The Empathetic Trainer

May 11 2024 2
The Empathetic Trainer Podcast artwork

Welcome to ”The Empathetic Trainer,” the podcast that explores the power of empathetic animal training 

Animals just want to be heard.  This is an emerging trend among trainers, veterinarians, pet professionals and animal lovers just like yourself.  Join us as we learn the challenges our guests faced, as they grew their understanding and connection with the animals in their lives.

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Julie Smart - What Horses Want - Trust, Communication and Leadership

May 11 2024 75 mins  
Send us a Text Message.New Zealand Horse advocate and author, Julie Smart joins Barbara O'Brien in a conversation not just about training, but about retraining ourselves to listen, to watch, and to feel the subtle cues that horses give us when trying to communicate. We talk about how spending undemanding time with our horses changes how they feel about and us and can really help bu

Susan Friedland - The True Story of Marguerite Henry and Misty of Chincoteague S2 E16

Apr 15 2024 76 mins  
Send us a Text Message.Susan Friedland and I explore the world of Marguerite Henry, a beloved author whose stories have enchanted readers for years. From "Misty of Chincoteague" to "King of the Wind" and so many others, Henry's books have made a lasting impression on people of all ages.We talk about how much Henry loved horses, especially Morgan horses, and how her stories were inf

Laura Carter - What Your Dog Wants is You - S2 E15

Apr 01 2024 43 mins  
Send us a Text Message.Join Barbara O'Brien as she chats with Laura Carter, a dog trainer and author, about the secrets to bonding with your dog, even during indoor downtime or when they're on rest. Laura shares practical tips for keeping your pup mentally engaged, including fun activities like scent work. They also debunk common myths about dog training, emphasizing the importance

Kera Wilhelmsen - You Want Your Dog to Trust You, Right? S2 E14

Mar 24 2024 55 mins  
Send us a Text Message.In this interview, Barbara O'Brien talks with Kara Wilhelmsen from Creature Comforts Pet Services about her approach to animal training. Kera stresses the importance of kindness and understanding when working with animals, rather than using fear or intimidation. She shares her experiences working with dogs, including her own challenges with a reactive border

Lockie Phillips - When it comes to Horses, Obedience is Out and Empathy is In - S2 E3

Feb 23 2024 85 mins  
Send us a Text Message.Lockie Phillips, Founder of Emotional Horsemanship, joins us on our podcast to share his insights on empathy and horses. He tells us how we can reimagine horse training and move beyond obedience to establish a deeper connection based on compassion. Lockie believes that training programs should be horse centered and focused on the well- being of the horse rath

Lynn Acton - Alternatives to Dominance Based Horsemanship - S2 E12

Jan 30 2024 70 mins  
Send us a Text Message.Tune in to hear Lynn Acton, acclaimed author and horse trainer, share practical tips on how to build trust and connection with your horse. Learn about the basics of earning trust, using clear body language, moving away from dominance based training, and understanding horses' emotions. Lynn also talks about being a protector leader and what horses really want

Mikel Delgado - The Big Problem? They Don't Understand Cats - S2 E11

Jan 25 2024 57 mins  
Send us a Text Message.Join us as we speak with cat behaviorist, Mikel Delgado about how your cat's name can affect its personality and why it's hard for some cats to just get along. Learn about Mikel's journey from being in a punk rock band to cat expert. Learn how to make a happy home for multiple cats and discover easy ways to keep your cat content.Get simple tips to take better

Dr. Susan Fay - Sacred Spaces - Communicating with the Horse through Science and Spirit - S1 E10

Dec 22 2023 58 mins  
Send us a Text Message.SummaryDr. Susan Faye discusses the importance of horses in our lives and the lessons they teach us. She emphasizes the need for emotional awareness and being present with horses and other animals. Dr. Faye explains how energy regulation and acknowledging our emotions can improve our relationships with animals. She also discusses her book 'Sacred Spaces' and

Dr. Ian Dunbar - With Dogs, Increasing the Good, Decreases the Bad - S1 E9

Dec 19 2023 84 mins  
Send us a Text Message.When Dr. Ian Dunbar talks about dogs, it's impossible not to sit up and listen. His latest work, "Barking Up the Right Tree," is more than a book; it's a manifesto for compassionate canine companionship that promises to redefine our relationships with our four-legged friends. Tales of cows with personality and horses with heart remind us that the principles o

Tiffany Stauffer - Give Them the Right Tools and Let Your Horses Think for Themselves - S1 E8

Nov 14 2023 64 mins  
Send us a Text Message.Ever wished you could truly understand the world of horses? Longed for a deeper connection that transcends conventional horse training? Join host, Barbara O'Brien as we talk with with liberty trainer Tiffany Stauffer of Grace and Grit Horsemanship, who left the financially secure world of engineering to start her own business helping people learn how to do li