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: ferdie@sitsnwiggles.com
Please follow Ferdie at:
Instagram @sitsnwiggles_ferdie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SitsNWiggles
Contact Behavior Vets
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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 - eduardo.fernandez@adelaide.edu.au
Contact Behavior Vets
- tweet us @BehaviorVets
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- Online courses
- Webinars and seminars
- 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
Links
https://bayareavetbehavior.com/
Contact Behavior Vets
- tweet us @BehaviorVets
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- Online courses
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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
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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
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
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- Online courses
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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
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- 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
unleashedvolusia@gmail.com
Contact Behavior Vets
- tweet us @BehaviorVets
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- Online courses
- Webinars and seminars
In this episode, Dr. Paula Croxson shares insights into the formation of memories, the impact of stress and trauma on memories, and how we can change learned associations from traumatic memories. We discuss:
- Different types of memories
- Memories and the sense of self
- The effect of stress and trauma on memories
- Hardwiring of fear memories
- Making traumatic memories more vulnerable to change
Dr. Croxson's bio:
Paula Croxson, PhD is a behavioral and cognitive neuroscientist, science communicator and storyteller. Dr. Croxson is a freelance public engagement specialist and consultant, working with academics and nonprofits to communicate science with the public in meaningful and effective ways. She is also an adjunct Assistant Professor in Neuroscience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and a consultant for Columbia University. She is a Senior Producer for The Story Collider and is passionate about sharing science with as many people as possible.
Links:
www.paulacroxson.com
@paulacroxson on FB
@paulacroxson on Instagram
The Story Collider podcast
Dr. Croxson will have a chapter in a new book: How to Win Friends and Influence Fungi
Dr. Croxson's webinars on Behavior Vets Learn Worlds:
Revealing Animals' Intelligence
Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks: The Aging Brain
The Sensory World of Animals: The Neuroscience of Smell
What Can Animals Remember? The Neuroscience of Memory
Talk to the Animals: The Neuroscience of Communication
Contact Behavior Vets
- tweet us @BehaviorVets
- follow us on Facebook
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- Online courses
- Webinars and seminars
In this episode, Dr. Marsha Penner delves into the neuroscience behind impulse control, why adolescent dogs notoriously struggle with it, and what we can do about it. We discuss:
- How reconnecting with her Native American heritage reaffirmed the way she works with animals
- Different types of impulse control
- How adolescent brains develop
- Finding more compassion and patience for the unruly adolescent dog
- How trust can improve impulse control
Dr. Penner's bio:
Dr. Marsha Penner is a behavioral neuroscientist, certified dog trainer (KPA-CTP), and owner of Learning to Dog Training & Enrichment. Marsha worked as a research scientist and award winning professor, focusing her attention on learning, memory, and effective teaching strategies. She turned her love of learning, behavior, and teaching into a full time career as a professional dog trainer after graduating from the the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior in 2015. She is a proud Anishinaabe Kwe from Treaty One, but currently lives in Durham, NC with her husband and two dogs.
Links:
https://learningtodog.com/
https://www.marshapenner.com/
A collection of studies analyzing impulse control - this is really cool for those who want to dive deeper!
https://saverezdogs.com/
Asher L, England GCW, Sommerville R, Harvey ND. 2020. Teenage dogs? Evidence for adolescent-phase conflict behaviour and an association between attachment to humans and pubertal timing in the domestic dog. Biology Letters. 16: 20200097.
Contact Behavior Vets
- tweet us @BehaviorVets
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- Online courses
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In this episode, Claire Cario (MA, CPDT-KA, FFCT) was tasked to train Queenie, an intensely dog-reactive cattle dog, in New York City. Queenie's over-the-top reactions became a scary safety risk as she redirected a bite towards her human guardian. Listen to how Claire expertly guided Queenie's mom to find safety and stability in a highly unpredictable environment.
Claire's bio:
Claire F. Cario has been working within the animal welfare and veterinary medicine fields since 2001. She received her MA in the Advanced Psychology of Animal Behavior and Conservation in 2008. The most rewarding aspect of her work is strengthening the human-animal bond and seeing her clients achieve a deeper understanding of their dog’s communication, motivations and behaviors.
Claire started her own business in 2009 and since then, has supervised, managed, and trained animal behavior staff across all sectors of the animal behavior world, developed curriculum for training programs for training schools, municipal shelters, and therapy dog programs, given webinars on canine behavior topics, built behavior assessment systems, and developed individualized behavior training plans for dogs displaying a wide variety of behavior concerns. She is certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and a Fear Free Certified Professional. Currently Claire is a Behavior Consultant for Behavior Vets of NYC and an instructor at CATCH Academy. Prior to this, she spent three years as the Private Trainer Manager at School For the Dogs in NYC, four years as the Behavior and Enrichment Assistant Manager at Animal Care Centers of NYC, three years as a behavior consultant on the ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Behavior Team, six years as the executive trainer and coordinator for The Good Dog Foundation.
Click here for more about Claire Cario.
Contact Behavior Vets
- tweet us @BehaviorVets
- follow us on Facebook
- follow us on Instagram
- Online courses
- Webinars and seminars
In this episode, Sassafras shares some tips about writing to engage your audience and how trick training has helped improve the lives of hir dogs. We discuss:
- The art of writing about behavior and training for a broad audience
- Her books Tricks in the City and Chew This Journal
- How trick training can complement behavior modification plans
- Trying to help people enjoy their pets and avoid unrealistic expectations
Sassafras's bio:
Sassafras Lowrey (CPDT-KA, CTDI) is an author, dog trainer, and multimedia educator. Sassafras' work with dogs focuses on engagement, enrichment, play, and competitive trick training. Sassafras is the author of the dog training books Tricks In The City and Chew This Journal. Sassafras' dog training articles have regularly appeared in leading dog magazines like Dogster, The Bark, Modern Dog, and The American Kennel Club as well as publications including WIRED, Apartment Therapy, and The New York Times.
Links:
https://sassafraslowrey.com/
Facebook @SassafrasLowrey
Twitter @SassafrasLowrey
Instagram @SassafrasLowrey
Instagram @SiriusTheBear
Books
Tricks in the City
Chew This Journal
Articles
American Kennel Club:
https://www.akc.org/author/sassafras-lowreyctdi/
WIRED:
https://www.wired.com/author/sassafras-lowrey/
Apartment Therapy:
https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/authors/sassafras-lowrey
Cuteness:
https://www.cuteness.com/user/sassafras_lowrey
New York Times:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/smarter-living/dog-training-behavior.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/06/smarter-living/the-dog-park-is-bad-actually.html?smid=url-share
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/31/smarter-living/before-you-adopt-planning-a-lifelong-commitment-to-your-pets-health.html
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, Suzanne shares her insights for Relationship Centered Training™ (RCT) and having a persistent curiosity of the animal in front of you. We discuss:
- Communication and the willingness to hear others
- Being a carpenter or a gardener
- Humility in training
- Dandelions and orchids
- Her new Functional Assessment Tracking tool
Suzanne's bio:
Suzanne Clothier has been working with animals professionally since 1977. She is well respected internationally for her holistic Relationship Centered Training™ (RCT) approach to dogs and the people that love them. This positive and humane approach keeps the relationship central at all times, and promotes promote healthy, respectful and joyful dog/human connections.
Since 1991, she has taught on a broad range of topics throughout the US and internationally for a wide variety of groups, and served as a consultant to major service dog schools.
An award winning author of multiple books & videos, her book, Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs (2002) has received widespread praise from every corner of the dog world. Her innovative programs include Treat/Retreat, the Enriched Puppy Protocol, CARAT™, RAT™, FAT™, as well as many RCT techniques, online courses and webinars.
A long-time breeder of German Shepherds with 10 generations successful in nearly every dog sport, Suzanne lives on an upstate New York farm with husband John Rice, and their (large!) animal family.
Links:
https://suzanneclothier.com
RCT Online courses
FAT for dogs
Webinars:
Intro to CARAT
Treat/Retreat Overview
Contact Behavior Vets
- tweet us @BehaviorVets
- follow us on Facebook
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- Online courses
- Webinars and seminars
This is PART 2 of a 2-episode interview with Lauren Novack, who discusses her graduate research about the science and social validity of companion animal welfare. If animals can't talk to us, how do we really know if the treatments we employ and behavior change we strive for is actually doing good for companion animals? In Part 2, we discuss:
- Adding more choice in training
- Detecting pain and how it affects behavior
- Heart rate, heart rate variability, and its potential as a measure for affective state
- The potential to measure an animal's emotional affect before, during, and after intervention
Lauren's bio:
Lauren Novack has a Masters of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis with a specialization in Companion Animal Behavior from Hunter College. Applied Behavior Analysis is the science of behavior, which focuses on the identification of environmental conditions that cause behavior and the development of evidence-based behavior interventions. Her research focuses on the intersection between animal welfare and behavior interventions for companion animals. She is a Behavior Analyst, Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, and Family Paws Parent Educator.
Lauren founded dog walking and training company Lauren’s Leash in 2011 which she operated in Manhattan through 2018 before joining Behavior Vets. She creates custom behavior intervention plans for dogs (and their people) who have been diagnosed with neophobia, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, various types of aggression, and separation anxiety. In addition to her work with private clients, Lauren offers education through Behavior Vets, professional organizations including the International Association for Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and both professional and academic conferences.
Links:
Novack, L.I.; Schnell-Peskin, L.; Feuerbacher, E.; Fernandez, E.J. The Science and Social Validity of Companion Animal Welfare: Functionally Defined Parameters in a Multidisciplinary Field. Animals 2023, 13, 1850.
Constructional Aggression Treatment 4- Part Webinar Series with Lauren Novack and Kellie Sisson Snider (MS)
Gait analysis by Gemma Hodson: https://www.dynamicdog.co.uk/
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
This is PART 1 of a 2-episode interview with Lauren Novack, who discusses her graduate research about the science and social validity of companion animal welfare. If animals can't talk to us, how do we really know if the treatments we employ and behavior change we strive for is actually doing good for companion animals? In Part 1, we discuss:
- "Freedom From" to "The 5 Domains"
- The challenges of objectively measuring animal welfare
- Behavioral variability
- Degrees of freedom and the enhanced choice model
- How our values affect the way we train
Lauren's bio:
Lauren Novack has a Masters of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis with a specialization in Companion Animal Behavior from Hunter College. Applied Behavior Analysis is the science of behavior, which focuses on the identification of environmental conditions that cause behavior and the development of evidence-based behavior interventions. Her research focuses on the intersection between animal welfare and behavior interventions for companion animals. She is a Behavior Analyst, Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, and Family Paws Parent Educator.
Lauren founded dog walking and training company Lauren’s Leash in 2011 which she operated in Manhattan through 2018 before joining Behavior Vets. She creates custom behavior intervention plans for dogs (and their people) who have been diagnosed with neophobia, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, various types of aggression, and separation anxiety. In addition to her work with private clients, Lauren offers education through Behavior Vets, professional organizations including the International Association for Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and both professional and academic conferences.
Links:
Novack, L.I.; Schnell-Peskin, L.; Feuerbacher, E.; Fernandez, E.J. The Science and Social Validity of Companion Animal Welfare: Functionally Defined Parameters in a Multidisciplinary Field. Animals 2023, 13, 1850.
Constructional Aggression Treatment 4- Part Webinar Series with Lauren Novack and Kellie Sisson Snider (MS)
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, Kim and Ferdie have a fun time discussing ethology applied to dog training. We discuss:
- What is applied ethology?
- Purpose and function as extremely important to animals
- The evolution of dogs
- Are we watching bears and coyotes lose their fear of humans?
- How the LEGS model has shifted the perspective of dog trainers
Kim's bio:
Kim Brophey, CDBC, CPDT-KA, FDM, is an applied ethologist and owner of The Dog Door Behavior Center in Asheville, NC. Kim’s commitment to Family Dog Mediation® has been recognized internationally, awarded the APDT Outstanding Trainer of the Year in 2009 and the Best Dog Trainer of WNC eight years in a row. She is a member of the International Society for Applied Ethology and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, and a certified member and past board member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Kim Brophey’s L.E.G.S.® model of integrated canine science has been endorsed by prominent canine scientists such as Raymond Coppinger and embraced by reputable academics and dog trainers worldwide. From her applied ethology content in Michael Shikashio’s Aggression in Dogs Master Course to her market-disrupting L.E.G.S.® Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation® Course, Kim’s work is a celebrated contribution to the field. Her groundbreaking sold-out first edition book, MEET YOUR DOG, TED talk, Beyond The Operant (BTO) collaborative, numerous public speaking venues at institutions & conferences around the world, and countless radio and podcast features have made profound waves throughout the dog behavior world as well as the general public. Kim continues to build bridges and invite others to contribute to a new conversation about dogs- one that challenges us to redefine how we perceive, talk about, and treat our canine companions as a society.
Links:
Kim Brophey's educational offerings
L.E.G.S. Main Course ($400 dollars off with code BV for WLWM listeners!)
L.E.G.S. In Motion Conference December 5-7, 2023 (and the Golden Ticket Bundle with the Resilience Rainbow Tour)
Meet Your Dog: The Game-Changing Guide to Understanding Your Dog's Behavior
Montgomery, J. Evolutionary Mismatch, Emotional Homeostasis, and “Emotional Addiction”: A Unifying Model of Psychological Dysfunction. Evolutionary Psychological Science 4, 428–442 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40806-018-0153-9
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, Marge Rogers joins Ferdie and Bobbie Bhambree to discuss her expert insider's take on how to implement Dr. Karen Overall's protocols for relaxation, deference, and take a breath. We discuss:
- Benefits of biofeedback exercises
- The Protocol for Relaxation by Dr. Overall
- The Protocol for Deference vs Social Referencing
- Teaching Take a Breath and how to use it
Marge's bio:
Marge Rogers (she/her) co-authored the veterinary behaviorist-recommended book Puppy Socialization: What It Is and How to Do It. She holds certifications through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers as a behavior consultant (Canine) and a Professional Dog Trainer. Marge is also a Certified Control Unleashed Instructor and a Certified Fear Free Professional. She is a popular and engaging speaker with a passion for sharing her knowledge and experiences. Marge has presented for Conference Unleashed, The Association of Professional Dog Trainers, Behavior Vets, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine (Behavior), Appalachian State University (Veterinary Technology Program), local veterinary clinics, libraries, businesses, and dog sports clubs.
Links:
Protocol for Relaxation: A Trainer's Guide to Practical Application (webinar)
Shape Your Puppy's Future: What Modern Day Socialization Looks Like (webinar)
https://rewardedbehaviorcontinues.com
Puppy Socialization: What It Is and How to Do It
Protocol for Relaxation
Champion of My Heart - Relaxation Protocol Audio Files
Protocol for Deference (aka Social Referencing - as Marge prefers to call it)
Take a Breath
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, Kimberly McRae and Ursa Acree take us on an RV journey through Mexico with Hazel, a 9 year old rescue German Shepherd who suffers from extreme anxiety among other issues both medical and behavioral. Kimberly packed her life into an RV with her two dogs Hazel and Taco. In the beginning, Hazel was paralyzed with fear in unfamiliar environments and was ready to resign to living an isolated, couch potato lifestyle. Hazel is now living a life as an international traveler, facing challenges head-on with tools she has learned through ethical training and supported by the right medication and care team.
Kimberly's bio:
Kimberly is a former CPDT-KA and Fear Free dog trainer who owned and operated a Denver, CO-based dog training company and worked as a behavior coordinator in non-profit animal sheltering. Kimberly is a dog-obsessed behavior enthusiast and experienced project manager, digital nomading as a Director for Behavior Vets. Kimberly has roots in Denver, CO and Louisville, KY, but has been traveling throughout Mexico with her two dogs in all of 2023.
Click here for more about Kimberly McRae
Ursa's bio:
Ursa Acree is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and Fear Free Certified Trainer. She founded Canis Major Training in 2016 which operated as the premier training, board and train, and daycare facility of Denver, CO through 2021. She is currently the Director of Training at Behavior Vets.
Click here for more about Ursa Acree
Links:
Dogs: A New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior, and Evolution by Raymond and Lorna Coppinger
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, Jen Abrams tells us why we shouldn't lie to our dogs and how to repair the damage to the trust in the human-dog relationship. We discuss:
- Why anxiety needs information
- Long-term effects of lying to your dog
- Using clear communication and predictor cues
- How to repair the damage to your relationship after trust is broken
Jen's bio:
Jen Abrams is an Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (ACAAB) through the Animal Behavior Society, a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) and a licensed veterinary technician (LVT) with a masters degree (MA) in Animal Behavior & Conservation from Hunter College. She has an ongoing interest in canine cognition research and hopes to contribute to the field with future studies and data collection.
Jen has been a Behavior Consultant with Behavior Vets since December 2020; prior to Behavior Vets she worked for nearly a decade with Animal Care Centers of NYC, New York City’s only open-admission, full-service animal shelter, in roles including Behavior Program Manager and Director of Animal Welfare. A committed New Yorker, Jen lives in Brooklyn and finds great value in helping dogs adjust to the difficult city environment, where everything is always a little too close and a little too fast and where a rush of stimuli hit you like a wall the moment you walk out your front door.
Click here for more about Jen Abrams
Links:
Maia Huff-Owen (CSAT)
Consent test petting video by Eileen Anderson
Webinars by Jen Abrams:
Easy DIY Food Enrichment
Confessions of a Dog Trainer: The Human Experience of Dealing with Behavior Challenges in Pets
They Said What?!?! A Guardian's Guide to Canine Body Language
Two Truths and a Lie: How More Truth Can Reduce Your Dog's Anxiety
Publications:
Trazodone as a mediator of transitional stress in a shelter: Effects on illness, length of stay, and outcome - ScienceDirect
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, Ursa Acree and I share our journeys to becoming dog trainers and some valuable insights learned along the way. We discuss:
- The value of good mentors
- Balancing animal and human needs
- Being a good communicator
- Honing your training skills with shelter dogs
- The Behavior Vets Practicum Program
Ursa's bio:
Ursa Acree is our Director of Training at Behavior Vets. She has run her own dog training company called Canis Major Training in Denver, CO and has many years of experience working with animal shelters, including being the Behavior Manager for the Kentucky Humane Society and Behavior Manager at the Dumb Friends League in CO.
Links:
Behavior Vets Practicum Program
Pat Miller Peaceable Paws
Kathy Sdao Bright Spot Dog Training
Dogs: A New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior, and Evolution by Raymond Coppinger and Lorna Coppinger
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, Taylor Kelly describes how increasing predictability in social situations for Stella, a fearful and anxious chocolate lab-beagle mix, along with traditional desensitization and counterconditioning techniques, helped Stella feel safer about meeting new people in her home. Listen to how Taylor helped Stella and her human mom incorporate predictable routines and creative predictor cues that reduced the uncertainty and panic of meeting new visitors in her home.
Taylor's bio:
Taylor Kelly, a Behavior Consultant at Behavior Vets, has an MA in Animal Behavior and Conservation from Hunter College and is a certified Fear Free Trainer. Before joining the Behavior Vets team as a behavior consultant, Taylor spent several years working at Animal Care Centers of NYC, the only open admissions shelter located in the city. Working as the canine behavior supervisor and then manager, she oversaw the canine enrichment program, conducted behavioral assessments and their basic training programs. Taylor also assisted in adoption of rabbits from the shelter, counseling and educating the public on rabbit ownership. Taylor began volunteering with Long Island Rabbit Rescue in 2013 where she adopted two of her rabbits, and has been dedicated to educating the public on both canine and rabbit behavior since then.
Click here for more about Taylor Kelly
Links:
Interested in learning more about the Treat/Retreat game that Taylor mentioned? Learn more about it here: Treat/Retreat Overview with Suzanne Clothier
Contact Behavior Vets
- tweet us @BehaviorVets
- follow us on Facebook
- follow us on Instagram
- Online courses
- Webinars and seminars
In this episode, Adele Shaw shares her journey in horse training and teaches us how to get started with low-stress husbandry for horses. We discuss:
- Adele's journey from traditional to reward-based training
- Letting go of perfection and accepting mistakes for better welfare
- Finding a supportive community
- The value of building trust with horses
- Low-stress husbandry exercises to start with
Adele's bio:
Adele Shaw (Certified Equine Behavior Consultant) is an internationally recognized horsemanship mentor, behavior consultant, and trainer focused on creating a positive relationship between horse and human through science-based training and care practices. Drawn to horses labeled as “trouble makers” and “lost causes” from an early age, Adele has always had a passion for understanding the “why” behind behavior and a deep desire to help horses find their way back to wellness. This holistic approach examines the horse’s environment, lifestyle, and physical and mental soundness to ensure that the horses are not simply surviving, but truly thriving in their life and relationship with their human caretakers. As a teacher, Adele is supportive and understanding of both horse and human, and tailors her lessons to provide the most personalized, accessible, and ethically minded coaching possible. Her approach goes beyond method: by offering flexible training and care systems, the wellbeing of the horse and the empowerment of the student always remain the primary goals.
In addition to her hands-on work with specialized rehabilitation cases at her ranch in Texas, Adele maintains an active role in the equestrian community through her clinics, online student programs, courses, blog, podcast, and social media outreach. As she connects with students across the globe, Adele remains dedicated to making information on behavior science, positive reinforcement, LIMA principles, the humane hierarchy, and species appropriate care practices accessible and achievable for every horse owner through The Willing Equine.
Janna Dewey's bio:
Janna works at Behavior Vets of Colorado as a Behavior Consultant and therapist, specializing in those having difficulty living or working with the animals in their lives. Janna earned a B.A. in Psychology and a Minor in Theatre from Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, FL. She also holds a Master’s in Counseling from Regis University and is also a Certified Equine Assisted Mental Health Practitioner through University of Denver. Janna is a Certified Professional Bird Trainer (CPBT-KA) through the International Avian Trainers Certification Board.
Links:
https://www.thewillingequine.com/
https://www.instagram.com/thewillingequine/
https://www.youtube.com/thewillingequine
https://www.tiktok.com/@thewillingequine
https://www.facebook.com/thewillingequine
Contact Behavior Vets
- tweet us @BehaviorVets
- follow us on Facebook
- follow us on Instagram
- Online courses
- Webinars and seminars
In this episode, Jen Abrams helps an unpredictable Bracco Italiano named Mars transform from exhibiting fear-based aggression to quiet relaxation. Mars and his devoted companion Emily had a rocky journey from Florida to Indiana before eventually landing in Brooklyn, NY. Immediately upon moving to Brooklyn, Emily found Behavior Vets and Jen through a referral by her vet. Listen to how Jen created a behavior plan that helped Mars find the confidence to navigate the city streets safely and make new friends.
Jen's bio:
Jen Abrams is an Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (ACAAB) through the Animal Behavior Society, a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) and a licensed veterinary technician (LVT) with a masters degree (MA) in Animal Behavior & Conservation from Hunter College. She has an ongoing interest in canine cognition research and hopes to contribute to the field with future studies and data collection.
Jen has been a Behavior Consultant with Behavior Vets since December 2020; prior to Behavior Vets she worked for nearly a decade with Animal Care Centers of NYC, New York City’s only open-admission, full-service animal shelter, in roles including Behavior Program Manager and Director of Animal Welfare. A committed New Yorker, Jen lives in Brooklyn and finds great value in helping dogs adjust to the difficult city environment, where everything is always a little too close and a little too fast and where a rush of stimuli hit you like a wall the moment you walk out your front door.
Click here for more about Jen Abrams
Links:
Webinars by Jen Abrams:
Easy DIY Food Enrichment
Confessions of a Dog Trainer: The Human Experience of Dealing with Behavior Challenges in Pets
They Said What?!?! A Guardian's Guide to Canine Body Language
Two Truths and a Lie: How More Truth Can Reduce Your Dog's Anxiety
Contact Behavior Vets
- tweet us @BehaviorVets
- follow us on Facebook
- follow us on Instagram
- Online courses
- Webinars and seminars
A Fond Farewell Leads to a New Beginning for Behavior Vets and the Worry Less, Wag More Show
33:38
Beyond LIMA: Insights from Eduardo Fernandez (PhD) and the LIFE Framework
1:29:40
Dr. Wailani Sung (MS, PhD, DVM, DACVB): Transforming Shelter Cat Care with a Fear Free Approach
50:20
Treating Aggressive Behavior in Urban Areas with Michael Shikashio and Dr. Sarah Shapiro-Ward
55:18
Relaxing in Pajamas with Casey Matthews (Lomonaco), KPA CTP, FDM, FFCP
56:38
Bobbie Bhambree (CDBC, CPDT-KA): Resilience Rainbow for Shelter Dogs
55:52
Patricia McConnell (PhD, CAAB): What Can I Do to Make My Dog Less Afraid?
49:06
Amanda Gagnon (MS, CDBC, CPDT) on the History of Controlling Dogs
1:00:33
Dr. Sheila Segurson (DVM, DACVB): Building Better Shelter Behavior Programs with Maddie's Fund
53:50
Interactive and Therapeutic Play for Shelter Dogs with Dr. Elizabeth Congdon and Dr. Jessica Owens
54:11
Dr. Paula Croxson (PhD): How Emotions Affect the Formation of Memories
1:04:28
Dr. Marsha Penner (PhD, KPA-CTP) on the Neuroscience of Impulse Control
1:00:00
The Behavior Files: How Claire Cario (MA, CPDT-KA) Found a Niche for a Dog-Reactive Cattle Dog in New York City
1:04:01
Sassafras Lowrey (CPDT-KA, CTDI): The Art of Writing and Trick Training for Happier Dogs
50:13
Suzanne Clothier Reflects on Truly Hearing and Seeing the Animal in Front of You
1:08:55
Lauren Novack (MS, ACDBC, KPA): How Do We Know We're Really Practicing Better Welfare? (Part 2 of 2)
1:12:19
Lauren Novack (MS, ACDBC, KPA): How Do We Know We're Really Practicing Better Welfare? (Part 1 of 2)
58:36
Kim Brophey (CDBC, CDPT-KA, FDM) Is Challenging the Way We Think About Dogs
1:02:19
Marge Rogers (CBCC, CDPT) Soothes Stress Away with Protocols for Relaxation
1:06:32
The Behavior Files: A German Shepherd's RV Adventure to Recovery with Kimberly McRae (CPDT-KA)
1:06:13
Jen Abrams (MA, ACAAB, CSAT): Do You Lie to Your Dog?
1:04:36
Dreaming of Dog Training? Tips and Tales from Ursa Acree (CDBC) and Ferdie Yau (MA, CPDT-KA)
1:13:57
The Behavior Files: Taylor Kelly (MA, CPDT-KA) Shows Us How Predictability Can Reduce Anxiety
1:04:51
Embracing Low-Stress Husbandry Equine Training with Adele Shaw (CEBC)
1:02:58
The Behavior Files: Learning to Speak Italian Pointer with Jen Abrams (MA, ACAAB, CSAT)
1:14:00