Episode Details

In this episode of the Precision Animal Training Podcast, host Kirsten Kraljevic sits down with Dr. Viviane Thebe from Germany, a trainer known for pioneering work with both chickens and dogs. The conversation follows her path from veterinary medicine into animal behavior, the workshops in Sweden that changed how she saw training, and the practical reality of teaching while caring for her young son. Listeners hear how those early chicken workshops grew in Germany and why she has stayed focused on rapid, precise training. Dr. Thebe also talks about founding a “top trainers” organization that uses friendly competition to push skill and spark new ideas. Stories from workshops and international conferences show why hands-on practice, humility, and sharing methods across species keep the field moving forward. The episode ends with a look at her influence and the collaborative spirit that still drives better training.

Viviane Theby’s main website in Germany is the Tierakademie Scheuerhof: https://www.tierakademie.de/

She also runs the German dog-trainer education site: https://ausbildung.tierakademie.de/

3 Key Takeaways

1. Humility and Growth in Training  

No matter the background or years of experience, real skill in animal training grows from humility and a willingness to keep learning. Dr. Thebe’s first chicken workshops made it obvious how much she still did not know. That realization is a reminder that ongoing education and honest self-assessment matter for every trainer.

2. The Power of Practical Workshops  

Hands-on work, especially with chickens, delivers immediate and unfiltered feedback. These workshops sharpen timing, precision, and the ability to build a solid training plan. They also change how trainers see what is possible with any animal.

3. Building Confidence and Community  

Supportive groups that give trainers a place to demonstrate skill and measure progress raise the bar for everyone. Dr. Thebe’s “top trainers” effort shows how structured programs and friendly competition help people see their own growth and lift standards across the profession.

Quick Training Lessons From The Episode

Here are the wrap-up lessons that Kirsten wanted listeners to remember from this episode:

- Chicken training workshops are humbling and transformative. Real growth starts when you see how much there is still to learn.

- Fast training is not only about speed. It is planning, precision, and knowing what animal learning can actually deliver.

- Demonstrating skill builds confidence. Giving trainers a way to show what they can do raises the standard for the whole field.

- A community of dedicated trainers makes the work feel bigger than any single person.

- Methods learned with chickens transfer directly to other species and make you a stronger trainer across the board.

- Sharing knowledge and supporting others keeps the most effective methods alive and growing.