{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Xenia Jones - Rescue, Resilience, and Behaviour Change Across the World [Episode 68]","description":"In this inspiring episode of the Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples podcast, host Shelly Wood sits down with Xenia Jones \u2014 Behavior Therapist at the Animal Behavior Wellness Center in Northern Virginia \u2014 for a rich conversation about rescue, resilience, and the power of science-based, compassionate behavior support. With a lifelong background rescuing dogs and cats across five countries \u2014 from her native Costa Rica, to South Florida, Spain, Taiwan, and China \u2014 Xenia shares the extraordinary experiences that shaped her trauma-informed, choice-based approach to helping both dogs and cats. She reflects on the unique challenges she witnessed in different regions, the importance of teaming up with local communities, and why understanding human culture is essential if we want to truly support animals. Xenia also opens up about her deep connection to separation anxiety, including her own childhood experience and a pivotal case in Spain that left a lasting mark. From there, she takes us through her journey into formal education and certification \u2014 including mentorship through Julie Naismith\u2019s separation anxiety program and becoming a Certified Control Unleashed Instructor under Leslie McDevitt. Together, Shelly and Xenia explore: \u2705 How rescue work across cultures shaped Xenia\u2019s behavior philosophy \u2705 What it was like rescuing hundreds of dogs during the COVID crisis in Wuhan \u2705 Why resilience can look different depending on environment and history \u2705 The reality of preparing rescue dogs for overseas adoption \u2014 medically and behaviorally \u2705 What a Behavior Therapist does in a veterinary behavior clinic setting \u2705 A powerful case study combining CAT (Constructional Aggression Treatment) and Control Unleashed \u201cSuper Bowls\u201d to help a dog with severe visitor-directed reactivity \u2705 Supporting not just the animal \u2014 but the family\u2019s emotional bandwidth too \u2705 A training win inspired by the ATA community: teaching a dog to take medication on cue This episode is a celebration of global compassion, learning, and the quiet, steady work of helping animals feel safe again. Xenia\u2019s story is a powerful reminder that when we center choice, dignity, and science \u2014 we don\u2019t just change behavior. We change lives. Links \u200b\u200bYouTube Channel  https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@unleashingpawsabilities Substack https:\/\/substack.com\/@unleashingpawsabilities Animal Behavior Wellness Center https:\/\/www.abwellnesscenter.com   ","author_name":"Animal Training Academy: Making Ripples","author_url":"http:\/\/ata-ripple-makers.libsyn.com\/website","html":"