The Empathetic Trainer

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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.

Barbara O’Brien


    • Mar 2, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 59m AVG DURATION
    • 25 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Empathetic Trainer

    Elizabeth Gonzales - Every Horse and Every Person Deserves a Second Chance S3 E25

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2025 44:22 Transcription Available


    Send us a textIn this episode of The Empathetic Trainer podcast, host Barbara O'Brien chats with Jessica Gonzalez, a dedicated horse rescuer and author of Equine Empowerment. They discuss how horses help people heal, the power of positive reinforcement training, and the deep bond between horses and young people. Jessica shares her journey, the challenges of running a nonprofit, and the importance of trust, patience, and second chances—both for horses and humans.Key Takeaways:Horses provide healing and companionship, especially for those struggling socially.Positive reinforcement builds trust between horses and people.Understanding horse behavior and emotions improves training.Working with rescue horses teaches patience, resilience, and empathy.Jessica's nonprofit empowers youth through equine therapy.Every horse—and every person—deserves a second chance.Tune in for an inspiring conversation on love, trust, and the transformative power of horses!https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

    Dr. Shelly Appleton - My Horse's Problem was Actually Me - S2 E23

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2024 70:56 Transcription Available


    Send us a textBarbara O'Brien talks with horse trainer, coach and author Dr. Shelley Appleton about building trust and confidence between riders and their horses. Shelley shares how things like fear, aging, and hormones can affect riding, especially for women. They talk about the importance of patience, understanding, and learning to see things from the horse's point of view.  In addition to being the host of the Canter Therapy podcast, Shelley is the author of two books - Confidence & Trust, Solving the Human & Horse Equation; and Buying & Supporting a New Horse, The Essential Guide. This episode is full of tips for riders and the value of working with others to grow and learn.https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

    Chelsey Bosak - All Of Our Dogs End Up Where They Are Meant to Be

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2024 44:25 Transcription Available


    Send us a textHave you ever wondered what it takes to train a service dog that can transform someone's life? In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Chelsey Bosak from Helping Paws Minnesota, an organization that specializes in training service dogs for individuals with physical disabilities, veterans, and first responders affected by PTSD. Chelsey shares her journey to becoming Helping Paws' volunteer coordinator and offers an inside look at the organization's mission to provide highly trained service dogs free of charge, thanks to the dedication of volunteers and donors.https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

    Chris Lombard - The Power of Patience and Presence in Horse Training - S2 E21

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2024 73:49 Transcription Available


    Send us a Text Message.Have you ever felt a profound connection to something that completely shifted your life's direction? In this episode of the Empathetic Trainer Podcast, we chat with Chris Lombard, a horse trainer and author who found his calling in the equine world at the age of 26. Chris shares his transformative journey from a conventional life to one filled with the peace and purpose he discovered through horses. We explore the deep emotional bonds between humans and horses, the courage it takes to follow one's heart, and the healing power of equine therapy. Throughout our conversation, Chris and I dive into themes of reconnecting with nature, the innate wisdom within us, and the courage required to pursue our true passions amidst societal pressures. We also touch upon the emotional bond formed between humans and horses, especially through Chris's poignant experience of losing his beloved horse, Rocky. These narratives highlight the importance of patience, presence, and bravery in building trust and meaningful connections with animals.Chris shares valuable insights on healing from past injuries and overcoming fears, illustrating how horses can catalyze personal growth. Join us to discover the lessons that horses teach us about living authentically, embracing uncertainties, and fostering deep, soulful connections.https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

    Ingrid Henry - What we are Trying to Communicate is Trust - S2 E20

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2024 60:40 Transcription Available


    Send us a Text Message.Ingrid Henry, an equine coach, discusses the importance of trust and consistency in building a strong relationship with horses. Ingrid emphasizes the need for patience and understanding when working with challenging horses and highlights the value of undemanding time spent with them. She also addresses the issue of fear in horse-human relationships and offers advice on how to overcome it. In this conversation, Ingrid discusses her passion for dressage and eventing, emphasizing the importance of building a harmonious connection with horses. She shares insights on how to overcome fear and frustration in riding, highlighting the role of emotional awareness and regulation. Ingrid also talks about the significance of confidence, leadership, and honesty in horse-human relationships. She provides practical tips for handling spooking incidents and promoting a sense of curiosity and confidence in horses. Finally, Ingrid emphasizes the value of continuous learning, empathy, and gentle honesty in developing a harmonious connection with horses.We tackle the challenging emotions tied to horse handling, especially after traumatic experiences. Our host recounts a pivotal moment involving an Arab mare and a broken pelvis, highlighting how past traumas can influence current training sessions. By comparing the responses of different horses to their handlers, we emphasize the crucial role of self-awareness and emotional control. Through personal stories and practical examples, we discuss the journey of overcoming fear, emphasizing the importance of not projecting past anxieties onto new equine relationships.https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

    Grace Olson - There is Something Magical about Horses and Sheep that dissolves your sadness and brings you back into the light S2 E 19

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2024 52:36 Transcription Available


    Send us a Text Message.Experience the transformative power of animal therapy with our special guest Grace Olson, a dedicated therapist and author from Leeds, West Yorkshire, whose unique practice involves the compassionate companionship of horses and sheep. Grace shares her fascinating journey into animal therapy, which began with her sheep, Merlin, providing unexpected comfort to a depressed client. Discover how these animals, once meant for slaughter, have found new purpose in offering emotional support to terminally ill individuals, promoting relaxation and peace through their gentle presence.Grace also opens up about her journey as an author during the lockdown, from sharing heartfelt stories on Facebook to overcoming numerous rejections and finding success through self-publishing. Her book, "The Yard: How a Horse Healed My Heart," is a testament to her resilience and passion for storytelling. This episode emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of nature and animals, the importance of finding inner peace, and seeking support during tough times. As we wrap up, Grace shares behind-the-scenes insights from filming "The Yorkshire Vet," offering a humorous glimpse into the reality of working with therapy sheep. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about purpose, legacy, and the healing power of animals.https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

    Kari Bastyr - Your Dog is Not Bad, He is Just Having a Hard Time S2 E18

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2024 60:40 Transcription Available


    Send us a Text Message.Kari Bastier of Wag &Train, is a dog behaviorist and canine nutritionist. She debunks the dominance theory, showing that dogs act out due to stress and anxiety and not a desire to dominate their owners. Carrie emphasizes the gut-brain connection, sharing stories about Paisley, a chocolate lab, whose behavior issues were improved by a simple change in diet.  https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2024 75:05 Transcription Available


    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 build a better, more trusting relationship.  We also talk about how horses never stop learning and can be trained at any age with atunement and understanding. Julie recommends books like 'True Horsemanship Through Feel' by Bill Dorrance and Leslie Desmond, and 'Warwick Schiller's Principles of Training'. Julie shares her biggest failure, which involved a horse named Ethel, and how it taught her the importance of not believing what others say about horsemanship. They also talk about fear and the need to acknowledge and respect it, as well as the luckiest thing that has happened to Julie, which is having her mother as a role model.https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2024 76:43 Transcription Available


    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 influenced by her roots in the Midwest. Susan shares how Henry was kind and caring towards her readers, even writing them personal letters. Susan also had the chance to see original art by Wesley Dennis who illustrated many of Henry's books.Our chat also touches on how Henry's books have inspired young readers to love horses and how they've brought horse lovers together. Whether we're talking about the excitement of the Chincoteague Pony Penning Swim or the comfort horses can bring, we celebrate Henry's legacy and the happiness her books bring to so many people.https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2024 43:29 Transcription Available


    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 of kindness and personal interaction. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that will enhance your relationship with your best dog friend, especially during those times when they need extra care and attention!https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2024 55:10 Transcription Available


    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 collie named Tayla. Kera emphasizes using positive reinforcement and empathy in training, focusing on relaxation techniques and behavior modification. She also discusses the need for owners to learn about science-based training methods and the importance of reading dogs' body language. Kara warns against quick fixes and misinformation in training, and encourages empathy and compassion in both human and animal interactions.https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 85:57 Transcription Available


    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 rather than performance. And that real change requires patience, understanding and the willingness to adapt to the individual needs of each horse.This episode paints a hopeful picture of a future where the bond between horses and humans grows stronger through empathy and understanding. Join us as we explore this transformative philosophy in equine care and training.https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

    Lynn Acton - Author, Trainer and Certified Riding instructor

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2024 70:03 Transcription Available


    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 from us. Get simple and actionable advice for creating a strong bond with horses and keeping them happy by avoiding unnecessary stress. Whether you're a horse enthusiast or just curious, Lynn's down-to-earth wisdom makes it easy to connect with these amazing animals.https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

    Mikel Delgado - Author and Cat Behavior Consultant

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2024 57:52 Transcription Available


    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 care of your cat and enjoy a closer connection. Tune in for an enlightening and fun chat about cats!https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

    Dr. Susan Fay - Equine Clinician and Author

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2023 58:32 Transcription Available


    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 the science behind the connection between humans and horses. Dr. Faye shares her experiences with horses and the transformative power of going slow. She encourages listeners to be in the world in a more meaningful way and make a positive impact.TakeawaysEmotional awareness and regulation are essential for building a strong connection with horses and other animals.Being present and regulated in our interactions with animals can improve their well-being and our relationship with them.Going slow and taking the time to understand horses can lead to transformative experiences and build trust.Energy awareness and being congruent with our emotions can enhance communication and understanding with animals.https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

    Dr. Ian Dunbar - Animal Behaviorist, Trainer and Author

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2023 84:42 Transcription Available


    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 of positive reinforcement extend far beyond the backyard. Through personal anecdotes, like the transformation of an uncatchable horse named Pudding, we discover the patience and kindness necessary to train animals in a way that speaks to their nature, not against it. As we wrap up our time with Dr. Dunbar, we explore the revival of a classic puppy training program and the universal principles that apply not just to animal training, but to all aspects of life. The commitment to bettering the lives of pets—and by extension, their owners—is palpable, and the joy found in a well-behaved companion animal is a testament to the power of empathy and education. MORE INFO HERE - https://www.dunbaracademy.com/Podcast Link -https://www.dogstardaily.com/radiohttps://www.facebook.com/doctoriandunbar, https://www.youtube.com/@DunbarAcademy, https://www.instagram.com/dunbaracademy/https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

    Tiffany Stauffer - Liberty Horse Trainer and Clinician

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2023 64:20 Transcription Available


    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 how to do liberty training and build trust with their own horse. https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

    A Tiger's Tale - Tales From the Set by Barbara O'Brien - Ep 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2023 3:11 Transcription Available


    Do you remember the first time you bit off more than you could chew? When your overconfidence landed you in a pickle that you weren't prepared for? Well, that's exactly what happened to me when I made the rookie mistake of booking a Siberian tiger for a high-end department store's furniture shoot in my early days of running an animal actors agency. Picture this: a majestic tiger, a pristine white leather furniture set, and a terrified crew looking to me for a solution as chaos ensues. Curious about what happened next? This episode offers a sneak peek into the unpredictable, often hilarious world of working with animal actors. So, buckle up and join me, Barbara O'Brien, as I narrate the first of many such Tales from the Set!https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

    Chris Kman - Wild Horse Advocate

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2023 64:28 Transcription Available


    Chris Kman, photographer and wild horse advocate shares with us her work to preserve the wild horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. The Park Service has proposed eliminating the horses from the park completely.  Join us as Chris explains what is happening and what you can do to keep the horses, a national treasure whose roots go back to Sitting Bull's horses, at the park for future generations to enjoy. https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

    Katenna Jones - Animal Behaviorist and Fear Free Trainer

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2023 63:26 Transcription Available


    Katenna Jones transitioned from a volunteer dog walker as a teen to a certified applied animal behaviorist and fear free trainer consultant.Learn why heavy-handed dominance based training didn't resonate with her and how punishment merely suppresses behavior rather than changing it. Listen in as she guides you through practical advice for handling pet behavioral issues and why reward-based techniques are key in training.  We also spoke about consent and the concept of individuality in animal behavior. We touch on how medical issues can sometimes present as behavioral issues, and her empathetic approach to pet training. Join us on this exploration of the complex world of animal behavior with the inspiring Katina Jones.https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

    Julie-Anne Thorne - Holistic Cat Therapist and Author

    Play Episode Play 33 sec Highlight Listen Later Sep 7, 2023 60:13 Transcription Available


    Prepare for a journey into the wonderful world of felines as we welcome Julie Anne Thorne, an empath author, certified behaviorist, psychologist, and more importantly, a holistic cat therapist. https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

    Kerri Lake - Equine Author and Guide

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2023 76:29


    Join us as we chat with Kerri Lake, author of Listen like a Horse and Spiritually Gifted. Kerri explains the value of awareness and the importance of being present in our lives. She shares how this self-awareness has helped her communicate and connect with horses.  https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

    Shelley Paulson - Equine Photographer and Mentor

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2023 45:33


    Equine photographer, Shelley Paulson shares with us the life changing event that caused her to take a different career path and how her growing understanding of how horses think and feel has changed how she views them with a whole new lens. https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

    Mary Corning - Horse Advocate and Mentor

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2023 58:04


    Mary Corning is an award-winning author, horse advocate, mentor and retreat facilitator. Mary's book, Perfect Practice, is about how to connect and communicate with people and horses by removing resistance and finding freedom of expression.    https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

    Debra Schneider - Animal Communicator and Trainer

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2023 42:58


    As a professional animal trainer and photographer, Barbara O'Brien has worked with animals in film and photography for over twenty years.Today, she's meeting with Debra Schneider, animal communicator. When Debra talks to animals, they talk back. Learn how, you too, can begin to hear what your dog is telling you.https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

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