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
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 to light the benefits of human-based approaches, such as Flow, Cognitive Enrichment, and CBT meet the needs of pet parents and dogs.
ABSTRACT - "The aim of this paper is to highlight the connection between cognitive processes, affected states (primarily in relation to the guardian-canine bond), and behavior to explore the effects of these factors on the welfare of domestic dogs. I begin by presenting the proven benefits, as well as the limitations, of enrichment activities and training programs. I discuss the importance of stimulating cognitive functions and establishing the guardian-canine bond to prevent and address behaviors leading to surrender, euthanasia, and the implementation of aversive measures, and refer to studies to highlight the benefits of further research into factors affecting behavior. I then move beyond enrichment and the discussion of positive verses negative conditioning methods to introduce strategies borrowed from the human world to heighten cognitive stimulation, enhance bonding, and address behavioral issues as potential suggestions for future exploration to improve the welfare of domestic dogs."
For a pdf copy of the paper with citations and links to referenced studies, please email me at bgroom@antioch.edu Thank you
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