PPG Podcast

Join Niki Tudge and Judy Luther as they chat and chuckle with Dale Ward of Dale's Dog Training Academy about her book, Raising the Worst Dog Ever: A Survival Guide—winner in the Human/Animal Bond category of the 2020 Dog Writers Association of America competition!

Join PPG's Feline Division Chair Laura Cassiday and Joanna Wachowiak-Finlaison as they chat and chuckle with Dr. Mikel Delgado of Feline Minds about play and enrichment for cats! Be on the lookout for Dr. Delgado's new book, Play With Your Cat, coming out in February 2024!

Hanna runs Nosework Cats as well as Hot Fuzz Dog Training from her home in New York State. She has been training dogs for more than 10 years and began teaching canine nosework in 2018. She reached the NW3-Elite title level competing with her pit bull, Derek, before he passed away. Hanna started developing her own ideas on how to play nosework with her cats in the spring of 2020 during the start of the pandemic, making adjustments to how she played nosework with dogs so that her cats would find the activity fun, challenging and motivating. She’s been adding her imaginative, artful skills and humor to the mix with her online Nosework Cats class to make it unique and her own. 

Enjoy listening as Laura, Melissa and Hanna share their expertise in a fun, free-flowing format!

Your Moderator: PPG Advocacy Division Chair Don Hanson

Your Advocacy Panel for this discussion: Kristi Benson, Judy Luther, Pat Miller, Debbie Sheridan, Dr. Zazie Todd and Sam Wike.

Pet guardians and pet professionals, listen as panel members share their expertise in a fun, free-flowing format!

Join Niki Tudge as she chats and chuckles with Dr. Kristina Spaulding of Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior and Irith Bloom of The Sophisticated Dog about agency and choice, as well as slow thinking, stress, learned helplessness and much more!

Pet guardians and pet professionals, enjoy listening as Dr. Spaulding, Irith and Niki share their expertise in a fun, free-flowing format!

Join PPG Founder and President Niki Tudge and Canine Division Chair Judy Luther as they chat and chuckle with Dr. Jennifer Nesbitt-Hawes of Pet Perspective in Australia about puppies!

Pet guardians and pet professionals, enjoy listening as Dr. Nesbitt, Niki and Judy share their expertise in a fun, free-flowing format!

Join Niki Tudge and Judy Luther as they chat and chuckle with Carrie Anne Selwyn of Canine Hoopers World based in Surrey, United Kingdom, about hoopers! Learn why Carrie calls hoopers "the laziest dog sport for the handler," but also one of the most inclusive sports for dogs.

Pet guardians and pet professionals, enjoy listening as Carrie, Niki and Judy share their expertise in a fun, free-flowing format!

Your Moderator: PPG Advocacy Division Chair Don Hanson

Your Advocacy Panel for this discussion: PPG Founder and President Niki Tudge, Sue Kocher, Linda Michaels, Debbie Sheridan, Dr. Zazie Todd and Sam Wike.

Join PPG Founder and President Niki Tudge and Canine Division Chair Judy Luther as they chat and chuckle with Veronica Sanchez of Cooperative Paws Service Dog Education, a PPG Corporate Partner. Veronica shares information about her Service Dog Coach certificate program that is opening for enrollment on Tuesday, January 31, 2023. Enrollment for this program opens only twice per year, so don't miss your opportunity to apply now at cooperativepaws.com! Other topics covered in this episode include:

Pet guardians and pet professionals, listen as Veronica shares her expertise in a fun, free-flowing format.

Your Moderator: PPG Advocacy Division Chair Don Hanson

Your Advocacy Panel for this discussion: PPG Founder and President Niki Tudge, Debbie Sheridan, Kim Silver, Sue Kocher, Judy Luther and Beth Adelman.

Join PPG Feline Division Chair Laura Cassiday and Joanna Wachowiak-Finlaison, also with the PPG Feline Division, as they chat and chuckle with Sandra Grossmann of The Feline Consultant about feline nutrition and feeding cats.

Join the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) Advocacy Panel for a discussion on Top Tips on How to Network and Spread the Mission

Pet guardians and pet professionals, listen as panel members share their expertise in a fun, free-flowing format.

Your Moderator: PPG Advocacy Division Chair Don Hanson

Your Advocacy Panel for this discussion includes: Aaron Jones of the PPG Inclusivity Division and PPG Shelter and Rescue Division, Linda Michaels, Kim Silver, Dr. Karolina Westlund and Monique Williams of the PPG Equid Division.

Join Niki Tudge and PPG Feline Division Chair Laura Cassiday of Pawsitive Vibes Cat Behavior and Training as they chat about cat declawing, current legislation banning the procedure and ways to advocate for cats to keep their claws. 

Apologies in advance for some audio issues in this episode!

Join Kelly Fahey and PPG Canine Committee Chair Judy Luther as they chat and chuckle with Veronica Boutelle and Gina Phairas of dogbiz about the THRIVE! program. 

THRIVE! is an online program of dogbiz’s that provides group coaching and a supportive community to help R+ dog trainers and their businesses thrive.

You can read the full newsletter here 

Other PPG Publications

BARKS from the Guild presents a collection of valuable business and technical articles as well as reviews and news stories pertinent to our industry. BARKS is the official publication of the Pet Professional Guild and is designed for animal training and pet professionals.

Read BARKS

Pets and Their People presents a collection of articles as well as reviews pertinent to pet care. P&TP is a publication of the Pet Professional Guild and is designed for pet owners

Read Pets & Their People

Join the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) Advocacy Panel for a discussion on Dog Safety: Should It Be Taught in Schools? Is There a Public Safety Concern? Pet guardians and pet professionals, listen as panel members share their expertise in a fun, free-flowing format.

Your Moderators: PPG Advocacy Committee Chair Don Hanson

Your Advocacy Panel includes: Aaron Jones, Sam Wike, and Monique Williams

Join Niki Tudge, PPG Canine Committee chair Judy Luther and BARKS Magazine editor-in-chief Paula Garber as they Chat and Chuckle with Dr. Lisa Radosta, owner of Florida Veterinary Behavior Service and co-owner of The Real Dog Nerds, about pets with behavior problems requiring a veterinary behaviorist, and what pet guardians can look for and do in preparation for and support of a veterinary behavior program for their pet.

Join Niki Tudge as she chats and chuckles with Annie Phenix of Phenix Dogs about using emotion and connection in training. 

Annie’s new book, Positive Training for Aggressive and Reactive Dogs: Proven Techniques to Help Your Dog Recover from Fear and Anxiety and Enjoy Walks Calmly, will be available in November 2022.

Annie is also the author of The Midnight Dog Walkers published in 2016, and is a Certified Behaviourist and Family Dog Mediator.

Join Niki Tudge and PPG Canine Committee chair Judy Luther as they Chat and Chuckle with Dr. Kristina Spaulding of Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior about her new book, The Stress Factor in Dogs.

Join Niki Tudge and PPG Canine Committee chair Judy Luther as they Chat and Chuckle with Irith Bloom of The Sophisticated Dog about virtual dog training and much more. 

Join Niki Tudge and Judy Luther talking Scent with Dr. Robert Hewings, BSc. MA. D/Prof. (Head of School) and Karen Caton-Hewings.

Learn all about the upcoming PPG Scent Fest events:

Discover what will be covered and how much fun it will be!

Join Niki Tudge and PPG Canine Committee Chair Judy Luther to Chat & Chuckle with Lisa Radosta, DVM DACVB.

Dr. Radosta is the owner of Florida Veterinary Behavior Service, a specialty practice in southeast Florida and co-owns Dog Nerds, an online educational resource for guardians whose pets have behavior disorders.

For more information visit: https://flvetbehavior.com/about/veterinarians/

Join the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) Advocacy Panel for a discussion on Animal Emotions & Their Importance In Understanding Behavior.

Pet guardians and pet professionals, we invite you to listen as panel members share their expertise in a fun, free-flowing format.

Your Moderators: PPG president Niki Tudge and PPG Canine Committee chair Judy Luther

Your Advocacy Panel for this discussion includes: PPG Shelter & Rescue Committee chair K. Holden Svirsky, PPG Assistance Animal Committee representative Tracey Hagan, Aaron Jones of the PPG Inclusivity Committee, Linda Michaels, Dr. Kristina Spaulding, Dr. Zazie Todd, and Dr. Laura Donaldson.

You can reach Debby here 

In our chat we also discuss Annies new project and book, available in November 2022,  Positive Training for Aggressive and Reactive Dogs: Proven Techniques to Help Your Dog Recover from Fear and Anxiety and Enjoy Walks Calmly (CompanionHouse Books) Rehabilitating Fearful, Anxious Dogs. You can order it here 

Learn more here 

Join the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) Advocacy Panel for a  thoughtful and lively discussion about the Top Ten Things We Can Do to Help Veterinarians Help Us Help Our Pets.

The Advocacy Committee is a selection of notable practitioners, scientists and representatives from PPG committees.

Your Moderators: PPG Advocacy Committee chair Don Hanson & PPG president Niki Tudge

Your Advocacy Panel for this discussion:

Chair of the PPG Shelter & Rescue Division - Holden Svirsky, Kristi Benson, Sam Wike, co-chair of the PPG Feline Division– Beth Adelman, Tracey Hagan (PPG Assistance Animal Division), and Dr. Kristina Spaulding.

Additional Resources:

Pet Parents - How to Support Your Veterinary Team

The Husbandry Project

Join Niki Tudge and PPG Canine Committee chair Judy Luther as they Chat and Chuckle with Mychelle Garrigan of PPG corporate partner, Pet Pro Marketing.

Pet Pro Marketing provides digital marketing services for pet care professionals including website design, audits and maintenance; search engine optimization (SEO); content creation/copywriting; and social media/digital marketing strategy. 

Join PPG president, Niki Tudge and PPG Canine Committee chair Judy Luther for a fun and informative Chat & Chuckle with Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB of PPG Corporate Partner, Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior.

They discuss upcoming Research Bites topics and so much more.

Join the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) Advocacy Panel for a discussion on Recognizing Microaggressions So They Can Be Managed and Avoided

Pet guardians and pet professionals, listen as panel members share their expertise in a fun, free-flowing format.

Your Moderators: PPG president Niki Tudge & PPG Canine Committee Chair Judy Luther

Your Advocacy Panel for this discussion includes: Valarie Ross, Aaron Jones (PPG Inclusivity Committee), Co-chair of the PPG Feline Committee- Beth Adelman, Dr. Zazie Todd, and Dr. Eduardo Fernandez

Join PPG President Niki Tudge and PPG Canine Committee Chair Judy Luther as they Chat and Chuckle with Molly Neher and Jennifer Kolar of Atlas Assistance Dogs, a proud PPG Corporate Partner.

The mission of Atlas Assistance Dogs: "Atlas fundamentally expands access to assistance dogs. We support people with disabilities to train and certify their own service dog using positive, ethical training methods. At Atlas, we believe anyone who would benefit from a qualified assistance dog should be able to have one."

Join PPG president Niki Tudge and PPG Canine Committee chair Judy Luther to Chat & Chuckle with Dr. Em of Vet Med Corner. Dr. Em is a veterinarian looking to share research based information for anyone wanting to learn!

For further reading, please see:

The Pets Left Behind in Ukraine Need You – Here’s How You Can Help Today!

Join the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) Advocacy Panel for a discussion on competency. What Key Skills Should Pet Professionals Be Able to Demonstrate & Why? Pet guardians and pet professionals, listen as panel members share their expertise in a fun, free-flowing format.

Your Moderators: PPG Advocacy Committee Chair Don Hanson & PPG President Niki Tudge

Your Advocacy Panel for this discussion:

Sam Wike, Dr. Eduardo Fernandez, PPG Canine Committee Chair Judy Luther, Dr. Kristina Spaulding and Angel Rowe.

Join the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) Advocacy Panel for a discussion on When and How Should We Advocate for Outdoor Pets? Pet guardians and pet professionals, listen as panel members share their expertise in a fun, free-flowing format.

Your Moderator: PPG Advocacy Committee Chair Don Hanson

Your Advocacy Panel for this discussion:

The Advocacy Panel is a selection of notable practitioners, scientists and representatives from PPG committees. Your panelists for this discussion are:

Kristi Benson, PPG Canine Committee Chair Judy Luther, Dr. Laura Donaldson, and Dr. Kristina Spaulding.

Join PPG president Niki Tudge and PPG Canine Committee chair Judy Luther for a PPG Chat and Chuckle - Bringing Home a New Puppy - The trials and tribulations with Claire Staines of Lothlorien Dog Services.

Join Niki Tudge and Judy Luther to Chat and Chuckle with Valarie Ross from Sits 'n Wiggles - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Cleveland, Ohio. Listen as they discuss gear, reactive behavior in dogs, inclusivity and diversity in pet-related professions, important cues to teach every dog...and so much more!

Join the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) Advocacy Panel for a discussion on What Does Pet Industry Licensing Look Like? 

Listen as panel members explore this fundamental, controversial and very timely topic that directly affects pets and their guardians, as well as those working in the pet care industry.

Your Moderator: PPG Advocacy Committee Chair Don Hanson

Your Advocacy Panel for this discussion includes: PPG president Niki Tudge, K. Holden Svirsky – PPG Shelter & Rescue Committee, Aaron Jones – PPG Inclusivity Committee, Monique Williams - PPG Equid Committee, Dr. Eduardo Fernandez, Laurie Williams, Pat Miller, Linda Michaels, and Sam Wike.

Join Niki Tudge and PPG Canine Committee chair Judy Luther as they chat with Stefani M. Cohen, LCSW about helping dog lovers and dog trainers understand more about cynophobia - the fear of dogs - and how to help others overcome it.

In 2020, Stefani published her book, Overcoming Your Child’s Fear of Dogs, which is a step-by-step guide for parents based on exposure therapy using a live dog.

Join hosts PPG president Niki Tudge and PPG Canine Committee Chair Judy Luther for a very special Chat and Chuckle. They are joined by Dr. Karen Becker to discuss her The New York Times best seller, The Forever Dog - Surprising New Science to Help Your Canine Companion Live Younger, Healthier, and Longer! - co-authored with Rodney Habib.

Join the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) Advocacy Panel for a fascinating and thought-provoking discussion on 'Meeting People Where They Are to Facilitate Change.' 

Your host and moderator is PPG Advocacy Committee Chair Don Hanson.

The Advocacy Panel is a selection of notable practitioners, scientists and representatives from PPG committees. Your panelists for this discussion are: PPG president Niki Tudge, Holden Svirsky - Shelter & Rescue Committee, Aaron Jones - Inclusivity Committee, Beth Adelman - Feline Committee, Dr. Zazie Todd, Dr. Eduardo Fernandez, Dr. Laura Donaldson, Laurie Williams and Kristi Benson.

Pet guardians and pet professionals, listen as the panelists share their expertise and insights in a fun, free-flowing format. 

(Recorded on Friday, December 17, 2021.)

Join Niki Tudge as she Chats & Chuckles with Molly Kelsey, The Cat Counsellor about feline enrichment and socialization...and more! 

Cooperative Paws Service Dog Coach™ is a service dog trainer certificate program developed by Veronica Sanchez M.Ed. CABC, CPDT-KA, an expert in service dog training. The program is for experienced professional pet dog trainers who would like to learn how to train service dogs. Successful graduates earn the respected SDC™ certification.

Join the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) Advocacy Panel for a discussion on Advocating to Let Dogs be Dogs, Cats be Cats, Equids Be Equids. Pet guardians and pet professionals, listen as panel members share their expertise in a fun, free-flowing format.

Your Moderator: PPG Advocacy Committee Chair Don Hanson 

Your Advocacy Panel: Dr. Kristina Spaulding, Dr. Zazie Todd, Kristi Benson, Holden Svirsky (Shelter & Rescue Committee), Judy Luther (Canine Committee), Dr. Laura Donaldson, Dr. Karolina Westlund, Beth Adelman (Feline Committee), Monique Williams (Equid Committee), Karen Seifert.

Find out more about future Advocacy Panel topics and dates.

Join PPG president Niki Tudge and Denise O'Moore, chair of INTODogs, one of the Geek Week co-hosting organizations as they Chat & Chuckle with some Geek Week presenters and sponsors. Tasha Attwood, Dr. Jen Nesbitt-Hawes, Dr. Mindy Waite, Dr. Lisa Gunter and Dr. Melissa Starling chat about their planned sessions for Geek Week 2021 and share a few chuckles!

FIND OUT MORE about the presenters in our Geek Week 2021 Presenters Guide and explore the sessions discussed in this BARKS Podcast in our Geek Week 2021 Session Descriptions Guide.

Geek Week 2021 FEATURES: More than 90 events with live Q&A sessions; Educational content streaming 24 hours a day over 5 days; Academic, Behavior and Consulting tracks; 70+ top notch, internationally renowned speakers - 28 academics, 29 behavior experts and 13 consulting specialists; Special rates for Animal Shelters and Rescues; Exhibitor sessions – Meet live and face-to-face; Meet the authors – Get the details on what’s between the covers; Payment plans – Pay over 4 months; CEUs;  and a Virtual “Geeked-Up” Cocktail Party – Get fancy, network, and win prizes!

Register for Geek Week 2021!

Join Niki Tudge as she chats with a selection of our Geek Week Sponsors: Sara McLoudrey of Decisive Moment Pet Consulting, Gina Phairas of dogbiz, Revell Horsey of PocketSuite and Malena DeMartini of Malena DeMartini, Inc. 

Geek Week 2021 will feature Your Sponsor Hook-up: Loads of opportunity to spend quality time learning about industry innovations, products and services to help you and your business grow!

The Geek Week Key Sponsors will participate in Exhibitor Corners where they can set up their own events, provide videos and graphics, and answer all of your questions! We have a great selection of professionals who have joined us this year to support you and your business. And don't miss our Exhibitor Sessions! Jump on our Zoom event, twice daily, where all our Sponsor Partners will gather in one spot, at the same time. Take this opportunity to mingle and move across the breakout rooms to speak with our Exhibitors live. During the Sponsor Spotlight sessions, you can spend an hour live to ask questions and learn about new products and services that can benefit your business and the well-being of your clients and their pets. Check out the schedule for times and links.

Register for Geek Week 2021!

Join Niki Tudge and Denise O'Moore as they Chat and Chuckle with Louise Stapleton-Frappell, Dr. Lisa Radosta, Melissa Taylor, and Alexandra Santos about their planned sessions for Geek Week 2021.

Find out more about the presenters in our Geek Week 2021 Presenters Guide and explore the sessions discussed in this BARKS Podcast in our Geek Week 2021 Session Descriptions Guide.

Geek Week 2021 Features: More than 90 events with live Q&A sessions; Educational content streaming 24 hours a day over 5 days; Academic, Behavior and Consulting tracks; 70+ top notch, internationally renowned speakers - 28 academics, 29 behavior experts and 13 consulting specialists; Special rates for Animal Shelters and Rescues; Exhibitor sessions – Meet live and face-to-face; Meet the authors – Get the details on what’s between the covers; Payment plans – Pay over 4 months; CEUs;  and a Virtual “Geeked-Up” Cocktail Party – Get fancy, network, and win prizes!

Register for Geek Week 2021!

Join the PPG Advocacy Panel for a discussion on 'How to Reach and Work with Your Local Veterinarians.' Pet guardians and pet professionals, listen as panel members share their expertise in a fun, free-flowing format.

Your Moderators: Don Hanson & Niki Tudge

Your Advocacy Panel for this session: Kristi Benson, Holden Svirsky, Sam Wike, Dr. Eduardo Fernandez, Judy Luther, and Beth Adelman

Niki Tudge hosts a Chat & Chuckle with Emily Wolf and Libby Felts of Summit Dog Rescue and the podcast, Pod to the Rescue.

Emily and Libby provide us with an inside look at the newly created podcast, Pod to the Rescue. Whether you are fostering or adopting, the podcast was created with the goal of providing the rescue community with up-to-date information on dogs' behavior and how to set your dog up for success.

Listen for a special guest 'appearance' by Daisy the Dog - keeping it real!

Join Niki Tudge, Debra Millikan and Denise O'Moore as they Chat and Chuckle with Dr. Eduardo Fernandez, Michelle Martiya, K. Holden Svirsky, Grisha Stewart and Jean Donaldson about their planned sessions for Geek Week 2021.

Find out more about the presenters in our Geek Week 2021 Presenters Guide and explore the sessions discussed in this BARKS Podcast in our Geek Week 2021 Session Descriptions Guide.

Geek Week 2021 Features: More than 90 events with live Q&A sessions; Educational content streaming 24 hours a day over 5 days; Academic, Behavior and Consulting tracks; 70+ top notch, internationally renowned speakers - 28 academics, 29 behavior experts and 13 consulting specialists; Special rates for Animal Shelters and Rescues; Exhibitor sessions – Meet live and face-to-face; Meet the authors – Get the details on what’s between the covers; Payment plans – Pay over 4 months; CEUs;  and a Virtual “Geeked-Up” Cocktail Party – Get fancy, network, and win prizes!

Register for Geek Week 2021!

Join Niki Tudge as she Chats and Chuckles with Judy Luther, Leslie McDevitt, Veronica Sanchez and Dr. Karolina Westlund about their planned sessions for Geek Week 2021. 

Find out more about the presenters in our Geek Week 2021 Presenters Guide and explore the sessions discussed in this BARKS Podcast in ourGeek Week 2021 Session Descriptions Guide.

Geek Week 2021 Features: More than 90 events with live Q&A sessions; Educational content streaming 24 hours a day over 5 days; Academic, Behavior and Consulting tracks; 70+ top notch, internationally renowned speakers - 28 academics, 29 behavior experts and 13 consulting specialists; Special rates for Animal Shelters and Rescues; Exhibitor sessions – Meet live and face-to-face; Meet the authors – Get the details on what’s between the covers; Payment plans – Pay over 4 months; CEUs;  and a Virtual “Geeked-Up” Cocktail Party – Get fancy, network, and win prizes!

Read PPG's press release announcing the corporate partnership with Zigzag.

For more info on the app, see Zigzag's website.

Geek Week is the Pet Professional Guild’s virtual educational summit taking place this year on November 13-17. Features include: More than 90 events with live Q&A sessions, Educational content streaming 24 hours a day over 5 days, Academic, Behavior and Consulting tracks, 70+ top notch, internationally renowned speakers, 28 academics, 29 behavior experts and 13 consulting specialists, Special rates for Animal Shelters and Rescues, Exhibitor sessions – Meet live and face-to-face, Meet the authors – Get the details on what’s between the covers, Payment plans – Pay over 4 months, CEUs, and a Virtual “Geeked-Up” Cocktail Party - Get fancy, network, and win prizes!

All this delivered on an easy-to-use, innovative platform giving you one-click access to your events.

For more information and tickets, visit: www.GeekWeek.Rocks

Register for Geek Week 2021 at: www.GeekWeek.Rocks

Geek Week 2021 (November 13-17) Features: More than 90 events with live Q&A sessions, Educational content streaming 24 hours a day over 5 days, Academic, Behavior and Consulting tracks, 70+ top notch, internationally renowned speakers, Special rates for Animal Shelters and Rescues, Exhibitor sessions – Meet live and face-to-face, Meet the authors – Get the details on what’s between the covers, Payment plans, CEUs, and a Virtual “Geeked-Up” Cocktail Party!

Find out more about the Advocacy Panel, including future topics and dates.

Catch up on BARKS news. You can also read the BARKS Newsletter by Clicking Here.

You can reach Zazie via her website here. Grab your own copy of WAG by clicking here.

Learn more about Geek Week here

Catch up on BARKS news. You can also read the BARKS Newsletter here

Catch up on BARKS news. You can also read the BARKS Newsletter here

You can learn more about Rain and her work here at the website The Fearful Dog Project. 

About The Fearful Dog Project

The Fearful Dogs Project offers a comprehensive program of learning in order to equip you to best help fearful dogs, including feral dogs, puppy mill survivors, and others. We’ll cover the anti-aversives philosophy that underlies the program, as well as theory and activities that comprise the best practices for working or living with this population of dogs.

Who the Program is For

Professionals and non-pros welcome, including anyone living with or working around one or more fearful dogs.  Canine behavior consultants, dog trainers, veterinary staff, rescue, sanctuary, & shelter staff, fosterers & other volunteers, groomers, dog daycare owners, boarders or sitters, pet store staff, animal welfare & protection organizations, delivery workers, animal control officers, police officers, and of course pet parents.

Catch up on BARKS news. You can also read the BARKS Newsletter here https://petprofessionalguild.com/News-May-2021where you will find all the necessary links to delve more deeply into BARKS News and what is happening at PPG

Do dogs have mental representations of past events? Exploring the question of episodic memory in dogs.

What are the most effective approaches to aggression in dogs? A detailed examination of various aggression treatments.

How does training method impact emotional state? Examining the effect of methodology on wellbeing in dogs.

About Dr. Spualding 

Co-owner, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Behavior consultant, Class instructor

Click here to learn more 

Colleen Ellis

Veronica Boutelle

Tracey Lee Davis

logo-IMOTDA passionate advocate for positive reinforcement dog training methods, Stilwell is the Editor-in-Chief of Positively.com which features a roster of Positively Contributors comprised of the world’s leading veterinary behaviorists, dog trainers and behavioral scientists. She is a vocal opponent of punitive, dominance-based training techniques which often result in 'quick fixes' but ultimately cause more long-term harm than good while damaging the owner-dog relationship. Learn more here 

Colleen Ellis

Gina Phairas

Robert King 

Niki Tudge

Read the PPG Newsletter

Subscribe for BARKS from the Guild

PPG webinars

Upcoming events

The PPG Archive

Visit Dr. Westlunds website here 

You can reach them on Facebook here and at their website here 

You can reach Dr. Heffernan on Facebook here

Listen to the March 2021 Edition of BARKS News here. Learn about the Up Your Business Week FREE event for PPG Members, PPAB Launches French Language Option for Training and Behavior Credentials, PPG’s Gizmo Pens Letter to America’s First Dogs, PPG and Victoria Stilwell Positively Link Up  to Offer Training Support to White House Dog, Major, March Cat Behavior Call-In Lounge, Upcoming Facebook Live Sessions, March BARKS Now Available Online. 

Links to referenced documents 

You can find out more about Lisa and Brad at Cold Nose College 

Sara joined Synergy Behavior Solutions in 2016. She came to us from Chicago, where she owned her own successful dog training business.  She is the only Victoria Stillwell certified trainer in Oregon, a  CPDT-KSA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed), and FitPaws certified instructor.  She also has been a Certified Nosework instructor. Sara works with and enriches our patients through private instruction and Synergy's unique group classes.She competed the Fear Free Animal Trainer Certification. Learn more

Each month Susan Nilson puts together the latest news for our PPG Members. We are now podcasting the highlights of the PPG Newsletter so members who prefer Podcasts can catch up on everything PPG. To read the full BARKS Newsletter click here 

This podcast was sponsored by 2 Hounds Design. 

About 2 Hounds Design

2 Hounds Design almost never was.  Alisha never planned on starting a collar company.  With a background in theoretical and applied Physics, nobody could have guessed where the adventure would take her.

Quick Links

To learn more about the credentialing board click here 

The Accreditation Board  offers the only Accredited Training Technician & Professional Canine Trainer certification for professionals who believe there is no place for shock, choke, prong, pain, force or fear in pet training and behavior practices. The Board also offers the only  psychometrically sound examination for Training & Behavior Consultants who also support these humane and scientific practices. 

Learn more here https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/event-4097900

You can learn more about Claire Staines here

Get certified today. Click here to learn more abut the Service Dog Certification Program

You can learn more about the program here. Interested in supporting CAM and learning more about the organization, click here.

2021 Thrive!

Listen to the end of the interview and you can also get upto date information on the the Thrive Program by dog*biz

We’ve been hearing amazing things from PPG members about what they’ve been accomplishing through THRIVE!, and how much they love the program. We urge you to learn more and claim your spot here.

Remember—open enrollment is this week only, January 20-26. Grab this incredible opportunity while it’s available!

You can learn more about the  PPG Feline Committee by clicking here 

www.GeekWeek.Rocks

To review the full schedule you can see it listed here www.GeekWeekEvent.com

Join Niki Tudge as she chats to Louise Ginman, the President of APDT Australia one of the co-hosting organizations for  Geek Week. Louise is also doing two presentations at Geek Week and we discussed the topics of

My Dog Has Cancer: Navigating Cancer from a Pet Parents’ Perspective and Home Alone Program for Puppies and Dogs of All Ages.

About Louise

Louise Ginman PCT-A is a Delta Accredited and Professional Canine Trainer – Accredited dog behavioural trainer who runs a dog training business, Positive Dogs, in Sydney, New South Wales. She has served on the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) Australia committee since 2008 and been president since 2012. She also serves on the PPG Australia committee.

Ginman has several qualifications including a BSc and Certificate IV in companion animal services, as well as over 27 years’ experience with both domestic and exotic species in both a training and husbandry/management capacity. She worked as a veterinary nurse, dog and cat groomer and animal attendant in a busy and large practice in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney for several years before moving to Taronga Zoo in 1994 to work on the Carnivore Unit where she is the unit supervisor. Her role is varied and covers duties such as carnivore husbandry and management, animal training and enrichment, diets and nutrition, staff training and supervision, media work, conference presentations and other forms of public speaking, research, education and conservation work.

Ginman is guardian of a Shetland sheepdog and a Siberian husky and competes at agility, Rally O and obedience. Her book, The Art of Introducing Dogs. A guide to conducting dog to dog introductions, was published in 2013. She strives to educate people about living in harmony with their dog through her writing and pet dog training courses.

About Geek Week

Geek Week is the ultimate virtual event for professionals working in the fields of pet care, animal behavior and training, as well as for guardians who want to learn more about their pets!

So, join us for more than 130 sessions delivered by 85 world class presenters over 24 hours a day for a fabulous five days!

Register Today

The Accreditation Board sets a very high standard for competency and each credentialing level tests knowledge, basic training skills, conditioning a positive emotional response, running classes and for the Behavior Consultant case management is assessed through case studies. You can learn more about PPAB here  https://www.credentialingboard.com

In the back half of the chat we discussed the Pet Dog Ambassador Program and how important it is in promoting positive reinforcement-based pet training across our communities. The Pet Dog Ambassador program is a pet manners training program for dogs of all ages. Through the 5 step credentialing program pets learn the much-needed real life skills in a fun and supportive environment. The PDA program also attracts professionals who become licensed to not only teach the curriculum but also assess the pet dog skills. Learn about PDA here and how you can get involved.  https://www.petdogambassador.com/

Debra Millikan PCBC-A AABP-CABT CAP2

Debra Millikan has over 40 years’ experience in dog training that has seen her involved in conformation, obedience judging, pet manners classes and puppy pre-school. Currently, she serves on the board of the Pet Professional Guild, Doggone Safe, the Companion Animal Sciences Institute and the Association of Animal Behavior Professionals. She also trains aspiring instructors at Canine Behavioural School in Adelaide, South Australia.

Geek Week - Learn more here 

Learn more by visiting the website www.GeekWeek.Rocks

To learn more about Kelly you can visit her website here or her Facebook page.

Conversations with Dr. Karolina are always science based and animal welfare centered. Dr. Karolina represents her business Illis ABC where she provides top-notch education on animal behavior to pet industry professionals. To learn more about Illis and the programs they offer visit their website here https://illis.se/en/

To learn more about Dr. Kristina Spaulding and the education she offers please visit her website Smart Dog Training & Behavior 

Click here to find out more about dog*biz.

Ready to be inspired and energized? Possibly you’re an entrepreneur trying to be all things in this new business you’re rockin’, or maybe you just need a burst of energy to start you off on your next journey. For whatever you fall into as a member of a community or group, Coleen’s message will be just what you need to take YOU to the next level! Learn more about Coleen here

Niki Tudge chats to Dr. Zazie Todd about her new book, Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy. Dr. Todd is well-known among pet professionals for her blog Companion Animal Psychology, but she is also a featured blogger on Psychology Today.

Zazie Todd Ph.D. (psychology, University of Nottingham, England) MFA (creative writing, University of British Columbia, Canada) graduated with honors from Jean Donaldson’s Academy for Dog Trainers and has a Certificate of Feline Behaviour with Distinction from International Cat Care. She is a shelter affiliate member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, a multispecies professional member of the Pet Professional Guild, a volunteer at the BC SPCA, and an affiliate member of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.

How much do you not know, but need to know, about canine arthritis, a disease that can affect four out of five older dogs? Join Niki Tudge as she chats to Dr. Hannah Capon of PPG corporate partner Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) about this illness and how you can make changes in your living environment to help with pain management and thus achieve a better quality of life.

CAM aims to challenge arthritis as the major cause of elective euthanasia in the UK and is committed to promoting better care of our aging canine friends. CAM believes that, through education, the disease can be better tackled to give our dogs longer, healthier lives free from pain.

Help support CAM by sharing their resources, referring your clients and friends to their website, and grabbing some of the really cool CAM products from their store. PPG members, check your member area for updates on vendor programs and savings to be had when purchasing CAM products. To learn, more about canine arthritis, sign up for the recording of the PPG webinar, The Neglected Pieces of the Arthritis Puzzle - Important Interventions for Shelter Dogs Suffering with Arthritis, presented by Dr. Capon. PPG will donate the webinar sales to CAM to support their goals.

To learn more about Dr. Spaulding you can visit www.smartdogtrainingandbehavior.com

TransPaw Gear is a small but mighty operation. Joan runs the company in addition to her Santa Barbara training business The Inquisitive Canine. After those early experiences working with businesses and people who brought equal parts integrity and passion to their roles, the bar was set high for future collaborators; Joan continues to surround herself (albeit largely virtually these days) with dedicated support professionals – a writer/editor, marketing, SEO, and website specialists, and legal and accounting support – to help keep TransPaw Gear running smoothly while maintaining the company’s core values of integrity, transparency, and compassion, to name a few. She does this while always keeping one eye on the mission of bringing dogs and humans together

Visit there website https://transpawgear.com/ and muse the products, their blog and sign up for their newsletter. 

Niki Tudge interviws Veronica about her business and in particular the certificate program for professional dog trainers her company offers. 

Learn about how you can intergrate Service Dog Programs into your existing business model.  As Veronica says "the demand for service dogs has skyrocketed. Whether working with “owner-trainers,” people with disabilities training their own dogs for service work, or for a service dog program, there is a growing demand for dog trainers qualified to train service dogs. Unfortunately, few pet dog trainers are knowledgeable and skilled in service dog training" There are also fabulous on-demand programs you can register for and in particular one called Service Dog Fundamentals. Whether you are a professional dog trainer, career changer, owner-trainer or a healthcare professional, if you are interested in service dogs this course is a great starting point. You will learn about service dog laws, the service dog training process and understand how learning theory is applied to service dog training. This on-demand course covers the important basics anyone considering working with service dogs needs to know. Visit https://cooperativepaws.com/