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
Episodes
79 episodes
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! ...
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 ...
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 a...
"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...
"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. :-)...
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 put...
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....
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 companio...
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,...
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?
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? Anxiet...
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 mo...
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 do...
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...
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 a...
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 ar...
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 ...
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? A...
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 conve...
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 exercise...
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 ...
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 diff...
Water Rescue Dogs - the story of Al, by guest, Lynne Cox
Welcome to Dog Training DisrUPted, by UPWARD DogologyThis 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 heartwarm...
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 decompre...
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! Bu...