Simplifying Shelter Behaviour

Simplifying Shelter Behaviour
  • 5.0 (7)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Shelter and Rescue can be difficult environments for workers and the animals in their care. This podcast, hosted by Tom Candy BSc (Hons) MSC CCAB, CSBS, CDBC. Brings together some of the leaders in the field of animal behaviour to discuss practical tips and tricks that can be utilised by shelter workers, volunteers or anyone with an interest in animal sheltering or rescue. The podcast aims to bring high quality education, to improve behaviour and welfare of animal using up to date thinking and methodologies.

  1. 3D AGO

    Ep 47. Maximising Enrichment Success With Mik Moeller

    This episode explores practical strategies for improving the daily lives of shelter animals through kennel enrichment. The discussion emphasizes how enrichment is not just about keeping animals entertained but about reducing stress, promoting natural Behaviours, and improving overall well-being—ultimately making them more adoptable. Key points include: ·       Why enrichment matters: A kennel environment can be stressful and monotonous for animals. Enrichment provides mental stimulation, comfort, and opportunities for animals to express species-appropriate Behaviours. ·       Types of enrichment: From food puzzles, scent games, and chew toys, to music, visual barriers, and soft bedding, shelters can use simple, low-cost tools to make kennels more engaging. Rotating enrichment items is highlighted as a way to keep things fresh. ·       Role of staff and volunteers: Everyone in the shelter can contribute. Staff can integrate enrichment into daily routines (like feeding and cleaning), while volunteers can help create toys, run playgroups, or provide one-on-one interaction. ·       Building a culture of enrichment: Success comes when enrichment becomes part of the shelter’s standard of care. Training staff and volunteers, sharing ideas, and celebrating creative solutions encourages consistency and innovation. ·       Impact on outcomes: Animals with better enrichment show reduced stress Behaviours, increased sociability, and improved adoptability, which benefits both the animals and the shelter as a whole. The big take away here is enrichment doesn’t need to be complex—what matters most is consistency, creativity, and a team-wide commitment to improving the lives of animals in care.  About Mik Moeller Mik is a professional certified dog trainer. He worked at the San Francisco SPCA as the canine Behaviour specialist for 18 years. He has his CPDT-KA and his CBCC –KA certifications. He is a recognized expert in shy/fearful dogs, reactive dogs meaning those dogs who bark and lunge on leash and canine enrichment.  Mik graduated from the renowned San Francisco SPCA Dog Training Academy in 1999 and awarded special certification for dog-dog aggression in 2002 by Jean Donaldson. Mik frequently writes articles and lectures both nationally and internationally on leash reactivity, canine body language, dog play, canine enrichment and scent games, dog park etiquette and how to work with shy/fearful dogs. He also developed and taught the Reactive Rover dog training classes. His teaching motto is you can teach an old dog new tricks and he brings a sense of humor to his classes to help the two legged students learn to understand their dogs Behaviour and provide tools to help them get the Behaviour they want in a positive, force-free, fun environment.   Links  AHS Behaviour- https://www.azhumane.org/pet-Behavior-tips/ Moeller Dogs- https://www.facebook.com/p/Moellerdog-100054231800397/ Contact- mikmoe1961@gmail.com

    48 min

  2. SEP 3

    Ep. 46 Shelter Research and its applications with Dr. Erica Feuerbacher

    About this episode Join us as we delve into Dr. Erica Feuerbacher’s groundbreaking work in applied animal behavior. In this episode, we explore how what we often consider simple—like petting—can deeply influence a shelter dog’s emotional well-being and adaptability. From reinforcement theory to practical applications in rescue environments, we'll explore how science supports more thoughtful, humane interactions with dogs in shelters—and ultimately improves their welfare and outcomes. we also discuss Eric's over research into pair housing dogs, separation related issues and more! About Erica I am an Associate Professor of Applied Animal Welfare and Behavior in the School of Animal Sciences at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. I teach students about learning, behavior, and welfare of animals, especially focusing on dogs and horses. My lab’s research focuses on what maintains the human-dog relationship, how animals learn, and how best we can train them. I earned my Ph.D. in Psychology (Behavior Analysis) at the University of Florida, in the Canine Cognition & Behavior Lab, under the tutelage of Dr. Clive Wynne. My dissertation focused on dogs' preferences for types of human interaction, the special relationship between owners and their dogs, and what human interactions function as reinforcers for dog behavior. I earned my Masters in Behavior Analysis at the University of North Texas under the guidance of Jesus Rosales-Ruiz and his lab the Organization for Reinforcement Contingencies with Animals. My thesis investigated concept formation in domestic dogs in the natural environment. I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and have worked as an animal behaviorist at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA in San Mateo, CA.

    45 min

  3. AUG 20

    Ep. 45 Behaviour Adjustment Training (BAT 3.0) and how it can support shelter dogs with Grisha Stewart

    In this episode, we sit down with renowned trainer Grisha Stewart to explore how Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT)can be applied to support shelter dogs. We dive into the foundations of BAT and how it helps dogs build resilience, reduce reactivity, and make better choices in challenging environments. Together, we unpack practical tools such as set-ups that create safe learning opportunities, lead handling skills that support calm communication, and the importance of recognizing a dog’s threshold to prevent overwhelm. Grisha also explains how to spot and nurture glimmers—the subtle signs of curiosity and comfort that guide progress. Whether you’re a shelter worker, volunteer, or dog lover, this conversation offers valuable insights into using BAT to improve the welfare and adoptability of dogs in care. About Grisha Stewart  Grisha Stewart is a kinship tender, visionary author, international keynote speaker, dog trainer, community grief ritualist, and song leader based in Oregon, USA, devoted to nourishing belonging and care for all beings. She is the Grisha behind the Grisha Stewart Academy (surprise) and a founder of the Stellar Village community network. Grisha is of European ancestry, specifically Scotland, England, France, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, according to family lore and DNA tests. In her 20+ years as a professional dog trainer, she is best known for her Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) technique for dog socialization and reactivity/aggression rehabilitation (more on that below).  In 2001, Grisha founded Ahimsa Dog Training, which grew to be Seattle's largest and most popular dog training company. "Ahimsa" is a Buddhist doctrine of nonviolence to all living beings, which reflects Grisha's focus on more collaborative methods to promote the well-being of dogs and their humans. Links Grishas Birthday Sale- https://school.grishastewart.com/pages/birthdaysale/?ref=352ff9 Shelter Scholarship at GSA- https://school.grishastewart.com/bundles/rescue?ref=352ff9 Grisha Reading BAT 2.0 with download book- https://school.grishastewart.com/courses/abc-bat?ref=352ff9 BAT 3.0- https://school.grishastewart.com/courses/evolution?ref=352ff9 Lead skills with Grisha and Mike Shikashio- https://school.grishastewart.com/courses/ropes?ref=352ff9 How to Human- https://school.grishastewart.com/courses/human?ref=352ff9

    48 min

  4. AUG 6

    Ep. 44 Capacity to Care and the Effects on behavioral health with Kat Creagh

    In this episode I’m joined by Kat Creagh an animal welfare scientist who reviews policies and procedures for a large uk animal welfare charity. In this discussion we tackle some of the complicated questions around capacity to care and how we can best support the behavioural health of animals we are helping! There is no perfect solution to this problem and one of the discussions that continually kept appear is the importance of having discussions as individual organisations about our aims, hopes and ability. This episode will pose some questions to help start the conversation around this difficult but hugely important topic City dogs conference September! I think we can all agree that the shelter constitutes a difficult environment for behaviour modification! In September I'm going to spend a whole day discussing how we can maximise success in shelter and rescue but also take our learning and apply it to dogs outside of the shelter to improve behavioural health for all. Ill be discussing emotional assessments, problem solving tools and how we best support the dogs in our care to get long lasting, welfare boosting behavioural change to boost rehoming and prevent relinquishment Join Me, @ZazieTodd and @MalenaDeMartini for Three amazing days of workshops. Join us online, or in person in Toronto Canada from Friday the 26th to the 28th of September. In August the dogs in the city conference is also 20% off using the following code CITYDOGS link in captions!

    51 min

  5. JUL 23

    Ep. 43 C.A.K.E for Supporting Emotional Situations with Andrew Hale

    In this episode Tom and Andrew Hales explore what it means to approach emotional experiences with Compassion Acceptance Knowledge and Empathy. Focusing on how we can take care of ourselves and those around us Andy explores the CAKE model and how it can impact the work we do in shelter and rescue, before moving on to discuss resilience, support and most importantly looking after ourselves to ensure we can turn up everyday and be the person we need to be, with no negative affect on ourselves! About Andrew Hale Andrew Hale BSc, ISCP.Dip.Canine.Prac is a Certified Canine Behaviourist. He is the behaviour consultant for Pet Remedy, and proud to be an expert advisor for Canine Arthritis Management and a Kids Around Dogs Trainer. He also works to support many dog welfare and rescue organisation. With a background in Human Psychology, Andrew is passionate about exploring the emotional experience that lies behind behaviour, both in dogs and the humans around them. Andrew has played a leading role in the UK Dog training and behaviour community, having been the chair of the Association of INTODogs, and was the driving force behind the UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter. In 2020, Andrew started Dog Centred Care (https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogcc) which focusses on supporting a dog led, emotionally centred, approach to providing the best care and support for dogs and their caregivers. On this platform, he has been hosting on-line conversations with some of the world’s leading scientists, researchers, trauma experts, dog professionals and veterinarians. These conversations are credited with helping transform the perceptions and language around dog training and behaviour.

    1 hr

  6. JUL 8

    Ep. 42 Choosing the Doggy in the Window, adopter decision making with Lawrence Minnis

    Ep. 42 How do we Choose the Doggy in the Window, Decision Making of Adopters with Lawrence Minnis. In this episode we discuss Lawrence’s research looking at decision making of adopters. This important topic matches perfectly to behaviour as our end goal is getting dogs successfully rehomed. Join us as we look at reasons adopters select dogs, how we can support adopters and tips for reviewing and improving your own adoptions practices as an organisation and individuals About Lawrence Lawrence is a 2nd year PhD student in the Animal Behavior & Cognition Lab, under Dr. Doris Bitler-Davis. Born and raised in Southeast Washington, D.C., he attended North Carolina A&T State University for a degree in business management. He commissioned in the Army in 2004, as an Military Intelligence officer. He was stationed in Germany and deployed to Iraq, but a neurological illness during deployment ended his active duty career. During his 18-month rehabilitation, he participated in the inaugural session of the Dog Tags training program with the Washington Humane Society in DC, which covered dog training techniques, behavioral assessments, and animal care & management. During his time within the program, he developed strong interests in animal behavior and animal social dynamics related to leadership. His diverse interests include leadership studies, human perception of canine behavior, human-canine interaction benefits and attachment levels, and neuroimaging study. His current research efforts are intended to benefit the humane animal adoption community. He is currently developing theory on the animal adoption decision-making process and planning a research study that will several humane adoption centers in the DC Metro area. Links https://psychology.gmu.edu/people/lminnis the research group- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556634178861

    53 min

  7. JUN 24

    Ep. 41 The Look at That Game for Reactivity with Kim Palermo

    Ep.41 the Look at That Game for Reactivity in Shelter with Kim Palermo In this episode I’m joined by Kim Palermo to took about the look at that game. There are many reasons why our dogs bark and lunge at stimuli in the environment, and there are also many methods and philosophies that are meant to “fix” this behavior. But what if you could go beyond fixing? What if you could actually have a conversation with your dog about the environment and their triggers? And help them change from being a reactor to a reporter? Control Unleashed, founded by Leslie McDevitt, is best known for the Look At That Game (LAT). Because of its popularity, at times this game has been misinterpreted and improperly taught in ways that either prevent it from working or actually build more arousal. Certified Control Unleashed Instructor Kim Palermo discusses a step-by-step process to build a LAT skill that is fluent, calming, and effective in the shelter environment. About Kim Palermo BlueDog founder and trainer Kim Palermo (she/her) has been training dogs personally for 25 years and professionally for over 10 years. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, a Certified Control Unleashed Instructor, a Level 1 TAGteacher, and an AKC Canine Good Citizen & S.T.A.R. Puppy evaluator. She has a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the University of New Hampshire with a minor in Animal Behavior and Psychology. Kim has only ever wanted to work with animals. She grew up surrounded by many pets of all different shapes and sizes, raised litters of puppies, competed in horse shows and dog shows, and has been working in the pet industry since she could get a job. In 2008, she followed her dream and started BlueDog as a solo dog walker. Very soon she became so busy that she began hiring employees to help her, and in 2011 she pursued her lifelong passion for training dogs by opening BlueDog’s very first training facility in Andover. Since then, Kim continues to grow and improve her business and expand her knowledge endlessly. Kim is a Certified Control Unleashed Instructor and specializes in dogs that have big feelings about the world around them. She is the CU Teaching Assistant for a worldwide dog training school, Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, has taught CU in dog sports workshops, and presented in the Control Unleashed Conference. Her passion is helping other trainers pursue their dreams. She is a mentor for the Control Unleashed certification process, a CATCH Canine Trainers Academy mentor, and has mentored a number of local trainers directly through BlueDog who have gone on to have successful careers in their field. Kim actively trains for and competes in Rally-Obedience and Obedience, also trains for Nose Work, Agility, and Herding with her two sports dogs, Jane her Collie and Walt her Miniature Poodle, and occasionally competes in a few other sports like FastCat and Barn Hunt. She owns three other dogs: two Collies named Reese and Lincoln and a Golden Retriever named Fern, as well as a clicker trained cat named Fig. She is the vice president of the Collie Club of New Hampshire, working towards building more opportunities for performance sports for Collies. During her free time she likes to escape to the woods to hike, is a beekeeper, raises a flock of chickens, ducks, turkeys, and guinea hens, and dreams of the day when she has a farm. Links Kim’s current classes https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/people/786-people/faculty/43971-kim-palermo Leslie’s episode. https://open.spotify.com/show/1Ea6VTImAPcnlXilJYunij

    39 min

  8. JUN 10

    Ep. 40 Cat Friendly Care with Sarah Ellis and Vicky Halls (ICatCare)

    In this episode I’m joined by Sarah Ellis and Vicky Halls from International Cat Care. During the show we discuss ICCs approach to Cat Friendly Care, how we can improve welfare, rehoming and support for the Cats in our shelters and rescues. Shelters and rescues can be stressful places for all animals, but Cats in particularly can often struggle in silence. Learn from two of the leaders in the cat welfare and behaviour space how we can identify Cats who are struggling and what steps we can take to improve overall welfare both in care and beyond. About Dr. Sarah Ellis Sarah’s interests span the behaviour and welfare of the domestic cat. She has a BSc in Zoology and Psychology from the University of Bristol (UK), a Post-Graduate Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling from the University of Southampton (UK) and a PhD from Queen’s University Belfast (UK) which focussed on improving the welfare of cats housed in homing centres. Sarah spent eight years at the University of Lincoln (UK) as a post-doctoral research scientist working on numerous projects involving animal welfare assessment and furthering our understanding of cat behaviour and the cat-human relationship. Since 2015, Sarah has divided her time between her role at charity ‘International Cat Care’ as Head of Cat Wellbeing and Behaviour and working an an independent feline welfare educator, writer and consultant. About Vicky Halls I have been working closely with cats since 1988 and specifically as a Cat Behaviour Counsellor from 1994 to 2019, treating behaviour problems in cats both in the UK and abroad. I am also an international bestselling author of 7 cat behaviour books for the cat-owning public and co-author of a number of veterinary textbooks. I am a Registered Veterinary Nurse and member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors. I am also a Registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council. I also have a diploma in person-centred counselling and am a Registered Member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists. Links https://icatcare.org/cat-advice/unowned-cats https://icatcare.org/courses/cat-friendly-homing-foundations Sarah’s paper on barriers to play: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159124003277

    50 min
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5
out of 5
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About

Shelter and Rescue can be difficult environments for workers and the animals in their care. This podcast, hosted by Tom Candy BSc (Hons) MSC CCAB, CSBS, CDBC. Brings together some of the leaders in the field of animal behaviour to discuss practical tips and tricks that can be utilised by shelter workers, volunteers or anyone with an interest in animal sheltering or rescue. The podcast aims to bring high quality education, to improve behaviour and welfare of animal using up to date thinking and methodologies.

Information

  • Creator
    Simplifying Shelter Behaviour
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Simplifying Shelter Behaviour
  • Show Website
    Simplifying Shelter Behaviour

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