Animal Training Academy

* 1:28 - Ryan introduces Veronica. * 4:47 – Veronica talks about dogbiz University and directs people to visit https://dogbizsuccess.com/ and then click on dogbiz University to find out more. * 10:20 – The move toward online education including challenges, successes and different models is discussed. * 14:05 - Veronica lists eight myths that are common among dog training professionals. * 18:58 – A variety of ways that the myth “we aren’t skilled and knowledgeable professionals” can impact our businesses are discussed. * 21:36 – Veronica busts the myth that clients must train their own dogs. * 24:30 – Veronica talks about the discomfort trainers often experience when trying to sell their services. * 35:43 – Marketing does not have to equal self-promotion, and it can be more about education. * 41:54 – “The more you charge, the more clients you’ll have.” * 48:47 – Veronica talks about how learning marketing skills can remove a lot of the fear of running a business. * 52:09 – Ideas about how to determine success and get students to come back for more are shared. * 57:40 – Veronica suggests people don’t come to trainers to improve the bond between themselves and their dogs. * 1:01 – Veronica talks about her upcoming trip to Australia and New Zealand and what she’ll be doing there.

In this podcast, Dr. Susan Friedman and Ryan Cartlidge discuss the concept of 'most positive least intrusive' in animal training. They also explore the influence of podcasts and online learning, techniques for building duration in behaviors using a two-link chain, and the importance of good observation skills. The speakers also touch on navigating strong emotions and reflect on the podcast's milestone of reaching 100 episodes.

Podcast outline 1:40 - Introduction 3:41 – Pamela talks about when she first learned about positive reinforcement training and some stories from that time. 11:00 – What Pamela is currently up to 14:43 – Some pivotal moments that have shaped Pamela's thinking over the last fifteen years. 24:34 – Pamela Clark’s “Ten Things Parrot Consultants Need to Know in 2019”. 56:42- Pamela’s final words for the listeners on changes she would like to see in the pet parrot world. 59:03 - Pamela can be found online at

* 3:42 – Tim discusses how he came to co-found the ABMA. * 6:36 – Tim’s learning journey and the benefits he has received by taking advantage of a wide variety of learning opportunities. * 15:01 – A couple of stories from Tim’s early days as a trainer. * 19:40 – A few of the biggest things Tim has learned throughout his time as an animal trainer are discussed. * 23:53  - Tim tells listeners about Brookfield Zoo https://www.czs.org/ * 26:34 – Resilience in zoo animals. * 32:25 – Tim shares some about some ways to work with an older animal who is showing signs of decreased resilience. * 38:43 - Tim talks about the gorilla program and some challenges they are working through. * 49:58 – The  power of self-fulfilling prophecies.  1:00  What Tim would like to see happen in the next 5-10 years in the world of positive reinforcement animal training.

Dr. Patricia McConnell, an expert in animal behavior and training, discusses the human-animal relationship, the abundance of topics in dog training, the evolution and divisiveness in the animal training industry, the importance of openness and compassion, the similarities and differences between humans and animals, and the changing acceptance of the emotional capability of animals.

Podcast outline: 1:40 – Introduction of Erin 3:33 – Erin’s behavioural journey 16:11 - Changes in the bird training world over the last ten to twenty years 31:00 – Visit www.torontozoo.org to find out more about Erin’s work including the shows at the zoo 34:06 - Ten steps to train a wild bird of prey 1:02 – Erin’s hopes for the animal training world in the next five to ten years

* 1:40 - Ryan introduces Nancy Tucker * 3:15 – Nancy’s journey into positive reinforcement training * 8:19 – How a background in public relations helps Nancy as a trainer * 15:13 - Find Nancy online at nancytucker.com to find out more about her work * 17:53 –Nancy offers - Five tips for happier clients * 55:50 – Preventing compassion fatigue and burnout by listening to clients to find solutions and by adjusting our expectations * 57:32 – Behavior change takes time and requires patience * 1:05 – What Nancy would like to see happen in the next 5-10 years in the animal training world * 1:08 - Ryan thanks Nancy for coming on the show * 1:09 - Ryan directs people to www.animaltrainingacademy.com to find out more about ATA - including membership

* 1:40 - Ryan introduces Eduardo. * 4:00 – About where Eduardo's Behavioural odyssey * 13:48 – A definition of Behavior Analysis * 29:25 – Three basic tools to help you use data collection in your animal training. * 1:06 - What Eduardo would like to see happen in the next 5-10 years in the data collection, behavior analyst, animal training world. * 1:10 – Various events Eduardo has coming & information about the Behavioural Enrichment Animal Research Group and Animal Reinforcement Forum groups  on Facebook.

Kathy Sdao, an expert in positive reinforcement animal training, shares her journey from training dolphins to working with dogs. Topics discussed include the difference between cues and commands, phrases from non-violent communication, and dealing with compassion fatigue. She also provides five tips for non-violent communication and discusses her hopes for the future of positive reinforcement animal training.

Petra Edwards Bio Petra is a dog trainer in Adelaide, South Australia and has a Bachelor of Science (Hons) with a specialisation in Animal Behaviour. She also holds the professional canine trainer accreditation through the Pet Professional Accreditation Board. Petra is currently studying her PhD investigating how dogs experience their veterinary visits. She hopes her research will not only shed light on the veterinary experience, but offer practical and achievable solutions for improving welfare in the veterinary context. Petra has been involved in the dog training industry from a young age and has worked extensively over the years as an assistant and instructor of pet dog training classes and puppy pre-schools. She is fascinated by all things behaviour and especially loves helping owners and dogs live happily and companionably through positive reinforcement.