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“Find a dog that’s going to make you happy.”

I sit down with Denise Fenzi to talk about choosing the right dog for your real life — not the one you think you should want. We talk about fit, expectations, training, and working with the dog in front of you.

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In this episode of The Empathetic Trainer, I talk with Amelia Thomas about what it really means to listen to animals.

We’re not talking about techniques or quick fixes. We’re talking about slowing down, paying attention, and noticing what animals are already showing us—often in very quiet, subtle ways. Amelia shares how listening starts with presence, not interpretation, and how that shift can change the way we relate to animals.

If you live or work with animals and have ever felt like there’s more going on than you can put into words, this conversation is for you.

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New Zealand Horse advocate and author, Julie Smart joins Barbara O'Brien in a conversation not just about training, but about retraining ourselves to listen, to watch, and to feel the subtle cues that horses give us when trying to communicate. 

We talk about how spending undemanding time with our horses changes how they feel about and us and can really help build a better, more trusting relationship.  We also talk about how horses never stop learning and can be trained at any age with atunement and understanding. 

Julie recommends books like 'True Horsemanship Through Feel' by Bill Dorrance and Leslie Desmond, and 'Warwick Schiller's Principles of Training'. Julie shares her biggest failure, which involved a horse named Ethel, and how it taught her the importance of not believing what others say about horsemanship. They also talk about fear and the need to acknowledge and respect it, as well as the luckiest thing that has happened to Julie, which is having her mother as a role model.

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Susan Friedland and I explore the world of Marguerite Henry, a beloved author whose stories have enchanted readers for years. From "Misty of Chincoteague" to "King of the Wind" and so many others, Henry's books have made a lasting impression on people of all ages.

We talk about how much Henry loved horses, especially Morgan horses, and how her stories were influenced by her roots in the Midwest. Susan shares how Henry was kind and caring towards her readers, even writing them personal letters. Susan also had the chance to see original art by Wesley Dennis who illustrated many of Henry's books.

Our chat also touches on how Henry's books have inspired young readers to love horses and how they've brought horse lovers together. Whether we're talking about the excitement of the Chincoteague Pony Penning Swim or the comfort horses can bring, we celebrate Henry's legacy and the happiness her books bring to so many people.

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In this interview, Barbara O'Brien talks with Kara Wilhelmsen from Creature Comforts Pet Services about her approach to animal training. Kera stresses the importance of kindness and understanding when working with animals, rather than using fear or intimidation. She shares her experiences working with dogs, including her own challenges with a reactive border collie named Tayla. Kera emphasizes using positive reinforcement and empathy in training, focusing on relaxation techniques and behavior modification. She also discusses the need for owners to learn about science-based training methods and the importance of reading dogs' body language. Kara warns against quick fixes and misinformation in training, and encourages empathy and compassion in both human and animal interactions.

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Lockie Phillips, Founder of Emotional Horsemanship, joins us on our podcast to share his insights on empathy and horses. He tells us how we can reimagine horse training and move beyond obedience to establish a deeper connection based on compassion. 

Lockie believes that training programs should be horse centered and focused on the well- being of the horse rather than performance. And that real change requires patience, understanding and the willingness to adapt to the individual needs of each horse.

This episode paints a hopeful picture of a future where the bond between horses and humans grows stronger through empathy and understanding. Join us as we explore this transformative philosophy in equine care and training.

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Tune in to hear Lynn Acton, acclaimed author and horse trainer, share practical tips on how to build trust and connection with your horse. Learn about the basics of earning trust, using clear body language, moving away from dominance based training, and understanding horses' emotions. Lynn also talks about being a protector leader and what horses really want from us. Get simple and actionable advice for creating a strong bond with horses and keeping them happy by avoiding unnecessary stress. Whether you're a horse enthusiast or just curious, Lynn's down-to-earth wisdom makes it easy to connect with these amazing animals.

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Join us as we speak with cat behaviorist,  Mikel Delgado about how your cat's name can affect its personality and why it's hard for some cats to just get along.  Learn about Mikel's journey from being in a  punk rock band to cat expert. Learn how to make a happy home for multiple cats and discover easy ways to keep your cat content.Get simple tips to take better care of your cat and enjoy a closer connection. Tune in for an enlightening and fun chat about cats!

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Summary

Dr. Susan Faye discusses the importance of horses in our lives and the lessons they teach us. She emphasizes the need for emotional awareness and being present with horses and other animals. Dr. Faye explains how energy regulation and acknowledging our emotions can improve our relationships with animals. She also discusses her book 'Sacred Spaces' and the science behind the connection between humans and horses. Dr. Faye shares her experiences with horses and the transformative power of going slow. She encourages listeners to be in the world in a more meaningful way and make a positive impact.

Takeaways

• Emotional awareness and regulation are essential for building a strong connection with horses and other animals.
• Being present and regulated in our interactions with animals can improve their well-being and our relationship with them.
• Going slow and taking the time to understand horses can lead to transformative experiences and build trust.
• Energy awareness and being congruent with our emotions can enhance communication and understanding with animals.

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When Dr. Ian Dunbar talks about dogs, it's impossible not to sit up and listen. His latest work, "Barking Up the Right Tree," is more than a book; it's a manifesto for compassionate canine companionship that promises to redefine our relationships with our four-legged friends. 

Tales of cows with personality and horses with heart remind us that the principles of positive reinforcement extend far beyond the backyard. Through personal anecdotes, like the transformation of an uncatchable horse named Pudding, we discover the patience and kindness necessary to train animals in a way that speaks to their nature, not against it. 

As we wrap up our time with Dr. Dunbar, we explore the revival of a classic puppy training program and the universal principles that apply not just to animal training, but to all aspects of life. The commitment to bettering the lives of pets—and by extension, their owners—is palpable, and the joy found in a well-behaved companion animal is a testament to the power of empathy and education. 

MORE INFO HERE - 
https://www.dunbaracademy.com/
Podcast Link -https://www.dogstardaily.com/radio
https://www.facebook.com/doctoriandunbar, https://www.youtube.com/@DunbarAcademy, https://www.instagram.com/dunbaracademy/

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Ever wished you could truly understand the world of horses? Longed for a deeper connection that transcends conventional horse training? Join host, Barbara O'Brien as we talk with with liberty trainer Tiffany Stauffer of Grace and Grit Horsemanship, who left the financially secure world of engineering to start her own business helping people learn how to do liberty training and build trust with their own horse. 

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In this episode of The Empathetic Trainer Podcast, Barbara O’Brien talks with Rachel Windchaser, author and equine rewilding coach. Rachel runs Winchaser Ranch in Spain, where she cares for a rare herd of Spanish Mustangs.
They talk about what it really means to “rewild” — how slowing down, breathing, and paying attention can change the way we connect with horses and with ourselves. Rachel explains the value of touch, rhythm, and trust, and why real horsemanship starts with self-awareness and kindness.

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Do you remember the first time you bit off more than you could chew? When your overconfidence landed you in a pickle that you weren’t prepared for? Well, that's exactly what happened to me when I made the rookie mistake of booking a Siberian tiger for a high-end department store’s furniture shoot in my early days of running an animal actors agency. Picture this: a majestic tiger, a pristine white leather furniture set, and a terrified crew looking to me for a solution as chaos ensues. 

Curious about what happened next? This episode offers a sneak peek into the unpredictable, often hilarious world of working with animal actors. So, buckle up and join me, Barbara O'Brien, as I narrate the first of many such Tales from the Set!

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Chris Kman, photographer and wild horse advocate shares with us her work to preserve the wild horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. 
The Park Service has proposed eliminating the horses from the park completely.  Join us as Chris explains what is happening and what you can do to keep the horses, a national treasure whose roots go back to Sitting Bull's horses, at the park for future generations to enjoy. 

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Katenna Jones transitioned from a volunteer dog walker as a teen to a certified applied animal behaviorist and fear free trainer consultant.

Learn why heavy-handed dominance based training didn't resonate with her and how punishment merely suppresses behavior rather than changing it. Listen in as she guides you through practical advice for handling pet behavioral issues and why reward-based techniques are key in training. 

 We also spoke about consent and the concept of individuality in animal behavior. We touch on how medical issues can sometimes present as behavioral issues, and her empathetic approach to pet training. Join us on this exploration of the complex world of animal behavior with the inspiring Katina Jones.

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Join us as we chat with Kerri Lake, author of Listen like a Horse and Spiritually Gifted. Kerri explains the value of awareness and the importance of being present in our lives. She shares how this self-awareness has helped her communicate and connect with horses.  

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Equine photographer, Shelley Paulson shares with us the life changing event that caused her to take a different career path and how her growing understanding of how horses think and feel has changed how she views them with a whole new lens. 

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Mary Corning is an award-winning author, horse advocate, mentor and retreat facilitator. Mary’s book, Perfect Practice, is about how to connect and communicate with people and horses by removing resistance and finding freedom of expression.    

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As a professional animal trainer and photographer, Barbara O'Brien has worked with animals in film and photography for over twenty years.

Today, she’s meeting with Debra Schneider, animal communicator. When Debra talks to animals, they talk back. Learn how, you too, can begin to hear what your dog is telling you.

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In this episode of The Empathetic Trainer podcast, host Barbara O’Brien chats with Jessica Gonzalez, a dedicated horse rescuer and author of Equine Empowerment. They discuss how horses help people heal, the power of positive reinforcement training, and the deep bond between horses and young people. Jessica shares her journey, the challenges of running a nonprofit, and the importance of trust, patience, and second chances—both for horses and humans.

Key Takeaways:

• Horses provide healing and companionship, especially for those struggling socially.
• Positive reinforcement builds trust between horses and people.
• Understanding horse behavior and emotions improves training.
• Working with rescue horses teaches patience, resilience, and empathy.
• Jessica’s nonprofit empowers youth through equine therapy.
• Every horse—and every person—deserves a second chance.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on love, trust, and the transformative power of horses!

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Barbara O’Brien talks with horse trainer, coach and author Dr. Shelley Appleton about building trust and confidence between riders and their horses. Shelley shares how things like fear, aging, and hormones can affect riding, especially for women. They talk about the importance of patience, understanding, and learning to see things from the horse’s point of view. 
In addition to being the host of the Canter Therapy podcast, Shelley is the author of two books - Confidence & Trust, Solving the Human & Horse Equation; and Buying & Supporting a New Horse, The Essential Guide.
This episode is full of tips for riders and the value of working with others to grow and learn.

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to train a service dog that can transform someone's life? In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Chelsey Bosak from Helping Paws Minnesota, an organization that specializes in training service dogs for individuals with physical disabilities, veterans, and first responders affected by PTSD. Chelsey shares her journey to becoming Helping Paws’ volunteer coordinator and offers an inside look at the organization's mission to provide highly trained service dogs free of charge, thanks to the dedication of volunteers and donors.

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Have you ever felt a profound connection to something that completely shifted your life's direction? 

In this episode of the Empathetic Trainer Podcast, we chat with Chris Lombard, a horse trainer and author who found his calling in the equine world at the age of 26. Chris shares his transformative journey from a conventional life to one filled with the peace and purpose he discovered through horses. We explore the deep emotional bonds between humans and horses, the courage it takes to follow one's heart, and the healing power of equine therapy. 

Throughout our conversation, Chris and I dive into themes of reconnecting with nature, the innate wisdom within us, and the courage required to pursue our true passions amidst societal pressures. We also touch upon the emotional bond formed between humans and horses, especially through Chris's poignant experience of losing his beloved horse, Rocky. These narratives highlight the importance of patience, presence, and bravery in building trust and meaningful connections with animals.

Chris shares valuable insights on healing from past injuries and overcoming fears, illustrating how horses can catalyze personal growth. Join us to discover the lessons that horses teach us about living authentically, embracing uncertainties, and fostering deep, soulful connections.

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Ingrid Henry, an equine coach, discusses the importance of trust and consistency in building a strong relationship with horses. Ingrid emphasizes the need for patience and understanding when working with challenging horses and highlights the value of undemanding time spent with them. She also addresses the issue of fear in horse-human relationships and offers advice on how to overcome it. 

In this conversation, Ingrid discusses her passion for dressage and eventing, emphasizing the importance of building a harmonious connection with horses. She shares insights on how to overcome fear and frustration in riding, highlighting the role of emotional awareness and regulation. Ingrid also talks about the significance of confidence, leadership, and honesty in horse-human relationships. She provides practical tips for handling spooking incidents and promoting a sense of curiosity and confidence in horses. Finally, Ingrid emphasizes the value of continuous learning, empathy, and gentle honesty in developing a harmonious connection with horses.

We tackle the challenging emotions tied to horse handling, especially after traumatic experiences. Our host recounts a pivotal moment involving an Arab mare and a broken pelvis, highlighting how past traumas can influence current training sessions. By comparing the responses of different horses to their handlers, we emphasize the crucial role of self-awareness and emotional control. Through personal stories and practical examples, we discuss the journey of overcoming fear, emphasizing the importance of not projecting past anxieties onto new equine relationships.

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Experience the transformative power of animal therapy with our special guest Grace Olson, a dedicated therapist and author from Leeds, West Yorkshire, whose unique practice involves the compassionate companionship of horses and sheep. Grace shares her fascinating journey into animal therapy, which began with her sheep, Merlin, providing unexpected comfort to a depressed client. Discover how these animals, once meant for slaughter, have found new purpose in offering emotional support to terminally ill individuals, promoting relaxation and peace through their gentle presence.

Grace also opens up about her journey as an author during the lockdown, from sharing heartfelt stories on Facebook to overcoming numerous rejections and finding success through self-publishing. Her book, "The Yard: How a Horse Healed My Heart," is a testament to her resilience and passion for storytelling. 

This episode emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of nature and animals, the importance of finding inner peace, and seeking support during tough times. As we wrap up, Grace shares behind-the-scenes insights from filming "The Yorkshire Vet," offering a humorous glimpse into the reality of working with therapy sheep. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about purpose, legacy, and the healing power of animals.

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Kari Bastier of Wag &Train, is a dog behaviorist and canine nutritionist. She debunks the dominance theory, showing that dogs act out due to stress and anxiety and not a desire to dominate their owners. Carrie emphasizes the gut-brain connection, sharing stories about Paisley, a chocolate lab, whose behavior issues were improved by a simple change in diet.  

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In this episode of The Empathetic Trainer Podcast, I talk with horsewoman and educator Gabi Neurohr about building trust with horses, understanding horse behavior, and creating a true partnership between horse and human.

From the moment we started talking, I felt an immediate connection to the way Gabi sees horses. So much of what she said rang true for me and my own experience working with them.

We talk about what horses are really trying to tell us, how trust between horse and human is built, and why true leadership with horses is not about control, it's about understanding.

At one point in the conversation Gabi said something that stopped me in my tracks:

“Every horse is a soul in a non-human body.”

That simple sentence really captures the heart of this conversation.

If you love horses and care about building a a better relationship with them, I think you'll enjoy this episode.

How to reach Gabi - https://www.facebook.com/GNunderstandinghorses

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In this episode of The Empathetic Trainer, I talk with Heather Mishefske of Embark Dog Training School.

I’ve spent my whole life with herding dogs. Then I got an Australian Terrier… and realized pretty quickly that my usual way of doing things wasn’t going to work.

This little guy has opinions.

So I went looking for help, and that’s how I found Heather.

We talk about what it’s like to live with dogs in a very human world, and why so many of the struggles we see make more sense when you look at things from the dog’s side.

Heather works with dogs and their people every day. What I appreciate most is how she helps people understand the dog in front of them, instead of trying to make every dog fit the same approach.

If you’ve ever had a dog that didn’t respond the way you expected… you’ll probably recognize this conversation.

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What happens after the horse reacts?

In this conversation, I talk with carriage driving trainer Christine Beattie about how driving changes the way we communicate with a horse — and why it can have such a big impact on the relationship.

We talk about ground driving, working horses in real-world environments, and what horses need from us when things feel uncertain.

A big part of this conversation comes down to something simple:

It’s not whether the horse reacts…
 it’s what happens next.

If you want to better understand your horse — this is a good one.

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Today I’m talking with Toni Mattson of Trinity Equestrian Center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Toni and her team work with horses alongside veterans, first responders, youth, and individuals facing trauma, PTSD, dementia, and other life challenges.

We talk about what horses notice about people, why they respond so honestly to emotion, and how animals can help people reconnect with hope, trust, and themselves.

We also discuss Toni’s book Unlikely Recruits, her work with veterans, and Trinity’s dementia program, “Reminiscing on the Ranch.”

A really thoughtful and meaningful conversation.

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Horse Brain, Human Brain was one of the first books I read when I was trying to understand horses better. So when I had the chance to sit down with its author, Janet Jones, for the podcast, I was pretty excited.

Janet is a neuroscientist, horsewoman, and the author of her new book, A Horse's World.

We talked about trust, fear, learning, the horse's sensory system, and some of the things horses notice that humans often miss. One thing that really stood out to me was this:

Dogs tend to give their trust freely. Horses make us earn it.

Whether you live with horses, train them, compete with them, or simply enjoy being around them, I think you'll find plenty to think about in this conversation.

I hope you enjoy it.

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