[Episode 149] - Tim Van Loan; Behavioral Husbandry Manager of the ABQ BioPark

In this episode of our podcast, we sit down with Andre Yeu, a visionary in the dog training arena, whose journey from tech entrepreneur to a leading figure in animal training is both inspiring and instructive. As the founder of "When Hounds Fly Dog Training" and a distinguished faculty member at the Karen Pryor Academy, Andre brings a wealth of experience and insight into the world of positive reinforcement training. Andre opens up about his transition from a career in technology to launching a successful dog training business. This episode explores the challenges and triumphs of Andre's entrepreneurial journey, including his initial struggles in sales, his bold leap into entrepreneurship, and the eventual establishment of his dog training academy, "When Hounds Fly." His commitment to ethical training methods and his dedication to providing quality education for both dogs and their trainers helping to set a high standard in the industry. Listeners will be treated to Andre's personal stories, including his life with his partner Hyedie Hashimoto, and their shared passion for rescuing animals. He shares the touching story of their rescue dog, Duke, and the challenges they faced in adapting to life with a hunting dog. These experiences have deeply influenced Andre's understanding of dog behavior and training, enriching his approach to teaching and animal care. This episode also delves into the technical aspects of dog training, with Andre discussing the importance of classical conditioning, counter conditioning, and the simplification of training plans to achieve effective results. His insights provide invaluable lessons for trainers of all levels. Andre's journey from "Sales to Dog Training" is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and a profound love for animals. His story is not just about the success of "When Hounds Fly" but about the transformative impact of positive reinforcement training on the lives of countless dogs and their owners. Links - whenhoundsfly.com Instagram >>> https://www.instagram.com/whenhoundsfly TikTok >>> https://www.tiktok.com/@whenhoundsfly YouTube >>> https://www.youtube.com/@whenhoundsflyonline Links - Andre Yeu Linkedin >>> https://ca.linkedin.com/in/andreyeu Instagram >>> https://www.instagram.com/andre_yeu TikTok >>> https://www.tiktok.com/@andre_yeu/ Facebook >>> https://www.facebook.com/andreyeu

In Episode 224 of the ATA podcast show, host Ryan Cartlidge reconnects with Eva Bertilsson for an insightful part two of their conversation on cooperative care. Building on the foundational information from Episode 219, this session dives deeper into effective strategies and ideas. Through the lens of real-world scenarios, such as Fibi's [Ryan's dog] eye-cleaning discomfort, Eva shares her expertise in creating positive learning environments that respect animal autonomy and foster engagement. Here’s a breakdown of the key themes discussed in the episode; Understanding Animal Cues Observation is Key: Recognizing subtle behaviors in animals like Fibi can significantly enhance training effectiveness. Behavioral Responses: Discusses how animals communicate discomfort and stress, emphasizing the importance of adapting training methods accordingly. The Role of Start Buttons Empowering Animals: Introduces the concept of "start buttons" in training, allowing animals to initiate interactions and training sequences. Creating Comfort: Focuses on building a comfortable and stress-free training environment where animals feel safe and understood. Practical Training Insights Simplifying the Process: Advocates for a simplified approach to training that prioritises positive reinforcement and allows for opting out. Avoiding Aversives: Warns against the use of aversives in training, suggesting they can lead to avoidant behaviors. Engagement Over Rules: Encourages focusing on the overall attitude and engagement of learners, rather than strict adherence to specific rules. Through Eva Bertilsson's expertise and Ryan Cartlidge’s thoughtful questioning, listeners are offered a masterclass in refining their training practices to be more aligned with the needs and well-being of their animal companions. This episode serves as a reminder of the transformative power of empathy, observation, and respect in the world of animal training and specifically with cooperative care.

In the second instalment of our enlightening conversation with Francesca Degli Espinosa, we venture further into the realm of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and its transformative power across species. Francesca, an acclaimed behaviour analyst and board member of the B.F. Skinner Foundation, shares her expansive journey and pioneering research in ABA, from groundbreaking work with children with autism to exploring the cognitive underpinnings of behaviour in both humans and animals. What You'll Discover in This Episode: The Science of Behavior Analysis: Francesca delves into the critical importance of controlling variables in child development and the innovative strategies for fostering generative learning and verbal behaviour. From Theory to Practice: Insights into Francesca's approach to translating complex cognitive processes into practical interventions for children with autism, emphasizing the pivotal role of early social responding and joint attention. A Unified Approach: The compelling narrative of Francesca's quest to bridge the gap between behaviour analysts focusing on human learners and those working with non-human animals, including her own journey into professional dog training. The Art of Communication: Francesca and Ryan discuss the essence of true joint attention, the challenges of rapid word acquisition, and the broader implications for teaching and learning across species boundaries. Why This Episode Is a Must-Listen: Dive deeper into the science of behaviour analysis with Francesca Degli Espinosa, exploring the nuanced parallels between human and animal learning. This episode is a testament to the universality of ABA principles and their potential to enrich lives, regardless of species. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that spans the spectrum of behaviour analysis, from theoretical foundations to practical applications. Engage With Us: We’re eager to hear your thoughts on this episode and your own experiences in behaviour analysis or animal training. Connect with us through our membership subscription, share this episode with your peers, and become part of our vibrant ATA community for more enriching conversations. Looking Ahead: Stay tuned for more episodes that challenge, inspire, and educate. Our journey together continues to unfold, bringing new insights and discoveries at the intersection of human and animal behaviour analysis. Thank you for being an integral part of the ATA community. Links: www.abaclinic.net Francesca Degli Espinosa on Facebook

In this episode, dive into the unique journey of Francesca Degli Espinosa, from her groundbreaking work in behavior analysis with children with autism to her personal exploration of dog training [stared during the pandemic]. With the adoption of her Labrador puppy, Darwin, Francesca opens up about how her professional life influenced her dog training and vice versa. What You'll Discover in This Episode: Francesca's transition from using Applied Behaviour Analysis with human learners to dog training and the lessons learned along the way. Insights into behavior analysis and its application in understanding and training dogs. The story of Darwin, the pandemic puppy, and the challenges and joys of training him. Why This Episode Is a Must-Listen: Francesca shares her insights into the parallels between behavior analysis in humans and animals, emphasizing the importance of communication, understanding, and empathy in both fields. Whether you're a seasoned animal trainer or just passionate about behavior analysis, there's something in this episode for everyone. Engage With Us: If Francesca's story has sparked your interest or if you have your own experiences to share, we'd love to hear from you. Subscribe to our podcast, share this episode with your network, and join our dedicated membership for more discussions. Looking Ahead: Don't miss our next episode, where we'll delve into part two of our conversation with Francesca. Thank you for tuning in and for being a part of our ATA community. Links; www.abaclinic.net https://www.facebook.com/francesca.d.espinosa  

In this compelling continuation of our discussion with Jessica Dolce, a certified compassion fatigue educator, this episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast delves deeper into the challenges of burnout. Ryan opens the conversation by addressing the critical need to redefine success in the face of burnout. Jessica elaborates on burnout as a syndrome stemming from chronic workplace stress, asserting that it is a condition of the work environment rather than a personal failure. The dialogue uncovers the primary causes of burnout, highlighting the systemic nature of this issue and offering insights into creating a healthier work-life balance. Further, the discussion pivots to the growth mindset and the strategic approach of setting "enoughness" conditions for personal and professional satisfaction. Jessica shares her methodology in coaching and public speaking, demonstrating how specific, measurable goals can alleviate decision fatigue and contribute to a more fulfilling career. The episode also delves into the importance of self-compassion and setting boundaries within organizational structures to mitigate workplace stress. By embracing a redefined measure of success and acknowledging one's achievements, Jessica and Ryan illuminate a path towards a sustainable and joyful career in animal welfare. Find Jessica online at: https://jessicadolce.com and https://www.compassioninbalance.com

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast, Ryan Cartlidge has a conversation with the insightful Jessica Dolce, a certified compassion fatigue educator. Jessica, with her extensive background in animal welfare and education, delves into the often-overlooked realm of compassion fatigue, an issue prevalent among animal caregivers and welfare professionals. Her journey, beginning with a personal dog walking business and evolving into co-founding a non-profit, illustrates the deep emotional investment inherent in animal welfare. Jessica's firsthand experience with burnout and compassion fatigue while working in shelters led her to become a certified educator in this field, offering a lifeline to those struggling with the emotional toll of intensive caregiving. Throughout the episode, Jessica illuminates the concept of compassion fatigue, describing it as a complex mix of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion. She stresses the significance of replenishing empathy to maintain joy and satisfaction in life and work. Jessica and Ryan explore strategies for managing these challenges, including the importance of hobbies and activities unrelated to work, differentiating active from passive rest, and embracing practices like gratitude exercises. This episode promises not only to educate but also to inspire and empower animal welfare professionals in their journey towards a balanced, joyful, and sustainable career in animal care. Find Jessica online at: https://jessicadolce.com and https://www.compassioninbalance.com

In this episode we welcome the remarkable Eva Bertilsson, a behaviour analyst and co-founder of Carpe Momentum, renowned for her pioneering work in animal behaviour and cooperative care. Eva Bertilsson brings a wealth of knowledge to today's discussion, aimed at assisting you, the listener, in navigating the often-stressful challenges of cooperative care, both for you and your clients. Our special guest; Eva Bertilsson, From her humble beginnings at a local dog club to becoming an international educator. Her insights into R+ approaches, behavioural principles, and quality of life enhancement are invaluable. Her collaboration in Carpe Momentum and various other partnerships symbolize her commitment to pioneering animal care. The Plan: Listen, Learn, and Impact Listen to the episode to immerse yourself in Eva's profound insights on cooperative care. Grow your skills, knowledge, and confidence through Eva's shared experiences and strategies. Impact the lives of animal and human learners by applying what you learn! We don’t want you to feel stressed and overwhelmed by cooperative care challenges, we’re here to support your growth in skills and knowledge. Our aim is to build your confidence empowering you to make a profound positive impact on the lives you touch. LINKS Eva's website >>> https://evabertilsson.com/ Click here to access the exclusive Australasian event page on Eva Bertilsson's website. Click here to visit Canine Education Academy website and join their newsletter to stay up-to-date with Eva Bertilsson's event in Australia. Click here for Canine Education Academy Australia's Eva Bertilsson workshop event on Facebook. Click here for the ATA & Pawsitive Behaviours New Zealand workshop event with Eva Bertilsson on Facebook.

In the second part of our awesome coversation with Nicky Plaskitt, we delve into a topic that resonates deeply with many of our listeners: overcoming impostor syndrome and growing your confidence in the realm of animal training. We understand that Impostor syndrome can totally be a daunting barrier, often leaving many feeling inadequate and overwhelmed in their journey to become proficient positive reinforcement animal trainers. This feeling is echoed in the recurring discussions among our Animal Training Academy community members, who frequently share their struggles with feeling like an 'impostor' in their field. Therefore I was so excited to have Nicky Plaskitt, a seasoned expert in animal training, join us for this episode to share her invaluable insights on how to cultivate confidence within yourself as a trainer. With years of experience, Nicky is the ideal guide to help us navigate these challenging waters. In our conversation, we cover several key areas. Our goal for 2024 is to help you grow — not just in skills and knowledge, but crucially, in confidence. With this newfound confidence, we want you to have your biggest possible positive impact on the lives of all the animal and human learners you work with in 2024. Links; Facebook >>> https://www.facebook.com/shapingbehaviour Instagram >>> https://www.instagram.com/nickyshapingbehaviour/?hl=en website >>> https://shapingbehaviour.com/home

In this episode of our podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Nicky Plaskitt, a seasoned animal care professional and positive reinforcement training subject matter expert. Nicky's journey, which spans over two decades, is a testament to the transformative power of science-based training methods in animal care. Starting in 2000, Nicky embarked on her career in various zoological collections, where she honed her skills in a multitude of roles - from animal keeping to team leadership. In 2021, Nicky took her expertise to a new frontier, founding Shaping Behaviour. This venture reflects her deep commitment to improving animal welfare by empowering caregivers with the knowledge and skills they need to excel. Her role as a Zoological Behaviour Consultant has allowed her to impact animal care both in the UK and internationally. Nicky's dedication to her field is further evidenced by her involvement with the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (IAATE), where she has been a member since 2012 and recently joined the Board of Directors. Her efforts in organizing the first-ever UK Symposium highlight her initiative in enhancing bird welfare across the UK and Europe. A Certified Professional Bird Trainer and Animal Trainer through the International Avian Trainers Certification Board (IATCB), Nicky not only contributes her expertise but also shapes future standards in the field as a board member. Above all, Nicky's passion lies in seeing all learners, regardless of species, succeed through clear and kind communication. This episode is an exploration of her fantastic career, her insights into positive reinforcement training, and how she’s making a difference in the world of animal care. Join us as we delve into the story of a true pioneer in the field, whose work continues to inspire and shape the future of animal training in the UK & beyond. Links; Facebook >>> https://www.facebook.com/shapingbehaviour Instagram >>> https://www.instagram.com/nickyshapingbehaviour/?hl=en website >>> https://shapingbehaviour.com/home  

In this special archival episode of the Animal Training Academy Podcast, we revisit a gem from our collection - an insightful conversation with the awesome Chirag Patel. Chirag takes us through his early days in the field, sharing the experiences that shaped his unique perspective on animal behaviour and training. A highlight of this episode is Chirag’s explanation of his 'Bucket Game', a fun technique for cooperative care that fosters trust and patience in animals during training sessions. This game demonstrates Chirag’s creative approach & also serves as an invaluable tool for trainers worldwide. Chirag also delves into strategies for empathetically dealing with challenging situations and people, offering practical advice. His insights are a testament to the importance of understanding, patience, and empathy in any form of teaching or interaction. In addition to these key topics, our conversation branches out into a variety of other subjects, making this episode a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration for trainers and animal enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a long-time follower of Chirag Patel or hearing his wisdom for the first time, this episode from our archives is sure to enrich your understanding of animal training and the power of empathy in all walks of life. Links; Website; https://www.domesticatedmanners.com/ Instagram: @ChiragPatelConsulting Facebook: www.facebook.com/chiragpatelconsulting YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/chiragpatelconsulting