positivereinforcementtraining

We know you're a passionate trainer, driven by a desire to master animal training skills through a force-free approach. You dream of a world where animals operate from a place of understanding and trust, not fear. Yet, advocating for positive reinforcement, especially when up against those using aversives, isn't straightforward. How can you effectively champion this cause and foster a paradigm shift in the animal training world?

Enter Michele Pouliot, your guide in this most recent ATA podcast episode. With an impressive 51 years in the field, Michele understands the challenges you face and offers a roadmap to navigate them. 

Here are three of the [many] big takeaways from the episode on how to advocate for positive reinforcement

1. A little bit of frustraion on your end is okay: Learn to channel your emotions effectively, 
2. The importance of honesty [paired with kindness]: The critical importance of honesty and transparency in building trust with clients.
3. Building Trust: Learn about the importance of trust in your relationships with others, [drawing parallels between the relationships you forge with animals]

We want to see you avoid embarrassment, overwhelm and burnout. Instead, we want to see you build resilience to setbacks, get more organised, and grow your training skills and knowledge. In short, we want to see you enjoy confidence in yourself as a trainer and lead a fulfilling life, positively impacting the lives of the animal and human learners you work with.

Join us in this awesome episode and turn your aspirations into ripples.

LINKS;

website:  www.michelepouliot.com

IAABC online course:  https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/creating-desirable-behavior-around-distractions/

Links to videos

Freestyle routines

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/kgy9fkap7xzi1gqpedji7/Somewhere-Over-the-Rainbow-MichelenSake.mp4?rlkey=dyaovrp14gf3f7pybj2c4u4wc&dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/a650fq5rsvc90z4/I%20Love%20Paris%20MPn%20D.mp4?dl=0

Visit us at shapedbydog.com 

“Susan, how do I get what you get with your dogs?” is frequently asked, and the answer is the topic of this episode. We’re looking at 8 zones in your dog’s life, how you can use those zones to your advantage, and what the habits of success look like to get a well behaved dog. The scientific term for setting environments and situations up for your dog’s success is ‘antecedent arrangements’, and understanding how it works will bring you and your dog a life of joy together.

In the episode you'll hear:

• How to get with your dog what I have with my dogs.
• That success and failure leave clues for dog training.
• The power of antecedent arrangements for creating success for you and your dog.
• About eight zones of your dog’s life to use to your advantage.
• How the stories we tell ourselves aren’t always true and undermine our potential.
• Why I believe wholeheartedly that you and your dog can be brilliant.
• The Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence (ABC) cycle that reinforces behavior.
• How I helped my dog This! with her fears and reactivity.
• Examples of unpredictable situations with dogs and how to manage them.
• The deciding factors for having a well-trained dog.

Resources:

1. Podcast Episode 197: Outsmarting Distractions: How To Use Environmental Reinforcement in Dog Training  - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/197/
2. YouTube Playlist: Behavior Chains in Dog Training with Susan Garrett  - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy36FqDOVAwoHy87MhWFUxVd 
3. Podcast Episode 24: Help for Dogs who Chase Chipmunks, Bicycles, and Neighbor’s Cats (Distraction Intensity Index)  - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/24/
4. Podcast Episode 166: Puppy Freedom: How Much Is Too Much?  - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/166/
5. Podcast Episode 150: Adding Mindset To Your Dog Training Tools: Who Do You Become?  - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/150/
6. Podcast Episode 26: Pro Dog Training Tips to Get Your Puppy to Sleep All Night  - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/26/
7. Podcast Episode 102: Transitioning Your Dog Training: From All That Is Wrong To That Which Is Right  - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/102/
8. West Paw Toppl Treat Toys  - https://www.westpaw.com/products/toppl-treat-toy
9. PDF Download: How To Make A Snuffle Mat  - https://dogsthat.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Building-a-Snuffle-Mat.pdf
10. Podcast Episode 172: How To Teach Your Dog Anything With My Training Plan  - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/172/
11. Podcast Episode 190: Using Daily Quickies To Fast Track Your Dog Training And Grow Your Dog’s Skills  - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/190/
12. Podcast Episode 112: Stressed Dog? How Trigger Stacking Might Be Putting Your Dog Over Threshold  - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/112/
13. Podcast Episode 103: Excited Or Suspicious Dog? Dealing With Your Dog’s Emotions  - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/103/
14. Podcast Episode 191: Get Your Dog To Calm Down With This Common Sense Protocol For Relaxation  - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/191/
15. Podcast Episode 111: How An Anchor Dog Can Help Overcome Your Dog’s Anxiety Or Reactivity  - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/111/ 
16. YouTube Playlist: Reactive or Aggressive Dogs: Key Insights with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy0Tbd6ZybIXgJk3mtpBLLk7
17. Sniffspot - https://www.sniffspot.com/
18. YouTube Playlist: Susan Garrett's Dog Training Philosophy and Training Processes  - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2An5_3KqDPqFVV6J6dYsYx
20. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/UD6TJidqVTM

Visit us at shapedbydog.com 

We get a lot of great comments on our videos, and sometimes I come across one that inspires a podcast episode like this one. I’m answering a very thoughtful question that many people might have. Should you abandon one training philosophy for another when results appear elusive? And should you pick a dog training lane and stay in that lane? Professional dog trainers often forget what it’s like to be starting out. That can lead to learning overwhelm and students feeling less confident about the education they’re getting and giving their dogs, so it’s important for everyone to know the direction they are heading.

In the episode you'll hear:

• A listener question about abandoning a dog training method when results could be around the corner.
• Why compassionate, efficient, and effective dog training is the trifecta of my methodology.
• The difference between finding behaviors to praise vs. behaviors to punish.
• False assumptions that some balanced dog trainers make about positive reinforcement.
• That with enough time, any dog training method will work, but there are other considerations.
• Questions to ask yourself when your dog doesn’t behave as you expected.
• How my mentor Bob Bailey defines the difference between a good trainer and a great trainer.
• What “behavior is a function of consequence” means with dog training as an example.
• Why I believe the use of aversives to change behavior in dog training are antiquated.
• The two factors of mechanics and the other 23 hours of the day in dog training progress.

Resources:

1. DogsThat YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@DogsThat
2. Podcast Episode 185: I Tried That, It Didn’t Work - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/185/
3. Podcast Episode 195: Making Your Mind Your Most Powerful Dog Training Tool - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/195/
4. YouTube Playlist: Reinforcement, Permissions and Transfer of Value in Dog Training - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy1IUj_4P54q2PIuLNtnXjFO
5. Podcast Episode 193: Do Different Dogs Really Need Different Dog Training Methods? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/193/
6. YouTube Playlist: Mastery of Positive Reinforcement Based Dog Training - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy20_Ko8p2SaE6B2IT4o6g6K
7. YouTube Playlist: Susan Garrett's Dog Training Philosophy and Training Processes - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2An5_3KqDPqFVV6J6dYsYx
8. Podcast Episode 197: Outsmarting Distractions: How To Use Environmental Reinforcement in Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/197/
9. Podcast Episode 74: Yes, Susan Garrett’s Dogs Sniff On Walks - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/74/
10. Podcast Episode 11: Episode 11: The Power of Permission in Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/11/
11. YouTube Video: Understanding Your Dog's Reinforcement Zone (RZ) - https://youtu.be/OaUAScgaFAg
12. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-tPwWEe18M

Carrie-Anne Selwyn is a dog trainer, podcaster, speaker, hoopers judge and competitor and the founder of Canine Hoopers World. Originally a riding instructor Carrie also worked at a groomers and a cattery. After passing her level 3 animal care Carrie pursued a career in dog training in 2012 Becoming a qualified trainer with the IMDT. 

She is now an ambassador for the Pet Professional network, a guest speaker for the Distinctive dog trainer and IMDT and PPG Australia. A course tutor and assessor for the IMDT. Carrie also has two successful podcasts Canine Hoopers World and the Dog Training Dictionary. Carrie has taught internationally both in person and virtually. She set up Canine Hoopers World in 2019 and has taught over 500 instructors how to teach hoopers in over 15 different countries.

Carrie competes regularly with her GSD Dodge and he was ranked 2nd in the large rescue dog league and won the shepherd league this year, He was also runner up in a winter series of competition and achieved his platinum warrant.

For links click here >>> https://atamember.com/2022/10/24/carrie-anne-selwyn-2/

Carrie-Anne Selwyn is a dog trainer, podcaster, speaker, hoopers judge and competitor and the founder of Canine Hoopers World. Originally a riding instructor Carrie also worked at a groomers and a cattery. After passing her level 3 animal care Carrie pursued a career in dog training in 2012 Becoming a qualified trainer with the IMDT. 

She is now an ambassador for the Pet Professional network, a guest speaker for the Distinctive dog trainer and IMDT and PPG Australia. A course tutor and assessor for the IMDT. Carrie also has two successful podcasts Canine Hoopers World and the Dog Training Dictionary. Carrie has taught internationally both in person and virtually. She set up Canine Hoopers World in 2019 and has taught over 500 instructors how to teach hoopers in over 15 different countries.

Carrie competes regularly with her GSD Dodge and he was ranked 2nd in the large rescue dog league and won the shepherd league this year, He was also runner up in a winter series of competition and achieved his platinum warrant.

For links click here >>> https://atamember.com/2022/10/10/carrie-anne-selwyn/

Angelica Hesselius Bio

Angelica Hesselius is an internationally renowned reward-based horse trainer with a background as an instructor in classical dressage and academic art of riding. She specializes in positive reinforcement training for balanced movement in groundwork and riding. Developing proprioception, movement and communication through systematic reward-based strategies. 

Angelica has developed new strategies for creating high precision movements and low frustration from the get-go when working with food reinforcers and is passionate about sharing her knowledge. She trains horses, teaches students and coaches colleagues all over the world.

Together with dutch horse trainer Do Groen, Angelica has founded the Reward Based Horse Academy with the aim to help horse people build a strong foundation using reward based training techniques. They are offering short courses and are currently working on their year-long educational program.

Her current projects include Exploring Nuances with Eva Bertilsson, with lectures and courses for horse trainers and behavior geeks curious to explore and expand their training systems.

Eva Bertilsson Bio

Eva Bertilsson (she/her) is a behavior consultant and educator with a master’s degree in behavior analysis and a passion for all things related to behavior, learning and animal welfare. She started out as a positive reinforcement dog sports trainer in the 90s and nowadays works with a wide variety of settings, helping individuals and organizations develop their practice of modern, science-based, empowering strategies for the benefit of learners of all species.

Eva is a board member of the Swedish Association for Behavior Analysis and an enthusiastic disseminator of ethical practices based in behavioral science. She is a long-standing faculty member of Clicker Expo and of TAGteach, and an accredited speaker for Fear Free. Always striving to further our best practices, she hosts the Scandinavian CCC conference on Choice, Control and Communication and runs a Swedish membership group for husbandry training called Kul med Hantering (“Having fun with cooperative care”).

Eva and her Carpe Momentum colleague Emelie Johnson Vegh are noteworthy influencers within reward-based training, having developed strategies and concepts such as start button behaviors, seamless training sessions and training session flow charts. Much of “E&E”‘s philosophy and approach to training is outlined in their book Agility Right From the Start, and you find them at www.carpemomentum.nu 

If you are curious of Eva’s most recent projects, check out the webinars she hosts on the www.abc247.wtf/online  and look into her positive reinforcement horse training collaboration with with Angelica Hesselius, www.rewardbasedartofriding.com/exploringnuances

For links, visit >>> https://atamember.com/2022/08/29/exploring-nuances-2/ 

Angelica Hesselius Bio

Angelica Hesselius is an internationally renowned reward-based horse trainer with a background as an instructor in classical dressage and academic art of riding. She specializes in positive reinforcement training for balanced movement in groundwork and riding. Developing proprioception, movement and communication through systematic reward-based strategies. 

Angelica has developed new strategies for creating high precision movements and low frustration from the get-go when working with food reinforcers and is passionate about sharing her knowledge. She trains horses, teaches students and coaches colleagues all over the world.

Together with dutch horse trainer Do Groen, Angelica has founded the Reward Based Horse Academy with the aim to help horse people build a strong foundation using reward based training techniques. They are offering short courses and are currently working on their year-long educational program.

Her current projects include Exploring Nuances with Eva Bertilsson, with lectures and courses for horse trainers and behavior geeks curious to explore and expand their training systems.

Eva Bertilsson Bio

Eva Bertilsson (she/her) is a behavior consultant and educator with a master’s degree in behavior analysis and a passion for all things related to behavior, learning and animal welfare. She started out as a positive reinforcement dog sports trainer in the 90s and nowadays works with a wide variety of settings, helping individuals and organizations develop their practice of modern, science-based, empowering strategies for the benefit of learners of all species.

Eva is a board member of the Swedish Association for Behavior Analysis and an enthusiastic disseminator of ethical practices based in behavioral science. She is a long-standing faculty member of Clicker Expo and of TAGteach, and an accredited speaker for Fear Free. Always striving to further our best practices, she hosts the Scandinavian CCC conference on Choice, Control and Communication and runs a Swedish membership group for husbandry training called Kul med Hantering (“Having fun with cooperative care”).

Eva and her Carpe Momentum colleague Emelie Johnson Vegh are noteworthy influencers within reward-based training, having developed strategies and concepts such as start button behaviors, seamless training sessions and training session flow charts. Much of “E&E”‘s philosophy and approach to training is outlined in their book Agility Right From the Start, and you find them at www.carpemomentum.nu 

If you are curious of Eva’s most recent projects, check out the webinars she hosts on the www.abc247.wtf/online  and look into her positive reinforcement horse training collaboration with with Angelica Hesselius, www.rewardbasedartofriding.com/exploringnuances

For links, visit >>> https://atamember.com/2022/08/15/exploring-nuances/

Monty Gwynne, founder of Equispeak and a self-proclaimed training junkie, is passionate about sharing her decades of training experience.  This depth and breadth of her experiences with many different breeds and disciplines allows her to draw on them to better solve issues using R+. 

Monty’s training passions are classical dressage and driving.  Because of her long involvement in the horse world she is often called upon to help take and rehab ponies and minis who have been in difficult situations. Using R+ has been the saving grace for many of these rescues. 

Monty’s approach is based on shaping without frustration and is unique in the R+ horse community.

The focus of Monty’s journey is on bringing positive, science-based horse training to the forefront and working with people interested in discovering this powerful tool. Having seen the joy that positive reinforcement training brings to both partners in the horse - human relationship over the past 30+ years, there is no going back.

Through her business, The Best Whisper is a Click, Peggy Hogan provides clicker training lessons, clinics, and online coaching, all focused on horses. She has been a horse-lover since the age of three when her sister put her on a pay-per-lap pony ride, loves all animals and has a passion for training. Her background in training includes N.H. and in-depth study of the teachings of Peggy Cummings, founder of Connected Riding.

In the late 90's there was little information on using positive reinforcement with horses, so after an introduction from Alexandra Kurland, Peggy learned from clicker trainers of other species, as well as diving into the science behind the training with Dr. Susan Friedman. Peggy has investigated ways to add more shaping, capturing, luring, and targeting to her clicker training for horses program. Horses offer complex behaviors freely if given the choice, behaviors that apply to environments that range from agility to freestyle to medical procedures and Start Buttons. Peggy is currently teaming up with Monty Gwynne to reach the online community for teaching this amazing technology.

For links, visit >>> https://atamember.com/2022/08/01/peggy-monty-2/

Monty Gwynne, founder of Equispeak and a self-proclaimed training junkie, is passionate about sharing her decades of training experience.  This depth and breadth of her experiences with many different breeds and disciplines allows her to draw on them to better solve issues using R+. 

Monty’s training passions are classical dressage and driving.  Because of her long involvement in the horse world she is often called upon to help take and rehab ponies and minis who have been in difficult situations. Using R+ has been the saving grace for many of these rescues. 

Monty’s approach is based on shaping without frustration and is unique in the R+ horse community.

The focus of Monty’s journey is on bringing positive, science-based horse training to the forefront and working with people interested in discovering this powerful tool. Having seen the joy that positive reinforcement training brings to both partners in the horse - human relationship over the past 30+ years, there is no going back.

Through her business, The Best Whisper is a Click, Peggy Hogan provides clicker training lessons, clinics, and online coaching, all focused on horses. She has been a horse-lover since the age of three when her sister put her on a pay-per-lap pony ride, loves all animals and has a passion for training. Her background in training includes N.H. and in-depth study of the teachings of Peggy Cummings, founder of Connected Riding.

In the late 90's there was little information on using positive reinforcement with horses, so after an introduction from Alexandra Kurland, Peggy learned from clicker trainers of other species, as well as diving into the science behind the training with Dr. Susan Friedman. Peggy has investigated ways to add more shaping, capturing, luring, and targeting to her clicker training for horses program. Horses offer complex behaviors freely if given the choice, behaviors that apply to environments that range from agility to freestyle to medical procedures and Start Buttons. Peggy is currently teaming up with Monty Gwynne to reach the online community for teaching this amazing technology.

For links, visit >>> https://atamember.com/2022/07/18/peggy-monty-1/ 

MELISSA MILLETT - Professional Stunt and Movie Animal Trainer

Melissa is the founder and head trainer of In Dogs We Trust, The Ultimutts, and Ontario Animal Actors. 

Melissa has taught thousands of family pets, holds training workshops for professionals in the pet industry including Veterinary technicians, Rescue Organizations, Professional Dog Trainers and sessions for the staff and volunteers at the London Humane Society.

After joining the world of cat training, Melissa has offered online lessons to cat owners around the world and is part of the faculty for  ClickerExpo,  Melissa's own cat team (Sashimi, Tonic and Kit Kat) have acquired a Guinness World Record, travelled to California to earn 4 yesses on the America's Got Talent stage and performed in Hollywood Blockbusters and commercials. 

Most notably, Melissa was the key trainer for the cats for Stephen Kings 2019 Pet Sematary.  The dogs and cats represented by Ontario Animal Actors have been featured in Commercials for Tim Hortons, Duracell, a 2019 SUPERBOWL commercial and alongside A-list celebrities like Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell and Sam Worthington (Avatar)!

For the links visit here >> https://atamember.com/2022/07/04/melissa-millet-2/ 

MELISSA MILLETT - Professional Stunt and Movie Animal Trainer

Melissa is the founder and head trainer of In Dogs We Trust, The Ultimutts, and Ontario Animal Actors. 

Melissa has taught thousands of family pets, holds training workshops for professionals in the pet industry including Veterinary technicians, Rescue Organizations, Professional Dog Trainers and sessions for the staff and volunteers at the London Humane Society.

After joining the world of cat training, Melissa has offered online lessons to cat owners around the world and is part of the faculty for  ClickerExpo,  Melissa's own cat team (Sashimi, Tonic and Kit Kat) have acquired a Guinness World Record, travelled to California to earn 4 yesses on the America's Got Talent stage and performed in Hollywood Blockbusters and commercials. 

Most notably, Melissa was the key trainer for the cats for Stephen Kings 2019 Pet Sematary.  The dogs and cats represented by Ontario Animal Actors have been featured in Commercials for Tim Hortons, Duracell, a 2019 SUPERBOWL commercial and alongside A-list celebrities like Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell and Sam Worthington (Avatar)!

For the links visit here >> https://atamember.com/2022/06/20/melissa-millet/ 

Training your pets doesn't have to be a huge mystery, and it all has to do with positive reinforcement of good behaviour. This training method can be used to train almost any animal in a welfare-friendly way.

Nicole and Jez discuss the benefits of positive reinforcement training.

Join Marissa Martino of Paws & Reward interview Lori Stevens. Lori is a professional dog trainer, canine fitness trainer, and animal massage practitioner. Lori specializes in supporting the aging dog; however, this podcast is for dogs of all ages! During the episode, we discuss how to proactively take care of your dog's physical body from the start. Lori shares several ways to support our aging dogs gracefully while also preparing us emotionally. 

Living with a dog that requires a lot of training and management can be really hard on the pet parent. Most people did not bring a dog into their home to take on a training challenge. Join Marissa Martino interview Lisa Mullinax, a behavior consultant in Seattle, discuss what life is like living with challenging dogs and what to do in order to support yourself during the training process. A must-listen for all pet parents! 

The training process, no matter how simple it can seem at times, can be a daunting task for pet parents. Join Marissa Martino interview Dr. Chris Pachel, veterinary behaviorist, share a few strategies to help support our pet parents through the behavior modification process.