Animal Training Academy – Details, episodes & analysis

In part one of this compelling two-part episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast, we are honored to welcome Sarah Fisher, a renowned canine and equine behavior advisor, educator, and co-founder of Animal Centred Education (ACE). With nearly 30 years of experience working with animals, Sarah has dedicated her career to helping trainers, caregivers, and behavior professionals develop a deeper understanding of their animal learners.

In this first part of our conversation, Sarah takes us on a heartfelt journey through her formative years and the pivotal moments that shaped her approach to animal training. She shares insights into how childhood experiences, personal loss, and human therapeutic studies influenced her philosophy on animal welfare, behavior, and communication. We also explore the foundation of ACE, the power of Free Work, and the importance of allowing dogs to pilot their own learning experiences.

🐾 Sarah’s early experiences with animals and the lessons she learned from her upbringing.
🐾 The emotional and behavioral connections between animals and humans.
🐾 How human bodywork and therapeutic studies shaped Sarah’s approach to working with animals.
🐾 The story behind Tilly Farm and how it became a hub for ACE education.
🐾 The principles of ACE Free Work and why it’s transforming the lives of dogs and their caregivers.

Sarah’s deeply personal journey, combined with her expertise in behavior and animal welfare, offers invaluable insights for trainers, behaviorists, and anyone passionate about improving the well-being of animals.

Subscribe to the podcast, share this episode with fellow trainers and animal enthusiasts, and join our vibrant community to explore science-based, ethical training approaches.

LINKS;

• Tilly Farm Website
• ACE [Animal Centered Education]

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy Podcast, Ryan Cartlidge welcomes back Chris Jenkins, Chief Operating Officer of Natural Encounters, Inc. (NEI). Chris has spent decades in the field of animal training and behavior management, working with zoos, theme parks, and professional organizations worldwide. As a leader in animal training education, he has played a crucial role in shaping NEI’s training programs, consulting with organizations to improve animal welfare, staff training, and guest experience.

Chris shares his insights on leadership, professional growth, and how behavior change plays a fundamental role in moving organizations forward. He discusses his experiences developing NEI’s training initiatives, the evolution of their educational programs, and the challenges of fostering a culture of continuous learning. Listeners will hear Chris reflect on lessons learned from running NEI’s "TEC Talk" podcast and how sharing knowledge has shaped his own professional journey.

• The evolution of NEI’s training and education initiatives, including the creation of NEI TEC.
• How behavior science principles apply to leadership and organizational development.
• Insights into navigating change and overcoming resistance within organizations.
• The importance of mentorship and fostering a culture of professional development.
• Lessons learned from years of podcasting and sharing industry knowledge.

Chris brings a wealth of experience from the animal training industry, offering practical strategies for professionals looking to make an impact in their field. Whether you're an animal trainer, educator, or leader striving to create meaningful change in your organization, this episode provides valuable insights on growth, leadership, and the power of behavior-based decision-making.

Links;

• IAATE [International Association of Avian Trainers & Educators]
• AZA [Associatin of Zoo's & Aquariums]
• AMBA [Animal Behaviour Management Alliance]
• NEI [Natural Encounters Incorporated]
• NEI TEC [Natrual Encounters - Training & Education Center]

In this fun two-part episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast, we sit down with Simone Mueller, MA, a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant from Germany. Simone specializes in force-free anti-predation training and is the acclaimed author of the Predation Substitute Training series. In this first part of our conversation, Simone shares her journey from being a high school teacher to becoming a leading expert in anti-predation training. We dive deep into her early experiences with her dog, Malinka, whose high prey drive sparked Simone’s interest in positive reinforcement training methods.

Listeners will gain insight into Simone’s innovative approach to training, the challenges she faced in developing effective, humane methods for managing predatory behavior, and the unique training culture in Germany. Simone also discusses the significance of the e-collar ban in Germany and how it influenced the evolution of dog training practices in the country.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• Simone's transition from high school teaching to professional dog training.
• The development of her Predation Substitute Training methods and the challenges she encountered along the way.
• Insight into the training culture in Germany and the impact of the e-collar ban on dog training practices.
• The importance of structured training plans for managing high prey drive in dogs.

Why This Episode is a Must-Listen: Simone Mueller’s expertise offers invaluable insights for dog trainers, behaviorists, and dog owners dealing with high prey drive dogs. Her experience and dedication to force-free training provide a fresh perspective on managing predatory behavior in a humane and effective way. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of positive reinforcement training and the nuances of behavior modification.

Engage With Us: We invite you to subscribe to our podcast, share this episode with fellow animal enthusiasts, and join our community for ongoing discussions on ethical training practices and animal care.

Follow Simone’s work on Facebook and Instagram: 

• https://www.instagram.com/predation_substitute_training/
• https://www.facebook.com/predationsubstitutetraining

Learn more: http://www.predation-substitute-training.com

Bonus Code:

• Link to the Predation Substitute Training Master Course “Call off the Chase”: https://predation-substitute-training.com/call-off-the-chase/
• Save 150 € using the code PST150