Emotions, learning and animal training!

The free mini-course is back – for a limited time!

As animal lovers, it’s upsetting and frustrating when our animals are fearful, stressed and unhappy. That’s why I developed this free mini-course, which has already helped thousands of pet parents get thriving, happy animals who enjoy spending time with their people.

The course is called Emotions, Learning and Animal Training, and this is content that I typically share only with my students, but I like to lift the curtain and offer it for free to the general community once in a while…!

The course is divided into four bite-sized chunks:

1 – How Emotions Impact Learning. In the first video, we’ll talk about the interplay between learning and emotions, and why it’s important to recognize the crucial role of moods and emotions in determining the animal’s perception, decision making and behaviour. Also, we’ll discuss why animals sometimes stop responding to our cues. Hint: they might be scared rather than stubborn!

2 – Fun and focus – The Power of Positive Mood States! In video two, we’ll explore two of the core emotions that impact the outcome of our attempts to train animals: SEEKING and PLAY, and how we can harness these to also improve wellbeing. We’ll cover the surprising truth about dopamine and I’ll do my best to convince you that a clicker should be in your toolbox… 😉 Also, are you familiar with all the seven mechanisms involving the effects of play that you can use to improve your training? I cover them in this video!

3 – Relationships and Training Outcomes. In video three, we’ll discuss how we can develop better relationships with our animals. I’ll talk about the importance of making a good first impression, how to do a consent test, and you’ll also get to meet the Cow-Dog. And, in case you’re curious, I’ll describe how to go about increasing the probability of raising a cat who falls asleep in your lap – as opposed to one who just cheek-rubs and then walks away. 🙂 Might this be applied to other species, too? I should think so!

4 – Preventing and Diminishing Fear. In this final video, we’ll discuss the different outcomes that animals are trying to achieve when showing fearful versus aggressive behaviour, and the multiple unfortunate ways that these emotional states impact learning. I explain how contextual fear conditioning and latent inhibition might be the difference between one animal who is trembling and cowering at the vet’s, and another who’s taking the veterinary visit in stride. Also, are you aware of how to carry out counterconditioning – and how not to? Did you know that sensitization is multi-modal, affecting senses such as sight, hearing and touch – and why it matters? And the million dollar question: why doors should open towards the outside rather than inside of a building?

There you have it. I cover all of the above – and more – in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. And I also answer any behaviour-related questions you might have in the course’s comments’ section.  

Still unsure of whether it’s for you? Here’s what previous students said about this workshop:

• I haven’t had the pleasure of taking your full course, however the 4-day class you offer has altered the course of my life, my entire life! My life with my horse, my dog’s, my marriage, my work, mentally and emotionally… everything. (Jessica)
• All of Sunday was dedicated to immersing myself in each video, taking tons of important notes and then re-watching them all again. (Donald)
• What a pleasant surprise!!! The video was magnificent! I didn’t expect to find something so good for free. (Παράσχης)
• This is really wonderful. Priceless knowledge. I am very glad to participate. (Vida)
• 4 videos and 37 pages of notes later, I know I am going to need a much bigger notebook for the full course! (Jude)
• First, let me say this: the content of the first video is not new to me. Yet, the way you’re talking about it… WOW! (Anna)
• It’s a revelation for me 🙂. It’s very clear and sooo helpfull!! (Celine)
• I just wanted you to know how REALLY IMPORTANT work little ol’ me thinks you’re doing. (Suvi)
• Watching your videos lit a fire in my soul that felt snuffed. (Anne)
• My mentor introduced me to you and absolutely raves about you and your work. Now I know why. 🙂 (Adriana)
• This was amazing! I have just graduated from university with an animal behaviour degree and I wish they explained things this clearly on my course! Absolutely brilliant. (Marta)

Below are the dates to keep in mind for the 2025 rerun of the workshop:

• Part 1 – released on Jan 9th. How emotions impact learning.  
• Part 2 – available Jan 12th. Fun and Focus! 
• Part 3 – published Jan 14th. Good relationships promote successful training. 
• Part 4 – accessible Jan 16th.  Fear and aggressive behaviour.  
• Access to the free content ends on Jan 23rd.

Sign up below, and  I’ll email you as soon as one of the videos is published – and I’ll also keep you posted on my free webinars, masterclasses, silly experiments, online courses and blog posts – all about animal behaviour and wellbeing! This particular mini-course is only available for a limited time, so make sure to keep an eye on your inbox!

If you’re having trouble signing up, shoot me an email and I’ll add you to the course personally! It may take up to 24 hours.