Dog Life With No Spoons

We are so excited to share this episode for more than one reason! The first being that our guest is Grisha Stewart, who so kindly agreed to share her time and knowledge with us on a topic Jade is only becoming more passionate about. The other is a chance to share an upcoming webinar covering all sorts of topics about finding, adopting, and training a new dog in a neurodivergent-centric way!We invited Grisha Stewart to discuss emotional regulation instead of something more dog-centric or BAT related because Grisha's academy has been the first source of information where learning about the nervous system and emotional regulation didn't put me (Jade) off immediately. The concepts and practices introduced have created a profound shift in my wellbeing and by extension, my dog's wellbeing, and my relationships with other people. Of course, I had lots of questions and want to make these concepts more accessible for more neurodivergent people, so I hope you find many valuable points to take away while listening. Back to the upcoming webinar - visit the link below to learn more and sign up!The webinar is created and hosted by neurodivergent individuals and for neurodivergent owners (or professionals who want to learn more about working with ND owners). https://www.autismactually.com.au/event-details/so-youre-neurodivergent-and-you-want-a-dog?fbclid=IwAR2oR2r6htaxLOvEwxSWmY0DRaHq7sPhA7PWnWyeW5jrYM73zoTz3BFcQEkWe'll be covering things like breed traits that disproportionately affect ND owners, specific equipment for making training sessions more sensory friendly, and sensory considerations to take into account when considering what breed to get!About Grisha StewartGrisha Stewart is an author, international speaker, dog trainer, and online dog school facilitator based in Oregon, USA, who specializes in dog reactivity and canine empowerment.  “Ahimsa” is a Buddhist doctrine of nonviolence to all living things, which reflects Grisha’s focus on force-free methods to promote the well-being of dogs and their humans. Her seminal book, “Behavior Adjustment Training: BAT for Aggression, Reactivity, and Fear in Dogs,” was published by Dogwise in late 2011. Grisha’s popular second book, “The Official Ahimsa Dog Training Manual: A Practical, Force-Free Guide to Problem Solving & Manners,” was published in 2012 and updated in 2014. Her third book, BAT 2.0 was released in early 2016 and is available to order on her site.Resourcesschool.grishastewart.comLearn more about becoming a diamond member and subscribing to the academy (Jade considers this her personal favorite and most comprehensive + cost effective option for continued education)https://school.grishastewart.com/bundles/diamondLearn more about how to apply for a 6 month scholarship to the academy to study or earn your CBATI certification Need based for individuals: https://grishastewart.com/diamondscholarshipfree courses for shelters and rescues: https://school.grishastewart.com/bundles/rescueSpecific courses at the academyHow to Human:  https://school.grishastewart.com/courses/human?omnisearch__query=how+to+human(message Jade for discount code)Mentioned resources: A little bit of lucid dreaming: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Bit-Lucid-Dreaming-Introduction/dp/1454942843/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2R5QK49V1XXAR&keywords=a+little+bit+of+lucid+dreaming&qid=1699832072&sprefix=a+little+bit+of+luc%2Caps%2C1468&sr=8-1Marble spinner: https://store.grishastewart.com/collections/joy/products/rippleAtlas of the Heart: https://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Heart-Meaningful-Connection-Experience/dp/0399592555

11/12/23 • 48:18

Have you wanted to hear more about our guests' personal experiences with and thoughts on being neurodivergent as a kid, throughout their career development, and in their business now? Miranda is the perfect guest for you (we know, we know, the episode got a bit long but it's well worth the listen)! We hope this is a relatable episode for other neurodivergent guardians and trainers, and an educational one for neurotypical listeners here to learn. We covered Miranda's experience with being undiagnosed neurodivergent as a kid, how this led to her career with animals, her experience with being houseless, and her current venture, the Buddy Project - a detailed journal of demonstrating and explaining the rehabilitation of a horse with aggressive behavior using force free training. Miranda Hebert (Certified Professional Animal Trainer - Knowledge Assessed) is a Neurodivergent freelance animal training & behavior technician, educator, consultant, and coach, based out of Greater Montreal, QC, Canada. She applies a holistic approach to welfare and training, nurturing confident, independent, ‘thinking animals,’ who when given an abundance of options still choose to work cooperatively in partnership with their handler(s). These results are evident in her work.Miranda never wants to see a world where humans and animals can't coexist to the mutual benefit and support of each other's wellness, and has found her greatest strengths rooted in her experience teaching and learning from animals.Miranda website: https://www.mhebertanimaltraining.com/The Buddy Project facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebuddyprojecthorsetrainingmentioned Ted Talk Invisible Diversity: A Story of Undiagnosed Autism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cF2dhWWUyQ4&ab_channel=TEDxTalks

10/10/23 • 85:20

content warning: explicit language Our guest today is Max Siefert, fellow ND horse and dog trainer to teach us (and you), more about horse training, his transition through training methods over time, his experience with being ND, and even a little bit about emotional regulation for humans. The added complexity of learning to emotionally regulate while also learning to train or change methods is seldom mentioned, so we're excited to share this conversation with you and hope you find it relatable!Max Seifert is a CPTD-KA and CGC evaluator based in Frederick, MD. He owns Rosie’s Tail Training, and specializes in reactivity and aggression cases. Using his lived experiences with neurodivergency and trauma, his education, and his hands-on experience, he creates training plans that put emotional regulation and unmet needs at the forefront. Rosiestailtraining.com

9/6/23 • 60:07

Have you wondered whether offering day training would be a good option for your business? Ash is here to help you figure it out! Marketing to generate consistent client inquiries and then keeping up with answering those inquiries can feel like an impossible task for ND business owners. Relieving the stress of constant client generation can be one of the many benefits of a day training program, along with flexible hours and lots of chances for novelty. We cover the many benefits for you, the dogs, and the owners as Ash gives an in depth look at how she runs her business and structures her service as well as what you need to start your own day training business. Ashlee Osborn is a certified dog trainer with over a decade of experience caring for and training dogs and their owners. After developing day training programs for multiple local dog daycare and boarding facilities, she founded Pawsitive Pups Academy in 2021, a mobile training service based in Omaha, Nebraska that specializes in off-leash training and adventures. She also offers virtual training and coaching services to both pet owners and other professionals.How to Create a Day Training Program webinar (even more details!): https://www.pawsitivepupsacademy.com/daytrainwebinar

7/18/23 • 63:25

Our guest this week is Laura Gendron of Miss Behavior Training, here to discuss cooperative care, perfectionism, and memberships. Laura shares about her transition from the veterinary world into the training world, and then into virtual training and behavior consultations with a membership. We discuss the impacts of ADHD and perfectionism on cooperative care and other training, and include a few solutions about communication between veterinary staff and trainers. Join us to talk about realistic training! Laura Gendron, owner of Miss Behavior in Northwood, NH founded her dog training business in 2008. She graduated from the University of NH with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and an Associate’s Degree in Animal Science with a concentration on Small Animal Care in 2007.Laura is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Fear-Free Certified Trainer, and a Licensed Family Dog Mediator. She believes in positive, playful, and trust-based training and getting to know every dog-family team individually, often collaborating with a pet-care team. Having worked in a veterinary hospital for 10 years, Laura also has a strong passion for teaching pet parents and professionals how to use lower-stress techniques in handling and vet care. As a mom of two children, one dog, and two birds, Laura feels strongly about helping dog parents learn how to raise their dogs much like mothering children, using play, good management, and predictable patterns. Laura currently offers private virtual and in-home training and coaching, online courses, and a membership for dog parents working with their dogs at home. To learn more, visit MissBehaviorTraining.com. 

6/23/23 • 54:32

On this episode of Dog Life With No Spoons, we explore the importance of confidence in selling services and programs, the benefits of having a specific niche, and the balancing personalization vs standardization with business coach Jenesis Rose Long. We also discuss the importance of self-acceptance and being true to yourself in business, compared to the cold-selling tactics and their impact on creating power dynamics and lack of trust. Join us as we learn more about developing customized experiences for our clients and empowering them to improve on their ownJenesis Rose Long, M. Ed. is a Business Development Coach helping business’ create transformational programs designed for their unique niche market. Her academic background in education and social psychology, alongside her business leadership experience, make her the best person to talk to when you’re ready to grow your own service-based business with a clear brand, a high-impact offer, honest marketing, and consensual sales. Additionally, she is rhe co-founder of Liberationships: a transformative mentorship model for women of color. Jenesis Rose Long is a ND business coach. Check out her information below! Find her podcast and blog at https://jenesisrose.com/ Watch her free training here: https://jenesisrose.com/freecoachingsalestraining/ instagram: @jenesis_rose (https://www.instagram.com/jenesis_rose/)

5/19/23 • 59:56

Dog training advice can seem like some kind of formula - apply this solution for this problem and if it doesn't work, you did something wrong (or identified the wrong problem). Join us with Brian Fleming to discuss how chaos theory can be used to broaden your understanding of behavior and modifying behavior. Behavior is complex, and situations with a complex environment or many relationships within the home do not lend themselves well to a reductionist approach. Brian Fleming is a dog behavior consultant and Licensed Family Dog Mediator out of Connecticut, he specializes in complex cases and is the author of the Chaos & Canines blog and co-host of The Canine Complexity PodcastBrian website: brianthebarkeologist.comfacebook: Brian the BarkeologistBlog: Canines at the Edge of ChaosMentioned ResourcesRobert Sepulsky on Chaos and ReductionismBook: Power in the Wild Podcast: SFI Complexity Podcast 

4/27/23 • 61:21

Join us with Rain Jordan to reframe fear aggression and the ladder of aggression into self defense and the ladder of distress, and learn more about the Fearful Dog Project and their anti-aversive approach. We thought the discussion was a great example of how to navigate sticky conversations, taking the time to thoroughly define terms, and normalizing asking for clarification that the discussion is still targeted at the belief and ideas, not the person. We wrapped everything up with a discussion on Rain's experience as a neurodivergent individual and other people's perceptions as well. Rain Jordan specializes in feralized, traumatized, and other fearful and anxious dogs, Ms. Jordan is a Certified Canine Behavior Consultant (CBCC-KA) and Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) via the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), a  Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP), a graduate of Behavior+ Works' Animal Behavior program (LLA), and the Certified Canine Fear Abatement Instructor/Mentor for The Fearful Dogs Project.Ms. Jordan wrote the first ever essay on "learned helplessness" in racing industry greyhounds; this seminal work appeared in a 3 part series in The Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds magazine. Although Seligman's original idea of helplessness being "learned" has more recently been revised, what's most important isn't whether it's a learned or default state, but rather, how to avoid activating it. Jordan also writes a canine behavior newspaper column and articles for other publications. In addition to running her private behavior practice, she also develops animal welfare programs for shelters, rescues, and companion animals and their humans. The Fearful Dogs Project was one of the earliest of these programs. Ms. Jordan holds a terminal degree (M.F.A.) and has more than 15 years experience teaching adults, including teaching in California colleges. She is the author of several books, including  Such Small Hands: An Anti-Aversives Primer and The Dog Who Couldn't Be Petted.  You can find how to become a Certified Canine Fear Abatement Expert (CCFAE) on at the Fearful Dog Project. Scholarships available for people with limited income, seniors, BIPOC, LGBTQ, neurodivergent individuals, etcwww.CanineFearSolutions.comwww.FearfulDogsProject.orghttps://medium.com/@caninefearsolutionshttps://www.expertcanine.com/post/dogbehaviormodification

3/22/23 • 61:27

Join Rene to interview Dr Kristina Spaulding on stress and resiliency in dogs. Learn what we know, and more importantly what we don't know about good stress vs bad stress, and how adolescence affects stress. Building resiliency may be more important than avoiding stress, so no you have not ruined your puppy because they had one or two terrible experiences! Dr Kristina Spaulding (CAB) has a PhD in biopsychology and is the author of The Stress Factor in Dogs: Unlocking Resiliency and Enhancing Well-being as well as the host of the Research Bites membership, where members review and discuss all the latest scientific literature related to dogs. website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/aboutresearch bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bitescourses for professionals: https://sciencemattersllc.com/professional-coursesblog: https://sciencemattersllc.com/blog

3/6/23 • 57:08

Join Jade and Rene for their thoughts on the recent, infamous podcast episode featuring Michael Shikashio and Ivan Balabanov. Join Jade and Rene to hear their related thoughts, learn what a strawman argument is, and an alternative definition to what it means to “learn from the other side”. Keep in mind people are as much shaped by their environment and past experience as dogs are, we all interpret the world slightly differently, and personal attacks are never ok (but engagement with specific arguments is!). 

2/17/23 • 50:02

 Owning a dog with intense predatory behavior can be scary, and thinking of leaning into that predatory as a solution even scarier. Tracey recounts how her experiences with her own dogs and being aware of the dog's emotional experience has shaped her approach and research. Listen along to learn more about how Tracey thinks of the predatory motor sequence, and how leaning into the piece of the sequence your dog finds most reinforcing can affect your dog's behavior. About TraceyTracey McLennan helps owners of high prey drive dogs stay safe around local wildlifeand livestock. Tracey runs Best Dog Learning and Stuff Ltd which offers online classes and support to dog owners and her training system helps improve their life, their dog’s life and protects other animals.Tracey has over 15 years of experience in successfully working with prey drive in dogs ofa variety of breeds and can back her experience up with solid qualifications. She has a BSc (hons) in Canine Behaviour and Training and is studying for an MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and Training. In 2021 Tracey conducted a small research project with ethics approval from Bishop Burton college.About Best Dog Learning and Stuff LtdBest Dog Learning and Stuff Ltd is a dog training company founded and run by TraceyMcLennan. It provides the owners of high prey drive dogs with a specialised training system of online classes that enables them to improve their life, their dog’s life while keeping the local wildlife and livestock safe.Tracey has a blog dedicated to prey drive in dogs, and has written a book, Canineaggression: Rehabilitating an aggressive dog with kindness and compassion which shares the story of how she rehabilitated her first dog, a bullmastiff named Calgacus.Email: tracey@bestdoglearningandstuff.co.ukFacebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/highpreydrivedogs website: https://bestdoglearningandstuff.co.uk/

2/2/23 • 78:26

We are excited to introduce Michael Shikashio as our guest on the first episode of 2023. Join us for a conversation about reframing "client compliance" with a little more compassion for the human side of behavior modification. Just like dogs, clients rarely have no reason for not doing their homework, and need creative solutions tailored to their individual needs. Learn more about the everyday barriers neurodivergent individuals may face when training, how to ask the right kind of questions, and more problem solving. Michael Shikashio, CDBC, is the founder of AggressiveDog.com and focuses onteaching other professionals from around the world on how to successfully workaggression cases. He is a five-term president of the International Association of AnimalBehavior Consultants (IAABC) and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers(APDT) Member of the Year in 2020.Websitehttps://aggressivedog.comSchoolhttps://aggressivedog.thinkific.comFacebook Personalhttps://www.facebook.com/michael.shikashioFacebook Businesshttps://www.facebook.com/AggressionInDogsInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/michaelshikashio/LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelshikashio/TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@michaelshikashio?lang=enYouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu6htNW022cxP3ecTYqBfjAPodcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1185767

1/13/23 • 58:30

Join Jade in reviewing Training Dogs with Science or with Nature? An Exploration of Trainers’ Word Use, Gender, and Certification Across Dog-Training Methods (2022) by Johnson and Wynne. Whether you're marketing your own dog business or trying to find a professional to work with, being aware of the language commonly associated with different methodologies is crucial. Johnson and Wynne also explore the difference in word use between trainers of different gender and certification status. Johnson, A., Wynne, C. (2022) Training Dogs with Science or with Nature? An Exploration of Trainers’ Word Use, Gender, and Certification Across Dog-Training Methods. Anthrozoos. DOI: 10.1080/08927936.2022.2062869

12/8/22 • 20:36

Going on a trip and having to board your dog is stressful for everyone, but for people living with dogs with behavior problems, leaving them can feel like an absolutely impossible task. Collin Funkhouser, pet sitter and podcast host, joins us this episode to talk about how to find a pet sitter suitable for your needs by asking the right questions. It is equally important for pet sitters to be safe going into situations where a dog has separation anxiety, reactivity, or may bolt through the door, so we spend time discussing management and recognizing your boundaries as well!Collin’s pet sitting - Funky Bunch Pet Care, LLCPet Sitter Confessional Podcast websiteSitter Confessional facebook group

11/15/22 • 57:20

This sound file gave us some problems, but we hope you're able to enjoy anyway! Join us in welcoming Miranda Hitchcock, co-founder of Every Dog Behavior and Training based in Austin, TX. Every Dog offers discounted or free individual or group training and behavior support for families in need. This is an essential service to work alongside rescues in the nonprofit dog world to keep dogs in homes, so we interviewed Miranda to discuss how Every Dog got started and the barriers to both trainers and owners around dog behavior and training. Every Dog Behavior And Training - website and facebookFree webinars on training and behavior - Every Dog youtubeYour Dog's Friend - website

10/29/22 • 65:40

One of the most common questions people have when it comes to finding a harness is "What style of harness should I get?" Almost everyone has strong opinions about which is best and why, often revolving around an argument to avoid any restriction in the dog's shoulder and leg movement. Rachel Bentley, canine physiotherapist, was not satisfied with this argument without evidence to back it up. Joins us today to discuss the recent research she did to investigate whether harnesses restrict shoulder movement and which gear affects movement more. Listen and be as surprised as we were to find the answer!ResourcesPodcast Slides to view pictures and summaryRachel on facebook: Mobilise Veterinary Physiotherapy Instragram: @Mobilisevetphysio (with dissertation highlight)Full research paper: Bentley, R. 2022. The effects of y-shaped and chest harnesses on canine glenohumeral joint maximal extension. Submitted for BSc. (Hons) at Warwick College/Coventry University.Previous research on Y vs chest harnesses on treadmill: Lafuente, M.P., Provis, L. and Schmalz, E.A. (2019) Effects of restrictive andnon‐restrictive harnesses on shoulder extension in dogs at walk and trot. VeterinaryRecord (online) 184(2), pp.1-7. 

9/30/22 • 58:10

Join hosts Jade and Rene to discuss the difficulties of managing kids and dogs in the same household, share a few tips for both consultants and families, and start a series of episodes discussing "client compliance". Michelle is a part of Pooch Parenting, a service for both consultants looking to feel more comfortable consulting on cases with kids, and families needing support.Blog articles mentioned Supporting Neurodivergent Families in Dog Adoption Did We Get the Wrong Dog for Our Family?Michelle Stern, CPDT-KA, LFDM-K, Dog & Child Specialist Pooch Parenting - you can find free resources on Michelle's website such as a dog training goal outline for before bringing a baby home, and a sanity savers summitPooch Parenting Coach Collective for Dog ProfessionalsThe Pooch Parenting Society for ParentsPreparing Dog for New Baby  best selling workshopPooch Parenting Podcast show Michelle's podcast some love! 

9/16/22 • 72:24

Review the paper Pain and Problem Behavior in Cats and Dogs by Mills et al. (2020). It is well known and document that pain affects behavior, but the small indications of pain such as gait and posture changes often still go missed or dismissed. The specific behavior problems that can result from a direct or indirect relation to pain the animal experience is also not well documented. Join Jade to review the case studies presented in the primary literature and explore more of the subtle indications of pain. Links pertaining to episodeLink to paper (very readable): https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/10/2/318ACEing August group (view featured tab for recorded seminars): https://www.facebook.com/groups/2814859128823927Canine Conference of Color (main presentations have actually been taken down but still very valuable!): https://www.facebook.com/groups/457583376185825

8/25/22 • 41:18

Join hosts Jade and Rene while they connect with dog trainer Anthony De Marinis, owner of De Marinis Dog Training and Behavior, over a recent blog article written on objective learning. Learn what objective learning is, how it can benefit you, and how Anthony applies this ideal in his education around dog training and behavior. De Marinis Dog Training and Behavior: https://demarinisdogtraining.comSearch De Marinis Dog Training on facebook or youtubeObjective Learning BlogEpisode Slides with links 

8/5/22 • 61:14

Join hosts Jade and Rene and special guest Taylor to talk about how neurodivergence can affect cleaning and organization, and how your systems need to work for you! Contact Taylor at https://www.freshstartdetailers.com/Episode slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1QGr8nqoVCHZm_uEI32eUhj-h8mOjq7knGg4V-VruGYM/edit?usp=sharing

7/8/22 • 41:20

A recent study on the effect of dog breed on behavior was largely misconstrued by the media, with many media sources implying the study meant breed and genetics had little to do with behavior. Join Jade and Rene to break down what the study actually said (and didn’t say) about the connection between behavior and genetics, and learn which traits are most influenced by genetics. Morrill, K., Hekman, J., Li, X., McClure, J., Karlsson, E. 2022. Ancestry-inclusive dog genomics challenges popular breed stereotypes. Science. 376: 6592. Sample media articles: Dog Personalities Aren’t Determined by Breed by Jack Tamisiea in Scientific American, Your Dog’s Breed Doesn’t Determine its Personality, Study Suggests by David Grimm in Science, Humans Can’t Quite A Basic Myth About Dog Behavior by Katherine Wu in The Atlantic, Looking for a Well-Behaved Dog? Breed May Not Tell You Much by Katie Shephard in The Washington PostOther resources to understand this dense paper: IAABC Video One, IAABC Video Two, Breed, Behavior, and Mutt Genomics by Jessica Hekman (second author on paper), Interview with Jessica Hekman, Cog Dog Radio

6/25/22 • 63:20

Join hosts Jade and Rene to talk about reptile intelligence and break down several studies investigating the effectiveness of enrichment for captive reptiles. 

5/31/22 • 60:27

Enrichment is popular for most mammals, whether we’re considering dogs in pet homes or dolphins in a zoo, partly because we recognize how intelligent these animals are. Reptiles have historically been neglected in research since they are not obviously intelligent, and what literature exists is conflicting. In this week’s episode Jade digs into one of her special interests, the intelligence of reptiles and the effect of enrichment on them by reviewing a few studies. Kis, A., Huber, L., Wilkinson, A. 2015. Social learning by imitation in a reptile (Pogona vitticeps). Animal Cognition. 18: 325-331.Borgmans, G., Palme, R., Sannen, A., Vervaecke, H., Damme, R.V. 2018. The effect of environmental provisioning on stress levels in captive green anole (Anolis carolinensis). Anim Welfare. 27: 35-46.Case, C.B., Lewbart, G.A., Doerr, P.D. 2005. The physiological and behavioral impact of and preference for and enriched environment in the eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina). Applied Animal Behavior Science. 92: 353-365. Bashaw, M.J., Gibson, M.D., Schowe, D.M., Kucher, A.S. 2016. Does enrichment improve reptile welfare? Leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) respond to five types of enrichment. Applied Animal Behavior Sci. 184: 150-160.

5/7/22 • 34:26

Living with dogs can often make people feel guilty. Not getting their dog enough exercise, enough enrichment, enough attention, leaving them in kennels too long, and more. For people with neurodivergence, disability, or chronic illness, this feeling of guilt can be exacerbated by low spoons. Certain dog qualities such as noise and fur texture can also be be difficult to manage. Today we chat about a few things to keep in mind when living with your dogs and low spoons.

4/17/22 • 49:56

Learn how shaping behavior for animals can be applied to shape human habits.

4/1/22 • 42:40

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1r8Gsq30fNZl38gBWKFIE3B5BThJAi-BqPAKPEbdWlP0/edit?usp=sharing

3/19/22 • 43:18

Break down the definition of play as it is applied to dogs in the book Canine Play Behavior: The Science of Dogs at Play with Jade and Rene.view slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1HY2luY06irQUO_kMoS0rTeIvYmMRKiV-ec2Cz3oGVP0/edit?usp=sharing

3/6/22 • 46:58

Meet the hosts and learn about forks, spoons, and tickets!

3/3/22 • 47:55