Why Language Matters in Animal Training with Irith Bloom [Episode 285]

In this episode of the Animal Training Academy podcast, host Ryan Cartlidge is joined by special guest Irith Bloom — a certified professional dog trainer, behaviour consultant, and co-founder of Carefree Companion. Together, Ryan and Irith explore the profound role that language, word choice, and communication play in animal training and human coaching. Irith shares her fascinating behavioral odyssey, starting from her childhood obsession with animals and training large Rottweilers using verbal cues and minimal force, to discovering positive reinforcement in the early 2000s. Drawing on her background as a polyglot who speaks multiple languages fluently, Irith discusses how experiencing life as a linguistic and cultural outsider has shaped her deep empathy and intentionality around communication. The conversation dives into the nuances of how trainers talk to human clients, examining why shifting phrasing—such as describing a dog as exhibiting "fearful behavior" rather than labeling the animal as "fearful"—can completely change a client's mindset, prevent limiting assumptions, and open the door to positive change. Irith and Ryan also discuss the importance of approaching human clients with the same curiosity, grace, and understanding that trainers naturally offer to non-human animals. They unpack the psychological biases that lead us to view human behavior as strictly intentional while giving animals more leeway, and how cultivating self-awareness and practice helps professionals become more effective coaches. The episode closes with a look ahead at what Irith hopes to see in the industry over the next five to 10 years: a future where routinely looking for both assent and consent from non-human animals becomes completely normal. Throughout this episode, we discuss: ✅ Irith's behavioral odyssey from childhood dog training to becoming a multi-certified professional behavior consultant ✅ How speaking multiple languages influences Irith's perspective on communication across species ✅ The strategic power of language and why avoiding rigid labels like "fearful" helps keep client minds open ✅ Re-examining the use of force and language when describing traditional training methods ✅ Why trainers should approach human clients with the same curiosity and grace extended to animals ✅ The role of continuous practice, self-awareness, and embracing mistakes in professional growth ✅ Irith's 5-to-10-year industry vision: making the routine seeking of assent and consent second nature Whether you are a professional trainer, behaviour consultant, or passionate pet owner, this conversation offers empowering insights into how better communication with both humans and animals can create a more harmonious, choice-rich world.