Who is Shannon Riley, BA, RVT, CPDT KA, KPA-CTP?
I am an internationally sought after speaker and bestselling author of The Evolution of Dog Training, and have been a pet lover all of my life and a dog trainer for over 30 years. I started teaching puppy classes in 1999 at Frontier Pet Clinic in Napa, CA and was trained by Ian Dunbar though his Sirius Dog Training Course. In 2010, I opened Ventura Pet Wellness & Dog Training Center in Ventura, CA. I have spent my life observing, caring for and training animals of all kinds!
I am also a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers , Pet Professional Guild and a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.
I am a past President for the Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians, a past Allied Industry Member of Arizona Veterinary Medical Association and sponsor of California Registered Veterinary Technician Association.
Why Did I Create Truly Force Free Animal Training?
I created Truly Force Free Animal Training in 2015 so that anyone, anywhere could have access to force free, positive reinforcement animal training.
Truly Force Free Animal Training mission is to spread knowledge and education for humane, force free treatment of all animals with… EMPATHY & COMPASSION!
The Evolution of Dog Training by Shannon Riley
In 2018, I published “The Evolution of Dog Training” available in audio, print and eBook.
In 2023, “The Evolution of Dog Training” was published in Spanish as an eBook!
Education and Experience
My education includes a Biology Degree, specializing in Zoology from Sonoma State. I am a Registered Veterinary Technician, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, and have worked in the Bird Department at Marine World Africa USA, and worked as a handler and trainer for an African Serval Cat at Safari West, a private zoo in Santa Rosa, California. I have also participated in behavior studies including observations of bald eagles and addax antelope through the San Francisco Zoo and Safari West.
I have spent many years as the head dog trainer for PAWS for Healing, a pet assisted therapy organization and performed temperament testing and assisted in the training of therapy dogs who visited hospitals, veteran groups, special educational facilities and convalescent homes. I believe strongly in the benefits of developing the human animal bond and can assist in coaching for pets and their human companions to develop that connection.
In 2014, I completed multiple behavior courses with veterinarians and other animal behavior professionals such as Dr. Susan Friedman and in 2012 was a behavior technician intern for Dr. Rachel Malamed, DVM, Veterinary Behavior Specialist
In 2012 and 2016, I completed a 5-day intensive behavior course through North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) taught by Dr. Karen Overall, Dr. Martin Godbout and Dr. Kersti Seksel. I regularly attend Western Vet Conferences and the Clinical Animal Behavior Conference (CABC), The Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians (SVBT), The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)
Every year, I take approximately 30 hours of continuing education units
International Speaker
In 2017, I spoke at Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) 24th Annual Conference on topics such as, “What’s Your Dogs Currency?” and in 2018 at APDT 25th Annual Conference on topics such as, “Do You Have Compassion Fatigue?”. I have spoken at Pet Professional Guilds Geek Week Australia in 2021. In 2023, I spoke at RescueCon at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on “Understanding Canine Body Language” and at the Ventura College Job and Career Fair on “Starting A Career as An Animal Professional” and Children’s Health and Wellness Expo on “Animal Wellness”. I also hosted Truly Force Free Animal Training first conference Breaking the Chain; A Force Free Dog Training Conference at Ventura Pet Wellness & Dog Training Center.
Check out my Podcasts and TV Interviews!
I created, The Backyard Pet Talk Podcast, for pet lovers! Whether you are a professional in the animal field or a pet parent this podcast is for you!
I also created, The Positive Puppy podcast, which is all about setting your puppy up for success using positive reinforcement! In this podcast, host, Shannon Riley and guest discuss common puppy questions from before picking up puppy to the importance of creating a routine and more! Join us each month as Shannon Riley answers puppy questions!
Check out my interview with Bloom TV with Gayle Guyardo and Daytime TV with Maggie Rodriguez
My Dog Training Philosophy
My dog training philosophy revolves around force free, positive reinforcement; however, my ultimate goal is for healthy happy relationships between pets and their people. Diet, exercise, environment and training all play a significant role in achieving this goal.
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Join Shannon Riley as she sits down with renowned positive reinforcement trainer Terry Ryan, founder of Legacy Canine Behavior & Training and pioneer of the famous Chicken Camp workshops. Terry shares her journey from training an energetic German Shepherd in the 1960s to becoming a leader in force free dog training, authoring multiple books, and helping trainers around the world sharpen their skills through chicken training.
Together, Shannon and Terry discuss the evolution of dog training, the surprising lessons chickens can teach trainers about timing and communication, and why continuing education and open mindedness are essential for anyone working with animals. Terry also reflects on her books, her work with Karen Pryor and other influential trainers, and her passion for helping both dogs and people succeed through positive reinforcement.
A Positive Approach to Aggressive Dogs with Michael Shikashio
Saison 1 · Épisode 48
mardi 28 avril 2026 • Durée 37:33
In this episode of Backyard Pet Talk, Shannon Riley interviews Michael Shikashio, an aggressive dog expert and founder of aggressivedog.com. Michael shares his journey from working in other industries to becoming a dog trainer after fostering dogs with behavioral challenges. He highlights how aggression in dogs is often a result of fear or discomfort, and stresses the importance of using positive reinforcement over aversive techniques.
Michael discusses the role of culture in dog behavior, the significance of understanding a dog's emotional state, and the importance of empathy and communication in handling aggression. He also touches on the use of technology, such as devices that monitor dogs' health, to better understand underlying issues that might contribute to aggressive behavior.
The episode wraps up with advice for trainers and dog owners on managing aggression, stressing the importance of seeking professional help, considering a dog's health, and understanding the context of the aggressive behavior.
Check our Michael Shikkashio's website here:
https://aggressivedog.com/
From Science to Story: A Conversation with Patricia McConnell
Saison 1 · Épisode 45
jeudi 29 janvier 2026 • Durée 30:00
In this episode of Backyard Pet Talk, Shannon Riley sits down with legendary animal behaviorist, author, and speaker Patricia McConnell to talk about her very first work of fiction, Away to Me.
After decades of helping people understand dogs through science and compassion, Patricia shares what led her to write a novel—and how a lifetime of real-life dog behavior shaped the story. Set against the backdrop of rural Wisconsin, Away to Me weaves together dogs, loss, resilience, and truth, with canine characters portrayed as honestly and thoughtfully as the humans who love them.
From her early days as a dog trainer to becoming a leading voice in applied animal behavior, Patricia reflects on her journey, her writing process, and the responsibility of telling dogs’ stories authentically. Whether you’re a longtime fan, a dog lover, or a reader curious about fiction rooted in real experience, this conversation is thoughtful, warm, and deeply engaging.
Inside the Mind of a Veterinarian & Animal Advocate: Dr. Nancy Kay
Saison 1 · Épisode 46
vendredi 9 janvier 2026 • Durée 30:00
In this episode of Backyard Pet Talk, host Shannon Riley welcomes veterinarian, author, and animal welfare advocate Dr. Nancy Kay. Dr. Kay shares her lifelong passion for animals, her more than 40-year career in veterinary medicine, and her path into writing and animal welfare advocacy. The conversation explores her influential books, Speaking for Spot and her newest release, A Dog Named 647, along with her early blogging days. Shannon and Dr. Kay discuss the importance of giving animals a voice, the evolution of veterinary care, and Dr. Kay’s ongoing commitment to animal welfare and client education.
Check out Dr. Nancy Kay's new book, "A Dog Names 647", here:
https://www.amazon.com/Dog-Named-647-Nancy-Kay/dp/B0FDS138LS
More from Dr. Nancy Kay:
Website - Dr. Nancy Kay
Substack - kayn.substack.com
Other Books! - General 2 — Dr. Nancy Kay
The Dogs Behind the Pages with Karen London
Saison 1 · Épisode 46
vendredi 9 janvier 2026 • Durée 40:00
In this episode of Backyard Pet Talk, host Shannon Riley welcomes back canine behaviorist, dog trainer, and author Karen London to discuss her newest book, My Dog’s Mystery Adventures and Other Stories From a Canine Behaviorist and Dog Trainer. Karen shares insights into her background in training, behavior, and science, and explains how the book reflects all sides of her work—from canine body language and play to shelter dogs, real-life problem solving, and everyday adventures with dogs. The two discuss how the deep emotional connections between people and dogs, focusing on how experiences like trauma, infertility, and abuse draw many individuals to work with animals. Karen shares personal stories about healing through dogs, the compassion that shapes the dog-care community, and the meaningful, human stories behind her books—including the real dogs who inspired the cover!
Click here to check out Karen London's new book, "My Dog’s Mystery Adventures and Other Stories from a Canine Behaviorist and Dog Trainer":
https://www.amazon.com/My-Dogs-Mystery-Adventure-Behaviorist/dp/1952960045
The Power of Co-Sheltering with Dianne Canafax
Saison 1 · Épisode 44
vendredi 14 novembre 2025 • Durée 30:00
When compassion meets action, lives truly change — for both people and their pets. In this powerful episode, we welcome back Diane, founder of KARE (Kitsap Animal Rescue and Education), to share her incredible journey from corporate trainer to passionate dog behaviorist, rescuer, and advocate for families in crisis.
Diane takes us behind the scenes of HOPE, a groundbreaking co-sheltering program in Washington State that allows individuals and families experiencing homelessness or escaping domestic violence to stay safely with their beloved animals. For so many, pets are family — a source of comfort, safety, and unconditional love — yet traditional shelters often force people to make the heartbreaking choice between protection and companionship. HOPE changes that.
Through empathy, trust-building, and an understanding of both human and canine behavior, Diane and her team are proving that compassion and structure can coexist. You’ll hear moving stories of resilience — including people who say this program quite literally saved their lives — and learn how KARE and HOPE are creating a model that communities across the country can follow. From training rescue dogs to building systems of compassion, Diana will inspire anyone who believes in the human-animal bond.
Understanding Pets Through Art with Lili Chin
Saison 1 · Épisode 43
jeudi 9 octobre 2025 • Durée 30:00
Cats may seem mysterious, but just like dogs, they’re constantly communicating. In this episode, Shannon sits down with author and illustrator Lily to talk about her book Kitty Language—a fascinating guide to feline body language, scent communication, and the subtle ways cats share their feelings.
From the importance of recognizing fearful versus confident signals to surprising lessons about how scent can completely change the way cats interact, this conversation highlights how much our feline friends are saying if we only know how to listen. Lily also shares personal stories about her own cats, the challenges of misunderstood behaviors, and how she blends her creative talents with her passion for animal behavior.
If you’ve ever wondered what your cat is really trying to tell you—or if you’ve experienced those puzzling moments when a trip to the vet turns into a sudden conflict between bonded cats—this episode will give you insight, tools, and appreciation for the rich world of feline communication.
Be sure to check out Lily’s books, art, and resources, available online and in select bookstores.
Understanding Cues with Kathy Sdao
Saison 1 · Épisode 42
jeudi 17 juillet 2025 • Durée 50:00
In this episode of Backyard Pet Talk, Shannon Riley sits down with renowned animal behaviorist and author Kathy Sdao to explore one of the most fundamental—and often misunderstood—concepts in training: cues. From dolphins to dogs, Kathy shares her journey and explains how cues are more than commands—they’re invitations for communication. Whether you're a pet parent or professional trainer, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Stay curious!
Connect with Kathy Sdao:
https://www.kathysdao.com/
You can find Kathy Sdao’s book, “Plenty in Life is Free – Reflection on Dogs, Training and Finding Grace, here:
https://www.dogwise.com/plenty-in-life-is-free-reflections-on-dogs-training-and-finding-grace/?srsltid=AfmBOorlLVURvvgq8giyZX870h4z1DwsCOkD8ucFKM1ZMVpJ7ONdtkmf
From Chickens to Canines: Inside KARE with Dianne Canafax
Saison 42 · Épisode 1
mercredi 2 juillet 2025 • Durée 30:00
How one woman turned her passion into a life-changing mission for animals and people
Teach Your Dog to Paddleboard Safely with Expert G Scott Graham
Saison 1 · Épisode 39
mardi 27 mai 2025 • Durée 30:00
In this episode of Backyard Pet Talk, Shannon Riley chats with multi-talented author and paddleboarding enthusiast Scott Graham. Scott shares how he got into standup paddleboarding (SUP), why he started training his dogs to join him, and the unique steps he took to teach them safely and confidently. You'll hear about his inspiring background, his approach to dog training on the water, and his latest book all about SUP with dogs. Plus, Scott offers practical tips for anyone ready to try paddleboarding with their pup!
You can find Scott’s book and follow his work on Instagram
https://gscottgraham.com/book/sup-with-your-pup
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