#87 Jenifer Zeligs Ph.D. - The Art of Communication & Compassion in Animal Training - DOGx Speaker Special

Barks from the Bookshelf

Welcome back, Bookshelvers! We've got an absolute treat for your ears today, a conversation that really gets to the heart of what ethical animal training is all about.

Today, we're incredibly honoured to chat (for a second time) with Jenifer Zeligs, a true luminary in the animal training world.

Jenifer and Steve dive into some fascinating nuances of animal training. Exploring everything from the subtle differences between dog and horse training, to the often-debated ethics of using negative reinforcement. We also shine a bright light on the absolute importance of clear communication in all our training.

You'll hear us discuss the transformative concept of cooperative care – how it's revolutionising the way animals receive medical treatment and why it's so vital. Jenifer also shares her invaluable experiences as a mentor and the incredible impact her teachings have had on countless students in the field. This conversation truly champions the need for open discussions about training methods and, above all, a compassionate approach to animal care.

Jenifer Facts:

Jenifer Zeligs is a highly respected behavioural consultant and the visionary founder of the Animal Training and Research International Centre in California. With over two decades of experience, she has taught advanced animal care and training of both pets and exotic animals at California State University. Jenifer's extensive experiences in animal training span an immense history of partnerships across the animal kingdom – from profoundly improving the welfare of horses and dogs to pioneering the filming of wild whales using trained sea lions.

Jenifer holds a deep passion for establishing strong connections and interspecies communication, a philosophy she passionately imparts through teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in animal training. She brings an exciting, practical, and revolutionary approach to her work, expertly integrating mindfulness with cognitive, behaviourist, and ethological sciences. Beyond her academic and practical achievements, Jenifer is also an internationally acclaimed author, having released the amazing 'Animal Training 101' and 'Mindful Partners,' and is a practicing Buddhist, further enriching her unique perspective on animal welfare and communication.

If you've been following our DOGX 2025 speaker announcements, you'll know that Jenifer will be sharing her profound insights live with us on Sunday, October 12th, at Winchester University – and trust me, you won't want to miss her talk! We still have a handful of tickets left, so head over to www.dogxconference.com to grab yours before they're gone.