Michele Pouliot; 51 Years of Animal Training Wisdom [Episode 209]

Welcome, appreciated listener of the ATA podcast show. We know you're eager to master your personal animal training skills using a force-free approach. Moreover, you aim to make a significant positive difference with the work you do! Thus, the challenge isn't solely about honing your training skills, but also about conveying the value of positive reinforcement to others. How do you advocate for positive reinforcement, especially when faced with those who still rely on aversive tools? Such challenges can indeed be frustrating, stressful, and overwhelming. Enter Michele Pouliot, your guide in this episode. With an impressive 51 years of experience, Michele isn't just an expert; she's someone who's trodden the path you're on. We delve deep in our discussion, but here are three major takeaways to bolster your ability to influence others: Takeaway 1: Be kind - a philosophy that forges trust between you and those you collaborate with. Takeaway 2: Continually hone your skills in effective communication. Michele will provide insights on introducing alternative techniques gracefully. Takeaway 3: Recognize and cater to each learner's unique needs, appreciating the vital role adaptability plays in teaching. With such profound insights just a click away, you won't want to miss this episode. Embracing Michele's wisdom isn't just about professional development; it's a strategy to sidestep the pitfalls of frustration, overwhelm, and burnout. By listening to this episode, you'll amplify your skills, knowledge, and confidence in influencing others, enabling you to profoundly impact the lives of both animal and human learners you engage with. LINKS; website:  www.michelepouliot.com IAABC online course:  https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/creating-desirable-behavior-around-distractions/ Links to videos Freestyle routines https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/kgy9fkap7xzi1gqpedji7/Somewhere-Over-the-Rainbow-MichelenSake.mp4?rlkey=dyaovrp14gf3f7pybj2c4u4wc&dl;=0 https://www.dropbox.com/s/a650fq5rsvc90z4/I%20Love%20Paris%20MPn%20D.mp4?dl=0