Worry Less, Wag More: The Behavior Vets Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Fernandez introduces the LIFE framework as a more accurate model for than LIMA for force-free training. We discuss:

• Stereotypic behaviors in captive polar bears
• History of animal training and Behaviorism
• Criticisms and evolution of training models
• Introducing the LIFE Framework
• Exploring animal perception and the role of functional assessments
• The future of animal training: Connecting behavioral and welfare sciences
• Penguins!!

Dr. Eduardo Fernandez is a Senior Lecturer of Applied Animal Behaviour & Welfare and Director of the Animal Behaviour Program in the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at the University of Adelaide (Australia). He received his Ph.D. in Psychology (minors in Neuroscience and Animal Behavior) from Indiana University, where he worked with the Indianapolis and Cincinnati Zoo. He received his M.S. in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas, where he founded the Organization for Reinforcement Contingencies with Animals (ORCA). Most of his past and current work involves behavioral research applied to the welfare and training of zoo, aquarium, and companion animals. His past positions include a Visiting Professorship in the Psychology Department at Seattle Pacific University, a Visiting Professorship in the School of Behavior Analysis at the Florida Institute of Technology, an Affiliate Assistant Professorship in the Psychology Department at the University of Washington, a Research Fellowship with Woodland Park Zoo, and a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship. While working with UW and the Woodland Park Zoo, he started the Behavioral Enrichment Animal Research (BEAR) group, which conducted welfare research with many of the species and exhibits located throughout the zoo. He currently runs the Operant Welfare Lab (OWL), which is dedicated to the use of learning principles to improve the lives of animals. OWL is also part of the broader Animal Behaviour, Welfare, and Anthrozoology Lab (ABWAL; abwal.com). Many of Eduardo’s past publications, research projects, and presentations can be found on his ResearchGate profile.
Links:
Fernandez, E.J., 2024. The least inhibitive, functionally effective (LIFE) model: A new framework for ethical animal training practices. Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 71: 63-68.
Human Animal Interactions in Zoos (2024) edited by Eduardo J Fernandez and Sally L Sherwen
University of Adelaide - https://researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/eduardo.fernandez

ResearchGate - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eduardo-Fernandez-27

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ejfernandez/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/EduardoJFernandez

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/DrEddieFern

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dreddiefern/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eduardojfernandez/

Email - [email protected]

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In this episode, Dr. Sheila Segurson discusses how she builds shelter behavior programs drawing on her multifaceted experience as a shelter veterinarian, shelter veterinary behaviorist, dog trainer, foster caregiver, volunteer, consultant, and educator. We discuss:

• Maddie's Fund and its mission
• How trauma effects behavior
• Essential components of a sound shelter behavior program
• Understanding the unique personality and needs of a dog
• Maddie's University Camp Maddie event

Dr. Sheila Segurson's bio:
Dr. Sheila Segurson is the Director of Community Solutions for Maddie’s Fund and a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists with over 25 years of experience supporting animal welfare organizations in the United States.

Dr. Segurson’s interest in shelter behavior began in 1987 when she volunteered in the behavior department at the San Francisco SPCA. Over the years, Dr. Segurson developed a diverse skillset via experiences as a volunteer, student, dog trainer, foster caregiver, veterinarian, shelter veterinarian, shelter veterinary behaviorist, consultant, and educator. Dr. Segurson utilizes that background to help shelters maximize animal welfare, lifesaving and make appropriate outcome decisions for the pets in their care and people in their community.

Dr. Segurson regularly speaks at shelter and veterinary conferences, and has contributed to several online courses and textbooks. She was the first author of University of Florida’s Shelter Animal Behavior and Welfare course (online), contributed to IAABC’s Animal Behavior Consulting course, contributed to the Fear Free Shelter Course, and contributed chapters to Animals as Crime Victims, Blackwell’s Five-minute Veterinary Consult: Canine and Feline and BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine, Second edition.

Dr. Segurson has expertise in dog and cat behavior and behavior programs, including program structure and development, admissions, enrichment, behavioral assessment, decision making, behavior modification, foster care, adoption and safety net programs.
Links:
MaddiesUniversity.org
MaddiesPetForum.org
Maddiesfund.org
Register for Camp Maddie: Behavior Edition
Register for Maddie's Monthly Behavior Meeting
What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey
Dr. Monique Udell (PhD, CAAB) Maddie’s Insights: Becoming a Secure Base: Using science to improve human-animal bonds and welfare

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In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Congdon and Dr. Jessica Owens describe how play therapy reduced salivary cortisol levels in shelter dogs and improved behavioral responses and emotional regulation. We discuss:

• Study design with Calmr dog toys and goals
• How play with improved relationships and wellness for shelter dogs
• Special design of Camlr toy mimics prey
• How cortisol affects behavior
• Thoughts on developing programs for shelters involving play therapy

Dr. Elizabeth Congdon's bio and links:
Dr. Elizabeth Congdon is an Associate Professor of biology at Bethune-Cookman University with an extensive background in behavioral ecology, conservation biology, and science education. She is particularly interested in the relationship between social structure and dispersal in neotropical mammals, specifically capybaras. Locally, Dr. Congdon works with animal shetlers to use data-driven strategies to improve the quality of life and adoption rates for the dogs and cats - especially the large dogs and 'bully breeds'. The latest results from her team show that therapeutic play as an enrichment strategy can bring down cortisol with a lasting effect. She founded BEC Research, Inc to help fund these efforts and support student research projects.

APDT 2023 session description:
Using interactive and therapeutic play leads to improved health and wellness in shelter dogsBEC Research, Inc www.becresearch.org
Calmr Dog Toys www.calmrdog.comDr. Jessica Owens' bio and links:
Dr. Jessica Owens is an Experimental Psychologist studying animal behavior and communication. Their day job is serving as the lead behaviorist and CEO of Unleashed Training. They specialize in working with dogs and their guardians to overcome behavior and emotional challenges resulting from trauma – including abuse, neglect, lack of socialization, etc.
www.unleashedtraining.org
[email protected]

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In this episode, Dr. Paula Croxson shares insights into the formation of memories, the impact of stress and trauma on memories, and how we can change learned associations from traumatic memories. We discuss:

• Different types of memories
• Memories and the sense of self
• The effect of stress and trauma on memories
• Hardwiring of fear memories
• Making traumatic memories more vulnerable to change

Dr. Croxson's bio:
Paula Croxson, PhD is a behavioral and cognitive neuroscientist, science communicator and storyteller. Dr. Croxson is a freelance public engagement specialist and consultant, working with academics and nonprofits to communicate science with the public in meaningful and effective ways. She is also an adjunct Assistant Professor in Neuroscience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and a consultant for Columbia University. She is a Senior Producer for The Story Collider and is passionate about sharing science with as many people as possible.
Links:
www.paulacroxson.com
@paulacroxson on FB
@paulacroxson on Instagram
The Story Collider podcast
Dr. Croxson will have a chapter in a new book: How to Win Friends and Influence FungiDr. Croxson's webinars on Behavior Vets Learn Worlds:
Revealing Animals' Intelligence
Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks: The Aging Brain
The Sensory World of Animals: The Neuroscience of Smell
What Can Animals Remember? The Neuroscience of Memory
Talk to the Animals: The Neuroscience of Communication

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In this episode, Jim Crosby (BS, MS, CBCC-KA) discusses his work in veterinary forensics, how dogs can become "weaponized", what can be learned from dog bites, how he works with dogs in severe bite cases (including dogs who have killed humans), and what trainers should be teaching families with children.
This interview was recorded on January 3, 2022.
Jim Crosby's bio:
Retired Lieutenant James W. Crosby BS, MS, CBCC-KA (Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Jacksonville, FL, USA) is an internationally recognized authority and court accepted expert on canine attacks and aggression. Jim’s specialty is investigating dog bite related fatalities, especially evidentiary and behavioral factors involved in these deaths. Jim’s direct investigation of over 40 fatalities and post attack evaluation of over 50 subject dogs has been essential in numerous successful prosecutions. He assists and trains prosecutors and agencies facing these cases and was most recently on-scene for a homicide investigation in Central Georgia. Jim assisted, on-site, the Australian Federal Police on a fatality case in Canberra, Australia.

Jim earned his Master’s Degree in Veterinary Forensics from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida and is completing his PhD studies there.

Jim has extensive canine behavioral training and expertise which includes having been a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) and is a Certified Behavior Consultant-Canine (CBCC), both under the auspices of the Council for Certification of Professional Dog Trainers. Jim currently serves on the Board of Directors for the CCPDT.

Jim works extensively in the field of public Animal Control and sheltering. Jim served as Division Manager for Bay County (FL) Animal Control, and Management Consultant (acting chief) of Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services. Jim served on the Board of Directors of the Florida Animal Control Association and has worked with many Animal Control Associations across the US and internationally. Jim assisted the Department of Animal Services for the Australian Capital Territory, leading a National Study on Dangerous Dog policy and procedure for the Australian Capital Territory Government.

Jim assists in dogfighting investigations and was the expert on the Polk County, GA case wherein Devicio Rowland was sentenced to fifty years for dogfighting, the longest sentence for that crime in US history. Jim serves as an expert consultant regarding the use of deadly force by police officers against companion animals.
Links:
The Forensics of Aggression: Working With and Evaluating Canine Aggression
https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/forensics-of-aggression/
Theme music composed and performed by Andy Sells

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