This Place is a Zoo! - What We Can Learn from Exotic Animal Trainers with Chelsea Brofman

Welcome to Beers and Biscuits, a Dogcast for the rest of us! In this episode we explore what it's like to be an exotic animal trainer in zoos and aquariums - and why what applies to one species applies to all species. In the dog training industry, we often hear that training exotic, wild captive, animals does not require the same methods or level of knowledge, expertise, patience and skill as working with domestic animals. Let’s put that myth to rest. With the help of Chelsea Brofman, Relief Zookeeper and Exotic Animal Trainer for the Topeka Zoo, we discuss what it’s like to work with other species and how the methods used are equally important. Whether you’re training a lion, a tiger, a once thought extinct ferret species, or your canine friend, how we approach training is the same. Chelsea also sheds some light on the importance of grace when working with our animal friends and ourselves – And we have a real, honest discussion about some of the struggles she’s faced as a dog guardian with her own beagle Maui. Featured Beverage: Newburyport Brewing Company's Sandbar Double IPA. As the first brewery to can their entire line of beers in Massachusetts, they became one of the top 10 fastest growing breweries since prohibition in year one - And since 2012, their beers have won awards and their brewery is regularly included in top lists for beer sales in the state and country. Featured Biscuit: Pupford Freeze Dried Beef Training Treats. Pupford offers treats, chews, and more. Made with all natural ingredients, perfectly portioned for pups, and designed to support your pup’s long-term physical, behavioral, and cognitive health. Featured Guest: Chelsea Brofman, is a graduate of University of New England where she earned a degree in Psychobiology. She has had the unique experience of working with a variety of species from  rehabilitating wild seals to working conservation and repopulation projects for a number of endangered wildlife species. You can see some of her work on display on the Topeka Zoo Facebook and Instagram pages.   We hope you enjoyed the conversation and please don’t forget to give your dog a biscuit from us. Until next time. Where you can find us:⁠⁠⁠⁠ @beers.biscuits⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠@thetimelessdog⁠ ⁠⁠⁠| ⁠⁠⁠@peterpiper_pickel⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Ideas, Questions, Comments – Email us: [email protected] You can find a closed caption version of this episode on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@BeersBiscuits   Be Gentle! - This episode was produced by us on AudioDirector.