Animal Training Academy

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 their humans worldwide. Mari unpacks the origins and applications of Movement Puzzles, sharing how a simple idea has blossomed into a global community dedicated to canine fitness, confidence, and joy. Together, we explore: ✅ The philosophy and structure behind Movement Puzzles ✅ How fitness training builds resilience and problem-solving skills in dogs ✅ Real-world examples of dogs gaining confidence and coordination through movement ✅ The evolution of Mari’s international community and its unexpected growth ✅ How trainers and guardians alike can use movement to enrich everyday life Mari’s approach shows us that when we reframe fitness as play, exploration, and empowerment, we unlock no

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 pursuing a PhD in maritime engineering in the UK to pioneering canine fitness training back home in Estonia, her journey reflects a powerful blend of problem-solving, resilience, and creativity. What started as a search to support her own dog’s joint health has grown into a global movement helping thousands of dogs gain confidence, coordination, and joy through movement-based training. Together, we explore: ✅ How Mari’s engineering background shaped her approach to canine fitness ✅ The pivotal role her dogs played in her shift from academia to training ✅ Why fitness is foundational to both physical wellness and behavioral confidence ✅ The challenges and triumphs of building a dog training career in

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 mechanics meet real-world messiness—where logical reasoning, cultural norms, and individual values can shape how training is practiced, received, and understood. Together, we explore: ✅ The difference between applying science and embodying artistry in training ✅ How “cultural fogs” impact both client beliefs and trainer behaviors ✅ Why critical thinking and curiosity are essential tools of the trade ✅ Practical examples of shaping, splitting, and preparing for real-world success ✅ How to hold multiple truths at once—and communicate them with care ✅ The role of social media in shaping modern training discourse ✅ Adam’s vision for a future guided by understand

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,” tracing a journey shaped by learning, unlearning, and growing alongside their two Boxers—Sansa and the unforgettable Flash Gordon. Through stories that are raw, moving, and instructive, Adam shares how Flash, with all his intensity, reactivity, and need for connection, became not just a training challenge but their greatest teacher. Together, we explore: ✅ How unmet social and medical needs can drive misunderstood behavior ✅ Why talking about behavior without discussing its context is a fruitless endeavor ✅ The power of control, decompression, and choice in building behavioral wellness ✅ Lessons from the late great Flash Gordon, ATA’s honorary “Chief Remed

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 just a stopgap solution and how it can serve as a powerful, proactive, and compassionate tool for behavior change. Drawing from the content of her book and years of hands-on experience, Juliana walks us through how antecedent arrangement, environmental adjustments, and unmet needs shape the behaviors we see - and how thoughtful management can help create real change for animals and their guardians. Throughout this episode, we explore: ✅ What “management” really means - and how to define it across different audiences ✅ The relationship between antecedents, behavior, and long-term success ✅ Why management is not “just a band-aid,” but often the most ethical, effective choice ✅ Practical talking points for trainers when advocat

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. During this rich and thoughtful conversation, Chirag and host Ryan Cartlidge explore the origin story of the Bucket Game, the pivotal influence of Susan Friedman and other mentors, and the process of bringing empowerment and agency to animals through training. Chirag offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the reflective practices that fuel his creativity and the radical behavioural lens through which he navigates the world. Listeners are treated to discussions on maintaining innovation across a long career, embracing the individuality of each learner (human and non-human alike), the role of functional assessments in behavioural design, and the deeply p

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 calling through fostering rambunctious adolescent dogs. Unlike many, Juliana entered the field without first navigating aversive methods, drawn instinctively to positive reinforcement by both curiosity and compassion. We also explore: ✅ What burnout looked and felt like for Juliana as a business owner and trainer ✅ How she reshaped her career (and life) to align with her strengths and values ✅ The emotional realities of working in a helping profession ✅ Why therapy, self-awareness, and redefining success are critical tools for sustainability ✅ The possibilities—and pitfalls—of building a digitally-based animal training business Juliana’s insights will

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 improving animal welfare. In this episode, Tom opens up about the human side of behavior work in shelter settings—discussing the emotional toll, the importance of support systems, and the nuanced decisions behavior professionals must make every day. With heart, humor, and humility, he shares insights into: ✅ Navigating the mental load and moral dilemmas of behavior work in rescue environments ✅ The significance of peer support and reflective practice to combat compassion fatigue ✅ How to balance behavioral outcomes with the best welfare options for animals and their caregivers ✅ Empowering shelter staff and volunteers with pr

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 field, Tom shares practical wisdom drawn from his work across the UK’s largest dog welfare organization and his efforts to elevate animal welfare and training standards in shelters. His perspective blends hands-on experience, academic rigor, and a deep passion for improving the lives of both animals and the humans who care for them. Throughout this episode, we explore: ✅ Common myths and misconceptions around “rescue behavior problems” ✅ How training and behavior programs can be realistically integrated into shelter environments ✅ The value of consistency, environmental management, and caregiver education ✅ Why language and communication matter when discussing animal beha

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. With her extensive background as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) and KPA-CTP certified dog trainer, Keira shares her expertise on how we can stay conceptually systematic, follow the science, and ask the right questions to refine our training approaches. Throughout this episode, we dive into five key strategies for grounding training in behavioral science, including: ✅ Understanding radical behaviorism and why it’s a game-changer for ethical training ✅ The importance of following the science and identifying credible sources of knowledge ✅ Why being conceptually systematic can help trainers avoid unnecessary fluff in their methods ✅ Asking critical questions to distinguish evidence-based practices from trendy but unproven te

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 anxiety and sleep-related challenges. Keira takes us on a fascinating journey through her career, from her early love of animals and behavioral psychology studies to working with children on the autism spectrum and ultimately finding her passion in dog training. Along the way, she shares how her introduction to clicker training (involving an unexpected feline trainee!) shaped her approach to behavior modification. We also explore the core principles of radical behaviorism and how they apply across species—from humans to dogs and beyond. What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

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 the years, she explored various training methodologies before fully embracing clicker training—an approach that prioritizes choice, consent, and clear communication. Throughout this engaging conversation, Peggy shares her evolution from traditional training techniques to a force-free, consent-based approach that empowers horses to actively participate in their learning. She delves into the importance of shaping, capturing, luring, and targeting—techniques that allow horses to offer behaviors willingly, without pressure. We also explore her work with miniature horses, the development of start buttons and consent signals, and how positive reinforcement is transfo

Podcast Synopsis In this milestone episode of the Animal Training Academy Podcast, host Ryan Cartlidge is joined once again by the incredible Dr. Susan G. Friedman—a leading expert in behavioral science and animal training. A returning guest every 50th episode, Susan brings her extensive knowledge and decades of experience to discuss the evolving role of negative reinforcement in ethical training, recognizing subtle "no" signals from animals, and the power of behavioral science to create more informed trainers. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of: ✅ The importance of teaching animals to say "no" and trainers to honor it ✅ The ethical application of negative reinforcement in animal training ✅ Sub-threshold training techniques to reduce stress and improve communication ✅ The impact of non-linear contingency analysis in understanding complex behaviors ✅ Why positive reinforcement training has been so successful—and the next frontier of voluntary medical procedures This episode is a must-listen for anyo

In part two of our engaging conversation with Sarah Fisher, renowned canine and equine behavior advisor and co-founder of Animal Centred Education (ACE), we dive even deeper into the transformative power of ACE Free Work. Sarah shares extraordinary insights from her decades of experience, explaining how detailed observations, movement analysis, and sensory experiences can add immense value to the way we understand and support our dogs. Sarah recounts pivotal moments that shaped the evolution of Free Work, including how dogs like Oscar, Cookie Dough, and Henry played a crucial role in its development. We explore how subtle body cues, posture shifts, and movement patterns reveal hidden discomfort and help us predict the emotional states of our dogs - insights that can be life-changing for trainers, caregivers, and behavior professionals alike. Sarah also shares compelling real-world case studies, demonstrating how Free Work has helped dogs navigate stress, build confidence, and reshape heavily reinforced behavi

In part one of this compelling two-part episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast, we are honored to welcome Sarah Fisher, a renowned canine and equine behavior advisor, educator, and co-founder of Animal Centred Education (ACE). With nearly 30 years of experience working with animals, Sarah has dedicated her career to helping trainers, caregivers, and behavior professionals develop a deeper understanding of their animal learners. In this first part of our conversation, Sarah takes us on a heartfelt journey through her formative years and the pivotal moments that shaped her approach to animal training. She shares insights into how childhood experiences, personal loss, and human therapeutic studies influenced her philosophy on animal welfare, behavior, and communication. We also explore the foundation of ACE, the power of Free Work, and the importance of allowing dogs to pilot their own learning experiences. What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy Podcast, Ryan Cartlidge welcomes back Chris Jenkins, Chief Operating Officer of Natural Encounters, Inc. (NEI). Chris has spent decades in the field of animal training and behavior management, working with zoos, theme parks, and professional organizations worldwide. As a leader in animal training education, he has played a crucial role in shaping NEI’s training programs, consulting with organizations to improve animal welfare, staff training, and guest experience. Chris shares his insights on leadership, professional growth, and how behavior change plays a fundamental role in moving organizations forward. He discusses his experiences developing NEI’s training initiatives, the evolution of their educational programs, and the challenges of fostering a culture of continuous learning. Listeners will hear Chris reflect on lessons learned from running NEI’s "TEC Talk" podcast and how sharing knowledge has shaped his own professional journey. What You’ll Discover in Thi

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy Podcast, Ryan Cartlidge welcomes back Sabrina Brando, a psychologist and the Director of AnimalConcepts, for an engaging discussion on the intersection of animal welfare, human well-being, and environmental care. Sabrina brings decades of experience from her work in zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, and academic settings worldwide. In this episode, Sabrina shares five key areas where animal training principles are integral to her work, covering a broad spectrum of species and settings, from zoos to city farms. Listeners will gain insights into her 24/7 Across Lifespan approach, which emphasizes creating environments that enable animals to be agents of their own lives, as well as her innovative strategies for enhancing animal welfare through training, enrichment, and cooperative care.  What You’ll Discover in This Episode: The importance of viewing animal care from a 24/7 perspective across the animal’s lifespan. How Sabrina uses animal training principles to enhance

A Journey of Resilience and Innovation with Belinda Young [Episode 245] In this episode of the Animal Training Academy Podcast, Ryan Cartlidge welcomes Belinda Young, an accomplished animal trainer and cherished member of the ATA team. With over a decade of experience, Belinda has worked extensively with dogs, cats, and parrots, specialising in reward-based training methods and tackling complex behavioral challenges. In this episode Belinda shares an extraordinary case study featuring Scramble, her charismatic crimson-bellied conure. Scramble's journey with feather-destructive behavior - a challenge unique to captive parrots - is the centerpiece of this episode, offering listeners a raw, insightful, and inspiring look into the intricacies of animal training and behavior management. Through heartfelt discussion, Belinda details her exploration of medical, environmental, and behavioral interventions to support Scramble’s recovery. She emphasises the importance of collaboration with veterinarians and behaviorist

In this highly anticipated second part of our conversation with Craig Ogilvie, renowned dog trainer and behavior consultant, we continue to dive deep into the world of interactive play. Craig, who operates the successful Ogilvie Dogs training center and authored The Interactive Play Guide, shares invaluable insights into how play can revolutionize dog training by meeting the biological needs of dogs, while also creating powerful reinforcement tools. In this episode, Craig dissects the science behind play, exploring its origins in the predatory motor pattern, and how it serves both the physical and social development of dogs. From toy play to interpersonal play, Craig emphasizes the importance of creating structured yet engaging play experiences that not only enhance the dog’s ability to learn but also strengthen the bond between dogs and their caregivers. Craig also discusses the underutilized potential of play in addressing behavioral issues, showing how trainers can use play to increase responsiveness and r

In this engaging two-part episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Craig Ogilvie, a globally respected dog trainer, behavior consultant, and business mentor. Craig has dedicated his career to having his biggest possible positive impact on the world of dog training with his innovative interactive play approach and a deep understanding of canine behavior. In this first part of our conversation, Craig shares his journey that brought him from his early days as a child inspired by his grandfather’s work with police dogs to becoming one of the UK’s top subject matter experts in dog training. He reveals the pivotal moments, challenges, and breakthroughs that shaped his career, including his time as a police instructor, predatory motor patterns, and the creation of his training center - Ogilvie Dogs. Listeners will gain valuable insights into Craig’s philosophy on training, his techniques for building confidence and engagement in dogs, and his unique approach to blending science, pla