Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

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]

In this inspiring episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we welcome Carmaleta Aufderheide, an accomplished positive reinforcement trainer and conflict resolution expert. With a Master’s degree in Conflict Resolution (CRES) and certifications including KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA, and CSAT, Carm brings a wealth of knowledge and unique insights into her work with dogs, particularly those dealing with separation anxiety.

Carm shares her journey, which began with academic research into the restorative impacts of prison animal programming. Her work with incarcerated individuals and dogs led to a profound appreciation for the human-animal bond and its potential for rehabilitation and healing. Through her experiences, Carm has developed a compassionate approach to dog training, focusing on creating safe and supportive environments for both dogs and their families.

In this episode, Carm discusses her transition from conflict resolution and mediation to becoming a specialist in canine separation anxiety. She delves into the challenges and rewards of this niche, offering valuable tips for managing difficult conversations with pet owners and addressing the unique needs of anxious dogs. Carm also highlights her upcoming presentation at the 2024 Aggression in Dogs Conference, where she will further explore these topics.

Join us as Carmaleta Aufderheide shares her passion for using positive reinforcement and conflict resolution techniques to improve the lives of dogs and their families. Whether you're a trainer, pet owner, or simply interested in the power of the human-animal connection, this episode is filled with enlightening stories and practical advice.

Links;

• Website: https://www.northstartraining.info/
• Email: [email protected]
• https://aggressivedog.com/conference/

In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we are delighted to welcome Robin Horemans, the owner of Parrot SOS, to share her expertise and passion for avian behavior and training. Robin has dedicated her career to improving the lives of pet bird owners and their feathered companions by providing quality education materials that enhance communication and bonding.

Robin's journey began in 1998 at the Hagen's Avicultural Research Institute (HARI), and over the years, she has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and certifications, including being a Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant with the IAABC, a Certified Professional Bird Trainer with the IATCB, and a Certified Training Partner with the Karen Pryor Academy. She is also an Accredited Dog Trainer with IAABC.

In this episode, Robin shares her fascinating story of growing up with animals, her early experiences with budgies, and her academic pursuit of a degree in biology. She discusses the challenges and rewards of working with birds, the importance of foundation skills in bird training, and how these skills can prevent behavioral issues and rehoming. Robin also delves into the specifics of her training methodology, including her innovative approach to online classes and private consultations, which have broadened her reach and impact.

Robin's dedication to evidence-based behavior change shines through as she describes her work with both pet and foster birds, highlighting her problem-solving strategies and the unique needs of avian companions. This episode is packed with valuable insights for bird owners and trainers alike, emphasizing the importance of positive reinforcement and continuous learning.

Join us as Robin Horemans shares her journey, expertise, and practical tips for building stronger relationships with your pet birds. Whether you are a seasoned bird owner or new to the avian world, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

Links

• Website >>> https://parrotsos.com
• FaceBook >>> http://facebook.com/parrotsos
• Instagram >>> https://www.instagram.com/ParrotSOS
• TikTok >>> https://www.tiktok.com/@parrotsos
• YouTube >>> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ_47iXLrXXdiyEWAMcF2Gw

In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Sarah Hedderly, a distinguished dog trainer specializing in Border Collies. With a wealth of experience working exclusively with this breed, Sarah provides a unique and in-depth perspective on the nuances and challenges specific to Border Collies. Prior to her specialization, Sarah worked as a McTimoney Animal Chiropractor and ran in-person dog training classes based on the Control Unleashed system [from Leslie Mcdevitt].

Sarah's journey with her own Border Collies, including the sensitive Mini, the intellectually demanding Ding, the driven Beau, and the energetic Sparkles, has profoundly shaped her training methods. These personal experiences have honed her ability to identify and address breed-specific behaviors, making her an invaluable resource for Border Collie owners.

Throughout the episode, Sarah discusses her early love for animals, influenced by her grandfather's working sheepdogs, and how her professional path evolved from chiropractic work to specialized dog training. She shares insights into the unique behavioral traits of Border Collies, such as their herding instincts and sensitivity to movement, and explains how understanding these traits is crucial for effective training.

Sarah also delves into the transition from in-person to online training, highlighting the benefits of continuous support and accessibility for clients worldwide. She offers practical advice for managing common Border Collie behaviors, such as impulse control and appropriate herding, emphasizing the importance of mental stimulation and tailored training approaches.

Join us as Sarah Hedderly shares her expertise, passion, and practical tips for working with this exciting and energetic dog breeds. Whether you are a seasoned trainer or a new Border Collie owner, this episode is packed with valuable insights and strategies to help you and your dog thrive.

LINKS

• http://www.dingbattdogtraining.co.uk 
• https://www.facebook.com/sarahhedderlydingbattdogtraining 
• https://www.instagram.com/dingbatt_dog_training/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@dingbattdogtraining 
• Youtube  @dingbattdogtraining8763

Welcome to another episode of the Making Ripples podcast, where we explore the journeys and insights of the amazing trainers that make up the Animal Training Academy Membership. In this episode, we are thrilled to host Emma Cook, a progressive dog groomer and trainer from Adelaide, South Australia. Emma, the heart behind The Funky Foxhound, shares her compassionate approach to dog grooming and training, where each session is tailored to the needs of dogs who find grooming challenging.

Emma delves into her personal and professional journey, illustrating how her childhood experiences shaped her compassionate, holistic approach to animal care. By fostering an environment of trust and safety, she ensures that the dogs she works with feel empowered and secure, thus transforming grooming from a stressful chore to a positive, enriching experience.

Throughout our conversation, Emma highlights the significance of positive-reinforcement training, cooperative care, and the critical role of autonomy in animal grooming. Her work not only enhances the grooming experience for her canine clients but also educates other professionals on the benefits of fear-free practices.

Join us as Emma Cook shares valuable insights into creating a more humane and responsive approach to dog grooming, proving that understanding and patience can truly make ripples in the world of animal care.

Links;

• The Funky Foxhound: www.thefunkyfoxhound.com www.facebook.com/thefunkyfoxhound www.instagram.com/thefunkyfoxhound 
• Canine Behavioural School: www.caninebehaviouralschool.com.au www.facebook.com/caninebehaviouralschool 
• Fear Free Pets: https://fearfreepets.com/

In this insightful episode of Making Ripples, host Shelly Wood welcomes Dr. Rabea Christmann, a distinguished biologist and passionate advocate for animal welfare from Germany. With a rich background in search and rescue dog work and a pioneering force in farm laboratory animal welfare, Dr. Christmann shares her journey towards enhancing animal lives through positive reinforcement and enrichment activities.

Diving into the heart of animal training, Dr. Christmann elaborates on her innovative approaches to cooperative care training across a variety of farm animals, including chickens, sheep, goats, pigs, and cattle. Her dedication to fostering an environment of well-being and respect for animals shines through as she discusses her work in educational settings, training laboratory staff, and students in humane and effective animal handling techniques.

The conversation flows into the realms of animal welfare within research settings and Dr. Christmann touches on the ethical pillars of replacement, reduction, and refinement.

A highlight of the episode is Dr. Christmann's recount of a groundbreaking project involving the training of 20 cows for medical tasks. This initiative not only showcases the feasibility and benefits of positive reinforcement in livestock management but also underlines the importance of finding suitable motivators and maintaining the safety of both animals and trainers.

Concluding with a powerful message on the impact of positive training methods and environmental enrichment, Dr. Christmann invites listeners to reflect on the transformative potential of kindness and science-based techniques in the realm of animal training.

Join Shelly and Dr. Christmann for an episode that promises to inspire, educate, and perhaps even challenge the way we think about animal welfare and training.

E-Mail: [email protected]

In this episode, we delve into the multifaceted world of animal behavior with Zara Jackson, a distinguished expert in the field. Zara takes us through her inspiring journey, from her early days working at a zoo to launching a successful dog training business. Zara shares invaluable insights into the complexities of working with a variety of animal species, emphasising the importance of recognising individual differences and the challenges they present.

Zara offers practical advice for those aspiring to work with animals, highlighting the benefits of education, volunteering, and internships. The conversation also covers Zara's innovative approaches to overcoming common training and grooming challenges, particularly in managing dog reactivity and aging-related changes in behavior.

Zara's work with African crested porcupines showcases her ability to adapt training methods to suit the unique needs of different species, demonstrating her awesome commitment to animal welfare and behavior modification.

Zara Jackson's extensive background in animal behavior, coupled with her certifications and academic achievements, positions this episdoe as a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone interested in animal training and behaviour.

LINKS

• www.tarkadogtraining.co.uk
• facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zaradogtraining

In this insightful episode of the 'Making Ripples' podcast, hosted by Shelly Wood of the Animal Training Academy, we dive into the multifaceted world of animal training with our esteemed guest, Jess Ghali. Jess, hailing from Marulan, Australia, brings a wealth of experience from her journey in the field of animal care and training.

Jess, who transitioned from aspiring to be a zookeeper to becoming a dog trainer, and eventually a specialist in nosework, shares her unique story of resilience and adaptation. We explore the highs and lows of her career, including her pivot from general administration to finding her true calling with dogs, and how the pandemic played a critical role in reshaping her professional path.

This episode touches upon the emotional dimensions of animal care professions, a topic close to Jess's heart. Jess candidly discusses the challenges of compassion fatigue and burnout, issues that are sometimes overlooked in the animal care community. Her passion for addressing these emotional aspects and providing support is evident throughout the conversation.

We also delve into the practical aspects of Jess's work, from her innovative 'Free Sniff Fridays' at Serenity Scent Work to her approach in managing behavioral issues in dogs through nosework. Jess highlights the therapeutic aspects of nosework, emphasizing its importance in creating a harmonious relationship between dogs and their owners.

Join us for this episode of 'Making Ripples' as Jess Ghali enlightens us with her experiences, struggles, and triumphs in the realm of animal training, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and continuous learning in this ever-evolving field. Jess's journey is not just about training animals, but also about nurturing a community of compassionate and informed animal care professionals.

Links

1. Serenity Dog Training Official Website: Visit serenitydogtraining.com.au for comprehensive information about Jess Ghali's services, training programs, and her unique approach to dog training and nosework.

2. Serenity Dog Training on Facebook: Follow Jess on Facebook for the latest updates, training tips, and community stories at Serenity Scent Work Facebook Page.

3. Serenity Dog Training on Instagram: Get a visual glimpse into the world of Serenity Dog Training. Follow Jess's journey on Instagram at Serenity Scent Work Instagram.

4. Serenity Scent Work on YouTube: Watch engaging videos and tutorials on nosework training by Jess at Serenity Scent Work YouTube Channel.

5. Colleen Pelar's Podcast: Discover insightful discussions on animal training and care in Colleen Pelar's podcast. Listen to episodes featuring Jess and other experts at Colleen Pelar's Podcast.

Join host Shelley Wood on The Making Ripples Podcast Show as she delves into the fascinating world of bird of prey training with Kimberly Lundy from the Ojai Raptor Center. Based in Ventura, California, Kimberly's journey from volunteer to lead trainer exemplifies her commitment to avian welfare and innovative training methods. This episode offers a glimpse into the transformative shift towards empowerment training at the center, a change that Kimberly played a crucial role in during the pandemic shutdown.

This episode is rich with stories, challenges, and successes in avian training. Kimberly shares her experiences in retraining older ambassadors under new paradigms, highlighting the importance of understanding animal behavior and learner-centric approaches.

Listeners will gain invaluable insights into the nuances of bird training, inspired by Kimberly's extensive background in behavioral ecology and applied behavioral analysis. This episode promises to enhance your knowledge and skills, encouraging a positive impact on both animal and human learners.

Links etc...

• Kimberly Lundy E-mail: [email protected]
• Kimberly Lundy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimberly.lundy.7
• Ojai Raptor Center Website https://www.ojairaptorcenter.org/
• Ojai Raptor Center Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ojairaptorcenter/
• Ojai Raptor Center Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/theojairaptorcenter
• Ojai Raptor Center TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ojairaptorcenter
• Avian Behavior International https://avian-behavior.org/
• International Association of Avian Trainers & Educators https://iaate.org/
• Susan Friedman, PhD, Living & Learning with Animals: The Fundamental Principles and Procedures of Teaching and Learning https://www.behaviorworks.org/htm/lla_professional_overview.html
• Natural Encounters, Inc., Training and Education Center (NEI TEC) https://naturalencounters.com/nei-tec/
• International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation Course https://theiwrc.org/courses/
• Ken Ramirez, The Eye of The Trainer: Animal Training, Transformation, and Trust. First Edition. Waltham: Sunshine Books, Inc., 2020 >>> https://shop.clickertraining.com/products/the-eye-of-the-trainer-animal-training-transformation-and-trust?variant=31879440924810

Venturing into the world of training a different species - like donkeys - often presents a mix of complexity and stress as we attempt to adapt our existing skills to unfamiliar territory.

Therefore, this episode, featuring our special guest, Cynthia Minden, aims to shed light on these challenges. Cynthia is a passionate advocate for positive reinforcement and a seasoned donkey trainer. In this episode, she shares her valuable insights and experiences to guide and inspire us.

Cynthia's story begins in 2002 when two donkeys arrived unexpectedly at her farm on Denman Island, BC. This marked the start of an incredible journey, taking her from traditional training methods to the transformative world of clicker training. She has learned from renowned experts and continues to deepen her understanding and bond with these magnificent creatures.

This episode is packed with valuable insights, but let's highlight three key takeaways you won't want to miss:

1. Positive Reinforcement in Animal Training: Cynthia's transformative journey from traditional to positive reinforcement methods in donkey training showcases the power of positive reinforcement and trust-building. She shares how clicker training revolutionised her approach, leading to stronger, more respectful relationships with donkeys.

2. Understanding and Appreciating Donkeys: Dive into the emotional world of donkeys with Cynthia's insights. Her experiences reveal the depth of their personalities and the importance of recognising their unique communicative nature, enriching your perspective on these often misunderstood animals.

3. Challenges and Strategies in Donkey Training: Learn practical solutions to common training hurdles. Cynthia discusses her strategies for managing persistent behaviours, emphasising the importance of patience, detailed planning, and innovative training techniques, including the use of video footage for review and improvement.

This episode is more than just Cynthia’s story; it's a guide to navigating the complexities of our roles as trainers. By listening to Cynthia's experiences, you'll gain new knowledge and confidence to help you tackle your own training challenges.

Links;

• www.cynthiamindenartsandequine.ca
• www.cynthiaminden.com

Photo credit: Bellaphoto, Courtenay BC