowitz, he also leads an engineering program developing automated habitat features that allow animals to earn outcomes on their own schedule around the clock. Together, Ryan and Joey explore how data, technology, engineering and animal behavior can come together to create new opportunities for animal care. Joey shares the evolution of his "observe, interpret, improve" approach at the Maryland Zoo, including the development of camera infrastructure, animal behavior volunteer programs, data collection systems and an engineering lab that has brought around 30 engineers into the zoo to develop automated habitat features. The conversation highlights how these systems can help teams understand what animals are doing when keepers aren't present, identify meaningful patterns in behavior, and use that information to guide environmental changes. The conversation also dives into some of the practical realities of building these systems, including limited resources, developing new skills, working across departments, learning through failure, and starting small. Joey shares stories from the Maryland Zoo's grizzly bear and lion programs, including how years of data helped identify changes to a grizzly bear habitat that resulted in the bears using a previously neglected pool far more frequently. He also describes the development and testing of the "carcass claw", an automated system designed to allow lions to engage with carcass feeding in a more dynamic way. Looking towards the future, Ryan and Joey discuss artificial intelligence and its potential to reduce one of the biggest bottlenecks in behavioral data collection: the enormous amount of time required to review footage and turn observations into usable data. Joey explains how the Maryland Zoo is already building the infrastructure and resources that could support this kind of technology in the future, while emphasising the importance of thinking in longer timeframes and developing systems that can grow over time. Throughout this episode, we discuss: ✅ Joey's journey from the Disney College Program and zookeeping into his current role at the Maryland Zoo ✅ Hal Markowitz's influence on Joey's thinking about technology and dynamic environments ✅ The "observe, interpret, improve" cycle and how it guides decision-making at the Maryland Zoo ✅ Using cameras and behavioral data to understand what animals do across the full 24-hour cycle ✅ How teams can start collecting useful data without needing to tackle an entire organisation at once ✅ Building an engineering volunteer program and developing an engineering lab within the zoo ✅ The development of automated habitat features, including the polar bear device and "carcass claw" ✅ What the Maryland Zoo has learned from both successful projects and failures ✅ Using behavioral data to evaluate habitat configurations, enrichment and husbandry practices ✅ Thinking about technology as a way of applying existing tools in new ways for animal care ✅ The potential role of artificial intelligence in analysing animal behavior and reducing data-collection bottlenecks ✅ Why developing a broader understanding of disciplines such as engineering and technology is more accessible than it might initially seem Whether you're working in a zoo, shelter, kennel, companion animal setting, or another environment where understanding behavior and welfare matters, this episode offers plenty to think about when it comes to using data, systems and technology to better understand the animals in our care. Joey's experiences also provide a practical reminder that you don't need to know everything before you begin — you can start with the resources available, build your skills as you go, and take the next approximation towards the bigger vision. Links [email protected]

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy Podcast, Ryan Cartlidge is joined by Tim Sullivan — a pioneer in applied animal behavior analysis who recently transitioned into retirement after a 46-year tenure at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, including over four decades as the Curator of Behavioral Husbandry. Bringing a lifetime of zoological experience to the animal training profession, Tim challenges us to look in the mirror, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and recognize how our internal mindset directly dictates our external success. Together, Ryan and Tim explore the power of self-fulfilling prophecies, self-awareness, and the vital importance of dropping our egos to better serve our animal learners. Tim shares lessons from his career—ranging from developing protected-contact elephant training programs and pioneering voluntary blood draws in marine mammals to mentoring staff and co-founding the Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA). The conversation delves into how mindset shapes our default reactions, why challenging situations are growth opportunities, and how we can apply the very same behavioral principles we use with animals to improve our own health, relationships, and self-awareness. The conversation also highlights the human side of training, addressing common pitfalls like compassion fatigue, the fear of failure, and the danger of operating on "default settings" without realizing it. Tim offers practical reflections on how self-compassion, small approximations, and a willingness to look at ourselves first can transform us into better teachers, trainers, and partners for our animals. Throughout this episode, we discuss: ✅ How self-fulfilling prophecies and our internal mindset influence our success in training and life ✅ Tim Sullivan's remarkable 46-year legacy and pioneering work at Brookfield Zoo ✅ Why every challenge in training is an opportunity to learn, problem-solve, and build resilience ✅ The vital importance of looking in the mirror and setting ego aside for the benefit of the animal ✅ How to apply the science of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and operant conditioning to ourselves ✅ The power of small approximations and shifting our default reactions when faced with adversity ✅ Building resilience in both human and non-human learners by transforming our perception of novelty and challenge Whether you're a professional animal trainer, a zoo keeper, or simply looking for ways to master your mindset and improve your training skills, this episode offers a roadmap for creating a career and life built on self-awareness, continuous growth, and deep empathy.

In this engaging conversation, Ryan Cartlidge is joined by Tabitha Kucera — a registered veterinary technician, veterinary technician specialist in behavior, Karen Pryor Academy certified training partner, certified cat behavior consultant, and one of only around 30 veterinary technician specialists in behavior worldwide. Tabitha shares her inspiring journey from volunteering with rescue organizations as a teenager to building a career dedicated to helping people better understand the companion animals they share their lives with. Together, Ryan and Kucera explore the vital importance of effective, compassionate, and evidence-based communication between behavior professionals, veterinary teams, and pet caregivers. Tabitha discusses her passion for improving animal welfare through education, low-stress handling, and fear-free care for both dogs and cats. They also delve into Tabitha's new mentorship program, "Better Together: Advocating for Dogs and Cats at the Vet," which officially opened for early access on July 21st to help behavior consultants, trainers, groomers, and veterinary professionals bridge communication gaps and collaborate more successfully as part of a unified care team. The conversation highlights common emotional challenges in the profession, such as navigating professional disagreements, managing ego, overcoming imposter syndrome, and moving away from harmful "us versus them" mentalities. Tabitha shares practical reflections on how treating caregivers and allied professionals with empathy and framing observations into actionable, supportive insights can transform animal care outcomes. Throughout this episode, we discuss: ✅ Tabitha's background as a registered veterinary technician and specialist in behavior ✅ The inspiration behind Tabitha's new mentorship program, "Better Together: Advocating for Dogs and Cats at the Vet" ✅ How to bridge communication gaps between trainers, behavior consultants, groomers, and veterinary teams ✅ Why a collaborative, multi-disciplinary care team approach is essential for animal welfare ✅ Overcoming professional friction, ego, and the harmful "us versus them" mindset in the animal care industry ✅ Navigating compassion fatigue, imposter syndrome, and the emotional weight of behavior work ✅ Practical strategies for turning clinical observations into clear, supportive, and actionable guidance for caregivers Whether you are a trainer, veterinary professional, groomer, or behavior consultant looking to enhance your collaboration skills and build stronger care networks, this episode offers an empowering roadmap for putting the animal's best interest first through teamwork and empathy. Links Small Paws Website: https://small-paws.ca Better Together Mentorship: https://small-paws.thinkific.com/products/courses/kucerabettertogether Tabitha's Website: http://chirrupsachatter.com  Chirrups and Chatter Socials: @chirrupsandchatter (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) Small Paws Socials: @smallpawsedu (Facebook, Instagram)

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast, host Ryan Cartlidge is joined by special guests Irith Bloom and Dr. Kristina Spaulding to discuss their mentorship and certification program, Carefree Companion. Together, Ryan, Irith, and Dr. Spaulding explore how the program bridges the gap between technical training plans and a human owner's ability to successfully implement them. Dr. Spaulding brings her expertise as a scientist and behaviorist with a PhD in biopsychology, specializing in the neurobiology of stress, while Irith brings over 40 years of animal training experience and a deep focus on agency and the science of learning. The guests share the origins of their professional partnership, which blossomed from working together on education committees and through shared interests in science, stress, and behavioral choice. The conversation dives deep into the concept of dialectics—embracing "andness" instead of an "either/or" mentality—and how both contradictory emotions and complex problem-solving are a normal part of the human experience when living with companion animals. They also unpack the power of motivational interviewing, explaining how trainers can move away from imposing rigid expectations and instead use open-ended questions and curiosity to understand human resistance, build better collaboration, and help clients find their own path forward. Finally, they break down the structure of the 28-week Carefree Companion program, highlighting its blend of synchronous live calls, structured asynchronous discussion forums, and individualized monthly mentorship. Throughout this episode, we discuss: ✅ The origin of the partnership between Irith Bloom and Dr. Kristina Spaulding  ✅ What dialectics are and why embracing "andness" helps both pet owners and trainers navigate conflicting feelings ✅ How the Carefree Companion program evolved to focus heavily on coaching skills and human pedagogy ✅ The application of scaffolding in human learning—providing temporary support and gradually pulling back to foster client independence ✅ How motivational interviewing helps professionals uncover client motivations and navigate resistance without judgment ✅ The 28-week structure of the Carefree Companion certification, featuring live group discussions, forums, and one-on-one mentorship ✅ Creating a safe, collaborative space where respectful disagreement and diverse viewpoints lead to transformative learning Whether you are an experienced trainer or a behavior consultant looking to deepen your coaching toolkit, this episode offers a refreshing and practical roadmap for bridging the gap between animal behavior science and effective human collaboration. Links Website: https://carefreecompanion.com/ Mailing List: https://tinyurl.com/CarefreeCompanionMailingList Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarefreeCompanion/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carefreecompanion/

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast, host Ryan Cartlidge is joined by special guest Irith Bloom — a certified professional dog trainer, behaviour consultant, and co-founder of Carefree Companion. Together, Ryan and Irith explore the profound role that language, word choice, and communication play in animal training and human coaching. Irith shares her fascinating behavioral odyssey, starting from her childhood obsession with animals and training large Rottweilers using verbal cues and minimal force, to discovering positive reinforcement in the early 2000s. Drawing on her background as a polyglot who speaks multiple languages fluently, Irith discusses how experiencing life as a linguistic and cultural outsider has shaped her deep empathy and intentionality around communication. The conversation dives into the nuances of how trainers talk to human clients, examining why shifting phrasing—such as describing a dog as exhibiting "fearful behavior" rather than labeling the animal as "fearful"—can completely change a client's mindset, prevent limiting assumptions, and open the door to positive change. Irith and Ryan also discuss the importance of approaching human clients with the same curiosity, grace, and understanding that trainers naturally offer to non-human animals. They unpack the psychological biases that lead us to view human behavior as strictly intentional while giving animals more leeway, and how cultivating self-awareness and practice helps professionals become more effective coaches. The episode closes with a look ahead at what Irith hopes to see in the industry over the next five to 10 years: a future where routinely looking for both assent and consent from non-human animals becomes completely normal. Throughout this episode, we discuss: ✅ Irith's behavioral odyssey from childhood dog training to becoming a multi-certified professional behavior consultant ✅ How speaking multiple languages influences Irith's perspective on communication across species ✅ The strategic power of language and why avoiding rigid labels like "fearful" helps keep client minds open ✅ Re-examining the use of force and language when describing traditional training methods ✅ Why trainers should approach human clients with the same curiosity and grace extended to animals ✅ The role of continuous practice, self-awareness, and embracing mistakes in professional growth ✅ Irith's 5-to-10-year industry vision: making the routine seeking of assent and consent second nature Whether you are a professional trainer, behaviour consultant, or passionate pet owner, this conversation offers empowering insights into how better communication with both humans and animals can create a more harmonious, choice-rich world.

In this deeply informative conversation, Ryan Cartlidge is joined by Dot Baisly—the Executive Director for the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC). With an extensive background in shelter behavior, veterinary medicine, and private consulting, Dot brings a wealth of experience to the table, having previously led behavior programs at major organizations like the North East Animal Shelter and the Animal Rescue League of Boston. Dot holds a Master's Degree in Animal Behaviour from Tufts University and is a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant, Certified Cat Behaviour Consultant, and Certified Shelter Behaviour Specialist. Together, Ryan and Dot dive into the topic of the Joint Standards of Practice (JSOP), a collaborative initiative aimed at creating a standardized, ethical framework for behavior professionals in an industry that remains largely unregulated. Dot provides much-needed clarity on the structure of the JSOP coalition—explaining the roles of the Steering Committee versus the signatory organizations—and details the massive effort involved in updating the document. She shares the story of how the JSOP recently evolved from a brief, Lima-based guideline into a comprehensive document that now incorporates the five domains of animal welfare and explicitly addresses procedure selection. The conversation highlights why these standards are essential for the future of the industry, moving beyond simple "effectiveness" to ensure that the intervention itself supports the mental and physical well-being of the animal. They discuss the importance of moving toward a recognized profession where practitioners are held accountable, and how collaboration—rather than competition—among certifying and educational bodies is the key to creating a unified, ethical voice. Ryan also announces that the Animal Training Academy has officially become a signatory of the JSOP, reflecting a shared mission to empower professionals with high standards of care. Throughout this episode, we discuss: ✅ The role of the IAABC as a global trade organization and independent certifying body ✅ Defining the Joint Standards of Practice (JSOP) and why it serves as the minimum standard of care ✅ The structure of the JSOP coalition, including the Steering Committee and signatory organizations ✅ The transition from a Lima-based framework to a more comprehensive, science-backed standard ✅ Why self-regulation is a vital step toward professional legitimacy and ethical behavior change ✅ The difference between "assent" and "consent" in supporting learner well-being ✅ How professional standards protect both the animal and the practitioner from burnout ✅ The importance of industry-wide collaboration in raising the bar for animal welfare Whether you are a seasoned consultant or a professional just starting your career, this episode provides a clear roadmap for understanding the ethical foundations of our industry and why participating in standardized, collaborative frameworks is a "no-brainer" for those committed to the highest level of animal care. JSOP Signatories 1) Steering committee APDT IAABC IAABC Foundation Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) 2) Existing signatories Victoria Stilwell Inc. (VSI) Assistance Dogs International (ADI) Grisha Stewart Academy Science Matters Academy Understand Horses 3) Newest signatories Peaceable Paws Malena DeMartini Atlas Assistance Dogs Carefree Companion Academy of Pet Careers  Animal Training Academy Canine Behavior College Good Dog Academy Phenix Advocacy Center for R+ Canine Professionals Links JSOP: https://iaabc.org/standards-of-practice Email [email protected]

In this insightful and thought-provoking conversation, Ryan Cartlidge is joined by Kim Palermo—a Certified Control Unleashed Instructor (CCUI) and Animal Centred Education (ACE) Practitioner with over 20 years of professional experience in the dog training industry. A lifelong animal enthusiast who owns Blue Dog training and walking business near Boston, Kim brings a blend of academic rigor, from her degree in zoology, and compassionate curiosity to her work with dogs and other species. Together, Ryan and Kim explore the power of observation and the critical importance of creating "safe spaces" for learners to process information. Kim shares her personal journey from a "crossover trainer" to a passionate advocate for positive reinforcement, emphasizing how her own experiences with chronic pain and ADHD have shaped her empathetic, trauma-informed approach to training. They discuss how professional mentors—including the late Gail Fisher, Julie Daniels, and Sarah Fisher—have left an indelible mark on her career and the industry at large. A major focus of the discussion is the innovative concept Kim calls "opt-out stations." By integrating ACE Free Work and Control Unleashed principles, Kim explains how giving dogs the freedom to choose when to engage and when to take a break can drastically reduce frustration and increase clarity in training. She breaks down the science of assent versus consent and the role of "degrees of freedom" in allowing animals to participate in their own learning process without the pressure of perceived coercion. Whether she is working with high-level sports dogs or rescue dogs with complex histories, Kim demonstrates how these simple environmental adjustments can transform a struggling learner into an enthusiastic, confident partner. Throughout this episode, we discuss: ✅ Kim's journey from zookeeping and dog walking to clinical behavior and dog sports ✅ Why hands-on experience and observation are the most valuable tools for new trainers ✅ The core principles of ACE Free Work and how it physically and emotionally supports dogs ✅ How to bridge the gap between "artistry" and scalable training methodologies ✅ The fascinating concept of "opt-out stations" and how they provide clarity and choice ✅ Understanding the difference between consent and assent in animal training ✅ How to manage arousal and frustration by allowing learners to process the environment ✅ The value of finding mentors who encourage creativity and brave exploration Whether you are a seasoned professional, a beginner looking for guidance on how to start, or someone interested in the intersection of neuroscience and animal behavior, this episode offers a practical roadmap for creating training sessions built on kindness, agency, and connection. Links https://kimpalermo.com/  https://www.bluedogpetcare.com/  https://www.instagram.com/kimanddogs/

In this deeply personal conversation, Ryan Cartlidge is joined by Danielle Beck — a UK-based clinical animal behaviorist, mentor, and founder of Control The Meerkat. With a rich background spanning over 20 years in zoology and companion animal behavior, Danielle brings a unique and vulnerable lens to the profession, specializing in complex cases involving trauma, aggression, emotional regulation, and assistance dog training. Together, Ryan and Danielle explore the critical and often overlooked reality of isolation within the animal training industry. Danielle opens up about her personal journey living with dissociative identity disorder, explaining how the stigma surrounding her own mental health and disability mirrors the challenges many trainers face when they feel pressured to project an image of perfection. They discuss how the "Instagram-reality" of our profession often prevents trainers from seeking the support they need, leading to burnout, compassion fatigue, and imposter syndrome. The conversation also highlights the intersection of neuroscience and practical animal training. Danielle shares how her "meerkat analogy"—a tool for understanding the moment an animal shifts into survival mode—has become a cornerstone of her approach to trauma-informed practice. She offers a compassionate roadmap for professionals to build stronger, more collaborative networks, manage time budgets in the face of disability or neurodivergence, and create "safe spaces" where trainers can bounce ideas off one another without the fear of judgment. This episode is a heartfelt call to action for the industry to move away from competition and toward radical empathy. By leaning into vulnerability and acknowledging our shared human limitations, we can build a more inclusive, resilient, and supportive community for both the animals we train and the humans who care for them. Throughout this episode, we discuss: ✅ The "behavior odyssey" that led Danielle from zookeeping to clinical animal behavior ✅ Understanding the "lizard brain" and the universality of learning theory across species ✅ The hidden epidemic of isolation among animal professionals and why peer support is essential ✅ Danielle's personal experience with dissociative identity disorder and the importance of professional transparency ✅ How to build a sustainable, values-driven career while managing chronic illness or disability ✅ Moving from a "people-pleasing" mindset to setting healthy professional boundaries ✅ Why the future of our industry depends on true collaboration, compassion, and removing the shame associated with asking for help Whether you're a seasoned professional, a trainer navigating your own health challenges, or simply seeking a more supportive peer network, this episode offers a refreshing and empowering roadmap for creating a career that is built on safety, kindness, and connection. Links Website   www.controlthemeerkat.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/geekydogtrainer https://www.facebook.com/DanielleBeckCAB/ https://www.facebook.com/ControlTheMeerkat/ Insta https://www.instagram.com/controlthemeerkat/ https://www.instagram.com/geekydogtrainer/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@controlthemeerkat  Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@controlthemeerkat https://www.youtube.com/@DanielleBeck-CAB

In this insightful conversation, Ryan Cartlidge is joined by Shane Gorbett — Curator of Animal Training and Behavior at the Philadelphia Zoo and current President of the Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA). Shane brings a wealth of experience from the zoological world, where he specializes in animal care training and behavior management. Bringing a rare analytical lens to the profession, Shane challenges us to look past "common sense" and intuition, and instead embrace objective data as the foundation for high-level animal welfare and professional advocacy. Together, Ryan and Shane explore how documentation and data collection are far more than just administrative requirements; they are essential tools for clarity and institutional change. Shane shares how moving from "we think it's working" to "we know it's working" allows trainers to communicate more effectively with stakeholders, secure necessary resources, and prove the efficacy of their training programs. He offers practical reflections on how simple, consistent record-keeping can reveal trends that the human brain might otherwise miss, leading to more successful outcomes for both the animals and the humans who care for them. The conversation also highlights the role of the ABMA in fostering a global community where behavior management is shared across diverse species. Shane reflects on his journey hosting the ABMA podcast and the importance of professional collaboration in raising industry standards. For those who may feel intimidated by spreadsheets or "data phobia," Shane provides an empowering roadmap for starting small, finding the "why" behind the numbers, and using information to tell a more compelling and accurate story for the animals in our charge. Throughout this episode, we discuss: ✅ The shift from "intuition-based" to "data-driven" animal training ✅ Shane's role at the Philadelphia Zoo and his work leading the ABMA ✅ How to use objective data as a tool for advocacy and securing resources ✅ Overcoming "data phobia" and the practicalities of simple record-keeping ✅ The importance of tracking medical behaviors and husbandry progress for better welfare ✅ How the ABMA supports professional growth through global collaboration and shared knowledge ✅ Why objective evidence is the key to proving the "ripples" we create in our work ✅ Using data to bridge the gap between animal care staff and organizational leadership Whether you are working in a zoological setting, a domestic training environment, or simply looking for ways to elevate your professional standards, this episode offers a practical roadmap for using information to create a more ethical and impactful career. Links ABMA website: https://www.theabma.org/  Animal Behavior Conversations Podcast (Spotify): https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/theabmapodcast/  Email Shane: [email protected]  Philadelphia Zoo: https://www.philadelphiazoo.org/

In this perspective-shifting conversation, Ryan Cartlidge is joined by Kapil Patwardhan — a volunteer providing medical aid and food for dogs in Pune, India, an educator focused on community coexistence, and the author of the moving book The Dog I Could Not Save. Kapil brings a unique lens to the animal training world by advocating for the role of a "dog listener", emphasizing the profound wisdom found in free-ranging dogs who navigate complex human environments every day. Together, Ryan and Kapil explore the lives of "Indie" dogs and the delicate balance of coexisting with animals that aren't "owned" in the Western sense but are integral members of their local communities. Kapil shares his philosophy of non-interference and silent observation, explaining how allowing dogs to be our teachers can fundamentally change how we understand body language, social structures, and the concept of choice. He reflects on his personal journey from a technical background to providing hands-on medical aid in the streets of Pune, and how a singular, tragic loss shaped his mission to help others understand the "why" behind dog behavior to reduce human-animal conflict. The conversation also highlights the challenges faced by free-ranging dogs in rapidly urbanizing environments and the importance of educating the public on how to read canine signals to foster safer, more harmonious neighborhoods. Kapil offers practical reflections on how we can all become better listeners for the animals in our lives by prioritizing their agency and understanding the natural social behaviors that exist when human intervention is minimized. Throughout this episode, we discuss: ✅ The reality of free-ranging "Indie" dogs and their unique place in Indian society ✅ Becoming a "Dog Listener" and the transformative power of non-interference ✅ The story and inspiration behind the book The Dog I Could Not Save ✅ Reducing community conflict through education on canine body language ✅ Kapil's transition from a tech career to animal welfare and street-level medical aid ✅ How urbanization and modern infrastructure impact the social lives of street dogs ✅ Shifting our perspective to let dogs be the primary educators in our learning journey ✅ The importance of food and medical security for community-owned animals Whether you are a professional trainer looking for a fresh perspective on canine social dynamics, a volunteer in the rescue world, or someone interested in the intersection of culture and animal welfare, this episode offers aneye-opening roadmap for coexisting with the animals around us with greater empathy and understanding. Links India Dog study tours link - dogstudytour.com The Dog Who Goes To School Children's Book link for free download - https://ibh-hundeschulen.org/tipps/neu-der-hund-der-zur-schule-geht/

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy Podcast, Ryan Cartlidge is joined by Karen Deeds — a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through the IAABC and co-owner of Canine Connection in Memphis. Bringing over three decades of experience across assistance dogs, the veterinary profession, and competitive sports, Karen shares a profound "origin story" from the early 1990s—a traumatic assault that her own dog intervened in—which shifted her entire focus from traditional obedience training to the complex emotional world of animal behaviour. Together, Ryan and Karen explore the transformative world of Multiple Marker Systems (MMS) and why the delivery of reinforcement is just as critical as the reinforcer itself. Karen explains how moving beyond a single clicker to specific verbal cues like "toss," "scatter," and "tush" can provide dogs with ultimate clarity, reducing frustration and creating a more cooperative partnership. They discuss the concept of "eating as a behaviour" and how strategically placing, moving, or slowing down food delivery can directly influence a dog's physical physiology and emotional state in both high-level sports and severe behaviour cases. The conversation also highlights the vital bridge between "in the trenches" experience and academic science. Karen reflects on a pivotal interaction at the University of North Texas with the ORCA group, highlighting the need for academia to meet practitioners in the middle to make technical lingo accessible and inclusive. Finally, Karen shares her vision for the future of the industry—a heartfelt call for "peace and harmony" and an end to the vitriol that can separate professionals, reminding us that empathy must extend to our human colleagues just as much as the animals we serve. Throughout this episode, we discuss: ✅ Karen's "Behaviour Odyssey" and the 1990 encounter that changed her career trajectory ✅ The technical mechanics of Multiple Marker Systems (MMS) vs. traditional clicker training ✅ Why "how" reinforcement is delivered is as important as the reinforcement itself ✅ The concept of treating eating as a behaviour and putting it on cue ✅ Bridging the gap between academic lingo and "in the trenches" training experience ✅ How to use "The Three Cs" (Change, Continue, Create) to address non-sport behaviours ✅ Impulse control vs. stimulus control and their role in behaviour modification ✅ A vision for the future of the industry: Unity, education, and moving past the "us against them" mentality Whether you're a professional behaviour consultant, a competitive sport enthusiast, or a pet owner navigating reactivity, this episode offers an empowering roadmap for using clarity and kindness to master your training skills.

In this candid and soulful exploration of the trainer's journey, Ryan Cartlidge sits down with Steve Goodall — a director of Packed Dogs Limited , an ABTC registered animal training instructor , and a published author based in a small hamlet in Wales . Steve offers a refreshing look at the "why" behind our interactions with animals, drawing on his eclectic background in the DIY punk music scene and sound engineering to highlight the delicate balance between technical protocols and creative intuition . From his early days as a postman to leading a nationally recognized training organization, Steve's story is a testament to how welfare-first, science-based methods can transform both ends of the leash . Together, Ryan and Steve dive into the concept of prosody and how our vocalizations and body language serve as a primary bridge for cross-species communication . Steve shares the moving story of his first rescue dog, Rocco, and the sudden tragedy that served as a "baptism of fire," propelling him into a career dedicated to fostering happy, healthy homes through emotional connection . They also discuss the importance of professional self-awareness, encouraging listeners to identify whether they are "systems-led operators" or "creative sparks" to build a more sustainable and fulfilling career . Throughout this episode, we discuss: Steve's "Behavior Odyssey": A windy path from touring in punk bands to discovering the "magic" of clicker training and targeting with a Pringle's lid . The Art vs. Science Intersection: Why the most effective training happens when mechanics and protocols dance with instinctual creativity . Vocal Prosody: Exploring how the pitch, rhythm, and tone of the human voice can instinctively calm or excite an animal . Strengths-Based Training: The value of investigating your natural skills and investing time in playing to those strengths rather than fighting weaknesses . The Power of Patterns: What Steve has learned from watching hundreds of homework submissions and the specific movements that signal a "flow state" . Collaboration Over Competition: How the four directors at PACT leverage their diverse skills—from spreadsheets to storytelling—to move the industry forward . Embracing Playfulness: Moving from "learning the scales" to being proficient enough to play with the rules for better results . Whether you are looking to refine your coaching skills or searching for inspiration after a personal setback, Steve's perspective provides a roadmap for staying curious, staying kind, and finding the rhythm in your training. Links PACT https://www.pact-dogs.com/  ABTC https://abtc.org.uk/  Steve's blog https://www.goodalldogtraining.com/blog

In this thoughtful and practical conversation, Ryan Cartlidge is joined by Natalie Light — canine behaviourist, trainer, and director at PACT Dogs Ltd (Professional Association of Canine Trainers) in the UK. With a background that blends hands-on behaviour work, professional education, and a strong commitment to raising standards within the industry, Natalie brings a refreshingly grounded perspective to one of the most important (and often misunderstood) topics in dog training: what "good training" really looks like when we centre welfare, ethics, and long-term outcomes. Together, Ryan and Natalie explore the role of professional standards in the dog training world, and why clarity matters — not just for trainers, but for the dogs and guardians we support. Natalie shares insights into her work within the UK's developing professional landscape, including the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) framework, the purpose of assessed membership, and how professional bodies can create pathways that protect both animals and the public without falling into gatekeeping or division. The conversation also dives into the emotional realities of being a trainer in today's climate — where misinformation spreads quickly, social media fuels polarisation, and many professionals feel pressure to "perform" expertise rather than practise thoughtfully. Natalie speaks candidly about the importance of humility, ongoing learning, and community support, and how building a sustainable career often requires stepping away from perfectionism and toward collaboration, reflection, and clear ethical anchors. Throughout this episode, we discuss: ✅ Natalie's work through PACT Dogs Ltd and her commitment to professional development ✅ What the ABTC framework is — and how it supports role clarity and public protection ✅ Why professional standards matter for welfare, ethics, and credibility in dog training ✅ The difference between regulation, voluntary frameworks, and professional accountability ✅ How trainers can navigate polarisation, misinformation, and social media pressure ✅ Why sustainable careers are built through learning, community, and values — not perfection Whether you're a trainer looking to strengthen your professional identity, a behaviour professional navigating the complexities of modern dog training culture, or someone simply curious about what ethical standards could look like in our industry, this episode is a powerful reminder that raising the bar doesn't have to mean shutting people out — it can mean building something better, together. Links PACT Dogs Ltd (Professional Association of Canine Trainers) — https://www.pact-dogs.com/ Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) — https://abtc.org.uk/