In this heartfelt episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we welcome the thoughtful and dedicated Caitlin Cohn - professional dog trainer, cooperative care advocate, and proud human to Elvis the Maine Coon.

Caitlin shares her journey from horses to dogs to cats, and how each species has shaped her perspective on training, autonomy, and the human-animal bond. From her early experiences working at liberty with horses, to volunteering at a therapeutic riding center and training assistance dogs, Caitlin reflects on the pivotal moments that led her to positive reinforcement and force-free methods.

Together, we explore: ✅ What Caitlin learned moving from natural horsemanship into clicker training ✅ How her first dog, Emma, set her on the path to professional training ✅ Lessons Elvis the cat has taught her about informed consent, autonomy, and micro-sessions ✅ Cooperative care breakthroughs, from nail trims to dental care ✅ A powerful case study: helping Elvis overcome thunderstorm anxiety through systematic desensitization and creative counterconditioning ✅ Why honoring choice and communication creates deeper, more rewarding partnerships

This episode is a celebration of curiosity, compassion, and the courage to listen deeply to the animals we share our lives with. Caitlin's story is an inspiring reminder that when we train smarter - not harder - we create ripples of joy, harmony, and healing.

In this heartfelt episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we're joined by Jillian Howlett – Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and founder of Walk and Train ACT.

From her early days growing up surrounded by animals in rural Victoria, to discovering the transformative power of clicker training with her deaf Koolie cross Archie, Jill shares the winding path that led her from a career in education to her current work supporting dogs and their people in Canberra, Australia.

Together, we explore: ✅ How Jill's childhood with spirited animals shaped her perspective on learning and connection ✅ The role Archie played in reigniting her lifelong passion for animal welfare and positive reinforcement ✅ The origins of Walk and Train ACT and her unique "walk and train" approach to supporting busy families ✅ The powerful lessons learned from clients like Amanda and her dog Ren, navigating life and training alongside health challenges ✅ Why community, curiosity, and compassion are cornerstones of Jill's practice

This episode is a beautiful celebration of persistence, partnership, and the ripple effects that occur when we invest in relationships built on trust and understanding. Jill's journey is an inspiring reminder that it's never too late to follow your passion, keep learning, and create ripples of change that extend far beyond a single household.

Links

Instagram: @strudel_and_archie

Karen Pryor - find a trainer search Canberra (I'm the only one listed)

[email protected]

actcdc.org.au - Companion Dog Club, Canberra

zddog.com.au - Jess is a key player in the force free community in Canberra

In this inspiring episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we're joined by the thoughtful and compassionate Wendy Katz - Ph.D. biologist, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, CPDT-KA, Fear Free Professional, certified Control Unleashed Instructor, and Family Dog Mediator.

Wendy shares her remarkable journey from biomedical research to professional dog training, weaving together personal experience, academic rigor, and decades of hands-on work with dogs and their families. Along the way, she reflects on the dogs who shaped her path, the challenges of shifting careers, and the lessons she carries forward into her practice today.

Together, we explore: ✅ How Wendy's background in biology and research informs her training approach ✅ The pivotal role of curiosity and ongoing learning in her career ✅ Stories of dogs who transformed not only their own lives but Wendy's as well ✅ Why science, compassion, and respect are inseparable in effective training ✅ The ripple effects of force-free methods on both dogs and their humans

This episode is a celebration of the human-canine bond, the power of evidence-based practice, and the courage to follow a calling. Wendy's story is a beautiful reminder that when we listen deeply - to dogs, to science, and to ourselves - we create ripples that spread far beyond a single household.

Links

https://www.enjoyabledogs.com/

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Olly Jacobs (he/him) and Calum Torcasio (they/them) from Moonlit Sanctuary - two zookeepers whose passion for animal welfare and behavior science shines through every word. From early dreams of working with animals to becoming key members of Moonlit's show and mammal teams, their parallel journeys are filled with curiosity, grit, and deep respect for the animals they care for.

Olly and Calum share their unique entry points into zookeeping, the roles that education, volunteering, and community played in launching their careers, and how their love for Australia's diverse native wildlife continues to grow. We dive into their creative and thoughtful approaches to animal training, with heartwarming and educational stories - from target and station training a potoroo named Pikelet, to building trust and voluntary cooperation for dingo toothbrushing.

This episode highlights: ✅ The power of relationship-based training and consent-driven interactions ✅ How show animals are given choice, control, and a starring role in education ✅ Why tailoring communication to the individual matters - no "one-size-fits-all" ✅ How storytelling, humor, and hope create meaningful conservation messages ✅ Their hopes for connecting audiences, especially children, to native species

With humility and humor, Olly and Calum show us what it means to train with intention and heart - making waves not just for the animals they work with, but for the future of conservation.

Links

https://moonlitsanctuary.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/moonlitsanctuary/

https://www.facebook.com/moonlitsanctuary/

In this special 60th episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we're celebrating a major milestone - 10 years of Animal Training Academy! And who better to join us for the celebration than the founder himself, Ryan Cartlidge.

Ryan has worked professionally with animal behavior and training since 2007, across zoos and organizations throughout Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the US. He's a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (KPA), Fear Free Certified Professional, Family Paws Parent Educator, and Level 1 Certified TAGteach Instructor. But most notably, he's the visionary behind ATA - the platform that continues to ripple its influence through education, community, and connection.

In this episode, Ryan reflects on the evolution of ATA - from its humble beginnings with a single online course to a thriving global community supporting thousands of trainers and enthusiasts.

We dive into:

✅ The origin story behind Animal Training Academy and how it grew from an idea to a movement ✅ Personal challenges and triumphs along the way - including some humorous (and humbling!) early moments ✅ The growth mindset and the powerful role of supporting the human side of animal training ✅ Ryan's metaphors for navigating capacity, burnout, and behavioral change - from trees to containers to rocket ships ✅ Why investing in personal sustainability is one of the kindest things we can do for our communities

Whether you're a longtime ATA member or just discovering this podcast, this episode is full of wisdom, warmth, and celebration. Join us as we honor 10 years of ripples - and look ahead to many more.

In this heartfelt and compelling episode, we meet Zuzia Kubica - Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, founder of CoeurCanin, and passionate advocate for animals who walk the wilder edges of society. From befriending street dogs as a child in communist Poland to developing a thriving behavior consultancy in Quebec, Zuzia's journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

Zuzia shares how her upbringing among free-roaming animals and a nature-loving family laid the foundation for a life built on curiosity, empathy, and quiet rebellion against coercion. Her first dog, Zorro - a reactive, resilient former shelter dog - became her greatest teacher and helped inspire protocols she still uses today. With stories that span cultures, continents, and communities, Zuzia brings a unique, deeply humane lens to behavior change.

In this episode, we explore: ✅ Why Zuzia never had to "crossover" to positive reinforcement ✅ What she learned from working with clients in high-risk or marginalized contexts ✅ How freestyle training became a powerful healing tool for both dogs and humans ✅ Her reflections on burnout, emotional labor, and setting trainers up for long-term success ✅ The vital need for trainer education that includes human-centered skills and support

Zuzia's experiences - ranging from musical canine freestyle to navigating the emotional terrain of helping humans with trauma - highlight the richness and responsibility of being a modern animal trainer. This conversation is a tribute to empathy, perseverance, and the beautiful messiness of human-animal relationships.

Links

[email protected]

http://CoeurCanin.com

Formation CoeurCanin: https://www.facebook.com/FormationCoeurCanin

CoeurCanin group (in French but can be posted in English): https://www.facebook.com/groups/49236022174

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coeurcanin/

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/coeurcanin.bsky.social

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