Dog Training DisrUPted

Billie Groom

Host and Canine Psychotherapist, Billie Groom, dives deep into the science and psychology behind Canine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a scientifically proven method proven to address behaviors leading to surrender, euthanasia and general frustration.

Are canine industry experts providing you with the most up-to-date information? Are you hearing the same advice over and over, saturated with gimmicks, and ineffective advice?

This podcast is a thought-provoking journey into the world of canine psychology and science and introduces the only psychotherapeutic method grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy proven effective with dogs over the age of six months.
Renowned for her tenacity and candor, Billie refuses to put popularity over impact. Her dedication to spreading awareness of the life saving benefits of CCBT has earned her the reputation of industry disruptor and leader.
Billie is the CEO and founder of the Institute of Canine Psychotherapy, the only recognized educational platform teaching Canine CBT.
She is an award-winning author and was featured in Psychology Today Magazine by Marc Bekoff. She has appeared on many shows, including LA Tribune, IGNITE Your Essence, DVM 360, The Animal Innovations Show, and is a featured speaker at the Animal Behavior Society Conference, and the Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine Conference (2022/23/24). She completed the PhD program at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, "Cognition and Emotions to Improve Animal Welfare", and the course on Adolescent Brain Development. She is currently enrolled in the Transpersonal Ecology PhD program at the University of Sedona. She is honored to be a TedX speaker (2025) and to be a guest speaker at Hartpury University in their Animal Assisted Therapy Program (2025).

Billie openly shares her experiences and knowledge, in a straight-forward and often humorous manner, acquired over three decades working with dogs, rescuers, fosters, adopters, and industry experts. She describes how dogs think, learn, process, and absorb our urban world, compared to that of puppies, and explains, without judgement, the inherent limitations of conventional training methods. Billie uses the most interesting and "relatable" examples to explain Canine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CCBT) and how it is changing the landscape of canine behavioral rehabilitation and animal welfare on a local and global scale.

www.instituteofcaninepsychotherapy.com

All episodes

Best episodes

Seasons

Top 10 Dog Training DisrUPted Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Dog Training DisrUPted episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Dog Training DisrUPted for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Dog Training DisrUPted episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

"Why Won't My Adopted Dog Eat?" Solutions Based in Logic and CCBT (no, not handfeeding)

Dog Training DisrUPted

02/22/22 • 10 min

Welcome! Adopting a dog over the age of six months is rewarding and fun. When initially integrating dogs into a family, we can expect some challenges. As with humans, change in eating habits is a common reaction to stress caused by change in environment or physical ailments. When physically healthy dogs who are adapting well to their new environment refuse to eat, it can be scary and a bit of a mystery for many adopters. Fortunately, their are quick solutions grounded in logic, creativity, and the ability to think like a dog, as well as long-term solutions grounded in Canine CBT which address the root of the problem.
As discussed in the conclusion, here are the links to a few of the many shows I am a featured guest on:
Let's Find Out About Upward Dogology! - YouTube (the Science and Magic of the Human-Animal Bond hosted by Psycologist and filmmaker, Diane Soloman)
Episode 55: Retrain your (and your dog’s) brain with canine CBT (dvm360.com) Hosted by Veterinarian and CEO of DVM 360, Dr. Adam Christman
The Dog Connection Show, Season 6. Episode 6 - YouTube
The Dog Connection Show, Season 6. Episode 7 - YouTube
Hosted by long time pro's Kathy Tarochione, Gaetan Charest, and Roman Gottfried
For more links to social media, interviews, and press releases, pls visit my website.
Upward Dogology
Billie Groom | LinkedIn
UPWARD Dogology (@upwarddogology) • Instagram photos and videos
Upward Dogology | Facebook
Billie Groom with a rescue | Linktree
Buy My Book! Winner of the 2019 American Best Book Fest Award (pets/narrative/non-fiction)
The Art of Urban People With Adopted and Rescued Dogs Methodology: Rescued Dogs: The Misunderstood Breed: Groom, Billie: 9781525547287: Books - Amazon.ca
Thanks again to the musicians
Jeff Mertick | Facebook
Danielle Bourjeaurd |

Find all the episodes on Feedspot, where Dog Training DisrUPted is rated in the top 5 shows in the dog category in Canada: https://blog.feedspot.com/canadian_dog_podcasts/
To become a certified Canine CBT Psychotherapist, and for courses on related topics, please visit the Institute of Canine Psychotherapy.
www.instituteofcaninepsychotherapy.com
Become a Certified Canine Behaviorist and Dog Trainer
My Linktree with all my media, presentations, shows, articles
Billie Groom - UPWARD Dogology | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree
Here is the link to the recent article in Psychology Today Mag by Marc Bekoff on Canine CBT
Dog Training: Perception, Cognition, and Emotions | Psychology Today
Buy My Book! Winner of the 2019 American Best Book Fest Award (pets/narrative/non-fiction)
The Art of Urban People With Adopted and Rescued Dogs Methodology: Rescued Dogs: The Misunderstood Breed: Groom, Billie: 9781525547287: Books - Amazon.ca

Can Puppies "Think Cognitively"? Are Cognitive Exercises Influential During Puppyhood? Marc Bekoff's Newest Release.

Dog Training DisrUPted

07/27/21 • 14 min

Welcome!
This episode was inspired by a ClubHouse Chat with the Director of the Thinking Dog Centre and Asst Prof at Hunter College, Sarah Byosiere, who talked about cognitive abilities in dogs and puppies. I often get asked why I do not work with puppies - find out why! How are the cognitive skills of puppies harnessed and applied differently to that of dogs?
Yup! Marc Bekoff sent me an email about his new book - get the scoop on how it relates to my passion for street dogs.
Stay tuned for the release of the second edition of my book. I chat about that at the end of this episode.
Enjoy!
Thanks to
(1) Brian John Harwood | Facebook
and
(1) Danielle Bourjeaurd | Facebook
for the music clips!
Links to Billie Groom and UPWARD Dogology:
https://www.upwarddogology.com/
Billie Groom | LinkedIn
(2) UPWARD Dogology (@UDogology) / Twitter
UPWARD Dogology (@upwarddogology) • Instagram photos and videos
Upward Dogology | Facebook
Season 5 is a "Dogology" of tips, Q and A's, interviews, discussions and a deeper look UPWARD Dogology all with the goal of making the world a better place! Season 4 is interviews with people and organizations. Be part of the solution by listening, sharing, and reviewing. Season 3 dives deep into Conditioning methods. Are they right for you and your dog? Season 2 shares the learning journey of my clients with dogs; always interesting and a great way to feel a connections with others who have similar experiences. Season 1 explains my unconventional learning journey, dives into the limitations of positive reinforcement training and introduces cognitive behavioral therapy.

Scientific studies and experts validate the need for a formula grounded in C.B.T. for dogs. I talk about the future of UPWARD Dogology.

Dog Training DisrUPted

12/29/20 • 14 min

Welcome to the final episode of 2020, where I give a short description on my developments with professionals in the early part of 2020 and then moved onto researching and pursuing ways to spread awareness of CBT for dogs by making connections with all kinds of interesting people and professionals.
I talk about the surge of scientific studies in dog behavior and provide an example of how a common study on object permanence validates UPWARD Dogology. I then talk briefly about the study by Dr. Naomi Harvey on adolescent dogs, and provide a challenge for the listeners.
2021 will be all about spreading awareness in the effort to make UPWARD Dogology mainstream. Thank you for all your support.
Dr. Naomi Harvey - on her twitter page, she condenses the study into a reader-friendly version:
https://mobile.twitter.com/Naomi_D_Harvey
Here is the link to the study:
Teenage dogs? Evidence for adolescent-phase conflict behaviour and an association between attachment to humans and pubertal timing in the domestic dog | Biology Letters (royalsocietypublishing.org)
Article discussing object permanence:
A Dog’s Brain: Inside the Complex Canine Mind | Time
Links to Billie Groom and UPWARD Dogology:
https://www.upwarddogology.com/
Billie Groom | LinkedIn
(2) UPWARD Dogology (@UDogology) / Twitter
UPWARD Dogology (@upwarddogology) • Instagram photos and videos
Upward Dogology | Facebook
Season 5 is a "Dogology" of tips, Q and A's, interviews, discussions and a deeper look UPWARD Dogology all with the goal of making the world a better place! Season 4 is interviews with people and organizations. Be part of the solution by listening, sharing, and reviewing. Season 3 dives deep into trending methods. Are they right for you and your dog? Season 2 shares the learning journey of my clients with dogs; always interesting and a great way to feel a connections with others who have similar expe

The Adolescent Stage - Dog Cognition Skills Kick In - Learn How to Adapt.

Dog Training DisrUPted

09/28/21 • 12 min

The adolescent stage can be very challenging, even for the most experienced dog owners, irrelevant of the dog's upbringing, breed or training history. In this episode, I refer to dogs that have had a traditional upbringing - that of the same home since puppyhood and exposed to socialization, non-aversive training, and positive experiences. When these dogs suddenly rebel and seemingly forget everything they learn, it is common to assume they are being disobedient, but really what is happening, is their cognitive skills are kicking-in! They are processing, thinking and reacting differently. We need to change and adapt the way we work with them to harness these skills.
Check out season 1 and 3 all new episodes!! More info on Canine CBT and how it relates to you and your dog.
Upward Dogology
Billie Groom | LinkedIn
UPWARD Dogology (@upwarddogology) • Instagram photos and videos
Upward Dogology | Facebook
Billie Groom with a rescue | Linktree
Thanks again to the musicians
Jeff Mertick | Facebook
Danielle Bourjeaurd | Facebook
Open Strum | Facebook
Brian John Harwood | Facebook

The Importance of Changing Your Mindset; How the Dog Industry Today Effects You and Your Dog

Dog Training DisrUPted

05/02/20 • 17 min

Welcome to episode 2 of the revamped season 1 (as of Sept, 2021)
In this episode, I share thought provoking information and stories to "retrain your brain", so you can easily absorb the information on UPWARD Dogology in the following episodes.
Mainstream dog training currently consists of methods adhering to Conventional Methodologies. These methods are effective and many dogs can go through their entire life with the guidance provided by Conditioning Methods. But for many dogs these methods can fall short after puppyhood. This is not the fault of the owner or trainer, or, of course, the dog!
This episode talks about how industry experts have effectively (and thankfully) diminished the popularity of negative methods and techniques, yet also recognize the need for a methodology that is non-aversive and effective with dogs over 6 months, and in particular, ones with a checkered or unconventional past. To start this process, it is necessary to open our minds to learning.
Upward Dogology
Billie Groom | LinkedIn
UPWARD Dogology (@upwarddogology) • Instagram photos and videos
Upward Dogology | Facebook
Billie Groom with a rescue | Linktree
Thanks again to the musicians
Jeff Mertick | Facebook
Danielle Bourjeaurd | Facebook
Open Strum | Facebook
Brian John Harwood | Facebook

Season 1- Part 1 of 4 - Who the hell is Billie Groom?

Dog Training DisrUPted

05/01/20 • 22 min

To avoid that "deer-in-the-headlights-look" as you venture through the mini-series, it is a good idea to hear how Billie's learning journey lead to the creation of UPWARD Dogology. This is not your average learning journey - no certifications, no set game plan, and no rules.
"My learning journey is my own, and I give full credit to the dogs who put their trust in me. My goal was to develop a solution to prevent behavioral surrender, euthanasia and abuse to adolescent and adopted dogs. In a twisted, somewhat backwards, journey, I accomplished that, and so much more."
Upward Dogology
Billie Groom | LinkedIn
UPWARD Dogology (@upwarddogology) • Instagram photos and videos
Upward Dogology | Facebook
Billie Groom with a rescue | Linktree
Thanks again to the musicians
Jeff Mertick | Facebook
Danielle Bourjeaurd | Facebook
Open Strum | Facebook
Brian John Harwood | Facebook

Dominance, Alpha and Pack Leader - The Good, the Bad, and the Useless (not in that order).

Dog Training DisrUPted

09/27/22 • 14 min

Hello and thanks for joining me!
I am guessing most of you are not proponents of methods that take a "dominance" approach. What does this really entail? And how is it different from Alpha and Pack Leader?
There are common exercises in dominance training that may not seem as though they would have a negative effect, and, in fact, are part of mainstream dog training. Is going through a door first harmful or simply counterproductive? Can this routine lead to dominance, and will that achieve the goal of addressing unwanted behavior? How do dogs perceive these exercises and the theory of dominance?
This episode raises some interesting thoughts on how mainstream dog training can, unintentionally, decrease the bond between you and your dog, and effect the success of your training routine. Or perhaps your dog simply thinks you are not very bright!
I then provide some suggestions for exercises to try at home to improve the bond and increase your communication with your dog.
For more links to social media, interviews, and press releases, pls visit my websites.
Upward Dogology
Dog Dog Trainer | DogLogic Behavioural Rehabilitation | Regina (doglogicregina.com)
Here is the link to the recent article in Psychology Today Mag by Marc Bekoff on Canine CBT
Dog Training: Perception, Cognition, and Emotions | Psychology Today
Buy My Book! Winner of the 2019 American Best Book Fest Award (pets/narrative/non-fiction)
The Art of Urban People With Adopted and Rescued Dogs Methodology: Rescued Dogs: The Misunderstood Breed: Groom, Billie: 9781525547287: Books - Amazon.ca
Thanks again to the musicians
Jeff Mertick | Facebook
Danielle Bourjeaurd | Facebook
Open Strum | Facebook
Brian John Harwood | Facebook

Client Learning Journey- Meet Zeus, an adopted dog fearful of new people and has anxiety on walks. SnipPet Piece-emaciated dogs with food; the honey-moon period; the gentle leader

Dog Training DisrUPted

06/02/20 • 16 min

UPWARD Dogology episodes contain a Learning Journey and a SnipPet. The Journey describes the process, challenges and successes with a client and their dog. The SnipPets are tidbits of info, tips, “what’s trending”, opinions and advice from experts on anything and everything dog related.
Learning Journey: In this episode, Billie introduces us to Kelvin and his dog, Zeus. Zeus is nervous of new people coming into the home or on walks if they pay too much attention to him. And then, due to an incident, afraid to go on neighborhood walks.
The SnipPet Piece is a true or false segment, that touches on three topics 1) are emaciated dogs, when homed, more likely to be in need of impulse control training than other rescued dogs? 2) Is the honey-moon period a myth? 3) How effective is the gentle leader?
Upward Dogology
Billie Groom | LinkedIn
UPWARD Dogology (@upwarddogology) • Instagram photos and videos
Upward Dogology | Facebook
Billie Groom with a rescue | Linktree
Thanks again to the musicians
Jeff Mertick | Facebook
Danielle Bourjeaurd | Facebook
Open Strum | Facebook
Brian John Harwood | Facebook

Canine Aggression and Anxiety - How Cognitive Dissonance Affects Dog Behavior

Dog Training DisrUPted

08/29/23 • 15 min

Dog behaviors associated with aggression and anxiety are caused by many factors, of which cognitive dissonance is rarely discussed, yet has a profound impact, in particular with adolescent and adult dogs, while, perhaps surprisingly, upbringing is not a differentiating factor.
This episode covers what it is, common signs/behaviors including examples, what NOT to do - and most importantly, why, and why CCBT is so effective in addressing behaviors stemming from cognitive dissonance.
As always, I appreciate your support, questions, feedback. Please feel free to share to help other professionals, pet parents and dogs.
If your dog is reactive, nervous, fearful, experiencing change in behavior, or acting unpredictable, I recommend this episode as a starting place.
Links mentioned in episode.
Linktree to all my interviews, articles and presentations
Billie Groom - UPWARD Dogology | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree
Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine Conference 2023 Presentation
2023ASVMConf.mp4 - Google Drive

Is Your Dog Trainer "Popular" or "Impactful"? Why 2025 is the year of the Pet Parent.

Dog Training DisrUPted

12/31/24 • 10 min

Welcome to the final episode of 2024!

2025 is becoming the year to not simply demand more from industry leaders that have no interest in providing more, but rather, finding those solutions, stepping outside the comfort zone and putting one's own goals first!

Does this sound selfish?

Pet professionals cannot succeed in this industry by following mainstream, pleasing the industry, remaining loyal to leaders who are more concerned with their own success than that of dog trainers. Continuing to divide the industry and blaming pet parents drives away progress.

Pet parents, having an allegiance only to their dog, family, and community expect more from their trainers, and pet professionals need to provide the solutions.

When pet professionals empower themselves, they are better equipped to educate pet parents, and, in turn, the needs of dogs are met.

The launch of the Institute of Canine Psychotherapy is much more than the launching of a one-of-a-kind institute - it represents the movement toward positioning pet parents and forward-thinking, brave, dog trainers as leaders in the canine behavior and animal welfare realms.

Empower Yourself to Make An Impact.

We invite you to research our courses, including our flagship diploma program. Become a Canine Psychotherapist and an expert in Canine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

www.instituteofcaninepsychotherapy.com

#dogtrainerlife

Show more best episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Dog Training DisrUPted have?

Dog Training DisrUPted currently has 74 episodes available.

What topics does Dog Training DisrUPted cover?

The podcast is about Pets & Animals, Dog Training, Kids & Family, Courses, Podcasts, Education and Dog.

What is the most popular episode on Dog Training DisrUPted?

The episode title 'Dominance, Alpha and Pack Leader - The Good, the Bad, and the Useless (not in that order).' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Dog Training DisrUPted?

The average episode length on Dog Training DisrUPted is 23 minutes.

How often are episodes of Dog Training DisrUPted released?

Episodes of Dog Training DisrUPted are typically released every 7 days, 6 hours.

When was the first episode of Dog Training DisrUPted?

The first episode of Dog Training DisrUPted was released on Apr 30, 2020.

Show more FAQ

Dog Training DisrUPted

Billie Groom

Top 10 Dog Training DisrUPted Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Dog Training DisrUPted have?

What topics does Dog Training DisrUPted cover?

What is the most popular episode on Dog Training DisrUPted?

What is the average episode length on Dog Training DisrUPted?

How often are episodes of Dog Training DisrUPted released?

When was the first episode of Dog Training DisrUPted?

Comments