Dog Training DisrUPted
by 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 Ps
Episodes
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Is Doing "Nothing" Doing "Something"? What We Can Learn From Dogs
It has been a while since the last episode....but that does not mean we have not been doing anything! No, this is not a catch-up episode that goes over everything we, at the Institute of Canine Psychotherapy, have been doing, but... it certainly makes a great segway into this episode. The new…
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Dopamine: the impact on dog training methods, behavior, and meds.
Many of you may have heard me talk about the impact of brain development on behavior in different life stages (if not, check out my TEDX Talk - link below). Well, dopamine is in all of us - do you know it is intricately connected with "rewards"? And CBT is intricately connected to dopamine. Are…
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Dogs, dogs, dogs - 2025 into 2026.
First off! I have started my second book! So stay tuned in 2026 And let's quickly recap 2025. Looking back is always so um interesting. Where is 2026 going..... let's hope it is all about the dogs! My TEDX Talk is live! Beyond Dog Training: The Movement Toward Sentience…
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Should Canine CBT be "Peer Reviewed"?
Welcome! What is Peer Review and is it important? If so, in what way does it impact you, your dog, and your knowledge? Peer Review is a complicated topic, so let's break it down. Whether you are a professional in the industry, or in academia, or a pet parent, this quick overview may change the…
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Is Virtual Dog Training Right For You as a Pet Parent or a Practitioner?
Welcome! What is the difference between online training and virtual training? Can practitioners REALLY provide guidance, advice and effective training virtually? This episode provides dives into what you need to know to make an educated and ethical decision as a pet parent and a professional.…
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"Sentience" - How Does Dog Training Impact Sentient Beings?
Welcome! (oops again on the music - my apologies!) The concept of "Sentience" seems simplistic - animals have emotions. Now what? Why is it important to us, as pet parents, dog professionals, and animal experts, to ensure dogs are treated as sentient beings? How do we employ strategies that allow...
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"Treat Motivated" Dogs - What Does This REALLY Mean?
Welcome! First off! I apologize for the dead air space, I am using a different recording platform that apparently does not like my taste in music :-) And, as you cat lovers can relate to, I had to attend to my cat's needs. :-) This episode explores the term "Treat Motivated" referencing common...
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Is Your Dog Trainer "Popular" or "Impactful"? Why 2025 is the year of the Pet Parent.
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...
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Dog Anxiety - What we can learn from Human Anxiety.
Welcome! Anxiety is not a singular behavioral condition, nor does it have a "tick the box" solution. In this episode, I explore Misophonia – a condition that creates a strong negative reaction when hearing triggering sounds. I am using this specific example to show the importance of studying...
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Canine Cognition - Connecting Science with Behavior
This casual chat references scientific studies on mirrors and pointing to highlight the importance of recognizing, harnessing, and respecting cognitive skills in dogs to improve our ability to understand and communicate with our canine companions. My TEDX Talk is live! Beyond Dog Training: The...
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My Childhood Story Revealed - Why I Do What I Do
In late 2019, I was contacted by a man whose story completely changed my mindset and brought clarity (ah-ha moment that lasted years) of who I am and why I am so compelled to ensure all dogs are treated as individuals, with dignity and respect, and that people have access to the skills and tools…
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Why Analyzing Behaviors is Important!
Welcome to Dog Training DisrUPted. Do you get overwhelmed by the amount of conflicting suggestions and advise? You are not alone! Surprisingly, many of those approaches may be effective, and many ineffective - why? Many methods assess behaviors and then implement solutions to address the…
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Dog Anxiety! Can Emotional Replacement Therapy Help Dogs?
Dog anxiety often leads to behaviors that results in frustration for pet parents, leading to surrender or euthanasia. There are a plethora of approaches to address it, so how do you choose the best one for you and your dog? Anxiety is an emotion, not a behavior. It is essential to apply a method...
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Puppy Training! Can they think "cognitively"?
I recently took two puppies in off a reserve and here is what I learned! By understating puppy training and braining , we can better understand how different methods are effective at different stages. Meet Jonesy and Jackson, 3 month old puppies who are very different from each other. How are...
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The Connection Between the Canine-Guardian Bond and Dog Behavior
In this episode, I read my scientific paper from my PhD course (Cognition, Emotion to Improve Animal Welfare - Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences). No scientific knowledge or prep required. I discuss canine enrichment, street dogs, adolescent dogs, and the guardian-canine bond to bring…
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Canine Aggression and Anxiety - How Cognitive Dissonance Affects Dog Behavior
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...
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Comparing Humans and Dogs in Applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
David Roberts, Licensed Master Social Worker, is an expert in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and has extensive personal experience, claiming "it played a major role in saving my life after my daughter died at the age of 18." Dave and I dive deep into what CBT is and use comparative examples in…
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Dog Fosters! Goal Setting for Success
Fostering adolescent and adult dogs can be challenging. In this episode, I break down the goals and introduce the 7 step fostering program I have applied with hundreds of dogs and taught to dozens of fosters. Programs for pet parents are different than those of fostering - Why? Because the goal…
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Canine Behavioral Enrichment - Why is it trendy and is it effective?
Welcome to Dog Training DisrUPted by UPWARD Dogology! Canine Enrichment is all the rage, especially in shelters and amongst behavioral experts. Yes, another trendy term that seems positive, but is it? Well, like most things, when used to divert from the real issue, or "sell" products and services...
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The low-down on animal welfare orgs, dog experts, and the shelter system - are they working in your favor?
Welcome to the final episode of 2022 - a not-so-typical year in review. It is time! You deserve to know why the dog behavioral experts are keeping the info from you. Why is the shelter system unaware of Canine CBT - or are they? Are behavioral veterinarians any more educated than your average...
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Senior Dogs - What to Expect, with guest Dr. Cristina Diaz Madronero. Snippet: Best training method based on life stage
Cristina is a Veterinary Surgeon. Author. RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Dermatology. She shares with us her vast knowledge on senior dogs in respect to health issues, changes, and what to expect. This fun, casual conversation ventures into chatting about adopting mature dogs, and,...
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Dominance, Alpha and Pack Leader - The Good, the Bad, and the Useless (not in that order).
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…
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Tips When Expecting a Baby to be Prepared for a Busy Life!
Welcome! This episode is for those who have a dog, and are bringing a little human into the family. I provide simple suggestions of things to do BEFORE the arrival of the baby that will make your busy life easier. These exercises can be adapted to suit your lifestyle and the personality of your...
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Neuroscience Explains Adolescent Dog Behavior and Training Methods
Welcome! In this episode I refer to the studies by Dr. Kathy Murphy, owner of Barking Brains, and a neuroscientist who specializes in brain development in respect to behaviors and the success (or lack there of) of training methods in different life stages. This episode focuses on the adolescent...
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Water Rescue Dogs - the story of Al, by guest, Lynne Cox
Welcome to Dog Training DisrUPted, by UPWARD Dogology This episode features animal lover, professional swimmer, writer, speaker, and creator of peace, Lynne Cox. Lynne's new book, Tales of Al, The Water Rescue Dog, is a heartwarming story about a dog expected to be an "easy train" by the elite...
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Leash Walks - Dogs Love Them, And You Should, Too!
Leash walks can be frustrating when dogs are pulling, putting on the brakes, or lolly-gagging. Should you be expected to continuously turn around, or simply allow your dog to sniff everything? Should you be expected to have decompression walks that are really only decompressing for your dog? In...
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Habits, Cues, Triggers - How do they effect behavior in humans and dogs?
Does your dog run to the door when you pick up your car keys? Or run to the door with the sound of your partner's car pulling? Or jump off the couch when you click off the tv? These are triggers that create habits - good habits! But what about habits our dogs have that are not what we perceive as...
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"Why Won't My Adopted Dog Eat?" Solutions Based in Logic and CCBT (no, not handfeeding)
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…
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Anxiety Rehab: Flooding and Fixation vs Progress and Success! What to Expect During Anxiety Rehab.
Welcome! We all want the same for our dogs - to give them their best lives! But what happens if they are simply too scared, reactive, or incapable of enjoying activities with us? This year has seen a big focus on canine anxiety, and some of the info out there can cause anxiety! So let's unpack…
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Are Industry Leaders Giving You The Info You Need and Deserve? Let's Explore Some Other Resources.
Welcome to the final episode of 2021! This episode was a challenge. So much happened in 2021 in relation to spreading awareness of Canine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, making connections, collaborating, and learning about the industry. I decided to share, in brief, the pitfalls of the industry,...
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Michael Overlie: The Relationship between Men and their Dogs; How CBT is Changing Mindset on the need for "Boundaries" and "Discipline".
Welcome! You are going to love this chat with Michael! Michael Overlie is a Canine-Partnered Coach, Energy Healer, and Author. Michael provides men with the tools to be not only a great dog-dad, but also the best human they can be, by changing their perceived need to be the tough guy, or use…
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"When Your Child Asks For A Dog" - An interview with author, Ciaran Walsh. Followed By: "Is Having a Dog and a Baby Too Time Consuming?"
Welcome! In this episode, we chat with author, Ciaran Walsh, on how his newly released book gives parents a "get out of jail free card" when their child asks for a dog. This questions ("Can I have a dog pleeeeeeease?") is asked hundreds of times around the world daily. Are you prepared for the...
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The Adolescent Stage - Dog Cognition Skills Kick In - Learn How to Adapt.
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,...
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Study on Street Dogs Reading Traffic Lights and How Those Cognitive Skills Transfer to Adoption; The Story of a Drunk Girl and a Mexi Rescue
Street Dogs in Costa Rica learn many skills to survive. In this ep, I talk about my findings on a study on how they read and decipher street lights. I provide info on how to recognize and harness these cognitive skills when adopting dogs from the street. I follow this with a story on how I got…
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Which Method is Best for Anxiety Rehab and Why? Then, Meet Brad Malin, of Companion CBD.
Welcome to our first mid-month episode where I provide insight and info on dog behavior, followed by an guest speaker who is in an expert in their field. Let's talk about Anxiety Rehabilitation! Conventional methods, ones common in mainstream dog training, adhere to the principles of Conditioning...
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Can Puppies "Think Cognitively"? Are Cognitive Exercises Influential During Puppyhood? Marc Bekoff's Newest Release.
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...
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What Do We Do When Adopted Dogs Won't Eat?; The Decompression Period - Do Dogs Need It?; A Scientific Study on Street Dogs and Behavioral Issues.
Adopting a dog is rewarding, but can be challenging due to inherent stress. A reaction to stress is, as with humans, not eating, which can be scary! Common techniques often fail because they are not addressing the reason - in other words, we need to find the reason to determine solution. What if...
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What Does It Mean to truly Understand Your Dog? "Talking With The Dogs" with Liz Murdoch; Feedback From Last Ep. Leash Walk Challenge; The Dangers of Pre-setting Training Goals
This ep. is all about reading and understanding our dogs, respecting their needs, and adapting to their personalities and they grow and change. Liz Murdoch is an animal communicator with a passion for helping people bond and understand their pet on a whole new level. This is a great chat full of...
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A Platform Exercise Revealed (Wahoo!); An Interview with Kerry Cooke of Spleash Your Leash; Are You Interested in Partaking in Cognitive Studies? Listen UP!; Do You Underestimate Your Dog's Intelligence?
This is THE episode where I reveal a platform exercise, and, well, it is pretty simple - all that is required is for your dog to enjoy going for a walk! And speaking of, we have Kerry Cooke, creator of Spleash, as our featured guest talking about her hot product that will make your walks and…
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Can Positive Reinforcement Training reach the cognitive side of the brain? The Benefits of Canine Enrichment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for dogs explained using a Soup Recipe (WTF?). Tip on Bringing a Rescued Dog into your Home.
A listener, who is a scientist, asked a great question - "Can positive reinforcement training reach the cognitive side of the brain?" Great question. I had to think about this and am excited to share my thoughts. We then explore Canine Enrichment exercises, their benefits, and if they reach the...
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Connecting Scientific Studies on Dog Cognition to that of Common Dog Behavior Problems and the Best Method to Address Unwanted Dog Behavior.
Billie uses 4 scientific studies on dog cognition to explain why we need a method grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy to address a common unwanted behavior in dogs over 6 months. In this episode we explore four cognitive abilities by introducing the studies which prove dogs have these...
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Diving Deep into a Scientific Study on Adolescent Dog Behavior. Perhaps the methods we use perpetuate the behaviors associated with adolescence.
Welcome to the first episode of 2021 where we dissect a scientific study which, although valid and adhering to professional standards, begs the question as to whether the exercise, grounded in positive reinforcement training used to determine the results, is a factor in creating the change in...
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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.
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…
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A chat with Dr. Adam Christman, DVM, author, speaker and advocate discusses shelter meds, animal legislation and dog rescue. SnipPet: The importance of delivery combined with content to engage listeners and make an impact.
Adam is the Chief Veterinary Officer at MJH Life Sciences and oversees the veterinary division that includes Fetch, dvm360, Firstline and VettED. He advocates for pet parents and animals and is passionate about spreading awareness on many topics so we decided to loosely focus on shelter vet care,...
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Jessica Heaton has worked and volunteered with disabled dogs in Morocco and England and is the author of Pups Paws on Wheels. SnipPet: How scientific studies and hands-on application work together to increase our understanding of CBT for dogs.
We are excited to introduce Jessica Heaton, who shares with us her experience volunteering in Morocco for a remote rescue organization that specializes in rehabilitating dogs with disabilities. Jessica's knowledge of dogs and her professional and volunteer work with dogs with disabilities…
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Meet 11 yr. old Kash, founder of Kash's Kreations, a small business that donates big bucks to local rescues. Dogs with anxiety are often over-looked. Learn how "productive patience" helps get them adopted.
Kashton Weinber is an entrepreneur, a volunteer, artist and a philanthropist. At eleven years of age, he has made a huge impact on the lives of animals and the people who help them. He is the founder of Kash's Kreations and donates money generated from the sales to local rescue organizations, and...
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The dirty topic of "Dominance". Comparing dogs and humans in respect to communication, perception and how we project ourselves with guest Sandra Davis of The PeopleSmart Academy.
Dominance is a buzzword, and often controversial topic, in the dog world. Why? Well, it has a negative connotation, yet at the same time, dog owners are often told they need to gain dominance over their dog. What is acceptable? Is gaining Dominance really our goal? Is expecting our place on the...
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Holistic Approaches to working with dogs. What do a donkey farrier and a dog trainer have in common? What the experts (veterinarian) say is the biggest block to learning about dog behaviour.
Megan Hensley is a renowned donkey farrier and expert, and also a rebel in her profession because of her unique approach to working with donkeys. Sound familiar? Yes, Megan and I have a shit-ton in common. We recognize the need to change the human mindset and perception to achieve our goal of...
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Can upbringing/puppyhood effect the behavior and personality of a dog? Why are 100,000 dogs killed in Spain each year?
Are behavioral issues unique to geographical locations? level of abuse? lifestyle during puppyhood? How do these effect the personality or needs of a dog? Perhaps all of these have an effect, but what is most important are the way the dog thinks and processes based on experiences, which are not…
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Are you a Dog Mom or foster Mom? If you are struggling to keep it together, you are not alone!
We explore the role of women and our reaction when the behaviour of the dog is causing disruption to the family dynamics. Women are often the main care givers and we tend to blame ourselves when things are out of balance. If you are frustrated and feeling defeated, learn why it is not your fault...
About this show
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 Ps
Hosted by
Billie Groom