Animal Training Academy

In this candid and soulful exploration of the trainer's journey, Ryan Cartlidge sits down with Steve Goodall — a director of Packed Dogs Limited , an ABTC registered animal training instructor , and a published author based in a small hamlet in Wales . Steve offers a refreshing look at the "why" behind our interactions with animals, drawing on his eclectic background in the DIY punk music scene and sound engineering to highlight the delicate balance between technical protocols and creative intuition . From his early days as a postman to leading a nationally recognized training organization, Steve's story is a testament to how welfare-first, science-based methods can transform both ends of the leash .
Together, Ryan and Steve dive into the concept of prosody and how our vocalizations and body language serve as a primary bridge for cross-species communication . Steve shares the moving story of his first rescue dog, Rocco, and the sudden tragedy that served as a "baptism of fire," propelling him into a career dedicated to fostering happy, healthy homes through emotional connection . They also discuss the importance of professional self-awareness, encouraging listeners to identify whether they are "systems-led operators" or "creative sparks" to build a more sustainable and fulfilling career .
Throughout this episode, we discuss:
Steve's "Behavior Odyssey": A windy path from touring in punk bands to discovering the "magic" of clicker training and targeting with a Pringle's lid .

The Art vs. Science Intersection: Why the most effective training happens when mechanics and protocols dance with instinctual creativity .

Vocal Prosody: Exploring how the pitch, rhythm, and tone of the human voice can instinctively calm or excite an animal .

Strengths-Based Training: The value of investigating your natural skills and investing time in playing to those strengths rather than fighting weaknesses .

The Power of Patterns: What Steve has learned from watching hundreds of homework submissions and the specific movements that signal a "flow state" .

Collaboration Over Competition: How the four directors at PACT leverage their diverse skills—from spreadsheets to storytelling—to move the industry forward .

Embracing Playfulness: Moving from "learning the scales" to being proficient enough to play with the rules for better results .
Whether you are looking to refine your coaching skills or searching for inspiration after a personal setback, Steve's perspective provides a roadmap for staying curious, staying kind, and finding the rhythm in your training.
Links
PACT https://www.pact-dogs.com/ 
ABTC https://abtc.org.uk/ 
Steve's blog https://www.goodalldogtraining.com/blog

In this thoughtful and practical conversation, Ryan Cartlidge is joined by Natalie Light — canine behaviourist, trainer, and director at PACT Dogs Ltd (Professional Association of Canine Trainers) in the UK. With a background that blends hands-on behaviour work, professional education, and a strong commitment to raising standards within the industry, Natalie brings a refreshingly grounded perspective to one of the most important (and often misunderstood) topics in dog training: what "good training" really looks like when we centre welfare, ethics, and long-term outcomes.
Together, Ryan and Natalie explore the role of professional standards in the dog training world, and why clarity matters — not just for trainers, but for the dogs and guardians we support. Natalie shares insights into her work within the UK's developing professional landscape, including the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) framework, the purpose of assessed membership, and how professional bodies can create pathways that protect both animals and the public without falling into gatekeeping or division.
The conversation also dives into the emotional realities of being a trainer in today's climate — where misinformation spreads quickly, social media fuels polarisation, and many professionals feel pressure to "perform" expertise rather than practise thoughtfully. Natalie speaks candidly about the importance of humility, ongoing learning, and community support, and how building a sustainable career often requires stepping away from perfectionism and toward collaboration, reflection, and clear ethical anchors.
Throughout this episode, we discuss: ✅ Natalie's work through PACT Dogs Ltd and her commitment to professional development ✅ What the ABTC framework is — and how it supports role clarity and public protection ✅ Why professional standards matter for welfare, ethics, and credibility in dog training ✅ The difference between regulation, voluntary frameworks, and professional accountability ✅ How trainers can navigate polarisation, misinformation, and social media pressure ✅ Why sustainable careers are built through learning, community, and values — not perfection
Whether you're a trainer looking to strengthen your professional identity, a behaviour professional navigating the complexities of modern dog training culture, or someone simply curious about what ethical standards could look like in our industry, this episode is a powerful reminder that raising the bar doesn't have to mean shutting people out — it can mean building something better, together.
Links
PACT Dogs Ltd (Professional Association of Canine Trainers) — https://www.pact-dogs.com/
Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) — https://abtc.org.uk/

In this perspective-shifting conversation, Ryan Cartlidge is joined by Jason Light — director at PACT Dogs Limited in the UK, sustainability consultant through Green Robin Consulting, and a chartered environmentalist with over 20 years of senior leadership experience, including serving as Head of Sustainability for an NHS Foundation Trust. Bringing a rare strategic lens to the animal training profession, Jason challenges us to think about "sustainability" as something far bigger than environmental impact alone — and instead, as the foundation for building ethical, resilient, welfare-first careers that actually last.
Together, Ryan and Jason explore what it means to create truly sustainable dog training businesses and professional communities, including financial resilience, mental wellbeing, and long-term professional longevity. Jason shares how his work through PACT (the Professional Association of Canine Trainers) and the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) is helping raise professional standards in the UK through assessed membership, structured training pathways, and clear role-based benchmarks — while still encouraging collaboration over competition across the wider industry.
The conversation also highlights the hidden risks that can quietly derail even the most passionate professionals, including burnout, compassion fatigue, and imposter syndrome. Jason offers practical reflections on how values-driven business design, community support, and clear "off ramps" can help trainers avoid feeling cornered — and instead create careers that feel both sustainable and safe. Ryan also shares why this conversation matters deeply to Animal Training Academy's own values and future collaborations, and the episode closes with a heartfelt dedication to Sarah Fisher and the legacy of kindness she left within the industry.
Throughout this episode, we discuss: ✅ What "sustainability" really means for dog trainers — beyond just environmental concerns ✅ How to build a business that supports financial resilience, wellbeing, and professional longevity ✅ Jason's work through PACT Dogs and Green Robin Consulting ✅ How the ABTC is shaping professional standards, assessment frameworks, and voluntary regulation in the UK ✅ Why collaboration matters more than competition — and how professional communities can support trainers to thrive ✅ Burnout, compassion fatigue, and imposter syndrome as sustainability risks in our profession ✅ The importance of values, identity, and planning for the long term (including having "off ramps")
Whether you're a trainer running a business, working inside a larger organisation, or simply looking for ways to stay in this profession without burning out, this episode offers a refreshing and empowering roadmap for creating a career that's ethical, resilient, and built to last.
Links
PACT (Professional Association of Canine Trainers) https://www.pact-dogs.com/ 
Green Robin Consulting https://thegreenrobin.com/
ABTC (Animal Behaviour and Training Council) https://abtc.org.uk/

In this thoughtful and business-boosting conversation, Ryan Cartlidge is joined by returning guest Veronica Boutelle — founder of Dogbiz, author of How to Run a Dog Business, and a long-time leader in helping positive reinforcement dog trainers build sustainable, values-aligned businesses. With a rare blend of experience as a professional dog trainer, business owner, and former classroom teacher, teacher educator, and curriculum developer, Veronica brings a grounded, practical lens to the "softer skills" that can make or break a trainer's confidence, visibility, and long-term success.
Together, Ryan and Veronica unpack two of the most common struggles trainers face behind the scenes: imposter syndrome and isolation. Veronica explores how these experiences often show up as fear — fear of not knowing enough, fear of being judged by peers, fear of rejection from potential clients, and fear of "getting it wrong" and causing harm. They also discuss how the lack of shared professional standards in the dog training industry can intensify doubt, and why community and belonging matter so deeply for staying resilient and moving forward.
Throughout the episode, Veronica reframes confidence not as the absence of fear, but as the willingness to take action anyway — building systems, developing skills, and learning through experience. From risk-taking as experimentation, to treating business decisions like training data, this conversation is packed with perspective shifts that will help you stop waiting for "ready" and start moving toward the business (and impact) you truly want.
Throughout this episode, we discuss: ✅ Why imposter syndrome and isolation are so common in the positive reinforcement dog training world ✅ How fear fuels inaction — and why confidence is often simply "doing anyway" ✅ The role of belonging, validation, and status in how we show up publicly as professionals ✅ Why risk is unavoidable in business (and how to reframe it as experimentation) ✅ How community support changes everything — for both wins and setbacks
Whether you're a new trainer trying to find your footing or an experienced professional wrestling with visibility, pricing, or self-doubt, this episode is a powerful reminder that confidence isn't something you wait for — it's something you build through action, reflection, and connection.
Links
Veronica's Thrive program: http://dogbizsuccess.com/thrive/

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy Podcast, host Ryan Cartlidge is joined by returning guest Michael Shikashio for a wide-ranging conversation about professionalism, community, and the future of the dog training industry. Michael Shikashio is the founder of AggressiveDog.com, a leading expert in working with aggression cases, a five-time past President of the IAABC, the 2020 APTT Member of the Year, and host of The Bitey End of the Dog podcast. Drawing on decades of experience supporting trainers across more than 20 countries, Michael brings a global, grounded perspective to the challenges and opportunities facing the profession today.
Together, Ryan and Michael explore the vision behind the Canis Conference - a bold new event designed to bring trainers, behavior consultants, veterinarians, shelter professionals, scientists, and dog sports enthusiasts together under one roof. Michael shares how Canis was born from a desire to dismantle silos, reduce divisiveness, and create a space where learning, collaboration, and respectful dialogue can flourish across differing backgrounds and methodologies.
The conversation moves well beyond conference planning, diving into the emotional and professional toll of online conflict, social media algorithms, and the rise of polarized "team" identities within the dog training world. Michael speaks candidly about criticism, controversy, and resilience, offering powerful insights for both emerging and established professionals navigating public discourse, online platforms, and ethical responsibility. Throughout the episode, the emphasis remains on compassion, professionalism, and the importance of face-to-face connection in restoring trust - both within the industry and with the public we serve.
In this episode, we discuss:
The vision and structure of the Canis Conference and its festival-style, multi-disciplinary approach

Why safety, inclusion, and professionalism matter more than ever in the dog training industry

The impact of social media algorithms on conflict, identity, and professional behavior

Navigating criticism, controversy, and online hostility with integrity and resilience

Moving beyond divisive labels to find shared values and common ground

The power of in-person connection to rebuild trust, empathy, and collaboration

Whether you are a new trainer finding your voice, a seasoned professional reflecting on your role in the wider community, or someone longing for a more respectful and united industry, this episode offers clarity, courage, and a hopeful vision for where we go next - together.
Links
Canis Conference: canisconference.com
Michael Shikashio: AggressiveDog.com