Untraining the Ego: Animals, Emotion, and Relational Healing

About this episode

HeatherAsh Amara and Jane Gerard discuss the impact of trauma on animal training and the importance of positive reinforcement.

In this episode of the Warrior Goddess Revolution , HeatherAsh Amara is joined by animal behavior expert, Jane Gerard, for a deeply moving conversation about trust, trauma, and transforming how we relate to animals—and ourselves. Jane shares her journey from surviving childhood violence to training dolphins and working with difficult dogs and horses, all through the lens of presence and positive reinforcement. Together, they explore how traditional dominance-based training mirrors patriarchal conditioning, and why shifting to curiosity, creativity, and consent not only supports animals but rewires us, too. If you’ve ever questioned the way we train animals—or lead our lives—this episode invites you to slow down, listen deeper, and co-create a new way forward. Episode Highlights: How childhood trauma shaped Jane’s rejection of dominance-based animal training The difference between positive reinforcement and obedience-based methods Why your dog’s “bad behavior” isn’t defiance—it’s communication How training animals helps us unlearn control and reconnect with presence What circle training is and why it’s a game-changer for reactive dogs Resources & Links: About Jane Gerard…

People in this episode

Host: HeatherAsh Amara

Guest: Jane Gerard

Topics covered

• animal behavior
• trauma
• positive reinforcement
• relational healing
• patriarchal conditioning

Keywords

• animal training
• trust
• communication
• dominance-based training
• circle training

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