Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples

Ryan Cartlidge
  • 4.5 (8)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

A show highlighting the animal training subject matter experts that make up the Animal Training Academy membership community

  1. FEB 5

    Rosina's Legacy and the Power of Connection with Pipsa Toikka [Episode 67]

    In this warm, reflective, and deeply human episode of the Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples podcast, we are joined by Finnish dog enthusiast and Pawsitive Wellness Coach-to-be Pipsa Toikka, whose journey into animal training began later in life - and changed everything. After raising three boys and building a career in singing, drama, and clown work, Pipsa welcomed her first-ever dog, Rosina, in 2011. A spirited Vizsla–Weimaraner mix with a strong independent streak, Rosina was both a challenge and a profound teacher. Through their years together, Pipsa learned patience, trust, recall built on reinforcement and freedom, and the subtle art of interspecies communication - lessons that would shape her philosophy for life and training. Pipsa shares her experiences training search and rescue, including working rubble searches, supporting police-led efforts, and learning to trust a dog whose need to run was as essential as her extraordinary nose. She reflects on Rosina's remarkable sensitivity to human emotion, including a powerful story that highlights dogs' capacity to perceive what we often miss. Now, alongside her younger working Labrador Musetta, Pipsa continues this legacy through search and rescue work and professional development. As she approaches graduation as a Pawsitive Wellness Coach, Pipsa discusses her growing work supporting people and dogs through a holistic, science-informed lens - addressing behaviour challenges, incorporating ACE Free Work, and centering communication, observation, and wellbeing for both ends of the leash. We also explore the importance of educating humans, shaping caregiver behaviour, and creating environments where learning and emotional safety can thrive. Beyond training, this episode weaves in Pipsa's work with Clowns Without Borders, her background in performance, and her dogs' unexpected careers as animal actors - revealing how joy, creativity, and connection ripple across every part of her life. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that training is not just about skills or outcomes, but about trust, curiosity, and the shared experience of learning - across species, cultures, and life chapters. Links pipsatoi@gmail.com

    44 min

  2. JAN 1

    Practicing Gratitude Inside and Outside ATA with Ryan Cartlidge, Shelly Wood & Belinda Young [Episode 66]

    In this reflective and values-driven episode of the Making Ripples podcast, host Shelly Wood is joined by Animal Training Academy founder Ryan Cartlidge and companion animal trainer Belinda Young for a rich conversation about gratitude - one of ATA's core values - and the powerful role it plays in learning, community, and wellbeing. Together, Shelly, Ryan, and Belinda share personal stories, professional insights, and candid reflections on how intentional gratitude shapes the culture of Animal Training Academy and creates safer, more supportive spaces for human learners. From early morning thought loops and professional challenges to gratitude journals, team rituals, and community moderation, this conversation explores gratitude not as "toxic positivity," but as a genuine, practiced skill. Throughout the episode, we explore: ✅ Why gratitude was intentionally chosen as a core value of Animal Training Academy ✅ Gratitude as a learnable skill that strengthens resilience and self-compassion ✅ Parallels between effective animal training and supporting human learners ✅ How gratitude reinforces bravery, vulnerability, and risk-taking in learning spaces ✅ The ripple effects of modeling gratitude within and beyond ATA ✅ Why safe communities matter for growth, feedback, and lifelong learning This episode is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to practice gratitude with authenticity, and how doing so can transform not only how we train animals, but how we support people, build communities, and show up for one another. It's a reminder that when we intentionally reinforce courage, curiosity, and kindness, the ripples extend far beyond the moment.

    57 min

  3. 12/04/2025

    Caroline Ritter on Horse Training, Cognitive Science, and Somatic Learning [Episode 65]

    In this fascinating and thoughtful episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we welcome Caroline Ritter—a positive reinforcement horse trainer, a certified Feldenkrais teacher, and a true behavior nerd with an academic background in cognitive science. Living and working in Vienna, Austria, Caroline shares her remarkable journey, starting from a life spent with horses, dogs, and cats, to her deep dive into learning theory through dog agility and clicker training. She discusses the pivotal moment that led her to switch her horses over to positive reinforcement, not out of necessity to solve problems, but from an ethical drive to improve communication and gentleness. A key turning point in Caroline's training history was attending a behavior-focused camp where she experienced Feldenkrais for the first time. This somatic learning method, which focuses on movement and awareness, quickly became a core principle, filling a gap in how she applies positive reinforcement to her entire life—including her relationship with her own body. Together, we explore the powerful synergy between positive reinforcement and the nonjudgmental, growth-focused principles of Feldenkrais: The Power of Nonjudgmental Observation: How both R+ and Feldenkrais emphasize realizing and appreciating your own patterns and automatic responses before trying to change them. From Negative to Positive Reinforcement: Caroline's analytical process of first dissecting her traditional, negative reinforcement-based riding cues (e.g., cue, reaction, release) before successfully transitioning her horses to R+ training. Feldenkrais in Animal Training: Applying the principles of balance, axis, and shared movement to her horse groundwork and even dog training, focusing on body awareness and nuances over verbal commands. Shaping Along the Movement Cycle: A deep discussion on the incredible precision and impact of when you choose to click, even in seemingly simple behaviors like walking. The Shared Intention: Moving toward a concept of working with animals where you have a mutual target or goal that goes beyond simply performing a shared movement. Disco Cavallo & Assisted Programs: The importance of designing horse-assisted programs that center the horse's initiative to ensure the animal benefits equally, avoiding the need for the animal to require "therapy after providing the therapy". Caroline's story is an inspiring reminder that the same curiosity, openness, and dedication we bring to training our animals can—and should—be applied to ourselves, paving the way for deeper connection and learning for all participants. Links www.feldenkrais.wien hi@feldenkrais.wien www.discocavallo.com Instagram: @florafauna_feldenkrais @discocavallo Facebook: Caroline Ritter @discocavallo

    1h 7m

  4. 11/06/2025

    Caitlin Cohn on Cooperative Care, Consent, and Cats [Episode 64]

    In this heartfelt episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we welcome the thoughtful and dedicated Caitlin Cohn - professional dog trainer, cooperative care advocate, and proud human to Elvis the Maine Coon. Caitlin shares her journey from horses to dogs to cats, and how each species has shaped her perspective on training, autonomy, and the human-animal bond. From her early experiences working at liberty with horses, to volunteering at a therapeutic riding center and training assistance dogs, Caitlin reflects on the pivotal moments that led her to positive reinforcement and force-free methods. Together, we explore: ✅ What Caitlin learned moving from natural horsemanship into clicker training ✅ How her first dog, Emma, set her on the path to professional training ✅ Lessons Elvis the cat has taught her about informed consent, autonomy, and micro-sessions ✅ Cooperative care breakthroughs, from nail trims to dental care ✅ A powerful case study: helping Elvis overcome thunderstorm anxiety through systematic desensitization and creative counterconditioning ✅ Why honoring choice and communication creates deeper, more rewarding partnerships This episode is a celebration of curiosity, compassion, and the courage to listen deeply to the animals we share our lives with. Caitlin's story is an inspiring reminder that when we train smarter - not harder - we create ripples of joy, harmony, and healing.

    57 min

  5. 10/02/2025

    Jillian Howlett – Learning From Dogs, Growing With People [Episode 63]

    In this heartfelt episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we're joined by Jillian Howlett – Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and founder of Walk and Train ACT. From her early days growing up surrounded by animals in rural Victoria, to discovering the transformative power of clicker training with her deaf Koolie cross Archie, Jill shares the winding path that led her from a career in education to her current work supporting dogs and their people in Canberra, Australia. Together, we explore: ✅ How Jill's childhood with spirited animals shaped her perspective on learning and connection ✅ The role Archie played in reigniting her lifelong passion for animal welfare and positive reinforcement ✅ The origins of Walk and Train ACT and her unique "walk and train" approach to supporting busy families ✅ The powerful lessons learned from clients like Amanda and her dog Ren, navigating life and training alongside health challenges ✅ Why community, curiosity, and compassion are cornerstones of Jill's practice This episode is a beautiful celebration of persistence, partnership, and the ripple effects that occur when we invest in relationships built on trust and understanding. Jill's journey is an inspiring reminder that it's never too late to follow your passion, keep learning, and create ripples of change that extend far beyond a single household. Links Instagram:  @strudel_and_archie Karen Pryor - find a trainer search Canberra (I'm the only one listed)  jill@walkandtrainact.com actcdc.org.au - Companion Dog Club, Canberra  zddog.com.au - Jess is a key player in the force free community in Canberra

    1h 1m

  6. 09/04/2025

    Wendy Katz – Lessons From Dogs, Science, and Life [Episode 62]

    In this inspiring episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we're joined by the thoughtful and compassionate Wendy Katz - Ph.D. biologist, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, CPDT-KA, Fear Free Professional, certified Control Unleashed Instructor, and Family Dog Mediator. Wendy shares her remarkable journey from biomedical research to professional dog training, weaving together personal experience, academic rigor, and decades of hands-on work with dogs and their families. Along the way, she reflects on the dogs who shaped her path, the challenges of shifting careers, and the lessons she carries forward into her practice today. Together, we explore: ✅ How Wendy's background in biology and research informs her training approach ✅ The pivotal role of curiosity and ongoing learning in her career ✅ Stories of dogs who transformed not only their own lives but Wendy's as well ✅ Why science, compassion, and respect are inseparable in effective training ✅ The ripple effects of force-free methods on both dogs and their humans This episode is a celebration of the human-canine bond, the power of evidence-based practice, and the courage to follow a calling. Wendy's story is a beautiful reminder that when we listen deeply - to dogs, to science, and to ourselves - we create ripples that spread far beyond a single household. Links https://www.enjoyabledogs.com/

    45 min

  7. 07/31/2025

    Choice, Control & Conservation with Olly Jacobs & Calum Torcasio [Episode 61]

    In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Olly Jacobs (he/him) and Calum Torcasio (they/them) from Moonlit Sanctuary - two zookeepers whose passion for animal welfare and behavior science shines through every word. From early dreams of working with animals to becoming key members of Moonlit's show and mammal teams, their parallel journeys are filled with curiosity, grit, and deep respect for the animals they care for. Olly and Calum share their unique entry points into zookeeping, the roles that education, volunteering, and community played in launching their careers, and how their love for Australia's diverse native wildlife continues to grow. We dive into their creative and thoughtful approaches to animal training, with heartwarming and educational stories - from target and station training a potoroo named Pikelet, to building trust and voluntary cooperation for dingo toothbrushing. This episode highlights: ✅ The power of relationship-based training and consent-driven interactions ✅ How show animals are given choice, control, and a starring role in education ✅ Why tailoring communication to the individual matters - no "one-size-fits-all" ✅ How storytelling, humor, and hope create meaningful conservation messages ✅ Their hopes for connecting audiences, especially children, to native species With humility and humor, Olly and Calum show us what it means to train with intention and heart - making waves not just for the animals they work with, but for the future of conservation. Links https://moonlitsanctuary.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/moonlitsanctuary/  https://www.facebook.com/moonlitsanctuary/

    1h 10m

  8. 07/11/2025

    Ryan Cartlidge — Celebrating a Decade of Animal Training Academy [Episode 60]

    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.

    1h 6m
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A show highlighting the animal training subject matter experts that make up the Animal Training Academy membership community

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