Practicing Gratitude Inside and Outside ATA with Ryan Cartlidge, Shelly Wood & Belinda Young [Episode 272]

In this reflective and values-driven episode of the Animal Training Academy Podcast, ATA team members Ryan Cartlidge, Shelly Wood, and Belinda Young come together for a thoughtful discussion on gratitude - one of Animal Training Academy's core values - and the meaningful role it plays in learning, community, and wellbeing. Drawing from personal experience and professional practice, Ryan, Shelly, and Belinda explore how intentional gratitude shapes ATA's culture and supports safer, more compassionate spaces for human learners. From early-morning thought loops and professional challenges to gratitude journals, team rituals, and community moderation, the conversation reframes gratitude not as "toxic positivity," but as a genuine, practiced skill that can be learned, strengthened, and modeled. Throughout the episode, the discussion explores: Why gratitude was intentionally chosen as a core value of Animal Training Academy Gratitude as a learnable skill that builds resilience, self-compassion, and emotional flexibility Parallels between effective animal training and supporting human learners How gratitude supports bravery, vulnerability, and risk-taking in learning environments The ripple effects of modeling gratitude within ATA and beyond Why psychologically safe communities are essential for growth, feedback, and lifelong learning This episode is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to practice gratitude with authenticity. It highlights how values-led reinforcement can transform not only how we train animals, but how we support people, nurture community, and show up for one another - reminding us that when courage, curiosity, and kindness are intentionally reinforced, the ripples travel far beyond the moment.

In the second part of our conversation with Ryan Talbot, Behavioral Enrichment and Training Manager at Wolf Park, we continue exploring how behavior science, engineering, and thoughtful creativity come together in Ryan's work with wolves and wolf dogs. Ryan shares how small, systematic changes can create meaningful shifts in cooperative care, and how approaching husbandry through a constructional, stepwise lens helps both animals and humans experience more clarity and choice. Ryan and host Ryan Cartlidge dig into the practical realities of teaching complex behaviors to apex species. They discuss shaping, splitting, and transferring control, as well as how long-term plans can be built from simple, repeatable loops. Ryan also reflects on what he has learned from working with individual animals over many years, including how emotional safety guides the pace of training and how social dynamics influence husbandry outcomes. Throughout the episode, Ryan highlights the importance of curiosity, experimentation, and community. From building prototype tools to inviting colleagues into problem-solving conversations, he shares how collaborative thinking makes training more effective and more humane. His insights offer a thoughtful reminder that progress is not about perfection, but about paying attention to what an animal communicates and adjusting with care. Throughout this episode, we explore: ✅ How a constructional approach supports clarity and confidence in cooperative care ✅ The role of shaping and splitting in teaching complex husbandry behaviors ✅ How wolf and wolf dog social dynamics influence training plans and outcomes ✅ Why emotional safety determines the appropriate pace of progression ✅ The value of experimentation, prototyping, and creative problem solving ✅ Long-term behavior planning and building repeatable learning loops ✅ How collaboration within a training team leads to better welfare and better results This concluding conversation with Ryan offers practical insights, reflective moments, and a look into how science, creativity, and compassion shape meaningful work with apex species. Links https://wolfpark.org/ https://www.facebook.com/wolfparkindiana https://www.instagram.com/wolfparkindiana/ Links to  papers referred to during conversation: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40617-023-00890-1 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40617-023-00850-9  

In this first part of our conversation with Ryan Talbot, Behavioral Enrichment and Training Manager at Wolf Park, we dive into the winding and thoughtful path that brought him from computer engineering into the world of applied behavior analysis and cooperative care. Ryan shares how a formative visit to Wolf Park opened his eyes to the power of relationships built through understanding another being's umwelt, setting him on a path of lifelong learning in behavior science. Across the episode, Ryan reflects on how engineering thinking and behavior analysis intersect in his work. He discusses debugging software versus analyzing behavior, the parallels between instrumentation and communication, and how these concepts helped shape his approach to training wolves with clarity and compassion. Ryan also describes the early cooperative care efforts at Wolf Park, from reducing reliance on human wolf bonds to developing voluntary, transferable husbandry behaviors with the help of colleagues and mentors. Together, Ryan and host Ryan Cartlidge explore themes of motivation, imposter syndrome, community, and what it means to contribute to a field from an unconventional starting point. From building wooden target blocks to prototyping touchscreen devices for wolves, Ryan shares how creativity, curiosity, and open source values influence both his training and his desire to help others learn and grow alongside their animals. Throughout this episode, we explore: ✅ The moment at Wolf Park that sparked Ryan's interest in behavior and umwelt ✅ How engineering concepts like debugging and instrumentation map onto behavior analysis ✅ The evolution of cooperative care training with wolves and wolf dogs at Wolf Park ✅ Why Ryan sees behavior as a physical science governed by predictable laws ✅ The influence of mentors and colleagues throughout his learning journey ✅ Thoughts on imposter syndrome, industry identity, and finding one's place in the training community ✅ Open source values, tinkering, and creative tools that support clearer communication with learners This conversation offers a fascinating look at how diverse backgrounds enrich our field, and how curiosity and compassion can shape meaningful work with animals. Links https://wolfpark.org/ https://www.facebook.com/wolfparkindiana https://www.instagram.com/wolfparkindiana/ Links papers referred to during conversation: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40617-023-00890-1 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40617-023-00850-9  

In this candid and practical conclusion to their two-part conversation, Ryan Cartlidge and Sara Brueske shift from the training field to the front office to discuss the business of animal training. Sara shares an "in the trenches" look at her journey into facility ownership and the evolution of her business, Happy Dog Lodge. The conversation centers on a service model often debated within the positive reinforcement community: Board and Train. Sara offers a transparent look at the ethics, logistics, and communication strategies required to offer this service in a way that prioritises client education, successful skill transfer, and the wellbeing of the dog. Beyond the specific service, Ryan and Sara discuss the broader challenges of entrepreneurship, from the weight of managing a team to the art of marketing to both clients and professional peers. Sara's insights provide a valuable roadmap for any trainer navigating the complexities of making their passion a sustainable profession. Throughout this episode, we explore: ✅ The shift from solo sport trainer to facility owner and team leader ✅ A deep dive into the Board and Train model from a positive reinforcement perspective ✅ Strategies for ensuring successful training transfer from trainer to client ✅ The vital difference between marketing to your clients and marketing to your peers ✅ The real-world challenges and ethical considerations of running a training business ✅ How to build a service that meets market demand while upholding your training philosophy Part two is a must-listen for any training professional, offering an honest look at the sometimes uncomfortable but crucial business side of what we do and how to do it with integrity and foresight. Links Happy Dog Lodge - Boarding, Training, Grooming in Cambridge, MN www.happydoglodge.com Fenzi Dog Sports Academy www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com Facebook page: www.facebook.com/brueskesara 

In the first part of this energising two-part conversation, Ryan Cartlidge sits down with Sara Brueske, professional trainer, sport competitor, and owner of On the Run Canine Center. Known for her joyful approach to training and her skill across an impressive range of dog sports, Sara offers a refreshing and practical look at what motivates dogs to engage, play, and grow with us as partners. Drawing from her decades of experience, Sara shares why play sits at the heart of her training philosophy and how intrinsic motivation can shape confident, resilient, and enthusiastic learners. She explores the art of keeping sessions light and fun, how to build engagement with dogs who are shy or easily overwhelmed, and why honouring the individual dog is central to sustainable sport training and family-dog work. Ryan and Sara also unpack how games can support reactive and sensitive dogs, how choice contributes to emotional safety, and why optimism is a skill that can be developed through thoughtful reinforcement strategies. Beyond the mechanics of training, Sara offers generous insight into communication, relationship building, and supporting guardians to feel successful and empowered. Throughout this episode, we explore: ✅ How play and intrinsic motivation strengthen engagement and partnership ✅ Strategies for helping shy, hesitant, or easily discouraged dogs build confidence ✅ Why variety, flexible criteria, and well-timed reinforcement keep dogs in an optimistic learning state ✅ The role of games and choice-based activities in supporting reactive or sensitive dogs ✅ How to balance performance goals with emotional wellbeing in dogs and handlers ✅ Sara's approach to guiding guardians through clear communication and achievable success Whether you are a dog sport enthusiast, a family-dog trainer, or someone looking to bring more joy into your daily training sessions, this conversation with Sara offers practical tools and thoughtful reminders that learning works best when everyone is having fun. Links Happy Dog Lodge - Boarding, Training, Grooming in Cambridge, MN www.happydoglodge.com  Fenzi Dog Sports Academy www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com  Facebook page: www.facebook.com/brueskesara 

In this reflective and wisdom-filled conversation, Ryan Cartlidge welcomes back Lori Stevens, canine fitness, movement, and behavior specialist, creator of the Balance Harness, and long-time leader in the world of positive reinforcement training. As Lori marks her retirement from the professional speaking circuit, she takes us through the lessons that have defined her teaching philosophy and the perspectives that continue to guide her today. Drawing from decades of experience, Lori shares how her background in dance and movement shaped her keen eye for posture, balance, and subtle physical cues, and how these factors profoundly influence both behavior and wellbeing. Together, Ryan and Lori explore what it really means to be concise and precise as teachers, not just with our animal learners, but with the human ones too. From refining observation skills to simplifying feedback and setting learners up for success, Lori's insights reveal the quiet power of doing less to achieve more. Throughout this episode, we discuss: ✅ Why movement, posture, and physical comfort are critical variables in behavior and learning ✅ The art of teaching with clarity, and the difference between being concise and being precise ✅ How giving "one to three things" to focus on can transform learning outcomes ✅ The importance of slowing down, observing deeply, and trusting the process ✅ Lori's reflections on mentorship, gratitude, and the evolving landscape of positive reinforcement training Whether you are a new trainer just finding your feet or a seasoned professional reflecting on your journey, this conversation is an inspiring reminder that every small, thoughtful step forward can be life-changing for both our learners and ourselves.

In this insightful conclusion to our two-part conversation, Ellen Yoakum—Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Behavior Consultant, KPA CTP, and Behavior Consultant with Pet Harmony—returns to explore how we can thoughtfully apply the learning principles we use with our animal learners to ourselves and the humans we work with. Building on the foundations of Part One, Ellen and Ryan dive into the complexities of generalization—how humans, much like our non-human learners, can struggle to transfer skills across contexts. From communication and empathy to client coaching and professional growth, Ellen offers compassionate strategies for building fluency, resilience, and sustainability in both behavior change and life. Together, they explore: ✅ Translating behavioral principles from dogs to humans—and ourselves ✅ Creating safe learning spaces for clients, colleagues, and trainers alike ✅ How understanding "pain points" can reshape client plans and improve outcomes ✅ Teaching for generalization without overwhelming learners ✅ Rethinking perfection and building skills for recovery when "life gets lifey" Ellen's reflections on generalization, empathy, and sustainable growth remind us that training isn't just about the animals—it's about the entire learning ecosystem. Her insights leave us inspired to meet our learners where they are, celebrate progress over perfection, and approach every interaction—human or non-human—with curiosity and care. Links Enrichment for the Real World Petharmonytraining.com Pet Harmony on Instagram and Facebook Pet Harmony Pro on Instagram and TikTok

In this thoughtful first half of a two-part conversation, we're joined by the insightful and articulate Ellen Yoakum—Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Behavior Consultant, KPA CTP, and Behavior Consultant with Pet Harmony. Ellen's path in animal behavior began at the University of Washington, where she immersed herself in captive animal welfare and enrichment research under mentors including Dr. Eduardo Fernandez, Dr. James Ha, and Dr. Renee Ha. From conducting enrichment studies with gray wolves, penguins, and brown bears to working with Natural Encounters Inc. on free-flight avian programs, Ellen's career has spanned species, disciplines, and continents—all united by her deep curiosity about the teacher–learner relationship. Today, through her work with Pet Harmony, Ellen helps families and professionals navigate the complex needs of both human and non-human learners with compassion, creativity, and clarity. In this conversation, she and Ryan explore: ✅ The formative influence of Ellen's early research and mentors on her consulting approach ✅ How her experiences across species—from wolves to macaws—shaped her perspective on enrichment and welfare ✅ Why she finds comfort in being "the least knowledgeable person in the room" ✅ How interoception, emotional awareness, and naming our experiences support better communication and empathy ✅ The power of language, inclusive communication, and "assuming good intent" in our professional and personal relationships Ellen's reflections invite us to embrace imperfection, lead with curiosity, and build training cultures grounded in good faith and shared growth. Stay tuned for part two, where we'll dive deeper into her work with Pet Harmony, mentorship, and sustainable strategies for supporting both people and their pets. Links Enrichment for the Real World Petharmonytraining.com Pet Harmony on Instagram and Facebook Pet Harmony Pro on Instagram and TikTok Bear Studies: The Effects of Automated Scatter Feeders on Captive Grizzly Bear Activity Budgets  Seasonal and Daily Activity of Two Zoo-Housed Grizzly Bears (Ursus Arctos Horribilis)   Caregiver Burden Resources

In this second half of our two-part conversation, we're joined again by the insightful Megan Sanders—zoo behavior consultant, educator, and long-time advocate for evidence-based training. Building on Part One, where we explored Megan's career journey and the value of leaning into discomfort, this episode dives into her master's thesis research on how best to teach the teachers—animal trainers themselves. Megan shares how tools like Behavior Skills Training (BST) and PORTL can systematically shape trainer mechanics, improve procedural fidelity, and ultimately lead to less stressed, more successful animals. Together, we explore: ✅ Why training trainers deserves the same precision and care as training animals ✅ How PORTL, peer feedback, and goats became unlikely research allies ✅ The challenges of measuring trainer skill and bridging it to real-world animal outcomes ✅ Why "the why" matters—giving trainers logical, observable reasons behind every step ✅ How research leaves us with more questions (and why that's a good thing) Megan's story reminds us that the heart of effective animal care often starts with how we teach the humans holding the leash, bucket, or target stick. By bringing clarity, systematic teaching, and curiosity to the process, Megan is helping shape a future where trainers feel more confident, animals thrive, and the science of behavior continues to grow. Links https://www.behaviorworks.org/ https://absc.ku.edu/ https://behaviorexplorer.com/  

In this inspiring first half of a two-part conversation, we're joined by the accomplished and thoughtful Megan Sanders—zoo behavior consultant, educator, and long-time advocate for evidence-based training. With over 23 years in the zoo field, much of it at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Megan's journey has spanned caring for everything from goats and guinea pigs to snow leopards and mountain lions. Along the way, she became CMZ's first Animal Behavior Programs Manager, helped launch zoo-wide training and enrichment initiatives, and co-developed courses that have shaped the next generation of zookeepers. Beyond the zoo, Megan has also taught in higher education, supported service dog programs, and now collaborates with Behavior Works LLC as a consultant and instructor. Together, we explore: ✅ How Megan's early squirrel and wombat encounters set her on a path toward behavior science ✅ Her evolution from keeper to building zoo-wide training systems ✅ The pivotal influence of mentors like Susan Friedman and Steve Martin ✅ Why "playing with better tennis players" is vital for professional growth ✅ The challenges of embracing discomfort as a pathway to improvement Megan's story is a reminder that growth often comes from leaning into the uncomfortable, surrounding ourselves with people who challenge us, and staying curious about both animals and ourselves. Stay tuned for part two, where we'll dive into her master's thesis research on teaching strategies for animal trainers and transferring skills into practice. Links https://www.behaviorworks.org/ https://absc.ku.edu/ https://behaviorexplorer.com/