Conflict Resolution: An Essential Skill for Aggression Cases and Beyond, with Carmaleta Aufderheide

Ever wondered how to navigate emotionally charged training sessions? Our latest episode features Carmaleta Aufderheide, who brings a unique blend of a master’s degree in conflict resolution and a robust background in working behavior cases. Carm’s journey began from a personal loss that fueled her passion to merge these fields. She emphasizes the critical role of empathy and communication, sharing invaluable techniques for understanding both the human and canine sides of aggression and separation anxiety cases.

We explore the art of reading clients as skillfully as reading dogs. Carm shares her insights on balancing actionable solutions with empathetic listening, highlighting the importance of recognizing non-verbal cues and the emotional states of clients. In this episode, you will hear how to create a safe environment and build effective relationships with clients, ensuring that your advice lands effectively and fosters positive change.

ABOUT CARM:

Carmaleta (Carm) is a positive reinforcement/force-free trainer in Springfield, Oregon.  She holds a Master's degree in Conflict Resolution (CRES), is a graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA-CTP), is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), and a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT). 

In 2016, Carm completed her Master's degree in conflict and dispute resolution (CRES) from the University of Oregon.  Her academic journey included research exploring the potential restorative impact of prison animal programming through interviews with incarcerated individuals working with and sharing their confined living quarters with dogs nationwide.  She has contributed insights from her research to a chapter in the book “Prison Dog Programs” published by Springer.  It was this research that inspired her career working with dogs. 

From 2016 to 2020, she dedicated her time to transformative initiatives as she co-directed and facilitated an innovative education and restorative justice program with adults in custody at Oregon State Correctional Institution with The Insight Development Group (IDG).  Her work with IDG allowed her to witness firsthand the profound impacts of education and restorative practices among individuals often in conflict with themselves, their past, present, and future.  Drawing inspiration from her research and work with IDG, Carm applies lessons from these experiences to bridge better connections in her work with dogs and their families. 

Today, Carm owns Northstar Training Solutions, where her work focuses on canine separation anxiety. Building on her background in conflict resolution (CRES), she specializes in bringing mediation and facilitation skills to navigate challenging conversations and enhance outcomes when communication becomes difficult. 

https://www.northstartraining.info/

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