Animal Training Academy

In the first part of this energising two-part conversation, Ryan Cartlidge sits down with Sara Brueske, professional trainer, sport competitor, and owner of On the Run Canine Center. Known for her joyful approach to training and her skill across an impressive range of dog sports, Sara offers a refreshing and practical look at what motivates dogs to engage, p...

In this reflective and wisdom-filled conversation, Ryan Cartlidge welcomes back Lori Stevens, canine fitness, movement, and behavior specialist, creator of the Balance Harness, and long-time leader in the world of positive reinforcement training.

As Lori marks her retirement from the professional speaking circuit, she takes...

In this insightful conclusion to our two-part conversation, Ellen Yoakum—Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Behavior Consultant, KPA CTP, and Behavior Consultant with Pet Harmony—returns to explore how we can thoughtfully apply the learning principles we use with our animal learners to ourselves and the humans we work w...

In this thoughtful first half of a two-part conversation, we're joined by the insightful and articulate Ellen Yoakum—Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Behavior Consultant, KPA CTP, and Behavior Consultant with Pet Harmony.

Ellen's path in animal behavior began at the

In this second half of our two-part conversation, we're joined again by the insightful Megan Sanders—zoo behavior consultant, educator, and long-time advocate for evidence-based training.

Building on Part One, where we explored Megan's career journey and the value of leaning into discomfort, this episode dives into her master's thesis research on how best to

In this inspiring first half of a two-part conversation, we're joined by the accomplished and thoughtful Megan Sanders—zoo behavior consultant, educator, and long-time advocate for evidence-based training.

In the second half of this enlightening conversation, we're once again joined by Dr. Mari Valgma—Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer, creator of Movement Puzzles, and founder of The Moving Canine.

After hearing Mari's remarkable journey in part one, we now dive deep into the work that has touched thousands of dogs and...

In this inspiring first half of a two-part conversation, we're joined by the innovative and passionate Dr. Mari Valgma - Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer, creator of Movement Puzzles, and trailblazer bringing evidence-based training from Estonia to the world.

Mari's story is anything but ordinary. From pursu...

In this second installment of our two-part conversation, Adam Skandarani returns to explore one of the most nuanced and vital topics in our industry: the intersection of art, science, and culture in animal training.

Blending professional insight, lived experience, and thoughtful introspection, Adam and Ryan unpack the complexities that arise when training mechani...

In this powerful and heartfelt first part of a two-part conversation, we're joined by the insightful and compassionate Adam Skandarani—Certified Control Unleashed Instructor, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, and tireless advocate for both dogs with Really Big Feelings and the humans who support them.

Adam takes us on their "behavior odyssey," traci...

In the second part of our conversation with Juliana DeWillems - Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, faculty member at the Karen Pryor Academy, and author of Manage It! - we dive headfirst into a topic often overlooked in our industry: management.

Juliana unpacks why management is more than...

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast, we are honoured to welcome back Chirag Patel - an internationally acclaimed behaviour and training consultant whose innovative work spans species, continents, and disciplines. Chirag is perhaps best known for creating the Bucket Game and for his deep commitment to ethical, science-based, cooperative care.

D...

In this first installment of a two-part conversation, we welcome Juliana DeWillems - Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Karen Pryor Academy faculty member, and founder of JW Dog Training - for a deeply honest and empowering discussion.

Juliana shares her unique journey into the world of animal training - from event planning at a humane society to discovering her ...

In this continuation of our two-part series, Tom Candy returns to the Animal Training Academy Podcast to dive even deeper into the complex, emotional, and incredibly impactful world of shelter and rescue behavior work. As a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviorist and founder of Simplifying Shelter Behaviour, Tom brings over 15 years of experience in the field and a relentless commitment to ...

In this first installment of a two-part conversation,, we welcome Tom Candy—Certified Clinical Animal Behaviorist and founder of Simplifying Shelter Behaviour—for an engaging discussion that dives deep into the realities, challenges, and opportunities within the world of shelter and rescue animal care.

With over 15 years of experience in the fie...

Podcast Synopsis

In this insightful episode of the Animal Training Academy Podcast, Dr. Keira Moore returns for part two of our thought-provoking discussion on behavior analysis, radical behaviorism, and the intersection of science and practice in both human and animal training. Wi...

In this first installment of a two-part conversation, we welcome Dr. Keira Moore—behavior analyst, dog trainer, and dedicated advocate for compassionate, ethical training. With over two decades of experience in behavior analysis and a PhD from Western New England University, Keira bridges the worlds of human and animal behavior science, applying her expertise to both dog training and consulting on...

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Peggy Hogan, an esteemed positive reinforcement trainer known for her groundbreaking work with horses. Peggy's journey into animal training began at a young age, fueled by a deep love for horses and a natural curiosity about communication between humans and animals. Over t...