Animal Training Academy

• Movement, Mindfulness, and Mastery with Lori Stevens [Episode 267]

  In this reflective and wisdom-filled conversation, Ryan Cartlidge welcomes back Lori Stevens, canine fitness, movement, and behavior specialist, creator of the Balance Harness, and long-time leader in the world of positive reinforcement training. As Lori marks her retirement from the professional speaking circuit, she takes us through the lessons that have defined her teaching philosophy and the perspectives that continue to guide her today. Drawing from decades of experience, Lori shares how her background in dance and movement shaped her keen eye for posture, balance, and subtle physical cues, and how these factors profoundly influence both behavior and wellbeing. Together, Ryan and Lori explore what it really means to be concise and precise as teachers, not just with our animal learners, but with the human ones too. From refining observation skills to simplifying feedback and setting learners up for success, Lori's insights reveal the quiet power of doing less to achieve more. Throughout this episode, we discuss: ✅ Why movement, posture, and physical comfort are critical variables in behavior and learning ✅ The art of teaching with clarity, and the difference between being concise and being precise ✅ How giving "one to three things" to focus on can transform learning outcomes ✅ The importance of slowing down, observing deeply, and trusting the process ✅ Lori's reflections on mentorship, gratitude, and the evolving landscape of positive reinforcement training Whether you are a new trainer just finding your feet or a seasoned professional reflecting on your journey, this conversation is an inspiring reminder that every small, thoughtful step forward can be life-changing for both our learners and ourselves.

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• Generalization, Growth & Good Faith Learning – Ellen Yoakum [Episode 266]

  In this insightful conclusion to our two-part conversation, Ellen Yoakum—Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Behavior Consultant, KPA CTP, and Behavior Consultant with Pet Harmony—returns to explore how we can thoughtfully apply the learning principles we use with our animal learners to ourselves and the humans we work with. Building on the foundations of Part One, Ellen and Ryan dive into the complexities of generalization—how humans, much like our non-human learners, can struggle to transfer skills across contexts. From communication and empathy to client coaching and professional growth, Ellen offers compassionate strategies for building fluency, resilience, and sustainability in both behavior change and life. Together, they explore: ✅ Translating behavioral principles from dogs to humans—and ourselves ✅ Creating safe learning spaces for clients, colleagues, and trainers alike ✅ How understanding "pain points" can reshape client plans and improve outcomes ✅ Teaching for generalization without overwhelming learners ✅ Rethinking perfection and building skills for recovery when "life gets lifey" Ellen's reflections on generalization, empathy, and sustainable growth remind us that training isn't just about the animals—it's about the entire learning ecosystem. Her insights leave us inspired to meet our learners where they are, celebrate progress over perfection, and approach every interaction—human or non-human—with curiosity and care. Links Enrichment for the Real World Petharmonytraining.com Pet Harmony on Instagram and Facebook Pet Harmony Pro on Instagram and TikTok

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• Good Enough to Get Going: Lessons from Ellen Yoakum [Episode 265]

  In this thoughtful first half of a two-part conversation, we're joined by the insightful and articulate Ellen Yoakum—Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Behavior Consultant, KPA CTP, and Behavior Consultant with Pet Harmony. Ellen's path in animal behavior began at the University of Washington, where she immersed herself in captive animal welfare and enrichment research under mentors including Dr. Eduardo Fernandez, Dr. James Ha, and Dr. Renee Ha. From conducting enrichment studies with gray wolves, penguins, and brown bears to working with Natural Encounters Inc. on free-flight avian programs, Ellen's career has spanned species, disciplines, and continents—all united by her deep curiosity about the teacher–learner relationship. Today, through her work with Pet Harmony, Ellen helps families and professionals navigate the complex needs of both human and non-human learners with compassion, creativity, and clarity. In this conversation, she and Ryan explore: ✅ The formative influence of Ellen's early research and mentors on her consulting approach ✅ How her experiences across species—from wolves to macaws—shaped her perspective on enrichment and welfare ✅ Why she finds comfort in being "the least knowledgeable person in the room" ✅ How interoception, emotional awareness, and naming our experiences support better communication and empathy ✅ The power of language, inclusive communication, and "assuming good intent" in our professional and personal relationships Ellen's reflections invite us to embrace imperfection, lead with curiosity, and build training cultures grounded in good faith and shared growth. Stay tuned for part two, where we'll dive deeper into her work with Pet Harmony, mentorship, and sustainable strategies for supporting both people and their pets. Links Enrichment for the Real World Petharmonytraining.com Pet Harmony on Instagram and Facebook Pet Harmony Pro on Instagram and TikTok Bear Studies: The Effects of Automated Scatter Feeders on Captive Grizzly Bear Activity Budgets  Seasonal and Daily Activity of Two Zoo-Housed Grizzly Bears (Ursus Arctos Horribilis)   Caregiver Burden Resources

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• Megan Sanders: Why Training the Trainer Changes Everything [Episode 264]

  In this second half of our two-part conversation, we're joined again by the insightful Megan Sanders—zoo behavior consultant, educator, and long-time advocate for evidence-based training. Building on Part One, where we explored Megan's career journey and the value of leaning into discomfort, this episode dives into her master's thesis research on how best to teach the teachers—animal trainers themselves. Megan shares how tools like Behavior Skills Training (BST) and PORTL can systematically shape trainer mechanics, improve procedural fidelity, and ultimately lead to less stressed, more successful animals. Together, we explore: ✅ Why training trainers deserves the same precision and care as training animals ✅ How PORTL, peer feedback, and goats became unlikely research allies ✅ The challenges of measuring trainer skill and bridging it to real-world animal outcomes ✅ Why "the why" matters—giving trainers logical, observable reasons behind every step ✅ How research leaves us with more questions (and why that's a good thing) Megan's story reminds us that the heart of effective animal care often starts with how we teach the humans holding the leash, bucket, or target stick. By bringing clarity, systematic teaching, and curiosity to the process, Megan is helping shape a future where trainers feel more confident, animals thrive, and the science of behavior continues to grow. Links https://www.behaviorworks.org/ https://absc.ku.edu/ https://behaviorexplorer.com/  

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• Megan Sanders: Training Journeys Across Species and Settings [Episode 263]

  In this inspiring first half of a two-part conversation, we're joined by the accomplished and thoughtful Megan Sanders—zoo behavior consultant, educator, and long-time advocate for evidence-based training. With over 23 years in the zoo field, much of it at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Megan's journey has spanned caring for everything from goats and guinea pigs to snow leopards and mountain lions. Along the way, she became CMZ's first Animal Behavior Programs Manager, helped launch zoo-wide training and enrichment initiatives, and co-developed courses that have shaped the next generation of zookeepers. Beyond the zoo, Megan has also taught in higher education, supported service dog programs, and now collaborates with Behavior Works LLC as a consultant and instructor. Together, we explore: ✅ How Megan's early squirrel and wombat encounters set her on a path toward behavior science ✅ Her evolution from keeper to building zoo-wide training systems ✅ The pivotal influence of mentors like Susan Friedman and Steve Martin ✅ Why "playing with better tennis players" is vital for professional growth ✅ The challenges of embracing discomfort as a pathway to improvement Megan's story is a reminder that growth often comes from leaning into the uncomfortable, surrounding ourselves with people who challenge us, and staying curious about both animals and ourselves. Stay tuned for part two, where we'll dive into her master's thesis research on teaching strategies for animal trainers and transferring skills into practice. Links https://www.behaviorworks.org/ https://absc.ku.edu/ https://behaviorexplorer.com/  

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