Giving Animals a Say: The Journey to Force-Free with Simone Tuten [Episode 70]

In this enlightening episode of the Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples podcast, host Shelly Wood sits down with Simone Tuten—an animal behavior consultant and trainer based in Western Australia—for a deep conversation about the evolution of empathy, the science of behavior, and the profound impact of giving animals a voice . Simone works with both dogs and horses, bringing a unique multi-species perspective grounded in the firm belief that animals are sentient individuals who deserve to feel safe and understood . Simone shares her journey from a "shy child" who once comforted a distressed kitten at a school fair to a professional behaviorist who has navigated the transition from traditional, pressure-based methods to compassionate, force-free training . With a background in conservation biology and a previous career as a "weed scientist," Simone's path to full-time animal behavior was sparked by a spontaneous decision to join a dog training course that eventually changed her life . The conversation explores the "human side" of the training equation, with Simone reflecting on the patience and empathy required for both animals and their owners to make a true mindset shift. She candidly discusses her own experience of taking over a year to fully "click" with positive reinforcement for complex behavior challenges—a realization that fuels her compassionate approach to mentoring fellow trainers and supporting families. Together, Shelly and Simone explore: ✅ The Multi-Species Lens: Bridging the gap between canine and equine behavior through a shared philosophy of choice . ✅ The Year-Long Shift: Why it takes time to rewrite our own learning history and fully embrace force-free behavior modification . ✅ From Social Science to Science: How her background in conservation and government research informs her analytical approach to behavior . ✅ Consent in Practice: Helping owners read and respond to subtle body language cues to build lasting trust . ✅ Collaborative Care: The importance of working alongside veterinarians and specialists for holistic animal welfare . ✅ The Power of Mentorship: Focusing on the practical application of theory to help new trainers manage real-world client expectations . This episode is a celebration of the quiet, steady work of building trust across species. Simone's story is a powerful reminder that when we prioritize the animal's right to a "say" in their own lives, we don't just solve behavior problems—we create a partnership built on mutual respect . Links https://simonetuten.com.au/ https://www.facebook.com/SimoneTutenDogAndHorseBehaviourConsultant