Advanced Pet Education Videos

Learn from the same experts that teach Hollywood Feed team members. Veterinarians, Certified Trainers, and more.

Advanced Pet Education Videos

Learn from the same experts that teach Hollywood Feed team members. Veterinarians, Certified Trainers, and more.

Nurturing Growth: A Comprehensive Approach to Puppy and Kitten Nutrition

Hollywood Feed Education Nurturing Growth: A Comprehensive Approach to Puppy and Kitten Nutrition
Have you welcomed a new furry friend into your family? Join Brenna Rae Dunlavy, Research & Product Innovation Manager for Prudence, for a free webinar on puppy and kitten nutrition. With certifications in Canine & Feline Nutrition, Pet Food Formulation, and Food Safety, Brenna will help you understand the essential nutrients puppies and kittens need to grow up healthy and happy.
Stick around for a live Q&A, where you can ask Brenna your burning questions about puppy & kitten nutrition. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your pet’s wellness!

Enhancing Pet Health With Supplements: Brought to you by Prudence

Hollywood Feed Education Enhancing Pet Health with Supplements Brought to you by Prudence
Video Duration: 1 hour 23 minutes Curious about how supplements can support your pet’s well-being? Join Brenna Rae Dunlavy, Research & Product Development Manager for Prudence, for a free webinar on the science behind pet supplements. With certifications in Canine & Feline Nutrition, Pet Food Formulation, and Food Safety, Brenna will help you understand how to read supplement labels, choose the right products, and explore the efficacy of common and unusual ingredients.
Stick around for a live Q&A, where you can ask Brenna your burning questions about your pet's health. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your pet’s wellness with expert insights from Prudence, a brand that values science and results!

Science Behind the Raw Pet Food Movement: Growth & Success Explained

Hollywood Feed Education: Science Behind the Raw Pet Food Movement: Growth & Success Explained
Video Duration: 57 minutes Join Primal Pet Foods' Founder and Chief Product Development Officer, Matt Koss, and Director of Nutrition and Formulation, Dr. James Templeman, for a free webinar exploring the raw food movement's surge in popularity and the science that backs it up. Delve into the movement's growth and success, and learn how a raw food diet can benefit your pet's health. Dr. Templeman will unveil the science behind raw pet food through compelling studies, and together, they'll address your questions about this increasingly popular dietary approach.
Have questions for the experts? You'll also have an opportunity to ask questions and get personalized advice from Matt Koss and Dr. Templeman at our Live Q+A at the end of the presentation.

Safe and Sound: Promoting Positive Canine Interactions & Safety

Hollywood Feed Education Safe and Sound Promoting Positive Canine Interactions & Safety
Video Duration: 41 minutes Join us for our free webinar with Lee Phelan, CPDT-KA, PMCT, an experienced Animal Behavior Specialist from the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County. This informative class will delve into the intricacies of introducing dogs to each other safely and interpreting canine body language during dog-to-dog interactions. Gain valuable insights into recognizing signs of aggression, understanding dog play behavior, and implementing effective strategies to prevent and manage potential conflicts between dogs.
Have questions for the expert? You'll also have an opportunity to ask questions and get personalized advice from Lee Phelan at our Live Q+A at the end of the presentation.

Sit Will Happen: Mastering the Basics of Obedience Training

Hollywood Feed Education Sit Will Happen: Mastering the Basics of Obedience Training May 9th, 2024
Video Duration: 56 minutes Join renowned dog trainer Jacque Boney in this engaging webinar as he delves into the essential foundations of obedience training for your furry companion. Discover the secrets to cultivating a well-behaved and obedient pet through proven techniques and expert insights. Whether you're a new pet owner or looking to enhance your training skills, this webinar is perfect for anyone seeking to unlock the potential of their canine companion. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Jacque Boney and take your dog's training to the next level!
Have questions for the expert? You'll also have an opportunity to ask questions and get personalized advice from Jacque at our Live Q+A at the end of the presentation.

Heartworms in Pets: Everything You Should Know & How to Prevent Them

HFU Master Class Heartworm in Pets
Video Duration: 59 minutes Join us for an exclusive, free webinar featuring Dr. Angele Bice, a board member of the American Heartworm Society. Dr. Bice will delve into the world of heartworms, shedding light on what they are, how these parasites can infect pets, and most importantly, what pet parents can do to safeguard their beloved animals from this serious disease. Each session will conclude with a live Q&A session with Dr. Bice, providing attendees with the opportunity to engage directly with a renowned expert in the field.

The Healing Journey: Helping Children Understand & Process Pet Loss

The Healing Journey: Helping Children Understand & Process Pet Loss
Video Duration: 1 hour 2 minutes Join Certified Pet Loss Professional Coleen Ellis for part three of her three-part series on pet loss. This webinar discusses the challenging landscape of children and other pets in the home experiencing pet loss & how to help guide them through their grief. Whether you’re currently grieving the loss of a beloved pet or seeking to support others through their grief, this webinar is designed to provide a safe and nurturing environment for exploration and healing and will provide a deeper insight into the complexities the loss a pet and the grief of children and other pets in the home.

Understanding & Managing Periodontal Disease in Pets

Hollywood Feed Education Understanding & Managing Periodontal Disease in Pets
Video Duration: 1 hour 19 minutes Join Dr. Greenfield for an informative webinar that will equip you with the knowledge and skills to effectively identify and manage periodontal disease in its varying stages. Periodontal disease is a common yet often overlooked condition that affects the oral health of our beloved pets. In this class, we will delve deep into understanding the causes, symptoms, and consequences of periodontal disease in pets. Have questions for the expert? You'll also have an opportunity to ask questions and get personalized advice from Dr. Greenfield at our Live Q+A at the end of the presentation.

Bringing A New Pet Home: Basic Training

Hollywood Feed Education Bringing Home a New Pet Basic Training
Video Duration: 1 hour 17 minutes Bringing a new pet home can be just as overwhelming as it is exciting! Join trainer Jacque Bonéy as he sets the tone for bringing a new pet into your home with effective communication techniques, creating successful schedules, and unpacking myths around socialization.

The Healing Journey: Understanding and Processing Pet Loss During the Holidays

Hollywood Feed Education The Healing Journey Understanding and Processing Pet Loss During the Holidays
Video Duration: 1 hour 22 minutes Join Certified Pet Loss Professional Coleen Ellis for part two of her three-part series on pet loss and grief. This webinar discusses the challenging landscape of pet loss during the holiday season. It's a time when joy and festivity are in the air, but for those who have recently lost a pet, it can be a period of intense sorrow and loneliness. Whether you're currently grieving the loss of a beloved pet or seeking to support others through their grief, this webinar is designed to provide a safe and nurturing environment for exploration and healing and will provide a deeper insight into the complexities of grief during the holiday season.
You'll also have an opportunity to ask questions and get personalized advice from Coleen at our Live Q+A at the end of the presentation.

Mastering Pet Health: A Deep Dive into Gastrointestinal Wellness and Nutrition

Hollywood Feed Education Mastering Pet Health A Deep Dive Into Gastrointestinal Wellness and Nutrition
Video Duration: 1 hour 28 minutes Join Scott Huggins, the Veterinary Services Lead for North America for Farmina Pet Nutrition, as he discusses the critical role of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and proper nutrition in maintaining the overall health of our beloved pets. The course highlights the intricate connection between the GI tract and various physiological systems in the body, such as the neurological, dermatological, and immune systems, emphasizing its influence beyond common issues like vomiting and diarrhea. Throughout the session, there will be a review of the anatomy and purpose of the GI tract, common gastrointestinal diseases and how to avoid them, proper feeding techniques, and recent surprising research related to the important role diet plays in the health of our precious feline and canine companions.
You'll also have an opportunity to ask questions and get personalized advice from Scott at our Live Q+A at the end of the presentation.

Feline Fulfillment: Mastering Cat Enrichment

Hollywood Feed Education Feline Fulfillment Mastering Cat Enrichment
Video Duration: 43 minutes Join us for an enlightening session with Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, Ingrid Johnson, as she delves into the captivating world of cat enrichment. This class will focus on the unique environmental requirements and enrichment needs of indoor cats. Under Ingrid's expert guidance, you'll gain valuable insights into how to create a stimulating and suitable environment for your feline friends. With her extensive knowledge and passion for cat behavior, Ingrid's class promises to be both informative and engaging, offering practical advice that can be easily applied in your own home. Don't miss this opportunity to enrich your cat's life and strengthen your bond with them. Have questions for the expert? Stick around until the end of class for an opportunity to ask questions and get personalized advice during a live Q&A session with Ingrid Johnson.

The Healing Journey: Understanding and Processing Pet Loss

Hollywood Feed Education The Healing Journey Understanding and Processing Pet Loss
Video Duration: 1 hour 37 minutes Join Certified Pet Loss Professional Coleen Ellis as she discusses how to navigate the complexities of grief while honoring your pet's memory. Drawing from her extensive background in companioning those who grieve, Coleen will provide valuable insights into understanding the unique aspects of the grief journey and offer practical strategies for processing your grief. You'll also have an opportunity to ask questions and get personalized advice on pet loss at our Live Q+A at the end of the presentation. Whether you're currently grieving the loss of a beloved pet or seeking to support others through their grief, this webinar is designed to provide a safe and nurturing environment for exploration and healing. Register now.

Paws for Mobility: Understanding Joint Health in Pets

Hollywood Feed Education Paws for Mobility Understanding Joint Health in Pets
Video Duration: 1 hour 28 minutes Join Dr. Thomas Slattery for a comprehensive seminar on pet joint health, where you'll learn about maintaining your pet's healthy joints, the effects of obesity on joint health, and how to identify signs of joint pain in pets. Our expert speaker will discuss the latest treatments for joint pain and provide valuable tips on how to prevent joint problems from developing in the first place. You'll also have an opportunity to ask questions and get personalized advice on how to care for your pet's joints at our Live Q+A at the end of the presentation. This seminar is perfect for pet owners who want to ensure their pets live active, pain-free lives. Don't miss this chance to learn from the best - register now!

Anxiety in Pets: Recognizing the Signs and Preventing Fear from Developing

Anxiety in Pets: Recognizing the Signs and Preventing Fear from Developing
Video Duration: 1 hour 44 minutes Join Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, Dana Rebaza, as they describe how anxiety in pets can develop and detail the eight most common fears. Dana will also demonstrate how to recognize the early signs of fear by becoming an expert in your animal’s body language and give valuable tips on how to prevent anxiety from developing or worsening.

Fun in the Sun: How to Keep Your Pets Safe and Happy This Summer

Hollywood Feed Education Fun in the Sun How to Keep Your Pets Safe and Happy This Summer
Video Duration: 57 minutes Join veterinary technician Lara Jackson as she discusses summertime pet safety tips while focusing on heat and water safety. Next, one of our social media gurus, Erica Sadler, will share some fun DIYs to enjoy with your pets at home this summer.

Surviving Your Puppy’s Teenage Phase with Trainer Alex Sessa

Hollywood Feed Education Surviving Your Puppys Teenage Phase
Video Duration: 1 hour 2 minutes A dog's adolescent period can come with unique challenges, such as jumping, counter surfing, barking, and not listening. Join certified trainer Alex Sessa as she discusses how to navigate this developmental phase with training strategies that set your dog up for long-term success and instill a solid training foundation.

Holiday Pet Safety: Keeping Your Dogs & Cats Healthy & Happy this Holiday Season

Hollywood Feed Education Holiday Pet Safety Keeping Your Dogs and Cats Healthy and Happy this Holiday Season
Video Duration: 1 hour 28 minutes Join Dr. Sarah Wooten as she gives advice on how to prepare for the hectic holidays so that you and your pet can have fun, be relaxed, and stay out of the veterinary hospital! Dr. Wooten will discuss common holiday hazards for dogs and cats and how to avoid them, as well as share tips on traveling with your pet and minimizing holiday specific stress.

Healthy & Homemade: Ingredients that are Safe for Pet Recipes

Hollywood Feed Education Healthy and Homemade Ingredients that are Safe for Pet Recipes
Video Duration: 1 hour 23 minutes Do you know which ingredients are healthy or harmful for your pets? Join one of our treat experts, Evanthia Martin, as she discusses which ingredients are safe for your pets and which to always avoid. Then, follow along with one of our social media gurus, Erica Sadler, as she shows you how to create some fun DIY pet treats at home!

Understanding Your Cat’s Behavior

Theresa L DePorter
Video Duration: 1 hour 35 minutes Do you think your cat does things out of jealousy or spite? Nope! Join Dr. Theresa DePorter as she discusses what your cat really thinks and examines the social nature of cats, their communication, and the common problems in our homes, such as intercat aggression, destructive scratching, urine marking, and toileting issues. Learn how to help your cat be a happy cat!

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and Seizures in Pets: How to Recognize the Symptoms and What to Do

Dr. Gaemia Tracy
Video Duration: 1 hour 23 minutes Intervertebral disc disease (herniated discs) and seizures are two of the most common emergency situations encountered in veterinary neurology. This discussion will cover how to recognize these conditions, when to seek medical attention, what testing/diagnostics can and should be performed, what treatment options are available, and what to expect from these treatment options. I will also discuss an innovative procedure that few specialists offer to prevent herniated discs in dogs.

How To Be A Muttgyver

Arden Moore
Video Duration: 1 hour 37 minutes Your cat or dog is injured. No pet first aid kit handy? No problem. In this talk, Pet Health and Safety Coach Arden Moore will show how pet parents can unleash their inner Muttgyvers and use items in the home to provide on-the-scene first aid and to safely transport the pet to the veterinary clinic.

The Golden Years: How to Care for Your Senior Pet

Shelagh McCaffrey
Video Duration: 2 hours Navigating how to care for a senior pet can be complicated. Join us as we hear from Dr. Shelagh McCaffrey, who specializes in senior pet care, about how to best support your aging pet's needs through nutrition, home environment, social and emotional stimulation, as well as medical care. Dr. McCaffrey will discuss common ailments of senior pets and how you can advocate for your pet when making decisions about treatments or procedures.

How to Prepare for Different Phases of Life with Your Family Pet: Pregnancy and Pets

Alex Sessa and her Pup
Video Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Welcoming a new baby to the family can be an exciting (albeit stressful) phase of life. When you add a dog to the mix, these already overwhelming changes can be even more difficult to manage. In this lecture, we’ll talk about how to safely manage your dogs while you or your partner is pregnant, preparing dogs for a new baby (including ideas for setting up your home), how to set up your dog for success when baby comes home, and how to realistically manage the “fourth trimester’ – those first three wild months postpartum – with baby and dogs. Your class instructor has been through this phase of life twice in the last two years, so you’ll be getting a truly realistic view into what life looks like with dogs and a baby, and how to set up your entire family for success.

How to Prepare for Different Phases of Life with Your Family Pet: Toddlers to Teens

Alex Sessa and her Pup
Video Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes Children of all ages can participate in the care and training of the family dog. In this class, we’ll go over specific age-appropriate activities and exercises that toddlers, older children, and teenagers can do with their dogs. Using these tools, you’ll be able to strengthen the bond between your children and your dogs and help ensure that your kids know how to interact safely with dogs. We’ll talk extensively about dog bite prevention and how to read your dog’s body language to prevent aggression.

How to Prepare for Different Phases of Life with Your Family Pet: Preparing for a New Dog

Alex Sessa and her Pup
Video Duration: 1 hour 36 minutes Welcoming a new baby to the family can be an exciting (albeit stressful) phase of life. When you add a dog to the mix, these already overwhelming changes can be even more difficult to manage. In this lecture, we’ll talk about how to safely manage your dogs while you or your partner is pregnant, preparing dogs for a new baby (including ideas for setting up your home), how to set up your dog for success when baby comes home, and how to realistically manage the “fourth trimester’ – those first three wild months postpartum – with baby and dogs. Your class instructor has been through this phase of life twice in the last two years, so you’ll be getting a truly realistic view into what life looks like with dogs and a baby, and how to set up your entire family for success.

Flip the Bag Over: What do Pet Food Labels Really Say?

DR RYAN YAMKA
Video Duration: 1 hour 22 minutes Join us as we hear from Dr. Ryan Yamka about how to examine pet food packaging to make an educated decision on what is best for your pet. Dr. Yamka will debunk pet food myths and misconceptions while highlighting the different packaging claims included on many dog and cat food bags. Most importantly, Dr. Yamka will show how to identify what information really matters on the label, like the ingredients, nutrients, feeding guidelines, and more.

Cat Habits: Learning to Care For Your Feline Friend

Cat
Video Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes Join us as we hear from certified cat trainer, Amy Lear, as she breaks down cat behaviors to help us better understand our feline friends. Amy has spent years training both cats & dogs and is excited to teach us all some fun cat tricks, while also helping us to understand litter box behaviors, and the best ways to introduce cats to new or existing four-legged family members.

Dog Chews: Which Ones are Right for Your Dog?

Woman with her dog
Video Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Join us as we hear from one of our treat experts, Evanthia Martin, as she breaks down everything you need to know about dog chews and why finding your pet’s favorite is important. As one of Hollywood Feed’s resident Preventive Controls Qualified Individuals (PCQI), Evanthia has extensive training in food safety and has been involved in every step of our private label treat production, from sourcing to the shelf. Evanthia will discuss the types of bones and chews available, which are most popular, and the key benefits of each. She’ll also describe how to select a chew that is right for your dog to ensure proper safety and maximum enjoyment.

Keeping Your Dog Clean: Nail Trims & Prepping Your Puppy for the Groomer

CHRIS COOPWOOD with his dog
Video Duration: 1 hour 28 minutes Maintaining your pet’s skin, coat, ears, and nails is important to your pet’s overall health. Whether you take your pet to the groomer regularly or only need to do basic up-keep at home, it’s essential to know what your pet needs and how to use proper techniques when keeping your pet clean. Join groomer Chris Coopwood as he gives 3 mini sessions on basic grooming methods, and each session includes an extended Q&A portion to help answer all your pet parent questions. The first session covers Tear Stains and Ear Maintenance. The second session includes Tips and Tricks on Nail Trims and How to Prep Your New Puppy for a Visit to the Groomer. Finally, the third session examines Mats, Tangles, and Brush Recommendations.

Keeping Your Dog Clean: Mats, Tangles, and Brush Recommendations

CHRIS COOPWOOD with his dog
Video Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Maintaining your pet’s skin, coat, ears, and nails is important to your pet’s overall health. Whether you take your pet to the groomer regularly or only need to do basic up-keep at home, it’s essential to know what your pet needs and how to use proper techniques when keeping your pet clean. Join groomer Chris Coopwood as he gives 3 mini sessions on basic grooming methods, and each session includes an extended Q&A portion to help answer all your pet parent questions. The first session covers Tear Stains and Ear Maintenance. The second session includes Tips and Tricks on Nail Trims and How to Prep Your New Puppy for a Visit to the Groomer. Finally, the third session examines Mats, Tangles, and Brush Recommendations.

Keeping Your Dog Clean: Tears Stains and Ear Maintenance

CHRIS COOPWOOD with his dog
Video Duration: 1 hour 21 minutes Maintaining your pet’s skin, coat, ears, and nails is important to your pet’s overall health. Whether you take your pet to the groomer regularly or only need to do basic up-keep at home, it’s essential to know what your pet needs and how to use proper techniques when keeping your pet clean. Join groomer Chris Coopwood as he gives 3 mini sessions on basic grooming methods, and each session includes an extended Q&A portion to help answer all your pet parent questions. The first session covers Tear Stains and Ear Maintenance. The second session includes Tips and Tricks on Nail Trims and How to Prep Your New Puppy for a Visit to the Groomer. Finally, the third session examines Mats, Tangles, and Brush Recommendations.

Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Dana Rebaza and dog
Video Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes Many of us are heading back to the office after working from home for months, and that could be stressful on the furry family members who have become accustomed to their pet parents being around all day. Join Dana Rebaza, one of only about a hundred Certified separation Anxiety Trainers worldwide, as she explains that separation anxiety is, potential causes, common myths about alone time, and how to help hyper or anxious dogs. Dana will also give valuable tips to pet parents on how to start preparing your pet for more alone time.

Pet Allergy Awareness

Dr. Tina Brown, DVM MS DIP ACVD, headshot
Video Duration: 1 hour 39 minutes Does your pet have red, itchy ears or struggle with chronic ear infections that cause discomfort? Join Dr. Tina Brown as she discusses otitis in dogs and cats (an inflammatory condition of the ear canal), potential causes such as allergies, and what treatment options are available to best manage certain ear issues.

Primal Pet Foods

Primal Pet Foods INC
Video Duration: 1 hour 24 minutes Do you want to learn how to help your pets stay healthy and even become the best version of themselves through adding some fun fresh foods? If so, this class may be perfect for you! Join members from Primal Pet Foods who will review the science behind what dogs and cats are designed to eat, what foods are safe to feed our pets and what products can be incorporated into every pet’s diet in a convenient way to elevate their health.

Pet Emergencies

Amy D'Andrea
Video Duration: 1 hour 44 minutes If your pet has an emergency, knowing how to react before getting to a vet clinic can make all the difference for your pet’s life. Join Amy D’Andrea as she discusses the basics of animal first aid and how to use the materials in a pet first aid kit. She’ll also explain how to perform CPR on dogs and cats and how to respond to common medical emergencies such as severe wounds, poisoning, burns, choking, and more.

Nothing but the Tooth

Amy Cooper
Video Duration: 1 hour 32 minutes Maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial to your dog’s overall well-being. Bad breath can often be the first sign of a dental health issue. Join Dr. Amy Cooper as she discusses the basic anatomy of a dog’s teeth and mouth and ways to spot potential mouth conditions. She’ll also provide tips on how to take care of your dog’s teeth and gums at home and at the vet.

Surviving Canine Adolescence

Alex Sessa and her Pup
Video Duration: 1 hour 53 minutes A dog’s first year is the most critical time in their lives to instill a solid training foundation and prevent long-term behavioral issues. Join certified trainer Alex Sessa as she covers an often-overlooked topic of K9 adolescence and the unique challenges that come with this developmental period. She’ll discuss how to tackle issues like leash walking, barking, lunging, jumping, counter surfing, and more!

Puppy Training

Amy Lear - Dog Trainer, and her pup.
Video Duration: 1 hour 33 minutes Amy Lear began her journey in animal rescue at the age of 6 by volunteering for PALS – Protectors of Animal Life Society in East Winthrop, Maine. From an early age she knew she wanted to work with animals, so becoming a dog trainer was an easy choice. Lear graduated from The University of Memphis in 1996, and worked in the corporate world for years while continuing dog and cat rescue in her spare time. In 2009, she decided to follow her dream and enrolled in The Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer Program. She obtained her ABC Dog Trainer certification in 2010 and started her dog training as a side job. It was a hobby at first, but grew rapidly. Lear became a nationally recognized Certified Professional Dog Trainer in 2013 which allowed her to add CPDT-KA to her certifications. In 2013, she decided to leave the corporate world and become a full-time dog trainer. She opened her company PALS Dog Training, LLC. She also obtained her Cat Trainer certification in 2017 from The Animal Behavior College. Lear continues to work with rescue groups and shelters to this day. She has worked with thousands of dogs, all breeds and all ages. During normal operation, PALS Dog Training, LLC offers group classes and training at The Pet Hospitals. She also offers private training at individuals’ homes. Lear is a behavior specialist and uses only force-free positive methods.

Proper Puppy Nutrition

Dr. Gregory Sunvold, PhD, headshot
Video Duration: 1 hour 44 minutes With over 25 years of pet food industry experience and over 200 scientific publications, Dr. Greg Sunvold provides expert pet nutrition advice to improve and create many diverse pet products marketed globally. Having actively practiced in the field of the microbiome throughout his entire career, Dr. Sunvold leverages this deep technical knowledge to actively identify ways to apply innovations arising from this area into the pet food industry. As a result, he founded Microbiome Health, LLC, in order to commercially advance products based on these innovative microbiome technologies.

Scary Things Can Happen

Dr. Mary Manspeaker, DVM MS, headshot
Video Duration: 1 hour 53 minutes Mary Manspeaker is a 2002 graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2013 she completed a Graduate Certificate in Shelter Medicine, and in 2019 she obtained her Master’s degree in Veterinary Forensic Sciences, both through the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. She has worked in small animal private and emergency practice, and since 2012 she has worked primarily in animal welfare and has assisted the Animal Rescue Corps and the ASPCA with dozens of animal cruelty cases. She is currently the staff veterinarian at the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County where she treats sick and injured homeless animals in the community. In her spare time she likes to travel with Animal Balance to help provide veterinary services to underserved areas worldwide, and she lectures on animal cruelty through the Law Enforcement Training Institute. She is a native of Memphis, Tennessee and lives with her dog Fiona and cats Harley, Tycho, Puca, and Jeffrey.

Dermatology & Our Pets

Dr. Tina Brown, DVM MS DIP ACVD, headshot
Video Duration: 1 hour 42 minutes Dr. Tina Brown grew up on a commercial dairy farm near Tuscaloosa, AL. She attended Auburn University and received her Bachelor of Science in 1996. She then pursued a graduate degree at the College of Veterinary Medicine and received her Master of Science degree in biomedical sciences with a research focus on endocrinology. She was accepted into the veterinary program and received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University in 2004. Following veterinary school, Dr. Brown worked in private practice in Chattanooga, TN, where she developed a special interest in dermatology. She returned to academia and completed a one-year rotating internship in companion medicine and surgery at Louisiana State University. She was accepted for a residency in dermatology at LSU and completed her training in 2008. During her residency, she conducted research in the Pythium Laboratory at LSU and continues to have a special interest in deep fungal and bacterial infections of the skin. Dr. Brown is now a board-certified dermatologist and a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD). She specializes in diseases of the skin, ears, and claws due to allergic, parasitic, autoimmune, endocrine, and infectious causes. She has extensive experience in the management of chronic skin and ear infections secondary to allergies and offers advanced diagnostics and treatments such as intradermal (skin) allergy testing and formulation of allergen specific immunotherapy. Dr. Brown has four dogs and three cats. In her spare time, she enjoys visiting her family farm in Alabama and taking her dogs to the off-leash dog park at Shelby Farms.

Our Symphony with Animals

Dr. Aysha Akhtar, MD MPH, headshot
Video Duration: 1 hour 24 minutes A leader in the fields of animal ethics and neurology, Dr. Aysha Akhtar examines the rich human-animal connection and how interspecies empathy enriches our well-being. Deftly combining medicine, social history and personal experience, Dr. Akhtar demonstrates how deeply the well-being of humans and animals are entwined. Interwoven throughout is Dr. Akhtar’s own story of being a young girl who was bullied in school and sexually abused by her uncle. Feeling abandoned by humanity, it was only when she met Sylvester, a dog who had also been abused, that she found strength for both of them. Against the backdrop of her inspiring story, Dr. Akhtar asks, what do we gain when we recognize our kinship with animals? She has traveled around the country to tell the stories of a varied cast of characters―including a former mobster, an industrial chicken farmer, a Marine veteran―and has come face to face with a serial killer. Through storytelling that is entertaining, profound, and touching, Dr. Akhtar reveals what happens when we both break and forge bonds with animals. She demonstrates how humans are neurologically designed to empathize with animals, and how violence against them goes against our nature. In equal measure, the love and friendship we give to other species biologically reverberates back to us.

Is Your Dog Stressed by the Pandemic Too?

Claudine Wilkins, JD MELP, headshot
Video Duration: 1 hour 43 minutes Claudine Wilkins earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) in 1996 and graduated in 1997 with a Masters of Environmental Law and Policy (M.E.L.P.) from Vermont Law School. She started her career as a prosecutor in 1997 and began her own personal injury law firm in 2000. In 2004 Claudine gained national attention in one of the largest verdicts in the nation in a landmark liquor liability case involving 3 fatalities. Since 1996, she has assisted in hundreds of animal abuse cases. In 1998, she created an annual conference targeting professionals who are involved in animal cases (criminal and civil), animal cruelty cases, dangerous dog cases and organized a conference every year since.

Oncology & Our Pets

Dr. Kathy Mitchener, DVM, headshot
Video Duration: 1 hour 34 minutes Dr. Kathy Mitchener graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 1985. After entering private practice, she returned to UT to do a residency in Oncology/Internal Medicine. In 1989, she began an outpatient oncology referral service in Memphis. She organized and began the clinical oncology department at Memphis Veterinary Specialists and in 2004 began her own private practice, Angel Care Cancer Clinic for Animals. Outside of practice, Dr. Kathy lectures on care for the cancer patient, acupuncture and the importance of the human-animal bond to the veterinary community and to the public. In 2006, she opened a new practice for patient care, Angel Care Natural Healing and Acupuncture for Pets. The TVMA recognized her as Tennessee’s Young Practitioner of 1994, and gave her its Distinguished Service Award in 2000. She received the 2000 Veterinarian of the Year Award by the Memphis/Shelby County Veterinary Medical Association. She was awarded the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Bustad Companion Animal Award and in 2005 was recognized by the TVMA with their Human Animal Bond Award. In her free time, Dr. Mitchener is an avid dressage rider and a gardener.

Homeschooling For Canines

Amy Lear - Dog Trainer, and her pup.
Video Duration: 1 hour 35 minutes Amy Lear began her journey in animal rescue at the age of 6 by volunteering for PALS – Protectors of Animal Life Society in East Winthrop, Maine. From an early age she knew she wanted to work with animals, so becoming a dog trainer was an easy choice. Lear graduated from The University of Memphis in 1996, and worked in the corporate world for years while continuing dog and cat rescue in her spare time. In 2009, she decided to follow her dream and enrolled in The Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer Program. She obtained her ABC Dog Trainer certification in 2010 and started her dog training as a side job. It was a hobby at first, but grew rapidly. Lear became a nationally recognized Certified Professional Dog Trainer in 2013 which allowed her to add CPDT-KA to her certifications. In 2013, she decided to leave the corporate world and become a full-time dog trainer. She opened her company PALS Dog Training, LLC. She also obtained her Cat Trainer certification in 2017 from The Animal Behavior College. Lear continues to work with rescue groups and shelters to this day. She has worked with thousands of dogs, all breeds and all ages. During normal operation, PALS Dog Training, LLC offers group classes and training at The Pet Hospitals. She also offers private training at individuals’ homes. Lear is a behavior specialist and uses only force-free positive methods.

Ethical Advice on Diet in the Shadow of DCM

Ryan Yamka, PhD MS MBA FACN PAS DACAS, headshot
Video Duration: 1 hour 14 minutes After earning bachelor’s degrees in animal science and biology, a master’s degree and doctorate in animal science, and an MBA, Dr. Ryan Yamka started his career at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. His research focused on genomics, weight management, amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, fiber utilization, and technologies for alternative testing. He played a critical role in the development of many new and innovative products, was active in the application of new technologies for several of Hill’s weight management products, and developed a urine pH prediction model for felines. Dr. Yamka served as senior VP of R&D, QA, and nutrition for Blue Buffalo. While at Blue, he built and led a team that successfully developed and launched more than 250 new products in the veterinary, dry, wet, meat roll, treat, and litter categories. In 2016, Dr. Yamka founded Luna Science and Nutrition. He currently serves as an advisory board member for Bond Pets, KDC Ag, and PetMio. In 2017, he co-founded Guardian Pet Food Company. He is a certified professional animal scientist (PAS), board certified with the American College of Animal Sciences (Dipl. ACAS) in nutrition, and a fellow of the American College of Nutrition (FACN). He has published numerous manuscripts, abstracts and book chapters, and has 50 patents granted. Lastly, he writes blogs for Petfood Industry Magazine debunking pet food myths and misconceptions and has been featured on numerous podcasts.