Animal Training Academy

Training Through Challenges with Sara Brueske [Episode 269]

In the second part of Ryan Cartlidge's conversation with Sara Brueske, the focus shifts toward real-world application as Sara shares practical insights into training foundations, teamwork, and navigating the everyday challenges that handlers and dogs face together. With her characteristic warmth and clarity, Sara reflects on what truly matters when building reliable behaviors and joyful partnerships in both sport and family-dog contexts. Sara and Ryan explore the importance of criteria that dogs can understand, why emotional stability is just as critical as technical skill, and how trainers can avoid unintentionally pushing dogs past their limits. Sara speaks candidly about what she wishes more handlers knew, how to recognise when a dog needs support, and why her approach to sport training always begins with confidence and relationship before complexity. Drawing from years of professional experience, Sara offers guidance on troubleshooting problems, adjusting expectations, and finding progress even when sessions do not go to plan. Throughout the conversation she highlights the value of transparency, communication, and steady, incremental learning for both dogs and humans. Throughout this episode, we discuss: ✅ How clear criteria help dogs stay confident and successful in training ✅ Why emotional readiness and engagement form the foundation for advanced skills ✅ Practical strategies for adjusting plans when dogs show signs of stress or confusion ✅ The importance of letting dogs set the pace and listening to what they communicate ✅ How sport handlers can balance ambition with wellbeing for sustainable progress ✅ Sara's reflections on supporting guardians with compassion and realistic goals Part two is filled with practical wisdom and thoughtful reminders that training success is not defined by perfection, but by connection, communication, and an ongoing commitment to meeting dogs where they are. Links Happy Dog Lodge - Boarding, Training, Grooming in Cambridge, MN www.happydoglodge.com [https://www.happydoglodge.com] Fenzi Dog Sports Academy www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com [https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com] Facebook page: www.facebook.com/brueskesara [https://www.facebook.com/brueskesara]

From Play to Performance with Sara Brueske [Episode 268]

In the first part of this energising two-part conversation, Ryan Cartlidge sits down with Sara Brueske, professional trainer, sport competitor, and owner of On the Run Canine Center. Known for her joyful approach to training and her skill across an impressive range of dog sports, Sara offers a refreshing and practical look at what motivates dogs to engage, play, and grow with us as partners. Drawing from her decades of experience, Sara shares why play sits at the heart of her training philosophy and how intrinsic motivation can shape confident, resilient, and enthusiastic learners. She explores the art of keeping sessions light and fun, how to build engagement with dogs who are shy or easily overwhelmed, and why honouring the individual dog is central to sustainable sport training and family-dog work. Ryan and Sara also unpack how games can support reactive and sensitive dogs, how choice contributes to emotional safety, and why optimism is a skill that can be developed through thoughtful reinforcement strategies. Beyond the mechanics of training, Sara offers generous insight into communication, relationship building, and supporting guardians to feel successful and empowered. Throughout this episode, we explore: ✅ How play and intrinsic motivation strengthen engagement and partnership ✅ Strategies for helping shy, hesitant, or easily discouraged dogs build confidence ✅ Why variety, flexible criteria, and well-timed reinforcement keep dogs in an optimistic learning state ✅ The role of games and choice-based activities in supporting reactive or sensitive dogs ✅ How to balance performance goals with emotional wellbeing in dogs and handlers ✅ Sara's approach to guiding guardians through clear communication and achievable success Whether you are a dog sport enthusiast, a family-dog trainer, or someone looking to bring more joy into your daily training sessions, this conversation with Sara offers practical tools and thoughtful reminders that learning works best when everyone is having fun. Links Happy Dog Lodge - Boarding, Training, Grooming in Cambridge, MN www.happydoglodge.com [https://www.happydoglodge.com] Fenzi Dog Sports Academy www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com [https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com] Facebook page: www.facebook.com/brueskesara [https://www.facebook.com/brueskesara]

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.

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 [https://petharmonytraining.com/podcast/] Petharmonytraining.com [http://petharmonytraining.com] Pet Harmony on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/petharmonytraining/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/petharmonytraining] Pet Harmony Pro on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/petharmonypro/] and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@petharmonypro]

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 [https://petharmonytraining.com/podcast/] Petharmonytraining.com [http://petharmonytraining.com] Pet Harmony on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/petharmonytraining/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/petharmonytraining] Pet Harmony Pro on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/petharmonypro/] and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@petharmonypro] Bear Studies: The Effects of Automated Scatter Feeders on Captive Grizzly Bear Activity Budgets [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10888705.2013.856767] Seasonal and Daily Activity of Two Zoo-Housed Grizzly Bears (Ursus Arctos Horribilis) [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343851047_Seasonal_and_Daily_Activity_of_Two_Zoo-Housed_Grizzly_Bears_Ursus_Arctos_Horribilis] Caregiver Burden Resources [https://www.insightfulanimals.com/pet-caregiver-burden]