Cooperative care is an essential component of modern, force-free animal training. It shifts the focus of husbandry and veterinary care from compliance to collaboration, giving animals an active role in their own care routines.
To explore this topic in depth, we hosted a three-part podcast series with Eva Bertilsson, co-founder of Carpe Momentum, who holds a Master’s degree in Behavior Analysis. Throughout these episodes, Eva shares practical strategies and behavioral principles designed to help trainers implement cooperative care protocols with clarity and empathy.
In the first episode of the series, Eva shares her path from working in local dog clubs to becoming an international educator in animal behavior. This episode covers the foundational principles of cooperative care, focusing on how positive reinforcement and behavioral science can be used to reduce the stress commonly associated with husbandry procedures.
Listen to Episode 1 below
Building on the foundations, the second episode looks at real-world applications of these principles. Eva discusses practical training scenarios, including a case study on eye-cleaning training with podcast host Ryan Cartlidges’ dog – Fibi. This discussion highlights the importance of reading animal body language, utilizing “start buttons” (consent signals), and practicing careful observation during training sessions.
Listen to Episode 2 below
The final episode of the series explores advanced techniques to enhance an animal’s autonomy and participation. Eva provides practical advice on structuring positive, engaging training environments using positive reinforcement. This episode is designed to help trainers deepen their understanding of training ethics, choice, and control in behavior modification.
Listen to Episode 3 below
Whether you are just starting to explore cooperative care or looking to refine your current protocols, this series offers structured guidance on incorporating choice, control, and behavioral science into daily husbandry routines.