Episodes

  • Episode 9: Learning about the Cincinnati Zoo's cat ambassador program and the dogs who are raised with cheetahs

    Episode 9: Learning about the Cincinnati Zoo's cat ambassador program and the dogs who are raised with cheetahs
    Nov 13 2024
    Guest:
    Linda Castañeda
    Lead Trainer for the Cat Ambassador Program
    at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

    About Linda:
    Linda grew up in the concrete jungle of Los Angeles but was inspired by watching David Attenborough throughout her childhood. She was immersed in nature when she attended Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, where she earned a bachelor’s in Biology. After starting her biology career in field research in Eastern Oregon and then in West Africa, she decided to meld her passions for conservation and animals by making her way into the zoo field. Linda attended the Exotic Animal Training and Management (EATM) program at Moorpark College in Moorpark, CA and found her way to the Cincinnati Zoo as an intern, then a seasonal summer hire. Linda had a brief stretch in Chicago at Lincoln Park Zoo before making her way back to Cincinnati Zoo. She spends her day working with a variety of African species, including cheetahs, servals, a porcupine, a red river hog and domestic dogs and cats. While Linda is obsessed with cheetahs, she also works with global fishing cat conservationists through the Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance, where she serves on the board.

    What you will learn in this Episode:

    What is the Cincinnati Zoo Cat Ambassador Program, how did it start and why is it important?

    What types of training does Linda and her staff do with the cheetahs?

    Why do they raise baby cheetahs with dogs? How can you help?

    For more information, please visit these links:
    https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2024/05/01/cheetahs-dogs-friends-cincinnati-zoo/73499121007/

    https://cincinnatizoo.org/becoming-an-ambassador-kris-and-remus-update/

    https://cincinnatizoo.org/celebrating-cathryn-hilker-on-her-90th-birthday/

    Learn more about your host Lisa Desatnik, CPDT-KA, FFCP, FDM, CPBC, at
    www.SoMuchPETential.com
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    35 mins
  • Episode 8: What is a veterinary behaviorist and who should seek one?

    Episode 8: What is a veterinary behaviorist and who should seek one?
    Jul 1 2024
    Guest: Dr. Jill E Sackman, DVM, PhD
    owner, Animal Behavior Consultants of Michigan


    Dr. Sackman is a board-certified diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviors; and a board
    certified diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. She is the owner of Animal Behavior Consultants of Michigan, PLC where she practices an approach to behavioral medicine that combines learning theory, skilled medical training, and experience along with compassion and effective communication to create an integrated treatment plan that is tailored to the individual patient’s needs. Prior to starting her private practice, Dr. Sackman spent several years in research and development at Johnson & Johnson where she led a team of veterinarians and engineers in developing cutting-edge medical products. She is sought after internationally as a speaker on behavior.

    Among what you will learn in this episode:

    What is a veterinary behaviorist and how is a veterinary behaviorist different from a regular vet
    When would it be a good time to be referred to or seek the assistance of a veterinary behaviorist
    What are some of the reasons why physiology can impact aggression,
    anxiety, guarding
    What signs should someone be looking for to indicate an underlying physiology problem

    You can learn more about Dr. Sackman and how she can help at https://www.animalbehaviormi.com/

    Learn more about your host Lisa Desatnik, CPDT-KA, FFCP, FDM, CPBC, at
    www.SoMuchPETential.com.
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    26 mins
  • Episode 7: Parenting A Dog And A Human Toddler

    Episode 7: Parenting A Dog And A Human Toddler
    Jun 3 2024
    Are you a parent of a baby or toddler…and a dog? This episode is for you!

    In my last episode, I spoke with my own teacher and mentor, Jennifer Shryock, owner and founder of Family Paws® LLC, about preparing for life with a baby and dog. I encourage you to go back and listen to that if you are an expecting parent.

    This time Jen and I talk about parenting a toddler and a dog together. How to plan for minimizing stress, safety and getting everyone’s needs met.

    That can be a challenge. I hope that this parenting discussion about families with a toddler and a dog will be helpful!

    About Jennifer Shryock, CDBC: Jennifer Shryock is owner and founder of Family Paws® LLC. She is a certified dog behavior consultant (CDBC), has a bachelor’s degree in special education, with over 30 years’ experience. She has served on multiple boards, including the International Childbirth Education Association, and was vice president of Doggone Safe, a non-profit dedicated to dog bite prevention and victim support. A recognized expert on dog and baby/toddler interactions and safety, Jen has mentored hundreds of dog professionals, written and spoken extensively about these topics including in media such as The Wall Street Journal and Martha Stewart LIVING.

    While working with a rescue organization from which she adopted her dog, Jen found herself supporting families with babies or young children overwhelmed by the challenges of their situations. The need she saw for support and education led her to build resources for new and expecting families. Family Paws® offers the highly endorsed international program Dogs & Storks® for expecting and adopting families, Dogs & Toddlers™, and educational programs for dog professionals globally. I am one of hundreds of licensed Family Paws parent educators worldwide who have completed Jen’s 13-week program to support young families.

    For resources and much more information from Family Paws, please visit www.familypaws.com.

    For information about dog training (and parrot behavior consulting) with Lisa Desatnik, CPDT-KA, FFCP, FDM, CPBC, please visit www.SoMuchPETential.com.
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    20 mins
  • Episode 6: Preparing For Life With A Baby And Dog

    Episode 6: Preparing For Life With A Baby And Dog
    May 12 2024
    Jennifer Shryock is owner and founder of Family Paws® LLC. She is a certified dog behavior consultant (CDBC), has a bachelor’s degree in special education, with over 30 years’ experience. She has served on multiple boards, including the International Childbirth Education Association, and was vice president of Doggone Safe, a non-profit dedicated to dog bite prevention and victim support. A recognized expert on dog and baby/toddler interactions and safety, Jen has mentored hundreds of dog professionals, written and spoken extensively about these topics including in media such as The Wall Street Journal and Martha Stewart LIVING.

    While working with a rescue organization from which she adopted her dog, Jen found herself supporting families with babies or young children overwhelmed by the challenges of their situations. The need she saw for support and education led her to build resources for new and expecting families. Family Paws® offers the highly endorsed international program Dogs & Storks® for expecting and adopting families, Dogs & Toddlers™, and educational programs for dog professionals globally.

    I am one of hundreds of licensed Family Paws parent educators worldwide who have completed Jen’s 13- week program to support young families.

    Among what we cover:

    What is Active Awake Adult Supervision and why is it important?
    Common challenges to give you thought
    Tips for welcoming home your baby.

    For resources and much more information from Family Paws, please visit www.familypaws.com.

    For information about dog training (and parrot behavior consulting) with Lisa Desatnik, CPDT-KA, FFCP, FDM, CPBC, please visit www.SoMuchPETential.com.
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    23 mins
  • Episode 5: Treating Separation Anxiety

    Episode 5: Treating Separation Anxiety
    May 4 2024
    This is a follow up to Episode 4 where I spoke with Dr. Moira Hechenleitner, DVM, CSAT,
    talking about what is separation anxiety in dogs. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to
    listen to that episode. Dr. Hechenleitner has spent the last 15 years offering consultation
    services for pet guardians and teaching courses to dog professionals.

    In this Episode 5, Dr. Hechenleitner talks about the treatment of separation anxiety.

    There is hope!

    why assessing your dog’s behaviors are an important first step
    Dr. Hechenleitner’s 3 pillars of separation anxiety treatment including
    what does the actual separation anxiety treatment training look like

    Thanks for listening!

    As a reminder, learn more about Dr. Hechenleitner and her support for dog owners and
    dog professionals at www.separationanxietydog.com.

    Learn more about me and my dog training at www.SoMuchPETential.com.
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    31 mins
  • Episode 4: What is separation anxiety in dogs and is there hope?

    Episode 4: What is separation anxiety in dogs and is there hope?
    Apr 23 2024
    Separation anxiety is a very real phobia for many companion dogs. Being alone is
    downright terrifying for them. And that makes living with these dogs so very stressful for
    pet parents.

    This is the first of a 2-part series discussing Separation Anxiety and its treatment.
    My guest is my own coach, teacher, and mentor when it comes to helping others find hope
    with separation anxiety.

    Dr. Moira Hechenleitner graduated from Mayor University College of Veterinary Medicine
    in 2007, in Santiago, Chile. She is a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT), with a
    postgraduate in Animal-Assisted Therapy.

    Dr. Hechenleitner is a founding board member of the Chilean Association of Professional
    Dog Trainers (APDT Chile) and has spent the last 15 years offering consultation services
    for pet guardians and teaching courses to dog professionals. She is a speaker on the
    topic of Separation Anxiety, giving seminars internationally in English and Spanish.

    She currently resides in Noank, Connecticut and helps dogs and their families from all over
    the world overcome separation anxiety. Learn more about her educational programs and
    support for professionals and pet parents at www.separationanxietydog.com.

    Among what you will learn from listening:

    What is separation anxiety?
    How does separation anxiety differ from confinement distress?
    Are there causes of separation anxiety?
    When you bring home a puppy or rescue dog, how can you acclimate to alone time?
    Is there hope?

    Come back to the second of this 2-part series with Dr. Hechenleitner as we talk about the
    treatment of separation anxiety.

    Thanks for listening!

    As a reminder, learn more about Dr. Hechenleitner and her support for dog owners and
    dog professionals at www.separationanxietydog.com.

    Learn more about me and my dog training at www.SoMuchPETential.com.
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • Episode 3: When Your Pet Crosses The Rainbow Bridge - Part 2

    Episode 3: When Your Pet Crosses The Rainbow Bridge - Part 2
    Apr 7 2024
    EPISODE 3 SHOW NOTES

    Episode 3: Helping Parents Support Their Children Through Pet Loss

    This is my Part Two episode with Tammy Wynn, founder and CEO of Cincinnati based pet hospice, Angel’s Paws. In Part Two, we talked about supporting your pet, yourself and others through pet loss, on the journey to and past the Rainbow Bridge. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to listen to that episode (Episode 2).

    In this episode, our focus is on pet loss through the perspective of parents who share a life with human and non-human kids. Tammy and Joel Altman co-authored a beautiful book Gaining Wings, that helps families with kids deal with the grief of losing a pet over the Rainbow Bridge.

    In the book, pages are compassionately mixed with explaining love and loss through a story for kids, and well thought out tips for parents. In a very gentle way, this book normalizes loss and grief, and reminds families to cherish the experiences and love shared. There are suggestions for creating a bucket list of activities to maximize families’ remaining time with their pet, and preplanning ways to celebrate their pet so as not to forget.

    Some of the points that will be covered in this discussion include:

    Why you should put on your own oxygen mask as a first step
    An explanation of a child’s perspective on pet loss
    How to talk to your child about pet loss
    How you can involve your child in the process of saying good-bye

    For more information about Angel’s Paws, please visit www.AngelsPaws.com
    To purchase the book, Gaining Wings, please visit www.GainingWings.com
    For information on your host, Lisa Desatnik, please visit www.SoMuchPETential.com.

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    14 mins
  • Episode 2: When Your Pet Crosses The Rainbow Bridge - Part 1

    Episode 2: When Your Pet Crosses The Rainbow Bridge - Part 1
    Mar 31 2024
    Episode 2: When Your Pet Crosses The Rainbow Bridge

    In this first of a two-part episode, Lisa Desatnik, CPDT-KA, FFCP, FDM, CPBC, talks with Tammy Wynn, founder and CEO of Cincinnati, Ohio-based Angel’s Paws. You will gain a deeper understanding of supporting your pet, yourself, and others as your journey toward and past the Rainbow Bridge.

    Angel’s Paws is the first complete end of life service offering in home pet hospice, including in home euthanasia, private cremation, free pet loss support groups and one to one grief counseling. The organization has compassionately helped over 30,000 pet parents through this process.

    Tammy is a licensed therapist with over 30 years of experience. During the six years of preparation to open Angel’s Paws, she took a job as a hospice social worker to fully understand hospice and its operation in order to bring it to the animal world AND THEN studied to become a registered vet tech (RVT), the nursing equivalent in veterinary medicine, to truly bring the full spectrum of pet hospice to a reality.

    Among the topics that will be covered:

    The stages of grief
    The Rainbow Scale and how it can help you to know when it is time to let go
    The importance of self-care
    Supporting a friend who is going through this process with their pet
    Why celebration is helpful to your grieving process

    In the second episode of this series, Lisa will talk with Tammy about how children grieve pet loss, and how to help them.

    Learn more about Angel’s Paws here: https://www.angelspaws.com/
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    28 mins