In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we're joined by Martina Luisetti, Certified Dog Trainer and founder of ULI Dog Training in the UK. Martina brings a refreshing and compassionate perspective to canine behavior, offering training that’s as much about the humans as it is about the dogs.

With a background shaped by personal growth and a deep love for animals, Martina shares how her passion for trauma-informed care, attachment theory, and relational safety informs her training methods. Her work centers on supporting excitable dogs and their guardians through classes like Fun Agility and foundational puppy training — always with a focus on connection, trust, and clear communication.

In this episode, we explore:

✅ Martina’s journey from struggling with her own dog’s behavior to becoming a skilled trainer helping others ✅ Why understanding human psychology and emotional regulation is crucial in dog training ✅ The importance of non-judgmental spaces in classes and community learning ✅ How Martina blends play, empathy, and structure to support excitable dogs ✅ Her reflections on healing, compassion, and building safer relationships — for both dogs and their humans

Whether you're a seasoned trainer or a dog guardian navigating challenging behaviors, Martina’s gentle approach and insightful reflections will inspire you to rethink how we support both ends of the leash.

Links

[email protected] 

https://www.instagram.com/ulidogtraining?igsh=dzVjaWNyb3p0OTNz

www.ulidogtraining.com

PACT Professional Association of Canine Trainers https://www.pact-dogs.com/

ABTC Animal Behaviour and Training Council https://abtc.org.uk/ 

Certified Separation Anxiety SA PRO trainer with Julie Neismith program

In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we're joined by April Williams, the passionate owner and operator of All About The Hound dog services in Masterton, New Zealand. With 13 years of experience, April is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and Certified Professional Groomer who is dedicated to providing stress-free grooming and training experiences.

April's commitment to kind and gentle training is evident in her specialized "Little Groomies" Puppy Grooming Intro packages, designed to ease puppies into the grooming process. She shares her journey from working in academic publishing to establishing All About The Hounds, driven by her desire to connect and understand her own dog, Archie. 

In this episode, we dive into:

✅ April’s approach to creating positive and stress-free grooming experiences for dogs

✅ The importance of early and gentle introduction to grooming, and her ‘Little Groomies’ program

✅ How a clicker training experience with her dog Archie, helped shape her training philosophy

✅ The challenges in the grooming industry, particularly around education and training

Whether you're a pet professional or a pet guardian, April's dedication to improving animal welfare and her innovative approach to grooming and training will provide you with valuable insights into creating a better experience for the animals in your life.

Links:

https://www.allaboutthehound.co.nz/

https://www.facebook.com/allaboutthehound.co.nz

[email protected]

In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we’re delighted to welcome Raoudha Mairos, a passionate dog trainer and behavior consultant, as she shares her inspiring journey from fearing dogs to dedicating her life to understanding and improving animal welfare. As the founder of Sunny Paws, Raoudha offers one-on-one coaching to help dogs and their guardians build confidence, trust, and a stress-free bond. She also co-founded Global Animal Experts, a platform that connects professionals in the French-speaking community with expert insights through courses and webinars.

Raoudha’s story is one of transformation—moving from fear to fascination as she navigated life with her first dog, Sunny, and eventually shifted careers from teaching to professional dog training. She shares how different dogs, including her own, have shaped her approach, emphasising the importance of understanding individual animals rather than forcing them into rigid expectations.

In this episode, we dive into: ✅ The power of observation and empathy in animal training ✅ How Raoudha’s work helps bridge the communication gap between dogs and their humans ✅ The importance of giving animals choices in training and daily life ✅ The lessons she’s learned from working with multiple species, including a surprising training experience with a giraffe!

Whether you're an animal trainer, pet guardian, or behavior enthusiast, Raoudha’s insights will inspire you to rethink the way we understand and connect with the animals in our lives.

Links

• https://sunnypaws.co.uk/
• www.globalanimalexperts.com

In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Samantha Rubio, a dedicated horse trainer specialising in positive reinforcement and equine rehabilitation. Based in Montgomery County, Maryland, Samantha works at a cutting-edge equine behavior and sports medicine rehabilitation facility while also running her own training business.

Samantha shares her inspiring journey from a childhood passion for animals to earning her degree in Animal Science and Neurobiology at Cornell University. She opens up about her experience bridging the gap between academic research and real-life training, advocating for lifelong learning, and fostering an inclusive approach that values both human and non-human learners.

Listeners will gain insight into Samantha’s work at Misty Step Stables, where she collaborates with veterinarians and specialists to support horses in medical and behavioral rehabilitation. She discusses the importance of recognising pain in horses - challenging outdated industry norms that often dismiss behavioral indicators of discomfort. Through compelling case studies, including a transformative experience with a horse named Rum, Samantha highlights the power of listening to both horses and their owners, reinforcing the idea that effective training is built on trust, science, and compassion.

Whether you're an equestrian, animal behavior enthusiast, or trainer looking to deepen your understanding of positive reinforcement in the horse world, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical takeaways.

Links

• Samantha's workplace >>> https://mistystepstables.com/
• Samantha's business on Facebook >>> https://www.facebook.com/AhimsaEquineLLC
• Samantha on Facebook >>> https://www.facebook.com/samantha.rubio.5074

In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Eileen Anderson—writer, researcher, and advocate for humane dog training. Eileen is the author of Remember Me?, a Maxwell Award-winning book on canine cognitive dysfunction, and a thought leader in the world of positive reinforcement training.

Eileen shares her fascinating journey from engineering and music to becoming a trusted voice in the animal behavior community. She discusses how a chance adoption of a challenging dog named Summer set her on a path of discovery, leading her to the world of behavior science, dog training, and eventually, writing. With her unique background in acoustics, Eileen also sheds light on common misconceptions about sound sensitivity in dogs and how her expertise has helped shape innovative approaches to training and problem-solving.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the science of sound and its impact on dogs, the importance of careful and ethical training, and practical strategies for building trust and communication with their pets. Eileen also shares her experiences mentoring aspiring writers, offering tips for overcoming writer’s block and developing a meaningful writing practice.

Whether you're a dog trainer, behavior enthusiast, or an aspiring writer, this episode is packed with inspiration, knowledge, and practical advice.

Links

• Dogs and Sound Webinars
  • Both webinars are available here >>> https://payhip.com/brightfriendsproductions
• Books
  • Remember Me? Loving and Caring for a Dog with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction >>> https://books2read.com/dogdementia
  • Puppy Socialization: What It Is and How to Do It, coauthored with Marge Rogers >>> https://books2read.com/puppysocialization
  • Both books are also available at Dogwise, and Puppy Socialization is available at Clean Run and Mungo’s in Canada.
• Contact Eileen via Her Blog >>> https://eileenanddogs.com/drrp/
• Blog Posts Discussed in the Podcast
  • https://eileenanddogs.com/blog/2022/07/29/how-i-taught-my-puppy-to-sleep-later-in-the-morning/
  • https://eileenanddogs.com/blog/2024/01/09/desensitizing-a-dog-to-high-pitched-beeps-part-1-of-2/
  • https://eileenanddogs.com/blog/2024/01/12/desensitizing-a-dog-to-high-pitched-beeps-part-2-of-2/
• Journal Article Related to the Counterconditioning Posts
  • Poppen, R. (1970). Counterconditioning of conditioned suppression in rats. Psychological Reports, 27(2), 659-671. (desensitization was done using frequency rather than volume)
• Other Information on Sound from Eileen
  • All articles on dogs and sound on my blog >>> https://eileenanddogs.com/blog/category/dogs-and-sound/
  • How to Soundproof a Dog Crate (You Can’t >>> https://eileenanddogs.com/blog/2019/08/06/how-to-soundproof-a-dog-crate/
  • Using Sound Apps for Desensitization & Counterconditioning for Dogs >>> https://eileenanddogs.com/blog/2021/01/08/using-sound-apps-for-desensitization-counterconditioning-for-dogs/
  • Article on Sound Masking >>> https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/noise-canceling-for-dogs/
• Eileen’s Writing Mentorship (next one will be in July 2025)
  • https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/writing-mentorship-with-eileen-anderson/
• Writing Tips
  • About Freewriting >>> https://www.research.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/RD/docs/FREEWRITING-by-Peter-Elbow.pdf
  • Writing Word Count Goals Gamified (R+) >>> https://4thewords.com/ 

In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Daniela Zurr, a distinguished behavioral veterinarian from Nuremberg, Germany. With over 25 years of experience as a veterinarian and a Tellington TTouch instructor, Dr. Zurr combines her expertise in behavioral medicine, zoo animal consultations, and positive reinforcement training to create innovative approaches to animal care.

Dr. Zurr shares her journey from an early passion for reptiles to her current role, where she works with a wide range of animals, from household pets to zoo residents. She discusses the profound influence of mentors like Linda Tellington-Jones, the evolution of her work with TTouch, and the development of her holistic method to improve animal behavior and welfare.

Listeners will gain insights into the principles of TTouch, including its focus on mindfulness, trust, and connection, and learn how it can be used to address behavioral challenges, prevent stress, and improve the bond between humans and animals. Dr. Zurr also shares personal stories, such as her experiences with her own rescue dog and her work with shelter animals, highlighting the importance of adaptability and compassion in animal care.

Whether you’re a pet owner, trainer, or behavior enthusiast, this episode offers a wealth of inspiration and practical advice for fostering trust and connection with the animals in your life.

Links

• www.ttouch.com
• www.tellington-methode.de
• www.ttouch-n-click.de
• www.tierverhalten-zurr.de
• Email; [email protected]

In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we are joined by the wonderful Kristi Martin, a behavior specialist with a diverse background in both the zoo and veterinary fields. Kristi shares her journey from caring for a wide variety of species in zoos to transitioning into the veterinary field, where she specialized in behavior care. She talks about her current work at the Richmond Animal Behavior Wellness Center, where she assists a veterinary behaviorist and runs a DigiTherm thermal scanner to help assess pain in behavior patients.

Kristi’s expertise shines as she discusses her experiences working with animals, including the shift from zoo work to veterinary care, and how her passion for learning has driven her to continually expand her skill set. From handling complex cases of fear, anxiety, and aggression in pets, to integrating the latest technology in veterinary behavior, Kristi’s insights offer valuable lessons for both pet owners and animal care professionals.

Listeners will be inspired by Kristi's approach to simplifying behavior modification plans, her dedication to making training practical for pet owners, and her emphasis on the importance of checking for pain or discomfort as a potential cause of behavior issues. With her varied experiences, Kristi provides a refreshing perspective on animal behavior and welfare.

https://www.abwellnesscenter.com/

In this engaging episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we welcome Juliette Nash, Community Animal Training Manager at San Diego Humane Society. From her early childhood dream of working with animals to a career dedicated to animal behavior, Juliette shares her inspiring journey. With a Master’s degree in killer whale social behavior and vocal learning, Juliette's transition into the world of animal welfare led her to develop innovative training programs for both cats and dogs, including unique classes like Shy Cat training and a Pet Training Assistance Fund.

Juliette's passion for cooperative, choice-based training, particularly with fearful and poorly socialized animals, shines through as she discusses the importance of meeting animals where they are and using accessible language to empower pet owners. We delve into the behind-the-scenes development of her behavior programs, how she balances research with hands-on work, and her continuous efforts to support animals and their families.

This episode is filled with practical advice for trainers and pet owners alike, and heartwarming stories, including a moving account of a cat named Magneto who, through Juliette’s guidance, transformed from a fearful hoarding rescue to a beloved, affectionate companion.

Links:

• www.sdhumane.org/training
• www.sdhumane.org/trainingclasses
• www.sdhumane.org/trainingvideos
• www.sdhumane.org/trainingarticles
• www.sdhumane.org/trainerdirectory

In this fun episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we welcome Teisha Rolph from Behaviour Antics, a passionate dog trainer and behaviour nerd. Teisha shares her unique journey into animal training, from growing up surrounded by animals to studying animal and veterinary biosciences at university, where she fell in love with the science of behaviour. Inspired by her mentors, Dr. Richard Zann and Jenny Wilcox, Teisha has since built a diverse training career focused on empathy and individualised care.

Throughout this episode, Teisha delves into her work with anxious dogs and their human counterparts, emphasising the importance of moderating expectations and creating a safe environment for both. She shares heartwarming stories about her Finnish Lapphunds, Asgard and Seda, illustrating how each animal’s unique needs can influence a trainer’s approach. Her experiences with reactivity, cooperative care, and competitive dog sports offer valuable insights for all trainers.

Teisha also reflects on her journey of personal growth through her pets, including ferrets and a cat, and how they have taught her the importance of patience and understanding. With a love for creating educational content and collaborating with fellow trainers like Jose Gomes from Train Me Please, Teisha continues to inspire the animal training community with her approach of knowledge and empathy.

This episode is filled with practical advice, inspiring stories, and a reminder that behaviour training is not always linear - sometimes, it's about embracing patience over pressure.

Behaviour Antics:

• www.facebook.com/behaviourantics
• www.instagram.com/behaviourantics
• https://www.youtube.com/@BehaviourAntics
• [email protected]  

Train Me Please collabs:

• Teach a Chin Rest for Dog Medical Behaviours 
• The Ultimate Guide To Your Puppy's First Day Home

In this engaging episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we sit down with Pernilla Elving, a remarkable individual whose life has been deeply intertwined with animals. From her childhood on a small farm surrounded by sheep, cows, and horses to her evolution into a Centered Riding instructor and positive reinforcement trainer, Pernilla's journey is a testament to the power of compassion, patience, and understanding in animal training.

Pernilla shares her story of how an unruly horse named Rockefeller became a lifelong companion and a catalyst for her pursuit of gentler training methods. Her journey didn’t stop there; she continued to expand her expertise through formal education, earning degrees in sociology and human behavior, and delving into animal behavior through university studies and hands-on experience.

Throughout the conversation, Pernilla provides valuable insights into the importance of building trust with animals, drawing from her experience with a young, injured horse named Carizma, who was once labeled "dangerous" by veterinarians. Her commitment to understanding and improving animal welfare is evident in every story she shares.

Listeners will also learn about Pernilla’s current endeavors, including her involvement with the Animal Training Academy and her continued education in scentwork for horses and the Horse Trainer Year program. 

Whether you're an animal lover, a trainer, or simply curious about the intricacies of behavior, this episode with Pernilla Elving is filled with heartfelt stories, educational insights, and a deep appreciation for the human-animal connection.

Link to where people can get in touch

• https://www.instagram.com/vaderstadskattegard/
• https://www.facebook.com/centreradridning
• https://skattegarden.n.nu/
• [email protected]