Best Zen Dog Training Podcasts (2025)

1
Why NOT Leash Jerk Or Use A Slip Lead 15:33

Play Pause

1d ago15:33

15:33

Zen Dog Training Episode 48: Why NOT Leash Jerk Or Use A Slip Lead Jason Connell and Gordon Fontaine discuss why no one should ever do a leash jerk or use a slip lead on their dog. Recorded: 05-28-25 Studio: Just Curious Media Partner: Zen Dog Training Hosts: Jason Connell Gordon Fontaine #justcuriousmedia #zendogtraining #mrjasonconnell #gordonfon…

1
Episode 268: A Podcast About A Podcast (Radical Candor's "Leading Through Chaos With Stephanie Chung") 38:37

3h ago38:37

38:37

In another in our series of podcasts about other podcasts, Ari and Chris share their thoughts on a recent episode of the Radical Candor podcast with Kim Scott, featuring their guest Stephanie Chung. Chris recently started reading her book "Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You," which gets a great overview in the podcast, and giv…

1
Episode 267: Observe, Interpret, Improve (with Joey Golden, Maryland Zoo) 50:44

8d ago50:44

50:44

Ari and Chris are back together and excited to be joined by Joey Golden, Curator of Animal Behavior Programs at Maryland Zoo! Chris and Joey both attended the recent ABMA and ISZAW conferences, and we wanted to bring him on to chat about the great presentations he gave about his zoo's progress towards "24/7 welfare" for all their animals. We chat a…

1
Episode 266: Pursue Your Calling! (with Scott Trauger, Supervisor Emeritus, Natural Encounters, Inc.) 32:04

14d ago32:04

32:04

While Chris is away at the International Symposium for Zoo Animal Welfare in Chicago, Ari is hosting solo—but she’s not alone! She’s joined by former (but also still current) NEI teammate Scott Trauger, who shares what life has been like since he made the big leap to follow his passion outside the animal field. From spreadsheets to showtunes, hear …

1
The Owner's Manual For Your Dog 16:08

16d ago16:08

16:08

Zen Dog Training Episode 47: The Owner's Manual For Your Dog Jason Connell and Gordon Fontaine discuss indisputable dog training lessons that apply to every dog — regardless of age or breed. This owner's manual will help you better understand how your dog learns and includes lessons to use on puppies and adult dogs alike to turn them into Zen Dogs!…

1
Episode 265: Using Communities to Create Opportunities 43:13

22d ago43:13

43:13

Ari catches us up on her time at Croc School before our hosts tackle an email asking for ideas about how to create opportunities in the professional animal care field for yourself when 1) you've moved somewhere where the immediately employment opportunities might be limited - or non-existent - or 2) you've taken a temporary break from the field and…

1
Episode 264: What Does It Mean To "Prioritize Training"? (Live from the 2025 ABMA Annual Conference) 35:26

29d ago35:26

35:26

Ari Bailey is busy doing cool reptile stuff at Croc School at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, so Chris takes the opportunity to share the audio from his presentation, "What Does It Mean to 'Prioritize Training'?" from last week's ABMA Annual Conference! He shares some antecedent and consequence conditions that he's seen great teams utilize to mak…

1
Dogs Are Emotional Creatures 14:36

30d ago14:36

14:36

Zen Dog Training Episode 46: Dogs Are Emotional Creatures Jason Connell and Gordon Fontaine discuss how dogs are emotional / feeling creatures. Humans are emotional and have the ability to think and act logically. Zen Dog Training is to truly understand your dog’s different perspective as the foundation for dog training based on compassion and mutu…

1
Episode 263: Zen and the Art of Networking (Live from the 2025 ABMA Annual Conference Zoo Day) 44:26

1M ago44:26

44:26

Chris is LIVE from Zoo Day at the 2025 ABMA Annual Conference in Galveston, Texas! Whilst wandering the grounds of our host facility, Moody Gardens, we chat with Chase Alsup from the Colorado State University Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management Graduate Program, Rae Simmons and Aubrey Wilson from the Moorpark College Animal Care and Traini…

1
Episode 262: A Feedback Loop About Feedback Loops 39:31

1M ago39:31

39:31

Chris is in the editing (and possibly scrapping-and-starting-over) phase of his upcoming ABMA workshop "Your Feedback Loop: Evolving the Way We Give Feedback to Peers," so he decided to reach out to one of the smartest feedbackers around - Ari Bailey - and see how their notes compared when she was given the assignment to jot down what she considere…

1
Why NOT Scruff Your Dog Or Do An ALPHA Roll 11:54

1M ago11:54

11:54

Zen Dog Training Episode 45: Why NOT Scruff Your Dog Or Do An ALPHA Roll Jason Connell and Gordon Fontaine discuss the harm from scruffing your dog or making them doing an Alpha Roll. Recorded: 03-25-25 Studio: Just Curious Media Partner: Zen Dog Training Hosts: Jason Connell Gordon Fontaine #justcuriousmedia #zendogtraining #mrjasonconnell #gordon…

1
Episode 261: Is Your Animal Doing What You Want? (TEC Talk Throwback to The Official Chris Jenkins Super Simplified Guide to Behavior™) 43:02

2M ago43:02

43:02

It's consulting time! Chris is back at the Little Rock Zoo working with a team of eight trainers from around the zoo to get everyone working with people and animals they don't normally get a chance to, with the hopes that it might help them be better "training trainers" for new staff in the future! This has meant a lot of conversations about how yo…

1
Episode 260: The Guinea Pigs Have Arrived! (with Hayley Dougherty and Taylor LaTulipe, Natural Encounters, Inc.)) 39:20

2M ago39:20

39:20

Chris and Ari share two microphones with their newest coworkers, Hayley Dougherty and Taylor LaTulipe! Hayley and Taylor share their immediate feelings after their first interviews, get quizzed to see how much they know about the show sections they started learning less than 2 days ago, reflect on how they felt coming out of their first interviews,…

1
How To Stop Leash Pulling 15:53

2M ago15:53

15:53

Zen Dog Training Episode 44: How To Stop Leash Pulling Jason Connell and Gordon Fontaine discuss a how to stop your dog from leash pulling. Recorded: 01-29-25 Studio: Just Curious Media Partner: Zen Dog Training Hosts: Jason Connell Gordon Fontaine #justcuriousmedia #zendogtraining #mrjasonconnell #gordonfontaine #pets #puppies #dogoftheday #doglov…

1
Episode 259: Okay - I'm Going to Get a Degree, Then I'm Going to Come Back and Run This Place (with Kimm Hunt, International Animal Training Certification Board) 1:02:02

2M ago1:02:02

1:02:02

Ari sits down with Kimm Hunt, President of the International Animal Training Certification Board (IATCB), to dive into the IATCB certification exam—how it’s developed, maintained, and what it means for animal trainers. They also explore Kimm’s work with shelter dogs, tackling tough topics like behavioral euthanasia and the importance of understandi…

1
Episode 258: Don't Panic! Let Your Weird Flagg Fly! (with Josh Flagg, Natural Encounters, Inc.) 36:43

2M ago36:43

36:43

Chris is off at the AZA mid-year meeting, so Ari is joined by NEI Senior Trainer Josh Flagg for this episode! They dive into the challenges and joys of being the new person on a zoo team. From making new staff feel safe and welcome to knowing when (and when not) to let your "weird flag" fly, Josh and Ari explore ways to set teams up for success. Th…

1
Leash Lessons 14:37

2M ago14:37

14:37

Zen Dog Training Episode 43: Leash Lessons Jason Connell and Gordon Fontaine discuss the unique ways that Zen Dog Training teaches leash walking. Learn how to help your dog walk with you without force or a tight leash, and the right tools and equipment to help you create teaching moments that instill lessons and make walking your dog easier. Record…

1
Episode 257: What Does Goal-Based Enrichment Look Like For People? 28:32

3M ago28:32

28:32

Chris once again ambushes Ari with a surprise topic for discussion, thanks to a great email we received: now that the definition of "enrichment for animals" has evolved, what might "modern, goal-based enrichment" look like for the humans we work alongside in the professional animal care field? We chat about the staff-driven professional development…

1
Episode 256: What Do Great Trainers Actually DO? (with Steve Martin, Natural Encounters, Inc.) 34:28

3M ago34:28

34:28

Ari and Chris steal a bit of time out of a busy day to chat with NEI's Steve Martin to follow up on last week's episode and talk about the practical, observable, and trainable behaviors that we see great trainers do. Focusing both on skills people can build in themselves and help build in others, the trio talks about meeting people where they're at…

1
What To Do About The Zoomies 12:44

3M ago12:44

12:44

Zen Dog Training Episode 42: What To Do About The Zoomies Jason Connell and Gordon Fontaine discuss what to do when your dog gets the zoomies! Recorded: 01-29-25 Studio: Just Curious Media Partner: Zen Dog Training Hosts: Jason Connell Gordon Fontaine #justcuriousmedia #zendogtraining #mrjasonconnell #gordonfontaine #pets #puppies #dogoftheday #dog…

1
Episode 255: Grab Your Trowel, We're Cultivating Trainers! 49:12

3M ago49:12

49:12

With Chris busy being immersed in our Immersion Workshop, Ari is joined once more by Adam Geltz (Senior Trainer, Natural Encounters, Inc.) to discuss a listener email asking us to share some thoughts about cultivating great animal trainers. They start by talking about setting up strong antecedents to foster a safe environment for learning, move on …

1
Episode 254: Changing Jobs and Continuing Connections (with Ramon Castillo, St. Augustine Alligator Farm) 45:18

3M ago45:18

45:18

Chris and Ari sit down with Ramon Castillo, who Ari first connected with through NEI’s work with Bearizona Wildlife Park—when he reached out to chat about reptile training! They discuss his time at Bearizona, his transition to The St. Augustine Alligator Farm, and how he’s working to make animal programs more accessible in both English and Spanish.…

1
Solving Play Biting In 48 Hours 15:47

3M ago15:47

15:47

Zen Dog Training Episode 41: Solving Play Biting In 48 Hours Jason Connell and Gordon Fontaine discuss how quickly play biting can be resolved with Zen Dog Training. Recorded: 01-07-25 Studio: Just Curious Media Partner: Zen Dog Training Hosts: Jason Connell Gordon Fontaine #justcuriousmedia #zendogtraining #mrjasonconnell #gordonfontaine #pets #pu…

1
Episode 253: Ego, Influence, and "Extreme Ownership" 58:15

4M ago58:15

58:15

With Ari out conferencing in Tennessee, Chris is joined by fellow NEI'er Adam Geltz to talk about their takeaways from Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babbin. They chat about the importance of recognizing when your ego gets in the way of making decisions that are best for the team, how vulnerability and…

1
Episode 252: Accelerate Your Growth Arc (with Adam Geltz and Shay Gruman, Natural Encounters, Inc.) 44:00

4M ago44:00

44:00

With Chris busy teaching at NEI's Professional Contemporary Animal Training and Management Workshop, Ari gets some coworker support and is joined by special co-host Adam Geltz and returning guest Shay Gruman! The three talk about how they've each been working on their personal and professional growth outside of NEI, reflecting on how breaking goals…

1
The Zen Dog Training Approach 14:49

4M ago14:49

14:49

Zen Dog Training Episode 40: The Zen Dog Training Approach Jason Connell and Gordon Fontaine discuss the fundamental approach of Zen Dog Training. Learn the 3 Steps to Zen Dog Training, the 5 Training Options in the Toolbox, and how to Create Teachable Moments to practice and drill in lessons. Conversation includes common pitfalls to avoid and tips…

1
Episode 251: If All You Do Is Grind, When Do You Have Time To Improve? (with Ryan Cartlidge, Animal Training Academy) 1:16:00

4M ago1:16:00

1:16:00

Chris is joined by fellow podcaster and all around amazing Kiwi, Ryan Cartlidge, founder of Animal Training Academy! Ryan chats about how a desire for better work-life balance led to exploring non-zoo jobs beyond consulting, how a friend with a recording studio led to ATA's first online course, why it's important for people in the field to "keep th…

1
Episode 250: From Timid Fans to Lifelong Friends (with Ken Ramirez, Steve Martin, Susan Friedman, and Tim Sullivan) 1:51:14

4M ago1:51:14

1:51:14

HAPPY 250TH EPISODE, TEC TALK! To celebrate this fun landmark, Ari and Chris are joined by four amazing people who've had a huge impact on us and our field: Ken Ramirez (Karen Pryor Clicker Training), Steve Martin (Natural Encounters, Inc.), Susan Friedman (Behavior Works), and Tim Sullivan (Brookfield Zoo Chicago)! Our guests talk about how they a…

1
Your Dog Is Not A Machine! 13:27

4M ago13:27

13:27

Zen Dog Training Episode 39: Your Dog Is Not A Machine! Jason Connell and Gordon Fontaine discuss that dog training is not easily learned by watching TikTok and YouTube videos. Your dog is not a machine! They are an intelligent sentient creature that is always testing the rules and learning what they can (and can’t) get away with. Training the Zen …

1
Episode 249: The Uses and Limits of Anthropomorphism (with Katy Kocisko, Center for Great Apes) 48:31

4M ago48:31

48:31

Ya'll know the drill by now: you send us an email, you get invited to be on the podcast, and as a result we get to hang out with Katy Kocisko (not Kocinko, Chris), orangutan caretaker at The Center for Great Apes! Katy shares how a school field trip lead to her first internship and full time job at Bearizona Wildlife Park (where she first met the N…

1
Episode 248: Off the Cuff (with Susan Friedman, Behavior Works) 26:48

5M ago26:48

26:48

Boy oh boy, did life decide to life all over us today! Today we had a fun recording planned with the amazing Dr Susan Friedman, founder of Behavior Works... and then a surprise USDA inspection stole Ari away from us and threw everything into a tizzy! Chris did get a bit of time to chat with Susan, and though we decided to push our planned recording…

1
How To Choose A Dog Walker 15:06

5M ago15:06

15:06

Zen Dog Training Episode 38: How To Choose A Dog Walker Jason Connell and Gordon Fontaine discuss the best ways to choose the right dog walker for your dog. Recorded: 12-12-24 Studio: Just Curious Media Partner: Zen Dog Training Hosts: Jason Connell Gordon Fontaine #justcuriousmedia #zendogtraining #mrjasonconnell #gordonfontaine #pets #puppies #do…

1
Episode 247: Yay, Let's Talk About Grief! 36:04

5M ago36:04

36:04

Ari and Chris are back together to talk about everyone's favorite topic in the professional animal care world: dealing with the grief following the loss of an animal in your care. We share some great advice from others, some old attitudes that we think aren't helpful , and some excellent resources to help all of us deal with the worst part of our j…

1
Episode 246: All the NEI Stuff and Things Coming in 2025! 18:15

5M ago18:15

18:15

With Chris channeling the year our show was born by being knocked out by COVID, Ari takes the helm for the first podcast episode of the year to chat about all the new webinar, online course, and workshop offerings that NEI has on the books for 2025. Come hang out with us, it'll be a blast! If you have a shout-out you’d like us to share, a question …

1
The Truth About Exercise 14:47

5M ago14:47

14:47

Zen Dog Training Episode 37: The Truth About Exercise Jason Connell and Gordon Fontaine discuss the truth about exercise for your dog and how essential it is for their well-being. Recorded: 12-12-24 Studio: Just Curious Media Partner: Zen Dog Training Hosts: Jason Connell Gordon Fontaine #justcuriousmedia #zendogtraining #mrjasonconnell #gordonfont…

1
Episode 245: You're Doing It! You're Living Your Dream!! (with Lacey Zeno, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium) 1:01:39

5M ago1:01:39

1:01:39

Ari and Chris are excited to be joined by former NEI'er, secret payroll lover, and reluctant extrovert Lacey Zeno, Curator of Ambassador Animals at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium! Lacey talks about the path that took her from dog training and vet school prep to being Ari's roommate in Dallas (thanks, Amy Robinson!), achieving her goals of working wi…

1
Episode 244: ....Why Don't We Try It Now? (with Emma Pearce, Hamilton Zoo) 45:23

6M ago45:23

45:23

Thanks to the magic of technology, Chris is joined from the other side of planet Earth by Emma Pearce, Carnivore Keeper and Animal Training Coordinator at Hamilton Zoo in New Zealand! Emma shares her journey through the animal care field in Australasia (including a brief detour into biosecurity), what it's like to be an "animal training committee o…

1
The Spirit Of Zen Dog Training 14:54

6M ago14:54

14:54

Zen Dog Training Episode 36: The Spirit Of Zen Dog Training Jason Connell and Gordon Fontaine discuss the very essence and spirit of Zen Dog Training. Recorded: 12-12-24 Studio: Just Curious Media Partner: Zen Dog Training Hosts: Jason Connell Gordon Fontaine #justcuriousmedia #zendogtraining #mrjasonconnell #gordonfontaine #pets #puppies #dogofthe…

1
Episode 243: Pursue Your Joy AND Leave Room To Pivot (with Stu Levine, Elevating Impact Consulting) 51:58

6M ago51:58

51:58

We're excited to be joined by one of Chris' earliest mentors in the professional animal care world, Stu Levine! Stu crushes decades of amazing experiences into less than an hour to talk about being a part of the original "Florida NEI" team that moved Steve and the company from its former home base of Minnesota, the joy of eating lunch with a baboon…

1
Episode 242: At the "Chlorine-Splattered Pants" Stage, You're No Longer A Visitor (with Jon Rossi, The Rossifari Podcast) 49:53

6M ago49:53

49:53

Coming back to the show for his first full-episode guest spot, Ari and Chris welcome Jon Rossi to the show! Jon talks about how his world shutting down in 2020 led to the creation of the Rossifari Podcast, his adventures getting to meet the various members of the NEI crew, how a silly joke gone too far got NEI's Amy Fennell killed (spoiler alert: s…

1
What's Next For The Zen Dog Training Podcast 14:20

6M ago14:20

14:20

Zen Dog Training Episode 35: What's Next For The Zen Dog Training Podcast Jason Connell and Gordon Fontaine discuss what's next for the Zen Dog Training Podcast. Recorded: 11-05-24 Studio: Just Curious Media Partner: Zen Dog Training Hosts: Jason Connell Gordon Fontaine #justcuriousmedia #zendogtraining #mrjasonconnell #gordonfontaine #pets #puppie…

1
Episode 241: You Might Fall... But What If You Fly? (with Megan Geddes, Taronga Zoo) 53:43

6M ago53:43

53:43

We are excited for the triumphant return of one of our favorite people (and earlier podcast guests), Megan Geddes! Megan catches us up on her post-NEI life in Australia (where she's currently a Senior Trainer at Taronga Zoo), reminisces about preparing the perfect outfit for her NEI phone interview, quizzes us on our knowledge of Aussie slang, disc…

1
Episode 240: When Everyone You Look Up To Says "Read A Book," You Read A Book (with Kaitlyn Wiktor, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium) 1:02:19

7M ago1:02:19

1:02:19

Ari and Chris are excited for the return of Kait Wiktor, Manager of Animal Behavior and Wellbeing at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium! Kait joins us to talk about her recent adventures through all things "Crucial": the resources and certification programs from Crucial Learning, the organization behind our favorite professional (and personal) d…

1
The Talk: How Dogs Learn 14:58

7M ago14:58

14:58

Zen Dog Training Episode 34: The Talk: How Dogs Learn Jason Connell and Gordon Fontaine discuss The Talk: How Dogs Learn, which all clients of Zen Dog Training receive at their first session. Recorded: 11-05-24 Studio: Just Curious Media Partner: Zen Dog Training Hosts: Jason Connell Gordon Fontaine #justcuriousmedia #zendogtraining #mrjasonconnell…

1
Episode 239: THE BEE IS ALIVE?!?!? (with Morgan Belle, Disney's Animals, Science, and Environment) 49:38

7M ago49:38

49:38

A biologist? At Disney?? That's right, it's the return of Morgan Belle, Conservation Programs Manager with Disney's Animals, Science, and Environment! After a brief recap of her history in the field, Morgan chats about life as "everyone's 'bug lady'", the (somewhat controversial) difference between bugs and insects, how improv classes were the scar…

1
Episode 238: What If the Rabbits Just Decided to Be Held? (with Nicky Plaskitt, Shaping Behaviour) 59:33

7M ago59:33

59:33

Ari and Chris are joined by one of their favorite Brits, Shaping Behaviour founder Nicky Plaskitt! Nicky chats with us about her path from zookeeper to zoo training consultant, the importance of not being risk-averse, the unexpected academic audiences that her company has connected her too, the importance of establishing and maintaining an online f…

1
Being Zen "Makoto" Honesty & Sincerity 14:01

7M ago14:01

14:01

Zen Dog Training Episode 33: Being Zen "Makoto" Honesty & Sincerity Jason Connell and Gordon Fontaine discuss Makoto, which embodies Honesty & Sincerity, two fundamental principles in Zen Dog Training. Recorded: 10-17-24 Studio: Just Curious Media Partner: Zen Dog Training Hosts: Jason Connell Gordon Fontaine #justcuriousmedia #zendogtraining #mrja…

1
Episode 237: It Really, Really Is a Journey (with Elly Neumann, Jerusalem Zoo) 47:08

7M ago47:08

47:08

Ari and Chris are joined by one of their absolute favorite people in the field, Elly Neumann! Elly chats with us about the journey that brought her to her current role as Coordinator of Welfare, Training, and Enrichment at Jerusalem Zoo, the wide spectrum of where animals institutions are at globally in the development of their behavior management …

1
Raising A Zen Dog 14:30

7M ago14:30

14:30

Zen Dog Training Episode 32: Raising A Zen Dog Jason Connell and Gordon Fontaine discuss how to properly raise a Zen Dog. Recorded: 10-17-24 Studio: Just Curious Media Partner: Zen Dog Training Hosts: Jason Connell Gordon Fontaine #justcuriousmedia #zendogtraining #mrjasonconnell #gordonfontaine #pets #puppies #dogoftheday #doglover #ilovemydog #pu…

1
Episode 236: This Is Who I Am, and This Is Who I Want To Be (with Sidney Campbell, Cascades Raptor Center) 56:16

7M ago56:16

56:16

Ari and Chris are joined by one of their favorite members of the NEI Expanded Universe: Sidney Campbell, Senior Trainer & Educator at Cascades Raptor Center! Sidney details the path that took her from San Diego elephants to Alaskan raptors, how her interest in non-profits was the perfect partner to working in raptor rehab, the unique way that anima…