show episodes
 
Dog trainer and biologist Ferdie Yau (MA, CPDT-KA) talks about treating difficult behavior cases and interviews the leading experts in the animal training world. The podcast is intended to show pet caretakers how to embrace science, kindness, and compassion to help their pets like dogs, cats, and other companion animals with challenging behavior issues. Listeners will learn how the team at Behavior Vets inspires people to dive deeper into the animal's experience to help them thrive, while al ...
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show series
 
Dr. E'Lise Christensen (DVM, DACVB) joins me for my final episode of the WLWM show. We thank our listeners and reflect on the journey that brought us together to create the Worry Less, Wag More podcast. Thank you, listeners!!! I appreciate you all so much!! Ferdie Yau's new email: ferdie@sitsnwiggles.com Please follow Ferdie at: Instagram @sitsnwig…
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In this episode, Dr. Fernandez introduces the LIFE framework as a more accurate model for than LIMA for force-free training. We discuss: Stereotypic behaviors in captive polar bears History of animal training and Behaviorism Criticisms and evolution of training models Introducing the LIFE Framework Exploring animal perception and the role of functi…
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In this episode, Dr. Sung reflects on her personal experience and discusses how shelter cats and kittens can benefit from a Fear Free approach. Scars and consequences of traditional handling methods Dr. Sung describes her first experience with low-stress handling Health and behavioral benefits of Fear Free handling in shelters Understanding cat bod…
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In this episode, Mike, Sarah and Ferdie talk strategies to safely handle aggressive behavior in public spaces where distance and the dog's threshold for stress are difficult to control. We discuss: Overwhelmed dogs and humans Safety management for moving through hallways, stairways and elevators Defensive driving Using distractions and how to avoid…
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In this episode, Casey and Ferdie explores how to teach relaxation as an essential skill for pet dogs to learn in the modern world. We discuss: Obedience vs relaxation training Body language that helps clients recognize a truly relaxed dog vs one who may appear calm and quiet but isn't relaxed Preparing and executing relaxation exercises A comparis…
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In this episode, Bobbie and Ferdie discuss the Resilience Rainbow framework and various ways to apply it for shelter dogs. We discuss: How the Resilience Rainbow framework was created. Applying the Resilience Rainbow to shelter dogs Sniffaris and decompression for shelter dogs Physiological and behavioral changes related to resilience Bobbie Bhambr…
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The legendary Patricia McConnell stops by to discuss human-animal relationships and how she creates a sense of safety and security for dogs. We talk about her life's mission and how her own personal trauma has shaped her work. Her courage, compassion, and energy is an inspiration to all of us. Her life's mission to improve human-animal relationship…
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In this episode, anthrozoologist Amanda Gagnon examines the history of controlling dogs and the things we do in Western culture to keep dogs in their place and under control. We discuss: What is anthrozoology? Brief history of humans controlling dogs and why do we do it? (this gets a little dark) Controlling dog behavior Letting dogs be dogs Advoca…
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In this episode, Dr. Sheila Segurson discusses how she builds shelter behavior programs drawing on her multifaceted experience as a shelter veterinarian, shelter veterinary behaviorist, dog trainer, foster caregiver, volunteer, consultant, and educator. We discuss: Maddie's Fund and its mission How trauma effects behavior Essential components of a …
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In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Congdon and Dr. Jessica Owens describe how play therapy reduced salivary cortisol levels in shelter dogs and improved behavioral responses and emotional regulation. We discuss: Study design with Calmr dog toys and goals How play with improved relationships and wellness for shelter dogs Special design of Camlr toy mimi…
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In this episode, Dr. Paula Croxson shares insights into the formation of memories, the impact of stress and trauma on memories, and how we can change learned associations from traumatic memories. We discuss: Different types of memories Memories and the sense of self The effect of stress and trauma on memories Hardwiring of fear memories Making trau…
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In this episode, Dr. Marsha Penner delves into the neuroscience behind impulse control, why adolescent dogs notoriously struggle with it, and what we can do about it. We discuss: How reconnecting with her Native American heritage reaffirmed the way she works with animals Different types of impulse control How adolescent brains develop Finding more …
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In this episode, Claire Cario (MA, CPDT-KA, FFCT) was tasked to train Queenie, an intensely dog-reactive cattle dog, in New York City. Queenie's over-the-top reactions became a scary safety risk as she redirected a bite towards her human guardian. Listen to how Claire expertly guided Queenie's mom to find safety and stability in a highly unpredicta…
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In this episode, Sassafras shares some tips about writing to engage your audience and how trick training has helped improve the lives of hir dogs. We discuss: The art of writing about behavior and training for a broad audience Her books Tricks in the City and Chew This Journal How trick training can complement behavior modification plans Trying to …
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In this episode, Suzanne shares her insights for Relationship Centered Training™ (RCT) and having a persistent curiosity of the animal in front of you. We discuss: Communication and the willingness to hear others Being a carpenter or a gardener Humility in training Dandelions and orchids Her new Functional Assessment Tracking tool Suzanne's bio: Su…
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This is PART 2 of a 2-episode interview with Lauren Novack, who discusses her graduate research about the science and social validity of companion animal welfare. If animals can't talk to us, how do we really know if the treatments we employ and behavior change we strive for is actually doing good for companion animals? In Part 2, we discuss: Addin…
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This is PART 1 of a 2-episode interview with Lauren Novack, who discusses her graduate research about the science and social validity of companion animal welfare. If animals can't talk to us, how do we really know if the treatments we employ and behavior change we strive for is actually doing good for companion animals? In Part 1, we discuss: "Free…
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In this episode, Kim and Ferdie have a fun time discussing ethology applied to dog training. We discuss: What is applied ethology? Purpose and function as extremely important to animals The evolution of dogs Are we watching bears and coyotes lose their fear of humans? How the LEGS model has shifted the perspective of dog trainers Kim's bio: Kim Bro…
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In this episode, Marge Rogers joins Ferdie and Bobbie Bhambree to discuss her expert insider's take on how to implement Dr. Karen Overall's protocols for relaxation, deference, and take a breath. We discuss: Benefits of biofeedback exercises The Protocol for Relaxation by Dr. Overall The Protocol for Deference vs Social Referencing Teaching Take a …
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In this episode, Kimberly McRae and Ursa Acree take us on an RV journey through Mexico with Hazel, a 9 year old rescue German Shepherd who suffers from extreme anxiety among other issues both medical and behavioral. Kimberly packed her life into an RV with her two dogs Hazel and Taco. In the beginning, Hazel was paralyzed with fear in unfamiliar en…
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In this episode, Jen Abrams tells us why we shouldn't lie to our dogs and how to repair the damage to the trust in the human-dog relationship. We discuss: Why anxiety needs information Long-term effects of lying to your dog Using clear communication and predictor cues How to repair the damage to your relationship after trust is broken Jen's bio: Je…
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In this episode, Ursa Acree and I share our journeys to becoming dog trainers and some valuable insights learned along the way. We discuss: The value of good mentors Balancing animal and human needs Being a good communicator Honing your training skills with shelter dogs The Behavior Vets Practicum Program Ursa's bio: Ursa Acree is our Director of T…
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In this episode, Taylor Kelly describes how increasing predictability in social situations for Stella, a fearful and anxious chocolate lab-beagle mix, along with traditional desensitization and counterconditioning techniques, helped Stella feel safer about meeting new people in her home. Listen to how Taylor helped Stella and her human mom incorpor…
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In this episode, Adele Shaw shares her journey in horse training and teaches us how to get started with low-stress husbandry for horses. We discuss: Adele's journey from traditional to reward-based training Letting go of perfection and accepting mistakes for better welfare Finding a supportive community The value of building trust with horses Low-s…
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In this episode, Jen Abrams helps an unpredictable Bracco Italiano named Mars transform from exhibiting fear-based aggression to quiet relaxation. Mars and his devoted companion Emily had a rocky journey from Florida to Indiana before eventually landing in Brooklyn, NY. Immediately upon moving to Brooklyn, Emily found Behavior Vets and Jen through …
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In this episode, Sarah Stremming (CDBC) breaks down the value of decompression walks with me and co-host Bobbie Bhambree (CDBC, CPDT-KA). We discuss: How Sarah developed the idea of a decompression walk Safety management with off-leash dogs Framing the value of the decompression walk How to prep high-energy dogs for a decompression walk Managing wa…
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In this episode, Rikke Brogaard shares her case story of Doodle, a young terrier mix who was suffering from a debilitating case of the urban jitters in Brooklyn, NY. Listen to how Rikke and her client creatively use every tool available to them to carve out a life for Doodle where he could feel safe and supported. Rikke's bio: Rikke has trained dog…
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In this episode, Dot Baisly describes a vision for best practices in animal sheltering that includes compassion for both animals and humans. We discuss: Dot's journey into animal behavior and shelter work. Becoming a more effective communicator with humans. The multidisciplinary education necessary for frontline animal shelter staff to meet the dem…
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It's an awful feeling knowing that the dog who is the love of your life can be scared and aggressive towards other people. In this case story, a 110 lb pitbull-mastiff X named Eli is a total mush with the humans he loves, but getting to know him is not so easy. Due to unfortunate accidents, there were a few bites towards other people. Listen to how…
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In this episode, Linda Case joins me and co-host Drew Webster (CPDT-KA, CDBC) to talk about what we need to know when feeding our dogs. We discuss: Changing nutritional needs from puppies to seniors Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet while using treats for training General effects of diet on behavior Choosing the best diet based on quality, bu…
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What happens when a strange behavior your dog does becomes unhealthy and maladaptive to her quality of life? Strange animal behaviors (from a human perspective) can sometimes be funny or cute, but not in this case. This is the case of Maggie the border collie-golden retriever X who was determined to interact with almost every rock she came across. …
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In this episode, Dr. Sarah Byosiere teaches us about how she studies dog cognition and ongoing research at the Thinking Dog Center at the City University of New York Hunter College. We discuss: Why study dog cognition? Ongoing research on enrichment and contrafreeloading How to introduce enrichment to your dog Surprising research about breed labels…
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What do you do when you move in with the love of your life but your dog and your partner’s dog are fighting? Intra-dog aggression in the same household is one of the most difficult and dangerous behavior problems to manage. The fighting between the dogs can also cause a strain in your relationship with your partner. Is it possible to make two indiv…
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In this episode, the amazing team of Dr. Kathy Murphy and Bobbie Bhambree discuss how they developed the Resilience Rainbow, a framework to build resilience in dogs and other companion animals, and how it works. We discuss: What is resilience and what it looks like The stress response cycle and the HPA axis Seven domains of the Resilience Rainbow: …
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In this episode, we discuss how to have difficult conversations with other trainers who may not share a similar approach to training dogs. This conversation was a response to Mike Shikashio’s recent appearance on a trainer’s podcast who uses and teaches training with aversive tools. Was it a mistake to “reach across the aisle”? Keeping communicatio…
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In this episode, guest host Lauren Novack (MS, ACDBC, KPA-CTP, FPPE) interviews Ferdie Yau (MA, CPDT-KA) about ethology, working in wildlife conservation, and lessons learned from training exotic species. We discuss: The ethological perspective on animal behavior Functional breeding Being a trainer at Central Park Zoo and an ecologist for NYC Lesso…
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In this episode, Viviane Arzoumanian (CDBC, CPDT-KA, CBATI, PMCT2, Licensed Family Dog Mediator - Training) drops nuggets of wisdom to help dog behavior professionals coach their clients through the toughest cases. How Viviane communicates with her clients is a professional standard we should all strive for to truly help families and their hard-to-…
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In this episode, Dr. E'Lise Christensen (DVM, DACVB) and Laura Rhodes share the story behind the evolution of Behavior Vets and why building resilience is our focus for helping animals and humans. We discuss: The value of building a community for behavioral care. The growth and evolution of Behavior Vets. Building a supportive and welcoming team cu…
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This is the real life story of Freddie, an adorable and mischievous miniature Australian Shepherd pup, who suffered from separation anxiety in NYC. Freddie's humans welcomed him home as a young puppy and were determined to do everything right. But his problems with separation anxiety were beyond what they could handle on their own and they became t…
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In this episode, Dr. Alexandra Horowitz discusses how dogs perceive the world and understanding what is meaningful to them. We discuss: The concept of the umwelt and how to imagine what it's like to be a dog. Her research at the Dog Cognition Lab in Barnard College and how she would like it to influence the way we live with dogs. Questioning things…
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In our second Behavior Files case, Jeanne Clune and her client Rhys navigates a difficult case involving Taz, an 8 year-old miniature pinscher who suffers from both medical and behavioral issues. Little Taz exhibited a long list of behavior issues including aggression towards strangers, aggression related to handling, separation anxiety, resource g…
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In this episode, Dr. Feuerbacher joins co-hosts Lauren Novack (ACDBC, KPA-CTP, FPPE) and Ferdie Yau (MA, CPDT-KA) to talk about what it's like to build a Master's program in Applied Animal Behavior & Welfare and her ultimate goal of improving standards for animal training and welfare. We dive into: What it was like to develop a Master's program at …
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For the debut of "The Behavior Files", a series of real life case studies shared by the Behavior Vets team, Fanna and her client Christina attempt to treat canine compulsive disorder (CCD) exhibited by Rigg, a 1.5 yo bull terrier. Rigg will compulsively chase his tail and chomp at it, to the point of injuring himself or anyone who attempts to inter…
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In this episode, Lauren shares the findings from her research on dog activity in fenced yards and the impact of fenced yard requirements on dog adoptions. It is so common for shelters to require a fenced yard for dogs for various reasons, most commonly for very active dogs. But do fenced yards really make a difference on dog activity levels? Are sh…
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In this episode, Evia Russell and I talk about the benefits of cooperative care training and how important it is if you want to keep your pet as healthy as possible. Do you have a pet who panics at the vet clinic? Do you struggle to do routine grooming with your pet? Are you filled with dread every time your pet has a medical issue because they can…
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In this episode, Debbie Jacobs (CPDT-KA, RBT) shares key lessons she has learned from treating fear in humans and non-human animals. I love what Debbie has to say about why working with different species forces us to question what we think we know about behavior. We discuss: The animal trainers retreat at Lemon's Hope Sanctuary How Debbie learned a…
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In this episode, Kayla Fratt tells us about conservation detection dog training and how trained detection dogs are increasingly becoming an important tool in wildlife conservation and management. If you love wildlife and dog training and you've wondered how you might be able to help save wildlife, pay attention to this episode. We discuss: What is …
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In this episode, Dr. Kathy Murphy (BVetMed, DPhil, CVA, CLAS, MRCVS ) discusses how pain is frequently overlooked as an important component of behavior problems. Don't miss this episode. We discuss: The challenges of understanding and treating pain in animals Takeaways from the landmark Mills et al. (2020) study "Pain and Problem Behavior in Cats a…
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In this episode, Trish McMillan bravely shares her experiences with dangerous rescue dogs and the unintended side effects of a 100% No-Kill policy by shelters and rescues. This is an important episode for anyone involved with working for shelters and rescues. We discuss: Can training fix every single behavior issue? How a 100% No-Kill policy may pl…
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In this episode, Eric Gillaspy shares his tips for dog owners to get the most out of group training classes. Highlights include: Why having a great time with your dog or puppy should be the priority The value of taking class field trips and how to be safe Helping dogs focus on the handler in distracting environments The pros and cons of group class…
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