UNLEASHED (at work & home) with Colleen Pelar

118. Kristina Bryte

We talk a lot about the importance of “being yourself,” but what exactly does that mean? How are we supposed to do it? And how can we help other people do it as well? Although it may not be what we first think of, one of the most important things we need in order to be our authentic selves- and help others do the same- is safety. Only when we feel safe are we able to really explore ourselves, to be honest about our weaknesses, and lean in to our strengths.

Dog trainer (and aspiring therapist) Kristina Bryte came on the show today to talk about creating a space where not only people but animals can feel safe to be their true selves.

https://colleenpelar.com/118

117. Carol Sumbry, CCPDT, IAABC, CFDM, Certified Meditation Teacher

The term “free spirit” is frequently used to describe all different kinds of people--hippies, artists, slightly crazy geniuses. Really, almost anyone who lives life a little off the beaten path. But what does that phrase actually mean? Just what, exactly, makes one a “free spirit?” And if you’re not one, can you become one? If so, how?

Today on the show, I talked to dog trainer Carol Sumbry about this very topic. Join us as we discuss her (rather circuitous) path into the world of animals, feeding your soul, and finding moments of gold in your everyday life.

https://colleenpelar.com/117

116. Lauren Van Duzer, ACDBC

Without meaning to- or sometimes even realizing it- it can be the easiest thing in the world to limit ourselves. All too often we allow outside expectations, other people’s opinions, and our own fear to confine us to a life that is less than fulfilling.

 

It doesn’t have to be this way, though. Dog trainer Lauren Van Duzer joined me today to talk about how a tragic event pushed her out of her comfort zone and gave her the courage to live a life reaching beyond the confines of “safety.” https://colleenpelar.com/116

115. Helen St. Pierre, CPDT-KSA, CDBC, LFDM, OSCT

Old age, death, and loss are topics most of us prefer to avoid. They’re uncomfortable, sometimes even painful to discuss, and most people don’t like to think about their own mortality.

Death, however, is an inevitable part of life, and avoiding conversations about it can make it even harder for us to become comfortable with it. Helen St. Pierre- founder of No Monkey Business Dog Training and the non-profit Old Dogs Go To Helen- has spent the past several years helping senior and hospice dogs to live the best life they can before passing on. She joined me today to talk about becoming comfortable with the reality of death while finding meaning and beauty in caring for animals at the end of their life. https://colleenpelar.com/115

Annie Phenix, FFCAT, FDM

Everybody has a story that will break your heart. We all have our own traumas and dog trainers are no exception. Working with dogs and their owners is deeply rewarding, but it is also often a difficult and emotionally grueling task that leaves trainers feeling burnt out and emotionally and mentally exhausted. While this is a real problem, there are few resources out there designed to help trainers and behaviorists who are struggling in this regard.

Annie Phenix knows firsthand the stress and pressure that leads many dog trainers to leave the field they loved, feeling exhausted and frustrated. She joined me today to talk about her own journey in and out of dog training, and her mission to provide support and advocacy for struggling trainers.

Mikkel Bekker, CBCC-KA, CDBC, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, CTC, FFCAT

Whether we like it or not, fear is a powerful force in our lives- fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of losing the people and things that are important to us. Even as much of the animal world shifts to a “fear free” mindset when it comes to training and interacting with animals, many of us still struggle to let go of our own fears. Too often, that fear keeps us trapped in uncomfortable and painful situations, or prevents us from doing things we love or aspire to.

 

Mikkel Becker, the lead animal trainer at Fear Free Pets, came on the show today to talk about overcoming the fears that hold us back and keep us from living full and joyful lives. Join us as we discuss giving yourself grace, granting yourself permission to do things, and getting career advice from Diane Sawyer. https://colleenpelar.com/113

Malena DeMartini, CTC, CDBC

What we want to do is very often different from what we should do (or at least, what we think we should do). Obligations and responsibilities need to be met, but the temptation is always there to push them off until later and spend the current moment doing something more pleasurable.

Malena DeMartini joined me today to talk about balancing doing what we ought vs. doing what we want and to take me through her roundabout path from corporate America to enthusiastic dog trainer.

https://colleenpelar.com/112

Veronica Jarvinen, DVM

None of us like to acknowledge that things might not turn out fine, yet we all know deep down that that’s always a possibility. How do we deal with the chance that things might not be all right in the end?

For Veronica Jarvinen, founder of EMMAvet Veterinary Urgent Care, it’s important to acknowledge plainly that things might not be fine, make sure we’ve done everything we can to ensure the best possible outcome, and then go forward secure in the knowledge that we’ve done our best. She joined me today to talk about using this mindset in her own business to create an intentional workplace where her employees can thrive both personally and professionally.

Amy Binder, EdD, MAT, MA, LPC, CPDT-KA, UW-AAB - ”Look at the truth, let go of judgment”

We hear a lot about the importance of not judging, whether that’s not judging ourselves or not judging others. Most of us probably try to live by that advice, but it’s often harder than it sounds. So often we fall into attitudes of judgment without even meaning to, especially when it comes to ourselves, where our judgments are often the harshest of all. That attitude of judgment can cloud our perspective on things, making it hard for us to see the actual truth of the matter.

Learning to recognize those moments of judgment and peel them away to see the truth underneath can lead to important insights about ourselves and give us clarity about our lives.

Psychologist and dog trainer Amy Binder joined me today to talk about how her work with at-risk kids and at-risk dogs taught the importance of letting go of judgment to look at things honestly. 

Collin Funkhouser - ”The ideal form of work feels like play, but still accomplishes something useful and valuable. Joyful for you. Helpful to others.”

We’re used to the idea of work and play being not just separate things, but often polar opposites. Work is serious, play is frivolous. Work is necessary, play is more optional. Work is useful and productive, play is our less useful reward for putting in all that productive work. But while this is definitely the case sometimes, does it really have to be the case all the time?

Professional pet sitter Collin Funkhouser came on the show to discuss this very thing. Join us as we discuss what the ideal form of work looks like, and finding joy and value in your job- even if it’s one that people don’t take seriously.