Carrie-Anne Selwyn: Canine Hoopers World [Episode 184]

In this episode, dive into the unique journey of Francesca Degli Espinosa, from her groundbreaking work in behavior analysis with children with autism to her personal exploration of dog training [stared during the pandemic].

With the adoption of her Labrador puppy, Darwin, Francesca opens up about how her professional life influenced her dog training and vice versa.

What You'll Discover in This Episode:

• Francesca's transition from using Applied Behaviour Analysis with human learners to dog training and the lessons learned along the way.
• Insights into behavior analysis and its application in understanding and training dogs.
• The story of Darwin, the pandemic puppy, and the challenges and joys of training him.

Why This Episode Is a Must-Listen:

Francesca shares her insights into the parallels between behavior analysis in humans and animals, emphasizing the importance of communication, understanding, and empathy in both fields. Whether you're a seasoned animal trainer or just passionate about behavior analysis, there's something in this episode for everyone.

Engage With Us:

If Francesca's story has sparked your interest or if you have your own experiences to share, we'd love to hear from you. Subscribe to our podcast, share this episode with your network, and join our dedicated membership for more discussions.

Looking Ahead:

Don't miss our next episode, where we'll delve into part two of our conversation with Francesca. Thank you for tuning in and for being a part of our ATA community.

Links;

• www.abaclinic.net
• https://www.facebook.com/francesca.d.espinosa

In this compelling continuation of our discussion with Jessica Dolce, a certified compassion fatigue educator, this episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast delves deeper into the challenges of burnout. Ryan opens the conversation by addressing the critical need to redefine success in the face of burnout. Jessica elaborates on burnout as a syndrome stemming from chronic workplace stress, asserting that it is a condition of the work environment rather than a personal failure. The dialogue uncovers the primary causes of burnout, highlighting the systemic nature of this issue and offering insights into creating a healthier work-life balance.

Further, the discussion pivots to the growth mindset and the strategic approach of setting "enoughness" conditions for personal and professional satisfaction. Jessica shares her methodology in coaching and public speaking, demonstrating how specific, measurable goals can alleviate decision fatigue and contribute to a more fulfilling career.

The episode also delves into the importance of self-compassion and setting boundaries within organizational structures to mitigate workplace stress. By embracing a redefined measure of success and acknowledging one's achievements, Jessica and Ryan illuminate a path towards a sustainable and joyful career in animal welfare.

Find Jessica online at:

https://jessicadolce.com and https://www.compassioninbalance.com

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast, Ryan Cartlidge has a conversation with the insightful Jessica Dolce, a certified compassion fatigue educator. Jessica, with her extensive background in animal welfare and education, delves into the often-overlooked realm of compassion fatigue, an issue prevalent among animal caregivers and welfare professionals.

Her journey, beginning with a personal dog walking business and evolving into co-founding a non-profit, illustrates the deep emotional investment inherent in animal welfare. Jessica's firsthand experience with burnout and compassion fatigue while working in shelters led her to become a certified educator in this field, offering a lifeline to those struggling with the emotional toll of intensive caregiving.

Throughout the episode, Jessica illuminates the concept of compassion fatigue, describing it as a complex mix of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion. She stresses the significance of replenishing empathy to maintain joy and satisfaction in life and work. Jessica and Ryan explore strategies for managing these challenges, including the importance of hobbies and activities unrelated to work, differentiating active from passive rest, and embracing practices like gratitude exercises.

This episode promises not only to educate but also to inspire and empower animal welfare professionals in their journey towards a balanced, joyful, and sustainable career in animal care.

Find Jessica online at:

https://jessicadolce.com and https://www.compassioninbalance.com

In this episode we welcome the remarkable Eva Bertilsson, a behaviour analyst and co-founder of Carpe Momentum, renowned for her pioneering work in animal behaviour and cooperative care.

Eva Bertilsson brings a wealth of knowledge to today's discussion, aimed at assisting you, the listener, in navigating the often-stressful challenges of cooperative care, both for you and your clients.

Our special guest; Eva Bertilsson,
From her humble beginnings at a local dog club to becoming an international educator. Her insights into R+ approaches, behavioural principles, and quality of life enhancement are invaluable. Her collaboration in Carpe Momentum and various other partnerships symbolize her commitment to pioneering animal care.

The Plan: Listen, Learn, and Impact

1. Listen to the episode to immerse yourself in Eva's profound insights on cooperative care.
2. Grow your skills, knowledge, and confidence through Eva's shared experiences and strategies.
3. Impact the lives of animal and human learners by applying what you learn!

We don’t want you to feel stressed and overwhelmed by cooperative care challenges, we’re here to support your growth in skills and knowledge. Our aim is to build your confidence empowering you to make a profound positive impact on the lives you touch.

LINKS

• Eva's website >>> https://evabertilsson.com/
• Click here to access the exclusive Australasian event page on Eva Bertilsson's website.
• Click here to visit Canine Education Academy website and join their newsletter to stay up-to-date with Eva Bertilsson's event in Australia.
• Click here for Canine Education Academy Australia's Eva Bertilsson workshop event on Facebook.
• Click here for the ATA & Pawsitive Behaviours New Zealand workshop event with Eva Bertilsson on Facebook.

In the second part of our awesome coversation with Nicky Plaskitt, we delve into a topic that resonates deeply with many of our listeners: overcoming impostor syndrome and growing your confidence in the realm of animal training.

We understand that Impostor syndrome can totally be a daunting barrier, often leaving many feeling inadequate and overwhelmed in their journey to become proficient positive reinforcement animal trainers. This feeling is echoed in the recurring discussions among our Animal Training Academy community members, who frequently share their struggles with feeling like an 'impostor' in their field.

Therefore I was so excited to have Nicky Plaskitt, a seasoned expert in animal training, join us for this episode to share her invaluable insights on how to cultivate confidence within yourself as a trainer. With years of experience, Nicky is the ideal guide to help us navigate these challenging waters. In our conversation, we cover several key areas.

Our goal for 2024 is to help you grow — not just in skills and knowledge, but crucially, in confidence. With this newfound confidence, we want you to have your biggest possible positive impact on the lives of all the animal and human learners you work with in 2024.

Links;

• Facebook >>> https://www.facebook.com/shapingbehaviour
• Instagram >>> https://www.instagram.com/nickyshapingbehaviour/?hl=en
• website >>> https://shapingbehaviour.com/home

In this episode of our podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Nicky Plaskitt, a seasoned animal care professional and positive reinforcement training subject matter expert. Nicky's journey, which spans over two decades, is a testament to the transformative power of science-based training methods in animal care.

Starting in 2000, Nicky embarked on her career in various zoological collections, where she honed her skills in a multitude of roles - from animal keeping to team leadership.

In 2021, Nicky took her expertise to a new frontier, founding Shaping Behaviour. This venture reflects her deep commitment to improving animal welfare by empowering caregivers with the knowledge and skills they need to excel. Her role as a Zoological Behaviour Consultant has allowed her to impact animal care both in the UK and internationally.

Nicky's dedication to her field is further evidenced by her involvement with the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (IAATE), where she has been a member since 2012 and recently joined the Board of Directors. Her efforts in organizing the first-ever UK Symposium highlight her initiative in enhancing bird welfare across the UK and Europe.

A Certified Professional Bird Trainer and Animal Trainer through the International Avian Trainers Certification Board (IATCB), Nicky not only contributes her expertise but also shapes future standards in the field as a board member.

Above all, Nicky's passion lies in seeing all learners, regardless of species, succeed through clear and kind communication. This episode is an exploration of her fantastic career, her insights into positive reinforcement training, and how she’s making a difference in the world of animal care. Join us as we delve into the story of a true pioneer in the field, whose work continues to inspire and shape the future of animal training in the UK & beyond.

Links;

• Facebook >>> https://www.facebook.com/shapingbehaviour
• Instagram >>> https://www.instagram.com/nickyshapingbehaviour/?hl=en
• website >>> https://shapingbehaviour.com/home

In this special archival episode of the Animal Training Academy Podcast, we revisit a gem from our collection - an insightful conversation with the awesome Chirag Patel. Chirag takes us through his early days in the field, sharing the experiences that shaped his unique perspective on animal behaviour and training.

A highlight of this episode is Chirag’s explanation of his 'Bucket Game', a fun technique for cooperative care that fosters trust and patience in animals during training sessions. This game demonstrates Chirag’s creative approach & also serves as an invaluable tool for trainers worldwide.

Chirag also delves into strategies for empathetically dealing with challenging situations and people, offering practical advice. His insights are a testament to the importance of understanding, patience, and empathy in any form of teaching or interaction.

In addition to these key topics, our conversation branches out into a variety of other subjects, making this episode a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration for trainers and animal enthusiasts alike.

Whether you’re a long-time follower of Chirag Patel or hearing his wisdom for the first time, this episode from our archives is sure to enrich your understanding of animal training and the power of empathy in all walks of life.

Links;

• Website; https://www.domesticatedmanners.com/
• Instagram: @ChiragPatelConsulting
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/chiragpatelconsulting
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/chiragpatelconsulting

In this episode of the ATA podcast show, we delve into the dynamic and often challenging world of families juggling the responsibilities of parenting young children and managing their dogs. Our story revolves around families who find themselves overwhelmed by the chaos of a household with toddlers, babies, and pets. The complexity of ensuring safety and harmony for everyone - adults, children, and animals - is a pressing concern that many face daily.

Enter Jennifer Shryock, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and the founder of Family Paws LLC. Jennifer's unique journey from a special education teacher to a leading figure in dog behaviour equips her with unparalleled insights into this delicate balance. Through her innovative programs, Dogs & Storks and Dogs & Toddlers, she has established a new paradigm for families navigating these challenges.

In our conversation, we uncover crucial strategies for success, including;

1. setting boundaries for safety between dogs and newborns
2. Establishing "success stations" around the home
3. The necessity of practising active supervision
4. Modelling appropriate behaviour for children and
5. The value of creating predictable routines.

These takeaways are not just theoretical but are backed by real-life success stories shared by Jennifer, demonstrating the transformative impact of learning from her knowledge and experience.

Join us as we navigate the journey of integrating dogs into families with newborns, aiming to foster an environment of safety, understanding, and mutual respect. Whether you're a parent, dog owner, or both, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and tips to help you lead a fulfilling life while positively impacting the lives of both your human and animal learners.

• Visit the Family Paws website here >>> https://www.familypaws.comhttps://www.familypaws.com/services/for-dog-professionals/
• See Family Paws on Instagram here >>> https://www.instagram.com/familypawsofficial/?hl=en
• See Family Paws on FaceBook here >>> https://www.facebook.com/FamilyPawsParentEd

As a listener of the ATA podcast show, we understand how deeply you care about the well-being of the animals you work with. However, at times, your role as a positive reinforcement trainer can feel isolating, stressful, and overwhelming.

At ATA, we don't want anyone to feel this way, especially knowing how diligently our listeners strive to make a positive impact on the lives of both animal and human learners they work with.

Enter Dr. Kathie Nurena, a human physician and a certified dog trainer. Kathie deeply understands how learning theory and positive reinforcement principles can benefit both animals and humans. Having graduated from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Karen Pryor Academy, Kathie's unique background blends medicine and dog training, providing her with a truly unique perspective on the challenges faced in caring roles.

In this episode, together with Kathie, you'll learn about:

1. Trauma-Informed Care: Discover the essence of trauma-informed care and how its principles can be integrated into your role as a trainer.
2. Patient-Centred Care and Compassion Satisfaction: Explore the significance of shifting focus from compassion fatigue to compassion satisfaction. Learn how reframing your thoughts can play a pivotal role in your professional journey, both in preventing burnout and enhancing satisfaction.
3. Emotions, Reinforcement, and Hope: Gain insights into the Maslow scale and pro qual questionnaires, and discover how "hope" (Healthy Outcomes through Positive Experiences) can benefit you.

By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with new knowledge and ideas to help avoid feelings of overwhelm and burnout. This will boost your confidence as a trainer, enabling you to have your biggest possible positive impact on the lives of both animal and human learners you work with.

Links/references;

• The original Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) questionnaire >>> https://www.ncjfcj.org/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/Finding-Your-Ace-Score.pdf\
• Maslach Burnout Inventory >>> https://pscentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Maslach-Burnout-Inventory-.pdf
• ProQol >>> https://proqol.org/proqol-measure
• Healthy Outcomes From Positive Experiences (HOPE) >>> https://positiveexperience.org/about-us/
• Trauma informed care from CDC >>> https://www.cdc.gov/orr/infographics/6_principles_trauma_info.htm
• Crisis phone line in USA >>> https://988lifeline.org/
• Crisis text line in USA >>> https://www.crisistextline.org/
• Clicker Expo Live (Kathie & Linda present Sat Jan 27 8-10 am pacific time) >>> https://clickerexpo.clickertraining.com/clicker-expo-virtual/live-2024-conference-program/

Videos

• A talk by Dr Nadine Burke Harris (16 minutes) >>> https://youtu.be/95ovIJ3dsNk?si=nI_NtlOeN_0KUunv
• Three and a half minute video on trauma-informed care >>> https://youtu.be/fWken5DsJcw?si=pCZTrKe3Xgz9oujI

With the relentless pace of research enhancing our community's insights, how frequently do you reassess the positive impact of your training methods on your animals?

Many grapple with bridging the chasm between theory and practice. If you've been there, stressing over how to implement new knowledge, you're not alone - therefore In this episode, you, the dedicated listener, will unravel the subtle layers of one such area - 'assent' in animal training. 

Meet Your Guide: Hannah D. McGee, a souce of wisdom in the realm of canine behaviour. With her extensive credentials as a Canine Behavior Consultant and with her role at the University of North Texas, she dives deep into the science and art of animal training. And as someone passionate about refining trainer skills, she bridges the academic and practical seamlessly.

Here's a sneak peek of your journey:

1. Understanding Assent: Grasp the nuances between assent and consent. Hannah lays down why continuous monitoring is essential and how assent paints a clearer picture of your animal's desires and your training efficiency.

2. The Tricky Terrain of Coercion: Just because an animal seems to participate willingly doesn't mean they genuinely want to. Dive into the intriguing example of a rat named Puff to understand how easy it is to inadvertently coerce assent.

3. The Essence of Genuine Choices: By exploring the concept of 'degrees of freedom', you'll understand how true choices in training contexts can be offered to animals. The curious case of a rat named Perry will challenge traditional thinking around reinforcement and offer a fresh perspective.

You wouldn't want to navigate the treacherous waters of embarrassment, burnout, or ineffectiveness, would you? Instead, arm yourself with knowledge, resilience, and a toolkit that sets you on a path of success. By the end of this episode, you'll be poised to make impactful strides in your training journey, ensuring you and your animal learners lead fulfilling lives.

So, if you've been seeking a roadmap to master animal training that respects choice, participation, and well-being, this episode is a must-listen!

Equip yourself with the latest insights, be the trainer your animals truly deserve, and let Hannah's expertise light the way.

• Can There Be Compassion without Assent? A Nonlinear Constructional Approach: https://rdcu.be/dlqvt
• Behavior Explorer >>> https://behaviorexplorer.com/
• Email: hannahmcgee@my.unt.edu