Worry Less, Wag More: The Behavior Vets Podcast

Dr. E'Lise Christensen (DVM, DACVB) joins me for my final episode of the WLWM show. We thank our listeners and reflect on the journey that brought us together to create the Worry Less, Wag More podcast.

Thank you, listeners!!! I appreciate you all so much!!

Ferdie Yau's new email: [email protected]
 
Please follow Ferdie at:
Instagram @sitsnwiggles_ferdie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SitsNWiggles 

Contact Behavior Vets

• tweet us @BehaviorVets
• follow us on Facebook
• follow us on Instagram
• Online courses
• Webinars and seminars

In this episode, Dr. Fernandez introduces the LIFE framework as a more accurate model for than LIMA for force-free training. We discuss:

• Stereotypic behaviors in captive polar bears
• History of animal training and Behaviorism
• Criticisms and evolution of training models
• Introducing the LIFE Framework
• Exploring animal perception and the role of functional assessments
• The future of animal training: Connecting behavioral and welfare sciences
• Penguins!!

Dr. Eduardo Fernandez is a Senior Lecturer of Applied Animal Behaviour & Welfare and Director of the Animal Behaviour Program in the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at the University of Adelaide (Australia). He received his Ph.D. in Psychology (minors in Neuroscience and Animal Behavior) from Indiana University, where he worked with the Indianapolis and Cincinnati Zoo. He received his M.S. in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas, where he founded the Organization for Reinforcement Contingencies with Animals (ORCA). Most of his past and current work involves behavioral research applied to the welfare and training of zoo, aquarium, and companion animals. His past positions include a Visiting Professorship in the Psychology Department at Seattle Pacific University, a Visiting Professorship in the School of Behavior Analysis at the Florida Institute of Technology, an Affiliate Assistant Professorship in the Psychology Department at the University of Washington, a Research Fellowship with Woodland Park Zoo, and a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship. While working with UW and the Woodland Park Zoo, he started the Behavioral Enrichment Animal Research (BEAR) group, which conducted welfare research with many of the species and exhibits located throughout the zoo. He currently runs the Operant Welfare Lab (OWL), which is dedicated to the use of learning principles to improve the lives of animals. OWL is also part of the broader Animal Behaviour, Welfare, and Anthrozoology Lab (ABWAL; abwal.com). Many of Eduardo’s past publications, research projects, and presentations can be found on his ResearchGate profile.

Links:
Fernandez, E.J., 2024. The least inhibitive, functionally effective (LIFE) model: A new framework for ethical animal training practices. Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 71: 63-68.  

Human Animal Interactions in Zoos (2024) edited by Eduardo J Fernandez and Sally L Sherwen

University of Adelaide - https://researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/eduardo.fernandez 

ResearchGate - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eduardo-Fernandez-27

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ejfernandez/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/EduardoJFernandez

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/DrEddieFern

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dreddiefern/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eduardojfernandez/

Email - [email protected]

Contact Behavior Vets

• tweet us @BehaviorVets
• follow us on Facebook
• follow us on Instagram
• Online courses
• Webinars and seminars

In this episode, Dr. Sung reflects on her personal experience and discusses how shelter cats and kittens can benefit from a Fear Free approach. 

• Scars and consequences of traditional handling methods
• Dr. Sung describes her first experience with low-stress handling
• Health and behavioral benefits of Fear Free handling in shelters 
• Understanding cat body language
• Promoting Fear Free handling and making a culture change

Dr. Wailani Sung (MS, PhD, DVM, DACVB) is a Board-certified veterinary behaviorist. Dr. Sung obtained her Master’s degree and Doctorate in Psychology with a special interest in animal behavior and Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. She achieved Board certification in Veterinary Behavioral Medicine. Dr. Sung is currently senior director at Joybound People and Pets. She oversees the shelter behavior program, provides behavior consultations for privately owned pets and the admissions (intake) department. She also provides consultations to animal shelters regarding individual shelter pets and evaluations on animal shelter behavior programs. 

Dr. Sung is a co-author of the book, “From Fearful to Fear Free”, in which she collaborated with America’s veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, veterinary colleague Dr. Lisa Radosta, and renown trainer, Mikkel Becker.  Dr. Sung also co-authored a chapter in “Decoding your Cat”. Dr. Sung has been a contributor to the websites, PetCoach, PetMD and Reader’s Digest. Dr. Sung has written chapters for the following veterinary textbooks: Behavior of Exotic Pets; Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion: Canine and Feline Behavior, 2nd Edition; Blackwell’s Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Canine and Feline: 7th edition; Animal Behavior for Shelter Veterinarian and Staff, 2nd edition; Clinical Handbook of Feline Behavior Medicine. Dr. Sung is a highly sought-after speaker and has presented at the Western Veterinary Conference, MidWest Veterinary Conference, Christian Veterinary Mission Conference, HSUS Expo, New Mexico Humane Conference, Fear Free Pet Behavior Symposium, as well as local and state events. Dr. Sung was interviewed on the documentary, Cat Tales by NOVA: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/video/cat-tales/ and on the Netflix documentary, Inside the Mind of a Cat.

Links
https://bayareavetbehavior.com/https://joybound.org/https://vetvacationce.com/product/new-orleans-veterinary-conference-2025/

Contact Behavior Vets

• tweet us @BehaviorVets
• follow us on Facebook
• follow us on Instagram
• Online courses
• Webinars and seminars

In this episode, Mike, Sarah and Ferdie talk strategies to safely handle aggressive behavior in public spaces where distance and the dog's threshold for stress are difficult to control. We discuss:

• Overwhelmed dogs and humans
• Safety management for moving through hallways, stairways and elevators
• Defensive driving  
• Using distractions and how to avoid reverse-order conditioning
• Treatments to use

Michael Shikashio, CDBC, is the founder of AggressiveDog.com and focuses on teaching other professionals from around the world on how to successfully work aggression cases. He is a five-term president of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and was the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) Member of the Year in 2020. 

Michael is sought after for his expert opinion by numerous media outlets, including the New York Times, New York Post, Fox News, The List TV, Baltimore Sun, WebMD, Women’s Health Magazine, Real Simple Magazine, SiriusXM Radio, The Chronicle of the Dog, and Steve Dale’s Pet World. He also hosts the popular podcast show “The Bitey End of the Dog” where he chats with the foremost experts on dog aggression. 

He has been a featured keynote speaker at conferences, universities, and seminars in more than 200 cities and 14 different countries around the world, and offers a variety of educational opportunities on the topic of canine aggression, including the Aggression in Dogs Master Course and the annual Aggression in Dogs Conference. 

Dr. Sarah Shapiro-Ward CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP has lived and worked as a professional dog trainer in two of Canada’s most densely populated downtown communities: Toronto and Vancouver. Sarah is best known for her viral trick training videos with her Cockapoo Percy, including tricks such as playing Jenga, Connect Four and Painting on Canvas. She also has a standard poodle, Eleanor, and a part-time horse, Echo. Before becoming a dog trainer, Sarah completed her Ph.D. in Biochemistry in 2015. Though she has long since left the laboratory behind, she still enjoys keeping up with the literature and applying her skills of critical analysis to dog training scenarios.

Links
"Navigating the City with a Sensitive Dog" by Sarah Shapiro-Ward
When Hounds Fly Vancouver

Aggression in Dogs Conference 2024
https://aggressivedog.com
https://aggressivedog.thinkific.com

Michael Shikashio's socials:
https://www.facebook.com/AggressionInDogs
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshikashio/
https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelshikashio?lang=en
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu6htNW022cxP3ecTYqBfjA
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1185767

Contact Behavior Vets

• tweet us @BehaviorVets
• follow us on Facebook
• follow us on Instagram
• Online courses
• Webinars and seminars

In this episode, Casey and Ferdie explores how to teach relaxation as an essential skill for pet dogs to learn in the modern world. We discuss:

• Obedience vs relaxation training
• Body language that helps clients recognize a truly relaxed dog vs one who may appear calm and quiet but isn't relaxed
• Preparing and executing relaxation exercises
• A comparison of different relaxation exercises
• "Relaxation Sandwiches" and the "Fulfillment Funnel"

Casey Matthews (Lomonaco), KPA CTP, FDM, FFCP (Trainer) is a behavior consultant at Behavior Vets. Casey has spent over two decades helping dogs and their families live more joyfully together. Casey started her training career operating Rewarding Behaviors Dog Training in Binghamton, New York. She has also served as the Director of Behavior and Training Programs at two different animal shelters in upstate New York. In addition to training, Casey has contributed to numerous print and online publications about dog behavior and training as both an editor and an author, including Dogster, Dog Star Daily, Karen Pryor Clicker Training, The APDT Chronicle of the Dog, and The Huffington Post. Casey is a former Board member for the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and has presented at numerous workshops and shelters throughout the country. In her spare time, Casey enjoys knitting, playing video games, cooking, watching sports, or snuggling and playing games with her Senior Chow mix, Austin.

Learn more about Casey here.

Links:
Stressed Out to Chilled Out - Canine Relaxation (self-paced course)

Really Real Relaxation Protocol by Suzanne Clothier

Dr. Karen Overall Protocol for Relaxation

Chill Out Fido by Nan Arthur

Fired Up, Frantic, and Freaked Out by Laura VanArendonk Baugh

Relaxation demo by Bobbie Bhambree

Contact Behavior Vets

• tweet us @BehaviorVets
• follow us on Facebook
• follow us on Instagram
• Online courses
• Webinars and seminars

In this episode, Bobbie and Ferdie discuss the Resilience Rainbow framework and various ways to apply it for shelter dogs. We discuss:

• How the Resilience Rainbow framework was created.
• Applying the Resilience Rainbow to shelter dogs
• Sniffaris and decompression for shelter dogs
• Physiological and behavioral changes related to resilience

Bobbie Bhambree (CDBC, CPDT-KA) is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and the Director of Education at Behavior Vets. She is also a faculty member of CATCH Canine Trainers Academy and Agility University. Bobbie started her career in 2003 as a pet behavior counselor with the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center. While there, she implemented behavior modification programs for dogs who had been surrendered by the public or seized by Humane Law Enforcement. In 2007, Bobbie joined the Humane Society of Westchester, spending the next nine years as their shelter trainer. She created and implemented training and enrichment programs for the dogs, counseled adopters, trained volunteers, participated in community outreach programs, and performed evaluations.

Learn more about Bobbie here.

Links:
July 12-14, 2024: CONTROL UNLEASHED CONFERENCE
https://www.unleashtherainbow.com/

August 3-4, 2024: The Resilience Framework - Pittsburgh, PA
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-resilience-framework-pittsburgh-pa-tickets-845230014727?aff=oddtdtcreator

September 18-20, 2024: APDT Annual Conference
https://www.apdtconference.com/

A Framework for Behavior Modification and Training Plans to Help Build and Maintain Resilience: The Resilience Rainbow
https://journal.iaabcfoundation.org/the-resilience-rainbow/

Maddie's University Free On-Demand Webinar: Resilience Conditioning for Shelter Dogs
https://university.maddiesfund.org/products/resilience-conditioning-for-shelter-dogs-building-bounce-back-for-life-in-the-real-world-ondemand  

Patricia McConnell’s blogs on resilience from 2015:
https://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/the-boy-who-was-raised-as-a-dog

https://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/resilience-can-we-increase-it-in-dogs

Examples for shelter dogs:
LATTE
Social support and agency
Behavior plan for Chewy - Biting related to arousal

Theme music composed and performed by Andy Sells

Contact Behavior Vets

• tweet us @BehaviorVets
• follow us on Facebook
• follow us on Instagram
• Online courses
• Webinars and seminars

The legendary Patricia McConnell stops by to discuss human-animal relationships and how she creates a sense of safety and security for dogs. We talk about her life's mission and how her own personal trauma has shaped her work. Her courage, compassion, and energy is an inspiration to all of us. 

• Her life's mission to improve human-animal relationships
• The relationship between security and resilience
• How to create a sense of safety & security
• Safe spaces
• Writing a mystery novel

Patricia McConnell, PhD, CAAB is an author and animal behaviorist who has consulted with pet owners for over thirty years about serious behavioral problems. She taught "The Biology and Philosophy of Human/Animal Relationships" in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for twenty-five years, co-hosted Calling All Pets with Larry Meiller on WPR for fourteen years, and has spoken around the world about canine behavior and training. Her self-published books on behavior and training have sold over a quarter of a million copies. Her nationally published books, The Other End of the Leash, and For the Love of a Dog, are considered classics, and together have been translated into 15 languages. Her latest book, The Education of Will, a memoir focusing on healing from trauma in both people and dogs, has generated heartfelt praise and helped other trauma victims around the world. Patricia and her husband live with their working Border Collies, Skip and Maggie, and a very spoiled flock of sheep.

For more information, go to www.patriciamcconnell.com or visit her blog, at www.theotherendoftheleash.com, and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

 Links
Patricia McConnell's website
Patricia McConnell's blog


Theme music composed and performed by Andy Sells

Contact Behavior Vets

• tweet us @BehaviorVets
• follow us on Facebook
• follow us on Instagram
• Online courses
• Webinars and seminars

In this episode, anthrozoologist Amanda Gagnon examines the history of controlling dogs and the things we do in Western culture to keep dogs in their place and under control. We discuss:

• What is anthrozoology?
• Brief history of humans controlling dogs and why do we do it? (this gets a little dark)
• Controlling dog behavior
• Letting dogs be dogs
• Advocating for more dog-friendly public spaces

Amanda's bio:
Amanda Gagnon is an anthrozoologist, dog behavior consultant, and dog trainer. Amanda is the founder and training director at Amanda Gagnon Dog Training, in New York City, where she mentors apprentices, conducts training programs for shelters and rescues, and researches dog-human cultures. Her favorite thing to do is to work directly with humans and dogs during her group classes, private training sessions, and online courses. Amanda is unique in her approach to training, because she makes it fun and soulful while introducing people to the science and art of cross-species connection!

Amanda has a masters degree in Anthrozoology. She is certified as a behavior consultant by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is certified as a dog trainer by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. She is a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. She was a founding board member of Muddy Paws Rescue. She is sought after by major media outlets including; Good Morning America, Inside Edition, News Week, and Fox and Friends. She speaks worldwide at dog training events and workshops, and she loves to discuss dog-human cultures. She lives in Connecticut and New York City with her husband, daughter, dog, and flock of chickens.

Links:
AmandaGagnonDogTraining.com
Insta: @Amandagagnondogtraining

Contact Behavior Vets

• tweet us @BehaviorVets
• follow us on Facebook
• follow us on Instagram
• Online courses
• Webinars and seminars

In this episode, Dr. Sheila Segurson discusses how she builds shelter behavior programs drawing on her multifaceted experience as a shelter veterinarian, shelter veterinary behaviorist, dog trainer, foster caregiver, volunteer, consultant, and educator. We discuss:

• Maddie's Fund and its mission
• How trauma effects behavior
• Essential components of a sound shelter behavior program 
• Understanding the unique personality and needs of a dog
• Maddie's University Camp Maddie event

Dr. Sheila Segurson's bio:
Dr. Sheila Segurson is the Director of Community Solutions for Maddie’s Fund and a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists with over 25 years of experience supporting animal welfare organizations in the United States.

Dr. Segurson’s interest in shelter behavior began in 1987 when she volunteered in the behavior department at the San Francisco SPCA. Over the years, Dr. Segurson developed a diverse skillset via experiences as a volunteer, student, dog trainer, foster caregiver, veterinarian, shelter veterinarian, shelter veterinary behaviorist, consultant, and educator. Dr. Segurson utilizes that background to help shelters maximize animal welfare, lifesaving and make appropriate outcome decisions for the pets in their care and people in their community. 

Dr. Segurson regularly speaks at shelter and veterinary conferences, and has contributed to several online courses and textbooks. She was the first author of University of Florida’s Shelter Animal Behavior and Welfare course (online), contributed to IAABC’s Animal Behavior Consulting course, contributed to the Fear Free Shelter Course, and contributed   chapters to Animals as Crime Victims, Blackwell’s Five-minute Veterinary Consult: Canine and Feline and BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine, Second edition.

Dr. Segurson has expertise in dog and cat behavior and behavior programs, including program structure and development, admissions, enrichment, behavioral assessment, decision making, behavior modification, foster care, adoption and safety net programs.

Links:
MaddiesUniversity.org
MaddiesPetForum.org
Maddiesfund.org
Register for Camp Maddie: Behavior Edition
Register for Maddie's Monthly Behavior Meeting

What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey
Dr. Monique Udell (PhD, CAAB) Maddie’s Insights: Becoming a Secure Base: Using science to improve human-animal bonds and welfare

Contact Behavior Vets

• tweet us @BehaviorVets
• follow us on Facebook
• follow us on Instagram
• Online courses
• Webinars and seminars

In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Congdon and Dr. Jessica Owens describe how play therapy reduced salivary cortisol levels in shelter dogs and improved behavioral responses and emotional regulation. We discuss:

• Study design with Calmr dog toys and goals
• How play with improved relationships and wellness for shelter dogs
• Special design of Camlr toy mimics prey
• How cortisol affects behavior
• Thoughts on developing programs for shelters involving play therapy

Dr. Elizabeth Congdon's bio and links:
Dr. Elizabeth Congdon is an Associate Professor of biology at Bethune-Cookman University with an extensive background in behavioral ecology, conservation biology, and science education. She is particularly interested in the relationship between social structure and dispersal in neotropical mammals, specifically capybaras. Locally, Dr. Congdon works with animal shetlers to use data-driven strategies to improve the quality of life and adoption rates for the dogs and cats - especially the large dogs and 'bully breeds'. The latest results from her team show that therapeutic play as an enrichment strategy can bring down cortisol with a lasting effect. She founded BEC Research, Inc to help fund these efforts and support student research projects.

APDT 2023 session description:
Using interactive and therapeutic play leads to improved health and wellness in shelter dogs
BEC Research, Inc www.becresearch.org
Calmr Dog Toys www.calmrdog.com

Dr. Jessica Owens' bio and links:
Dr. Jessica Owens is an Experimental Psychologist studying animal behavior and communication. Their day job is serving as the lead behaviorist and CEO of Unleashed Training. They specialize in working with dogs and their guardians to overcome behavior and emotional challenges resulting from trauma – including abuse, neglect, lack of socialization, etc.

www.unleashedtraining.org
[email protected]

Contact Behavior Vets

• tweet us @BehaviorVets
• follow us on Facebook
• follow us on Instagram
• Online courses
• Webinars and seminars