Can you really train a butterfly—or an elephant? What about your cat? In this extraordinary episode of Irreplaceable Tails, host Mallory Dickinson, RVT sits down again with renowned behaviorist Dr. Ken Ramirez, Executive Vice President & Chief Training Officer at Karen Pryor Clicker Training. From leash manners to international elephant conservation, this masterclass blends science, heart, and practical tools for building unshakable animal bonds.

What you'll discover:

– How to train your dog (and cat) using positive reinforcement

– Why “just a rub” isn’t always a reward

– How treat value changes behavior

– The right way to teach “leave it” and recall

– Why short training sessions make the biggest impact

– Tips for training around distractions like horses or other dogs

– Real stories: butterflies on cue & elephants avoiding poachers

Who will love this episode: – Pet owners struggling with obedience or leash behavior

– Trainers and veterinary staff seeking next-level insights

– Families curious about involving kids in training

– Animal lovers fascinated by wildlife & conservation

– Cat parents wondering if cats really can be trained

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome Ken Ramirez! + horse trail etiquette & dog manners

02:00 – Don’t just say “she’s a dog”—teach expectations early

04:00 – Are some treats better than others? (Yes!)

06:00 – Reinforcers vs. bribes: the paycheck dogs deserve

08:30 – Toys, tactile reward & tug play as motivators

11:00 – Short sessions, long impact: structuring training time

13:00 – Why Ken avoids shock collars + how he teaches behavior

15:30 – Should the whole family help train the dog?

17:00 – Teaching kids dog safety & boundaries

18:00 – Can you train a cat? Absolutely—here’s how

20:00 – Conservation training: butterflies, elephants & more

27:30 – Final thoughts: reinforcement builds real trust

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Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

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Ep. 10

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