Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

In this special 60th episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we’re celebrating a major milestone - 10 years of Animal Training Academy! And who better to join us for the celebration than the founder himself, Ryan Cartlidge. Ryan has worked professionally with animal behavior and training since 2007, across zoos and organizations throughout Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the US. He’s a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (KPA), Fear Free Certified Professional, Family Paws Parent Educator, and Level 1 Certified TAGteach Instructor. But most notably, he’s the visionary behind ATA - the platform that continues to ripple its influence through education, community, and connection. In this episode, Ryan reflects on the evolution of ATA - from its humble beginnings with a single online course to a thriving global community supporting thousands of trainers and enthusiasts. We dive into: ✅ The origin story behind Animal Training Academy and how it grew from an idea to a movement ✅ Personal challenges and triumphs along the way - including some humorous (and humbling!) early moments ✅ The growth mindset and the powerful role of supporting the human side of animal training ✅ Ryan’s metaphors for navigating capacity, burnout, and behavioral change - from trees to containers to rocket ships ✅ Why investing in personal sustainability is one of the kindest things we can do for our communities Whether you’re a longtime ATA member or just discovering this podcast, this episode is full of wisdom, warmth, and celebration. Join us as we honor 10 years of ripples - and look ahead to many more.

In this heartfelt and compelling episode, we meet Zuzia Kubica - Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, founder of CoeurCanin, and passionate advocate for animals who walk the wilder edges of society. From befriending street dogs as a child in communist Poland to developing a thriving behavior consultancy in Quebec, Zuzia’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Zuzia shares how her upbringing among free-roaming animals and a nature-loving family laid the foundation for a life built on curiosity, empathy, and quiet rebellion against coercion. Her first dog, Zorro - a reactive, resilient former shelter dog - became her greatest teacher and helped inspire protocols she still uses today. With stories that span cultures, continents, and communities, Zuzia brings a unique, deeply humane lens to behavior change. In this episode, we explore: ✅ Why Zuzia never had to “crossover” to positive reinforcement ✅ What she learned from working with clients in high-risk or marginalized contexts ✅ How freestyle training became a powerful healing tool for both dogs and humans ✅ Her reflections on burnout, emotional labor, and setting trainers up for long-term success ✅ The vital need for trainer education that includes human-centered skills and support Zuzia’s experiences - ranging from musical canine freestyle to navigating the emotional terrain of helping humans with trauma - highlight the richness and responsibility of being a modern animal trainer. This conversation is a tribute to empathy, perseverance, and the beautiful messiness of human-animal relationships. Links coeurcanin@yahoo.com http://CoeurCanin.com [http://CoeurCanin.com]  Formation CoeurCanin: https://www.facebook.com/FormationCoeurCanin [https://www.facebook.com/FormationCoeurCanin]  CoeurCanin group (in French but can be posted in English): https://www.facebook.com/groups/49236022174 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/49236022174] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coeurcanin/ [https://www.instagram.com/coeurcanin/]  BlueSky:  https://bsky.app/profile/coeurcanin.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/coeurcanin.bsky.social]

In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we're joined by Martina Luisetti, Certified Dog Trainer and founder of ULI Dog Training in the UK. Martina brings a refreshing and compassionate perspective to canine behavior, offering training that’s as much about the humans as it is about the dogs. With a background shaped by personal growth and a deep love for animals, Martina shares how her passion for trauma-informed care, attachment theory, and relational safety informs her training methods. Her work centers on supporting excitable dogs and their guardians through classes like Fun Agility and foundational puppy training — always with a focus on connection, trust, and clear communication. In this episode, we explore: ✅ Martina’s journey from struggling with her own dog’s behavior to becoming a skilled trainer helping others ✅ Why understanding human psychology and emotional regulation is crucial in dog training ✅ The importance of non-judgmental spaces in classes and community learning ✅ How Martina blends play, empathy, and structure to support excitable dogs ✅ Her reflections on healing, compassion, and building safer relationships — for both dogs and their humans Whether you're a seasoned trainer or a dog guardian navigating challenging behaviors, Martina’s gentle approach and insightful reflections will inspire you to rethink how we support both ends of the leash. Links ulipuplandia@gmail.com  https://www.instagram.com/ulidogtraining?igsh=dzVjaWNyb3p0OTNz [https://www.instagram.com/ulidogtraining?igsh=dzVjaWNyb3p0OTNz] www.ulidogtraining.com [http://www.ulidogtraining.com/] PACT Professional Association of Canine Trainers https://www.pact-dogs.com/ [https://www.pact-dogs.com/] ABTC Animal Behaviour and Training Council https://abtc.org.uk/ [https://abtc.org.uk/]  Certified Separation Anxiety SA PRO trainer with Julie Neismith program

In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we're joined by April Williams, the passionate owner and operator of All About The Hound dog services in Masterton, New Zealand. With 13 years of experience, April is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and Certified Professional Groomer who is dedicated to providing stress-free grooming and training experiences. April's commitment to kind and gentle training is evident in her specialized "Little Groomies" Puppy Grooming Intro packages, designed to ease puppies into the grooming process. She shares her journey from working in academic publishing to establishing All About The Hounds, driven by her desire to connect and understand her own dog, Archie.  In this episode, we dive into: ✅ April’s approach to creating positive and stress-free grooming experiences for dogs ✅ The importance of early and gentle introduction to grooming, and her ‘Little Groomies’ program ✅ How a clicker training experience with her dog Archie, helped shape her training philosophy ✅ The challenges in the grooming industry, particularly around education and training Whether you're a pet professional or a pet guardian, April's dedication to improving animal welfare and her innovative approach to grooming and training will provide you with valuable insights into creating a better experience for the animals in your life. Links: https://www.allaboutthehound.co.nz/ [https://www.allaboutthehound.co.nz/] https://www.facebook.com/allaboutthehound.co.nz [https://www.facebook.com/allaboutthehound.co.nz] april@allaboutthehound.co.nz [april@allaboutthehound.co.nz]

In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we’re delighted to welcome Raoudha Mairos, a passionate dog trainer and behavior consultant, as she shares her inspiring journey from fearing dogs to dedicating her life to understanding and improving animal welfare. As the founder of Sunny Paws, Raoudha offers one-on-one coaching to help dogs and their guardians build confidence, trust, and a stress-free bond. She also co-founded Global Animal Experts, a platform that connects professionals in the French-speaking community with expert insights through courses and webinars. Raoudha’s story is one of transformation—moving from fear to fascination as she navigated life with her first dog, Sunny, and eventually shifted careers from teaching to professional dog training. She shares how different dogs, including her own, have shaped her approach, emphasising the importance of understanding individual animals rather than forcing them into rigid expectations. In this episode, we dive into: ✅ The power of observation and empathy in animal training ✅ How Raoudha’s work helps bridge the communication gap between dogs and their humans ✅ The importance of giving animals choices in training and daily life ✅ The lessons she’s learned from working with multiple species, including a surprising training experience with a giraffe! Whether you're an animal trainer, pet guardian, or behavior enthusiast, Raoudha’s insights will inspire you to rethink the way we understand and connect with the animals in our lives. Links * https://sunnypaws.co.uk/ [https://sunnypaws.co.uk/] * www.globalanimalexperts.com [https://www.globalanimalexperts.com/]