Hey Folks! In this episode, Steve sits down with Certified Dog Trainer and friend Martina Luisetti, founder of ULI Dog Training. Martina shares her incredible journey from working as a high-flying celebrity makeup artist to finding her true calling in behavioural science through her beloved shelter dog, Uli.
Steve and Martina explore applied behaviour analysis (ABA), using space and predictability in training, ethical considerations around negative reinforcement, and how to navigate imposter syndrome in the dog training industry.
What We Cover in This Episode:
- Martina's transition from makeup artistry to dog training.
- The shelter dog, Uli, who sparked a passion for positive reinforcement.
- Using ABA and functional assessments as a clear, gentle coaching tool for dog guardians.
- Thinking outside the box: How Martina used distance as a reinforcer to help her cat, Mozzie.
- Why professionals need to have open, nuanced conversations.
- Overcoming imposter syndrome and the power of supportive trainer communities.
Martina Facts:
Martina is a Certified Dog Trainer and the founder of ULI Dog Training, working with dogs and their families across Leigh-on-Sea, London and St Albans.
Passionate about helping both dogs and their humans thrive, Martina specialises in puppy development, adolescent dogs, reactivity, and supporting dogs who find the world overwhelming. Her passion is rooted in behavioural science, with a strong focus on understanding why behaviour happens rather than simply trying to stop it.
Believing that every behaviour serves a purpose, Martina helps owners build confidence, communication and trust through compassionate, evidence-based training that considers both the dog's emotional wellbeing and the human end of the lead.
When she's not working with clients, she's kept on her toes by her rescue cat, Darlene, who is Martina's muse and owner, really.
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