Animal Training Academy

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast, host Ryan Cartlidge is joined by special guest Irith Bloom — a certified professional dog trainer, behaviour consultant, and co-founder of Carefree Companion.
Together, Ryan and Irith explore the profound role that language, word choice, and communication play in animal training and human coaching. Irith shares her fascinating behavioral odyssey, starting from her childhood obsession with animals and training large Rottweilers using verbal cues and minimal force, to discovering positive reinforcement in the early 2000s. Drawing on her background as a polyglot who speaks multiple languages fluently, Irith discusses how experiencing life as a linguistic and cultural outsider has shaped her deep empathy and intentionality around communication.
The conversation dives into the nuances of how trainers talk to human clients, examining why shifting phrasing—such as describing a dog as exhibiting "fearful behavior" rather than labeling the animal as "fearful"—can completely change a client's mindset, prevent limiting assumptions, and open the door to positive change. Irith and Ryan also discuss the importance of approaching human clients with the same curiosity, grace, and understanding that trainers naturally offer to non-human animals. They unpack the psychological biases that lead us to view human behavior as strictly intentional while giving animals more leeway, and how cultivating self-awareness and practice helps professionals become more effective coaches.
The episode closes with a look ahead at what Irith hopes to see in the industry over the next five to 10 years: a future where routinely looking for both assent and consent from non-human animals becomes completely normal.
Throughout this episode, we discuss:
✅ Irith's behavioral odyssey from childhood dog training to becoming a multi-certified professional behavior consultant
✅ How speaking multiple languages influences Irith's perspective on communication across species
✅ The strategic power of language and why avoiding rigid labels like "fearful" helps keep client minds open
✅ Re-examining the use of force and language when describing traditional training methods
✅ Why trainers should approach human clients with the same curiosity and grace extended to animals
✅ The role of continuous practice, self-awareness, and embracing mistakes in professional growth
✅ Irith's 5-to-10-year industry vision: making the routine seeking of assent and consent second nature
Whether you are a professional trainer, behaviour consultant, or passionate pet owner, this conversation offers empowering insights into how better communication with both humans and animals can create a more harmonious, choice-rich world.

In this deeply informative conversation, Ryan Cartlidge is joined by Dot Baisly—the Executive Director for the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC). With an extensive background in shelter behavior, veterinary medicine, and private consulting, Dot brings a wealth of experience to the table, having previously led behavior programs at major organizations like the North East Animal Shelter and the Animal Rescue League of Boston. Dot holds a Master's Degree in Animal Behaviour from Tufts University and is a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant, Certified Cat Behaviour Consultant, and Certified Shelter Behaviour Specialist.
Together, Ryan and Dot dive into the topic of the Joint Standards of Practice (JSOP), a collaborative initiative aimed at creating a standardized, ethical framework for behavior professionals in an industry that remains largely unregulated. Dot provides much-needed clarity on the structure of the JSOP coalition—explaining the roles of the Steering Committee versus the signatory organizations—and details the massive effort involved in updating the document. She shares the story of how the JSOP recently evolved from a brief, Lima-based guideline into a comprehensive document that now incorporates the five domains of animal welfare and explicitly addresses procedure selection.
The conversation highlights why these standards are essential for the future of the industry, moving beyond simple "effectiveness" to ensure that the intervention itself supports the mental and physical well-being of the animal. They discuss the importance of moving toward a recognized profession where practitioners are held accountable, and how collaboration—rather than competition—among certifying and educational bodies is the key to creating a unified, ethical voice. Ryan also announces that the Animal Training Academy has officially become a signatory of the JSOP, reflecting a shared mission to empower professionals with high standards of care.
Throughout this episode, we discuss:
✅ The role of the IAABC as a global trade organization and independent certifying body
✅ Defining the Joint Standards of Practice (JSOP) and why it serves as the minimum standard of care
✅ The structure of the JSOP coalition, including the Steering Committee and signatory organizations
✅ The transition from a Lima-based framework to a more comprehensive, science-backed standard
✅ Why self-regulation is a vital step toward professional legitimacy and ethical behavior change
✅ The difference between "assent" and "consent" in supporting learner well-being
✅ How professional standards protect both the animal and the practitioner from burnout
✅ The importance of industry-wide collaboration in raising the bar for animal welfare
Whether you are a seasoned consultant or a professional just starting your career, this episode provides a clear roadmap for understanding the ethical foundations of our industry and why participating in standardized, collaborative frameworks is a "no-brainer" for those committed to the highest level of animal care.
JSOP Signatories
1) Steering committee
APDT
IAABC
IAABC Foundation
Karen Pryor Academy (KPA)
2) Existing signatories
Victoria Stilwell Inc. (VSI)
Assistance Dogs International (ADI)
Grisha Stewart Academy
Science Matters Academy
Understand Horses
3) Newest signatories
Peaceable Paws
Malena DeMartini
Atlas Assistance Dogs
Carefree Companion
Academy of Pet Careers 
Animal Training Academy
Canine Behavior College
Good Dog Academy
Phenix Advocacy Center for R+ Canine Professionals
Links
JSOP: https://iaabc.org/standards-of-practice
Email director@iaabc.org

In this insightful and thought-provoking conversation, Ryan Cartlidge is joined by Kim Palermo—a Certified Control Unleashed Instructor (CCUI) and Animal Centred Education (ACE) Practitioner with over 20 years of professional experience in the dog training industry. A lifelong animal enthusiast who owns Blue Dog training and walking business near Boston, Kim brings a blend of academic rigor, from her degree in zoology, and compassionate curiosity to her work with dogs and other species.
Together, Ryan and Kim explore the power of observation and the critical importance of creating "safe spaces" for learners to process information. Kim shares her personal journey from a "crossover trainer" to a passionate advocate for positive reinforcement, emphasizing how her own experiences with chronic pain and ADHD have shaped her empathetic, trauma-informed approach to training. They discuss how professional mentors—including the late Gail Fisher, Julie Daniels, and Sarah Fisher—have left an indelible mark on her career and the industry at large.
A major focus of the discussion is the innovative concept Kim calls "opt-out stations." By integrating ACE Free Work and Control Unleashed principles, Kim explains how giving dogs the freedom to choose when to engage and when to take a break can drastically reduce frustration and increase clarity in training. She breaks down the science of assent versus consent and the role of "degrees of freedom" in allowing animals to participate in their own learning process without the pressure of perceived coercion. Whether she is working with high-level sports dogs or rescue dogs with complex histories, Kim demonstrates how these simple environmental adjustments can transform a struggling learner into an enthusiastic, confident partner.
Throughout this episode, we discuss:
✅ Kim's journey from zookeeping and dog walking to clinical behavior and dog sports
✅ Why hands-on experience and observation are the most valuable tools for new trainers
✅ The core principles of ACE Free Work and how it physically and emotionally supports dogs
✅ How to bridge the gap between "artistry" and scalable training methodologies
✅ The fascinating concept of "opt-out stations" and how they provide clarity and choice
✅ Understanding the difference between consent and assent in animal training
✅ How to manage arousal and frustration by allowing learners to process the environment
✅ The value of finding mentors who encourage creativity and brave exploration
Whether you are a seasoned professional, a beginner looking for guidance on how to start, or someone interested in the intersection of neuroscience and animal behavior, this episode offers a practical roadmap for creating training sessions built on kindness, agency, and connection.
Links
https://kimpalermo.com/ 
https://www.bluedogpetcare.com/ 
https://www.instagram.com/kimanddogs/

In this deeply personal conversation, Ryan Cartlidge is joined by Danielle Beck — a UK-based clinical animal behaviorist, mentor, and founder of Control The Meerkat. With a rich background spanning over 20 years in zoology and companion animal behavior, Danielle brings a unique and vulnerable lens to the profession, specializing in complex cases involving trauma, aggression, emotional regulation, and assistance dog training.
Together, Ryan and Danielle explore the critical and often overlooked reality of isolation within the animal training industry. Danielle opens up about her personal journey living with dissociative identity disorder, explaining how the stigma surrounding her own mental health and disability mirrors the challenges many trainers face when they feel pressured to project an image of perfection. They discuss how the "Instagram-reality" of our profession often prevents trainers from seeking the support they need, leading to burnout, compassion fatigue, and imposter syndrome.
The conversation also highlights the intersection of neuroscience and practical animal training. Danielle shares how her "meerkat analogy"—a tool for understanding the moment an animal shifts into survival mode—has become a cornerstone of her approach to trauma-informed practice. She offers a compassionate roadmap for professionals to build stronger, more collaborative networks, manage time budgets in the face of disability or neurodivergence, and create "safe spaces" where trainers can bounce ideas off one another without the fear of judgment.
This episode is a heartfelt call to action for the industry to move away from competition and toward radical empathy. By leaning into vulnerability and acknowledging our shared human limitations, we can build a more inclusive, resilient, and supportive community for both the animals we train and the humans who care for them.
Throughout this episode, we discuss:
✅ The "behavior odyssey" that led Danielle from zookeeping to clinical animal behavior
✅ Understanding the "lizard brain" and the universality of learning theory across species
✅ The hidden epidemic of isolation among animal professionals and why peer support is essential
✅ Danielle's personal experience with dissociative identity disorder and the importance of professional transparency
✅ How to build a sustainable, values-driven career while managing chronic illness or disability
✅ Moving from a "people-pleasing" mindset to setting healthy professional boundaries
✅ Why the future of our industry depends on true collaboration, compassion, and removing the shame associated with asking for help
Whether you're a seasoned professional, a trainer navigating your own health challenges, or simply seeking a more supportive peer network, this episode offers a refreshing and empowering roadmap for creating a career that is built on safety, kindness, and connection.
Links
Website 
 www.controlthemeerkat.com
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/geekydogtrainer
https://www.facebook.com/DanielleBeckCAB/
https://www.facebook.com/ControlTheMeerkat/
Insta
https://www.instagram.com/controlthemeerkat/
https://www.instagram.com/geekydogtrainer/
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@controlthemeerkat 
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@controlthemeerkat
https://www.youtube.com/@DanielleBeck-CAB

In this insightful conversation, Ryan Cartlidge is joined by Shane Gorbett — Curator of Animal Training and Behavior at the Philadelphia Zoo and current President of the Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA). Shane brings a wealth of experience from the zoological world, where he specializes in animal care training and behavior management. Bringing a rare analytical lens to the profession, Shane challenges us to look past "common sense" and intuition, and instead embrace objective data as the foundation for high-level animal welfare and professional advocacy.
Together, Ryan and Shane explore how documentation and data collection are far more than just administrative requirements; they are essential tools for clarity and institutional change. Shane shares how moving from "we think it's working" to "we know it's working" allows trainers to communicate more effectively with stakeholders, secure necessary resources, and prove the efficacy of their training programs. He offers practical reflections on how simple, consistent record-keeping can reveal trends that the human brain might otherwise miss, leading to more successful outcomes for both the animals and the humans who care for them.
The conversation also highlights the role of the ABMA in fostering a global community where behavior management is shared across diverse species. Shane reflects on his journey hosting the ABMA podcast and the importance of professional collaboration in raising industry standards. For those who may feel intimidated by spreadsheets or "data phobia," Shane provides an empowering roadmap for starting small, finding the "why" behind the numbers, and using information to tell a more compelling and accurate story for the animals in our charge.
Throughout this episode, we discuss:
✅ The shift from "intuition-based" to "data-driven" animal training
✅ Shane's role at the Philadelphia Zoo and his work leading the ABMA
✅ How to use objective data as a tool for advocacy and securing resources
✅ Overcoming "data phobia" and the practicalities of simple record-keeping
✅ The importance of tracking medical behaviors and husbandry progress for better welfare
✅ How the ABMA supports professional growth through global collaboration and shared knowledge
✅ Why objective evidence is the key to proving the "ripples" we create in our work
✅ Using data to bridge the gap between animal care staff and organizational leadership
Whether you are working in a zoological setting, a domestic training environment, or simply looking for ways to elevate your professional standards, this episode offers a practical roadmap for using information to create a more ethical and impactful career.
Links
ABMA website: https://www.theabma.org/ 
Animal Behavior Conversations Podcast (Spotify): https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/theabmapodcast/ 
Email Shane: abc@theabma.org 
Philadelphia Zoo: https://www.philadelphiazoo.org/