Dog Training DisrUPted
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 Psychotherapy, the only recognized educational platform teaching Canine CBT.
She is an award-winning author and was featured in Psychology Today Magazine by Marc Bekoff. She has appeared on many shows, including LA Tribune, IGNITE Your Essence, DVM 360, The Animal Innovations Show, and is a featured speaker at the Animal Behavior Society Conference, and the Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine Conference (2022/23/24). She completed the PhD program at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, "Cognition and Emotions to Improve Animal Welfare", and the course on Adolescent Brain Development. She is currently enrolled in the Transpersonal Ecology PhD program at the University of Sedona. She is honored to be a TedX speaker (2025) and to be a guest speaker at Hartpury University in their Animal Assisted Therapy Program (2025).
Billie openly shares her experiences and knowledge, in a straight-forward and often humorous manner, acquired over three decades working with dogs, rescuers, fosters, adopters, and industry experts. She describes how dogs think, learn, process, and absorb our urban world, compared to that of puppies, and explains, without judgement, the inherent limitations of conventional training methods. Billie uses the most interesting and "relatable" examples to explain Canine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CCBT) and how it is changing the landscape of canine behavioral rehabilitation and animal welfare on a local and global scale.
www.instituteofcaninepsychotherapy.com
Dog Training DisrUPted
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 is different! Fostering is not about BEING the best home or addressing behavioral issues that are specific to the foster home, but rather, taking the steps to ensure a successful adoption into the best home for the dog.
I use the example of a recent foster couple I helped with their challenging dog. Their goal to address behavioral issues specific to their home life complicated the process of providing the dog with the necessary skills to be happily homed.
The UPWARD Dogology 7 step program keeps the goals in the forefront and the success rate high. In this episode, I review these steps, discussing why they are important, and how they eliminate the need for lengthy fostering periods and allow for an easy integration into their new home.
Win-Win!
Here are the links discussed in the episode
Are you a Dog Mom or foster Mom? If you are struggling to keep it together, you are not alone! (buzzsprout.com)
A Scientific Study on Changes Needed in the Adoption Process. Is the Need to Ensure Successful Adoptions Over-Complicating the Process? (buzzsprout.com)
Big thanks to Open Strum for donating the music clips! Open Strum is a huge supporter of rescue pets. They provide creative programs for children and youths to become involved in animal welfare and encourage respect for all living species.
Open Strum | Facebook
Find all the episodes on Feedspot, where Dog Training DisrUPted is rated in the top 5 shows in the dog category in Canada: https://blog.feedspot.com/canadian_dog_podcasts/
To become a certified Canine CBT Psychotherapist, and for courses on related topics, please visit the Institute of Canine Psychotherapy.
www.instituteofcaninepsychotherapy.com
Become a Certified Canine Behaviorist and Dog Trainer
My Linktree with all my media, presentations, shows, articles
Billie Groom - UPWARD Dogology | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree
Here is the link to the recent article in Psychology Today Mag by Marc Bekoff on Canine CBT
Dog Training: Perception, Cognition, and Emotions | Psychology Today
Buy My Book! Winner of the 2019 American Best Book Fest Award (pets/narrative/non-fiction)
The Art of Urban People With Adopted and Rescued Dogs Methodology: Rescued Dogs: The Misunderstood Breed: Groom, Billie: 9781525547287: Books - Amazon.ca