The Leashed Mind Podcast, Mental Health & Dog Training

In episode 12 of season 2, host Mandy Boutelle engages in an insightful conversation with Colleen Pelar, a veteran dog trainer and an expert in combating burnout and compassion fatigue among pet professionals. Colleen recounts her journey, which began in dog training in 1991, leading up to her current focus on mental health for pet professionals. She opens up about the personal challenges that catalyzed a reevaluation of her work-life balance, and how these experiences shaped her approach to ...

In Episode 11 host Mandy Boutelle engages in a profound dialogue with Karishma Warr from Calm Canine Academy. This episode, rich with personal anecdotes and shared experiences, delves into the intricacies of dog training, mental health, and personal growth. Mandy and Karishma explore the significance of positive reinforcement, empathy, and acknowledging neurodiversity in dog training, while Karishma opens up about their own journey, highlighting the impact of trauma and the essential role of ...

In Episode 10 of Season 2, your host Mandy Boutelle engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Tressa Fessenden-McKenzie, a seasoned professional in the dog training and shelter world. As Tressa shares her journey, listeners are taken through her transformation from a Petco trainer to her pivotal role as the former Behavior and Training Manager at East Bay SPCA in Oakland, California. After we recorded this episode during summer of 2023 Tressa moved onto helping more dogs and is now the...

In the 9th episode of Season 2, host Mandy Boutelle invites Molly Kelsey, the founder of the Cat Counsellor in Auckland, New Zealand, for a deep dive into cat behavior consultation. Molly shares her intriguing transition from a veterinary nurse to a cat behavior specialist, sparked by her experiences with a unique foster kitten. She emphasizes the criticality of recognizing and catering to each cat's individual needs, advocating for education-driven solutions over blanket approaches.Molly ope...

In Episode 8 of Season 2 your host Mandy Boutelle has a fun and inspiring conversation with Hannah Branigan is an enlightening journey through the challenges and triumphs of being neurodivergent in the dog training business world. Hannah, known for her podcast "Drinking From the Toilet," shares her unique perspective on navigating business ownership while managing neurodiversity. We delve into topics like burnout prevention, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of finding effectiv...

In Episode 7 of Season2, your host Mandy Boutelle engages in a profound conversation with Lorenzo Fox, lead trainer at Synergy Veterinary Behavior in Portland, Oregon. Lorenzo shares his unique journey in the world of positive dog training, delving into his work with animals, particularly dogs with complex behavior issues. His discussion highlights the significance of understanding the underlying causes of animal behaviors, such as undiagnosed physical pain or illness, and underscores the cru...

In Episode 6 of Season 2 your host Mandy Boutelle engages in an enlightening conversation with Andre Yeu from When Hounds Fly. Andre, a seasoned dog trainer, shares the remarkable journey of growing his business to five locations across two cities, managing a team of 10 full-time and 12 part-time employees. His ability to sustain passion, professionalism, and care for his clients, himself, and his team is nothing short of inspiring. This episode is packed with valuable insights from a tr...

In Episode 5 of Season 2 your host Mandy Boutelle welcomes Hayley Martinez from Nakama Dog Training. Haley shares her remarkable journey from launching a pet-sitting business at 15 to evolving into a professional dog trainer. Her specialty lies in addressing aggression, anxiety, and fear-related issues in dogs, a field demanding both skill and empathy. Haley candidly discusses her shift from balanced, compulsion-based training methods to a more humane, force-free, reward-based approach, under...

In Episode 4 of season 2, your host Mandy Boutelle welcomes Sarah Stremming, a renowned dog behavior consultant and podcaster. Their conversation revolves around Sarah's holistic approach to dog training and her personal journey, highlighting how she navigated the challenges of the pandemic. Sarah shares her experiences and coping strategies, emphasizing the importance of mental wellness and self-care, especially in demanding times. This episode delves into the evolution of Sarah's...

In Season 2, Episode 3 your host Mandy Boutelle invites Erin Marion, a certified professional dog trainer specializing in working with deaf, blind, and disabled dogs, for a heartwarming conversation. Erin, a close friend of Mandy's, delves into her transition from running a dog hiking business to passionately training special needs dogs. She shares the rewards and challenges of her unique profession, emphasizing the emotional toll it takes, including coping with burnout and mental health stru...