Creating Success for Every Learner with Laura Ryder [Episode 292]

In this episode, Ryan Cartlidge welcomes Laura Ryder back to the Animal Training Academy podcast. Laura is a behaviour consultant, educator, and animal trainer based in Perth, Western Australia. She is a trainer, assessor, and course developer for Applied Vocational Training's Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training, head behaviour consultant at Morley Vet Centre, part of the education team for the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers, and a member of the Fear Free Speakers Bureau. With 30 years at Morley Vet Centre, Laura brings a wealth of experience in animal behaviour, training, and supporting positive change within veterinary and educational settings.

Together, Ryan and Laura explore the development and delivery of the Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training, including why practical skills and competency-based assessment matter for preparing people to work confidently with animals. Laura explains how the qualification combines theory, hands-on training, and an understanding of human learners, while helping students explore different pathways within the animal training profession. The conversation also considers how qualifications and clear competency benchmarks can contribute to raising professional standards and supporting animal welfare.

A major focus of the episode is Laura's work with the cats, guinea pigs, and rabbits at the Applied Vocational Training campus. When animals began opting out of the handling and husbandry tasks required during student assessments, Laura worked with the team to develop a training approach that considered the needs of the animals, students, and teaching staff. She shares how station training helped reduce conflict between four cats around feeding time, improved their comfort with carriers, and even supported the development of new social relationships between two of the cats. Laura also discusses using novelty training to help cats become more comfortable with different people, equipment, and handling experiences.

Throughout this episode, we discuss:

✅ Laura's work in animal behaviour education, veterinary settings, and professional training

✅ The Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training and the role of practical, competency-based assessment

✅ Why supporting human learners is an important part of creating positive change for animals

✅ The dual learner model and balancing the needs of animals, students, trainers, and assessors

✅ Recognising avoidance and other behaviours as valuable informati