Untraining the Ego: Animals, Emotion, and Relational Healing
Reading Time: 2 minutes
HeatherAsh Amara

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: Growing up in the Bahamas, Jane developed a lifelong passion for animals through experiences like swimming in the ocean and riding horses. This early connection to animals inspired her journey to becoming a certified dog trainer, which took her from the Bahamas to the UK, where she studied horse training and stable management with the British Horse Society.
Jane has spent over 40 years honing her expertise as a certified dog trainer and master animal trainer on the global stage. Her professional certifications and practical experience make her one of the most qualified dog trainers in the region.
Learn more: https://www.janetrains.com/