Animal Training Academy

In this forward-thinking conversation, Ryan Cartlidge is joined by Joey Golden — curator of animal behavior programs at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, where he oversees behavioral husbandry programs with a focus on extending behavioral husbandry across the full 24-hour cycle. Joey's work centres on building scalable systems for behavioral and environmental data collection, and using data-driven reports to connect that information to welfare decisions. Inspired by Hal Markowitz, he also leads an engineering program developing automated habitat features that allow animals to earn outcomes on their own schedule around the clock.
Together, Ryan and Joey explore how data, technology, engineering and animal behavior can come together to create new opportunities for animal care. Joey shares the evolution of his "observe, interpret, improve" approach at the Maryland Zoo, including the development of camera infrastructure, animal behavior volunteer programs, data collection systems and an engineering lab that has brought around 30 engineers into the zoo to develop automated habitat features. The conversation highlights how these systems can help teams understand what animals are doing when keepers aren't present, identify meaningful patterns in behavior, and use that information to guide environmental changes.
The conversation also dives into some of the practical realities of building these systems, including limited resources, developing new skills, working across departments, learning through failure, and starting small. Joey shares stories from the Maryland Zoo's grizzly bear and lion programs, including how years of data helped identify changes to a grizzly bear habitat that resulted in the bears using a previously neglected pool far more frequently. He also describes the development and testing of the "carcass claw", an automated system designed to allow lions to engage with carcass feeding in a more dynamic way.
Looking towards the future, Ryan and Joey discuss artificial intelligence and its potential to reduce one of the biggest bottlenecks in behavioral data collection: the enormous amount of time required to review footage and turn observations into usable data. Joey explains how the Maryland Zoo is already building the infrastructure and resources that could support this kind of technology in the future, while emphasising the importance of thinking in longer timeframes and developing systems that can grow over time.
Throughout this episode, we discuss:
✅ Joey's journey from the Disney College Program and zookeeping into his current role at the Maryland Zoo
✅ Hal Markowitz's influence on Joey's thinking about technology and dynamic environments
✅ The "observe, interpret, improve" cycle and how it guides decision-making at the Maryland Zoo
✅ Using cameras and behavioral data to understand what animals do across the full 24-hour cycle
✅ How teams can start collecting useful data without needing to tackle an entire organisation at once
✅ Building an engineering volunteer program and developing an engineering lab within the zoo
✅ The development of automated habitat features, including the polar bear device and "carcass claw"
✅ What the Maryland Zoo has learned from both successful projects and failures
✅ Using behavioral data to evaluate habitat configurations, enrichment and husbandry practices
✅ Thinking about technology as a way of applying existing tools in new ways for animal care
✅ The potential role of artificial intelligence in analysing animal behavior and reducing data-collection bottlenecks
✅ Why developing a broader understanding of disciplines such as engineering and technology is more accessible than it might initially seem
Whether you're working in a zoo, shelter, kennel, companion animal setting, or another environment where understanding behavior and welfare matters, this episode offers plenty to think about when it comes to using data, systems and technology to better understand the animals in our care. Joey's experiences also provide a practical reminder that you don't need to know everything before you begin — you can start with the resources available, build your skills as you go, and take the next approximation towards the bigger vision.
Links
Joseph.Golden@marylandzoo.org

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy Podcast, Ryan Cartlidge is joined by Tim Sullivan — a pioneer in applied animal behavior analysis who recently transitioned into retirement after a 46-year tenure at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, including over four decades as the Curator of Behavioral Husbandry. Bringing a lifetime of zoological experience to the animal training profession, Tim challenges us to look in the mirror, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and recognize how our internal mindset directly dictates our external success.
Together, Ryan and Tim explore the power of self-fulfilling prophecies, self-awareness, and the vital importance of dropping our egos to better serve our animal learners. Tim shares lessons from his career—ranging from developing protected-contact elephant training programs and pioneering voluntary blood draws in marine mammals to mentoring staff and co-founding the Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA). The conversation delves into how mindset shapes our default reactions, why challenging situations are growth opportunities, and how we can apply the very same behavioral principles we use with animals to improve our own health, relationships, and self-awareness.
The conversation also highlights the human side of training, addressing common pitfalls like compassion fatigue, the fear of failure, and the danger of operating on "default settings" without realizing it. Tim offers practical reflections on how self-compassion, small approximations, and a willingness to look at ourselves first can transform us into better teachers, trainers, and partners for our animals.
Throughout this episode, we discuss:
✅ How self-fulfilling prophecies and our internal mindset influence our success in training and life
✅ Tim Sullivan's remarkable 46-year legacy and pioneering work at Brookfield Zoo
✅ Why every challenge in training is an opportunity to learn, problem-solve, and build resilience
✅ The vital importance of looking in the mirror and setting ego aside for the benefit of the animal
✅ How to apply the science of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and operant conditioning to ourselves
✅ The power of small approximations and shifting our default reactions when faced with adversity
✅ Building resilience in both human and non-human learners by transforming our perception of novelty and challenge
Whether you're a professional animal trainer, a zoo keeper, or simply looking for ways to master your mindset and improve your training skills, this episode offers a roadmap for creating a career and life built on self-awareness, continuous growth, and deep empathy.

In this engaging conversation, Ryan Cartlidge is joined by Tabitha Kucera — a registered veterinary technician, veterinary technician specialist in behavior, Karen Pryor Academy certified training partner, certified cat behavior consultant, and one of only around 30 veterinary technician specialists in behavior worldwide. Tabitha shares her inspiring journey from volunteering with rescue organizations as a teenager to building a career dedicated to helping people better understand the companion animals they share their lives with.
Together, Ryan and Kucera explore the vital importance of effective, compassionate, and evidence-based communication between behavior professionals, veterinary teams, and pet caregivers. Tabitha discusses her passion for improving animal welfare through education, low-stress handling, and fear-free care for both dogs and cats. They also delve into Tabitha's new mentorship program, "Better Together: Advocating for Dogs and Cats at the Vet," which officially opened for early access on July 21st to help behavior consultants, trainers, groomers, and veterinary professionals bridge communication gaps and collaborate more successfully as part of a unified care team.
The conversation highlights common emotional challenges in the profession, such as navigating professional disagreements, managing ego, overcoming imposter syndrome, and moving away from harmful "us versus them" mentalities. Tabitha shares practical reflections on how treating caregivers and allied professionals with empathy and framing observations into actionable, supportive insights can transform animal care outcomes.
Throughout this episode, we discuss:
✅ Tabitha's background as a registered veterinary technician and specialist in behavior
✅ The inspiration behind Tabitha's new mentorship program, "Better Together: Advocating for Dogs and Cats at the Vet"
✅ How to bridge communication gaps between trainers, behavior consultants, groomers, and veterinary teams
✅ Why a collaborative, multi-disciplinary care team approach is essential for animal welfare
✅ Overcoming professional friction, ego, and the harmful "us versus them" mindset in the animal care industry
✅ Navigating compassion fatigue, imposter syndrome, and the emotional weight of behavior work
✅ Practical strategies for turning clinical observations into clear, supportive, and actionable guidance for caregivers
Whether you are a trainer, veterinary professional, groomer, or behavior consultant looking to enhance your collaboration skills and build stronger care networks, this episode offers an empowering roadmap for putting the animal's best interest first through teamwork and empathy.
Links
Small Paws Website: https://small-paws.ca
Better Together Mentorship: https://small-paws.thinkific.com/products/courses/kucerabettertogether
Tabitha's Website: http://chirrupsachatter.com 
Chirrups and Chatter Socials: @chirrupsandchatter (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube)
Small Paws Socials: @smallpawsedu (Facebook, Instagram)

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast, host Ryan Cartlidge is joined by special guests Irith Bloom and Dr. Kristina Spaulding to discuss their mentorship and certification program, Carefree Companion.
Together, Ryan, Irith, and Dr. Spaulding explore how the program bridges the gap between technical training plans and a human owner's ability to successfully implement them. Dr. Spaulding brings her expertise as a scientist and behaviorist with a PhD in biopsychology, specializing in the neurobiology of stress, while Irith brings over 40 years of animal training experience and a deep focus on agency and the science of learning. The guests share the origins of their professional partnership, which blossomed from working together on education committees and through shared interests in science, stress, and behavioral choice.
The conversation dives deep into the concept of dialectics—embracing "andness" instead of an "either/or" mentality—and how both contradictory emotions and complex problem-solving are a normal part of the human experience when living with companion animals. They also unpack the power of motivational interviewing, explaining how trainers can move away from imposing rigid expectations and instead use open-ended questions and curiosity to understand human resistance, build better collaboration, and help clients find their own path forward. Finally, they break down the structure of the 28-week Carefree Companion program, highlighting its blend of synchronous live calls, structured asynchronous discussion forums, and individualized monthly mentorship.
Throughout this episode, we discuss:
✅ The origin of the partnership between Irith Bloom and Dr. Kristina Spaulding 
✅ What dialectics are and why embracing "andness" helps both pet owners and trainers navigate conflicting feelings
✅ How the Carefree Companion program evolved to focus heavily on coaching skills and human pedagogy
✅ The application of scaffolding in human learning—providing temporary support and gradually pulling back to foster client independence
✅ How motivational interviewing helps professionals uncover client motivations and navigate resistance without judgment
✅ The 28-week structure of the Carefree Companion certification, featuring live group discussions, forums, and one-on-one mentorship
✅ Creating a safe, collaborative space where respectful disagreement and diverse viewpoints lead to transformative learning
Whether you are an experienced trainer or a behavior consultant looking to deepen your coaching toolkit, this episode offers a refreshing and practical roadmap for bridging the gap between animal behavior science and effective human collaboration.
Links
Website: https://carefreecompanion.com/
Mailing List: https://tinyurl.com/CarefreeCompanionMailingList
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarefreeCompanion/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carefreecompanion/

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.