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  • This episode Steve Martin, President and CEO of Natural Encounters, Inc., discusses training on a continuum by moving away from coercion and towards genuine choice. Steve starts the episode by giving a review of the concepts of choice and… control with some practical examples. The discussion then turns to breaking down behavioral degrees of freedom, genuine choice, and coercion with many more great practical examples. The episode ends with Steve outlining that real-world animal training requires us to train on the continuum but always striving towards providing genuine choice in order to enhance an animal’s welfare. Stay tuned in for Steve’s motivation and emotional "Training Tale" about a trainer from a show at the Singapore Zoo. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠[email protected]⁠ and to contact Steve email [email protected]⁠ Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

    3:45 Introduction to Steve Martin

    9:25 Review of Choice and… Control

    18:55 Degrees of Behavioral Freedom

    28:20 Free Choice

    30:35 Genuine Choice

    44:05 Coercion

    56:15 Training on the Continuum

    1:04:15 “Training Tales”

  • This episode Mel Paynter and Alyse Stitt, Georgia Aquarium, discuss motivation in the context of animal behavior and training. In part 1 of this two episode discussion Mel and Alyse discuss what motivation is, what it looks like in practice, and give some o-fish-ally great examples from the many aquatic species that they work with in the Ocean Voyager habitat at the Georgia Aquarium. They both dive deeper into breaking down and discussing some of the numerous stimuli and events that can affect motivation. The discussion finishes with their advice on how to productively and effectively use motivation as a tool in our training toolbox and not as a label. Stay tuned in for Mel and Alyse’s “Training Tales” that focus on how the fish they have worked with have taught them and changed their perspective. You can also learn more information about the 2025 ABMA annual conference by visiting www.abma.org For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠[email protected]⁠ and to contact Mel and Alyse email [email protected] or [email protected] Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

    3:25 Introduction to Mel Paynter and Alyse Stitt

    8:15 Overview of Ocean Voyager habitat at Georgia Aquarium

    10:15 Definition of Motivation

    13:45 Definition of Motivating Operations

    Affects on Motivation:

    17:10 Food and Enrichment

    24:00 Breeding/Courtship

    34:00 Social Structure/Situations

    39:50 Environment

    43:35 Weather/Seasonality

    45:00 Learning History

    47:50 Animal’s physical ability to do something

    48:50 Previous access to resources

    50:35 Differences in motivation among individuals

    59:25 Advice for using motivation productively and effectively, not as a label

    1:05:35 “Training Tales”

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  • This episode Shane Gorbett, Philadelphia Zoo and host of the podcast, discusses and breaks down fading. Shane first discusses examples of what fading looks like in practice and how we can apply the artful application of the science of behavior change in order to know when and how to fade. Shane also discusses the challenges of fading too quickly, too slowly, or not at all. Stay tuned in for Shane’s "Training Tale" about Nile crocodile crate training and the importance of paying attention to the communication that we provide to animals. Visit www.theabma.org for more information and for questions or suggestions about the podcast or to contact Shane, email ⁠[email protected]⁠ Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

    5:35 Introduction to Shane Gorbett

    14:10 Definition of Fading and Examples

    25:10 Fading to change a behavior’s cue.

    28:00 How do we know when to fade?

    31:50 What happens if we fade too quickly?

    37:35 What happens if we fade too slowly?

    39:05 What happens if we never fade at all?

    42:55 “Training Tale”

  • This episode Tricia Dees, the second vice president of the ABMA, continues on with the discussion from Episode 59 and goes deeper into primary/unconditioned and secondary/conditioned reinforcers. Tricia gives some common examples of primary/unconditioned and secondary/conditioned reinforcers but also talks about how individual preference plays a role in determining what is actually a reinforcer for each individual. The discussion then turns to why and how we can condition a reinforcer and the importance of watching the animal’s behavior to ensure that a conditioned reinforcer maintains its effectiveness. Stay tuned in for Tricia’s “Training Tale” about how she used learning from a presentation at an ABMA conference about zebra training with an otter. You can also learn more information about the 2025 ABMA annual conference by visiting www.abma.org For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠[email protected]⁠ and to contact Tricia email [email protected] Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

    4:05 Introduction to Tricia Dees

    6:10 Definition of a Primary/Unconditioned Reinforcer

    8:50 Definition of a Secondary/Conditioned Reinforcer

    11:50 Are primary and secondary reinforcers the same for every individual in a species?

    19:25 Why would we condition a reinforcer?

    22:00 Example of how to condition a reinforcer and how to tell if it is an effective reinforcer

    30:45 How to tell if a conditioned reinforcer has lost its effectiveness as a reinforcer

    36:30 “Training Tales”

  • Welcome back for the first episode of 2025! This episode Shawna Spencer, Coral World Ocean Park, dives deeper into breaking down reinforcers and punishers. This episode is full of examples and practical applications. Shawna starts with a brief introduction to primary and secondary reinforcers before listing examples of common reinforcers and punishers. The episode finishes with a discussion about how reinforcers can change over time and how to tell if something is no longer a reinforcer for an animal. Stay tuned in for Shawna’s two doggone great “Training Tales”, one featuring dog training in German. You can also learn more information about the 2025 ABMA annual conference by listening or visiting www.abma.org For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠[email protected]⁠ and to contact Shawna email [email protected]⁠ Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

    3:20 Introduction to Shawna Spencer

    13:10 Information about the 2025 ABMA Annual Conference in Galveston, Texas

    19:50 Definitions of Reinforcers and Punishers

    23:05 What can be a reinforcer or punisher

    25:10 Definition of Primary Reinforcers

    25:45 Definition and application of Secondary Reinforcers

    34:10 Examples of common reinforcers

    42:10 Examples of common punishers

    52:35 If something is a reinforcer will it always be a reinforcer?

    57:40 How to tell if something is no longer a reinforcer?

    1:01:00 “Training Tales”

  • This episode Jose Bello, Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, discusses superstitious behavior. Jose starts with breaking down what it means for a behavior to be superstitious and examples of what that looks like in a practical application. Next, Jose educates about the “potential danger” in labeling behaviors as superstitious and how taking the blame away from the animal and placing it on us as the trainers, can give us a better understanding of what is accidentally reinforcing or punishing a superstitious behavior. The episode ends with a discussion and a reminder that all behavior has function and how that mindset can help trainers and teams have a cohesive understanding of superstitious behaviors. Stay tuned in for Jose’s o-fish-ally great "Training Tale" about a guest’s reaction to water kenneling fish. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected] and to contact Jose email [email protected] Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

    7:00 Introduction to Jose Bello

    10:05 Definition and practical application of superstitious behavior

    14:55 What does it look like if something is accidentally reinforced?

    16:15 How to identify a superstitious behavior?

    19:10 What is the potential “danger” in labeling a behavior as superstitious?

    21:25 If there is a “potential danger”, should we still call behaviors superstitious?

    23:50 How can having extra communication about superstitious behaviors arising from accidental reinforcement help with any labels that may come with the term?

    25:50 Advice for recognizing that a behavior has been accidentally reinforced and isn’t just “something the animal always does”

    28:05 Recognizing what is actually the reinforcer(s) or punisher(s) for a superstitious behavior?

    29:30 All behavior has function

    33:45 “Training Tales”

  • In a special ABMA Behavior Month 2024 episode, Jonelle Mason, California National Primate Research Center - UC Davis, discusses training and behavior in a research setting. Jonelle educates about the similarities and differences between training, cooperative care, and enrichment programs in a zoo compared to a research setting. Additionally, Jonelle talks about some of the unique challenges that arise and the future of behavior management within a research setting. Stay tuned in for Jonelle's "Training Tale" about training her pet corn snake to help with a regurgitation issue. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected] and to contact Jonelle email [email protected] Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

    4:35 Intro to Jonelle Mason

    7:35 Comparison of behavior and training in a research vs zoo setting

    16:45 Comparison of husbandry and cooperative care training

    20:25 Considerations for research related training

    29:10 Creating positive human-animal relationships

    30:50 Enrichment programs in a research setting

    33:30 Lessons from a research setting

    35:10 The future of behavior management in a research setting

    39:00 “Training Tale”

  • This episode Sam Meinke, Palm Beach Zoo, and podcast host, Shane Gorbett, discusses what it means to be a modern zookeeper. The definition of what a zookeeper is and does has drastically changed and is constantly evolving as we continue to progress animal care forward. Some other modern zookeepers were kind enough to share what being a modern zookeeper means to them so Sam and Shane dissect those answers as we redefine what it means to be a zookeeper. The discussion wraps up with the importance of redefining what a modern zookeeper is and does both for the knowledge of the public but also for those currently in the field or hoping to start their careers. Stay tuned in for Sam's "Training Tales" which involves a ground hornbill and a "long cheetah turd". For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected] and to reach Sam you can message him on Facebook or Instagram. Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

    3:20 Introduction to Sam Meinke

    4:40 Definition of a Zookeeper and redefining into a Modern Zookeeper

    13:40 Using the past as a baseline to grow from and do better

    20:20 A Modern Zookeeper…. Adapts to new information

    22:50 Progressive, Use the artful application of scientific principles

    23:45 Knows the individual animals

    25:20 Creative, thinks outside the box for enriching the lives of animals

    28:20 Responsible for providing each individual animal the best life possible

    30:22 Creates a bond with the animals, knows each of their personalities

    32:00 Eager to share their special connection with everyone

    32:50 Strives to create positive connections in all interactions, changing the mindset from making to asking

    36:46 Does research, looks to natural history of animals

    38:15 Selfless, puts the animals’ needs above their own, open to feedback

    39:20 Prioritizes behavioral management as a necessity

    41:30 Focuses on animal wellbeing

    43:10 Importance of redefining the modern zookeeper

    45:40 Advice on changing the mindset of a team into striving to be modern zookeeprs

    49:00 “Training Tales”

  • This episode Rick Hester, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and BehaviorWorks, discusses a free operant approach to behavior management. Rick starts with explaining the practical application of free operant behavior and, in order to get the full scope, also discusses discrete trial training and the relationship between the two. Breaking down some of the science, Rick educates about Lindsley's (1996) Four Free Operant Freedoms and the considerations for providing and maintaining a free operant environment (depletion, satiation, and dosage of resources). Rick finishes the episode with giving advice on how to start curating free operant environments by celebrating each approximation. Stay tuned in for a "dam" great "Training Tale" about creating a free operant environment for beavers using the sound of running water. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected] and to contact Rick email [email protected] Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

    6:40 Definition and application of “Free Operant”

    10:05 Definition and application of Discrete Trial Training (DTT)

    14:10 Connecting the dots between environmental enrichment and free operant principles

    16:55 The Freedom to Present Stimuli

    17:20 The Freedom to Repeat Responses Many Times to Each Signal

    17:50 The Freedom to Form Responses

    18:20 The Freedom to Slow or Speed Responses

    19:15 Considerations for providing and maintaining a free operant environment

    20:40 Resource Depletion

    23:20 Satiation of Resources

    24:50 Dosage of Resources

    28:00 Advice for Getting Team Buy-In; Using Approximations

    35:35 The balance between free operant and discrete trial training

    39:50 “Training Tales”

  • This episode continues on "The Behaviors of..." series which dives into the human side of the animal care field. In this episode Scott Trauger, Natural Encounters, Inc., dives deeper into a discussion centered around his presentation at the 2024 ABMA Annual Conference titled "Expanding Our Feedback Loop: Evolving the Way that We Give Feedback to Our Peers". Scott discusses the different types of feedback and considerations to think about in order to effectively give specific and honest, but also kind, feedback. Scott also discusses the thought of also giving choice and... control to people while providing feedback. Stay tuned in for a "Training Tale" about how Scott used his tree climbing skills and relationship to rescue a pied crow. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected] and to reach Scott contact him on the ABMA Community or email [email protected] If you are an ABMA member you can watch Scott's presentation on animalprofessional.com Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

    2:10 Introduction to Scott Trauger

    6:05 “Expanding Our Feedback Loop: Evolving the Ways we Give Feedback to Our Peers”

    7:55 Using the word “Feedback” vs “Criticism”

    12:05 Different Types of Feedback

    18:40 Importance of Individual Relationships

    23:30 Being honest and specific but also kind

    27:15 Reinforcing the behaviors/responses you want to see happen again

    29:30 Recapping or following up after feedback

    31:15 Starting with heart and the human, not evidence

    35:10 Giving choice and… control to people

    43:00 “Training Tales”

  • This episode we are joined by Tegan Noel, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, to discuss some practical applications and examples of providing choice and... control. This episode is a continuation of Episode 50 where Ken Ramirez broke down the science of choice and... control. The episode starts with Tegan commenting how the focus of those two topics have changed and shaped behavior in recent years. Additionally, she educates about what it means to remove "forced" choice and providing control through the use of encouraging animals to say now. Tegan gives thoughtful examples of providing choice and... control and why it is not only important for animal care professionals to have an understanding but also the public. Stay tuned in for Tegan's interesting "Training Tale" about a pygmy falcon who decided to create an awkward ending to a show. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected] and to reach Tegan you can email [email protected] Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

    2:45 Introduction to Teagan Noel

    5:40 How has the focus on choice and control evolved and changed the way we care for animals?

    11:30 Giving animals control and encouraging animals to “say no” while still receiving active participation

    16:00 Practical examples of providing choice and control: Squirrel Monkeys

    28:35 Practical example: Control over putting on a harness (coati, wombat)

    31:10 Giving more control and removing “forced” choice

    40:35 Importance of providing choice and control from the view of the pubic

    49:40 Advice for starting the process of providing more control

    54:35 “Training Tales”

  • This episode we are joined once again by Chris Jenkins of Natural Encounters, Inc. in order to dive deeper into Antecedents, specially looking at Distant Antecedents and navigating the role they play in behavior. This episode is a continuation of Episode 6 where Chris broke down the fundamentals of Antecedents. The episode starts with defining the difference between immediate and distant antecedents and then shifts to the slippery slope that is labeling behavior using distant antecedents as the reason. Chris educates about how behavior is influenced by a myriad of environmental conditions and gives advice on how to take away the subjectivity of a distant antecedent and instead listen to what the animal and their behavior is telling us. Stay tuned in for Chris's interesting "Training Tale" about a double mouth open with a tapir! Additionally check out "The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.", a like-minded podcast hosted by Chris and Ari Bailey! For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected] and to reach Chris you can find his contact information on the Natural Encounters, Inc. website. Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

    3:10 Introduction to Chris Jenkins

    7:10 Immediate vs Distant Antecedents

    13:20 Antecedents affecting motivation and how our view of them can affect behavior

    15:50 Not letting our “arrogance” create roadblocks or excuses for behavior

    21:30 Using antecedents to inform decisions while not labeling

    26:25 Past consequences become future antecedents

    33:00 Using behavioral observations vs our subjective thoughts

    37:15 Recognizing that behavior is influenced by more than one condition

    41:10 Advice for encouraging others to not place “blame” on distant antecedents

    48:55 Critical role us as the human trainers play in behavior

    51:50 “Training Tales”

  • This episode continues on "The Behaviors of..." series which dives into the human side of the animal care field. In this episode Justin Garner, Committee Chair for The ABMA, helps to give advice on how to successfully implement change. The discussion begins with ideas and advice on communicating ideas to others and how to then put those ideas into action. Justin and Shane also talk through ideas to overcome some of the common "roadblocks" to successfully implementing change including not enough time, we've always done it this way, and a lack of resources. Stay tuned in for a "Training Tale" about a ground hornbill's love for popcorn and how that almost prevented a new idea from coming to fruition. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected] and to reach Justin contact him on the ABMA Community or email [email protected] Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

    3:10 Introduction to Justin Garner

    4:35 Realistically starting to make change

    13:45 Putting the focus on the animals and off yourself

    18:50 Leading by example

    28:20 Building relationships with your teammates

    34:25 Potential Roadblock: “We don’t have enough time for this change”

    41:20 Potential Roadblock: “This is what we have always done”

    54:40 Potential Roadblock: “Lack of resources”

    1:00:00 Be real, show your passions

    1:03:20 Not being afraid to fail

    1:06:55 Training Tales

  • For the 50th episode of the podcast, special guest Ken Ramirez, Karen Pryor Clicker Training breaks down what it means to provide animals with choice and... control. Ken discuss why these terms have often been connected and how to ensure that we are providing both for animals. Ken also speaks to the importance of training in a modern animal setting and how it can be used to help animals get to the "yes" behavior in order to provide control. This episode is filled with practical examples that can provide clarity and help to focus these topics into welfare discussions. Stay tuned in for Ken's "Training Tale" about how he and a rescued dog accidentally ruined a show at the Shedd Aquarium. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected] and to reach Ken you can follow him on Instagram at ken_ramirez_kptc Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

    3:55 Introduction to Ken Rameriz 
    12:05 Introduction to choice and... control 
    13:45 Definition and practical application of Choice 
    17:10 Definition and practical application of Control 
    29:15 Giving animals control while still getting to the yes 
    37:00 Why are these two terms connected 
    48:21 Practical example of control 
    52:10 Can an animal have control but not choice? 
    59:10 How choice and ... control fit into welfare and future advancements 
    1:05:40 Advice on how to start using training and behavior to give animals choice and... control 
    1:08:10 "Training Tales" 

  • This episode Sandy Jabas, The First VP of The ABMA, discusses what it means for a behavior to be under stimulus control. Sandy educates about how to tell if a behavior is under stimulus control and also the importance of stimulus control in our training. Sandy also teases the 2025 ABMA Annual Conference in Galveston, Texas hosted by Moody Gardens! Stay tuned in for three "Training Tales" about a funny mishap when shifting dolphins, a dolphin tail fluke splash gone wrong, and interesting research about dolphin dive reflex. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected] and to reach Sandy you can email [email protected]. Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

    2:30 Intro to Sandy Jabas

    5:50 Intro to the 2025 Annual Conference in Galveston, Texas

    9:25 Definition of Stimulus Control

    11:40 Practical Examples of Stimulus Control

    15:20 How to tell if a behavior is under stimulus control?

    23:25 Advice for challenges with training a behavior to be under stimulus control.

    27:15 “Training Tales”

  • This episode, through daily live recordings, features a recap of the 2024 ABMA annual conference (April 15-19 2024) hosted by the Nashville Zoo. Each day of the conference, one of the presenters for the day discusses their presentation and other learning that impacted them.

    Day 1: Benjamin Fainsod, Jerusalem Zoo & The Animal Behavior Community ([email protected])

    Day 2: Dr. Cathy Mingee, North Carolina Zoo ([email protected])

    Day 3: Cam Luna, Nashville Zoo ([email protected])

    Day 4: Chandelle Cotter, Bird Treatment and Learning Center ([email protected])

    If you are an ABMA member be sure to log in to Animalprofessional.com to watch most of the presentations and panels from the 2024 conference. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected]. Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

    7:00 Recap of Monday with Benjamin Fainsod, Jerusalem Zoo & The Animal Behavior Community

    18:45 Recap of Tuesday with Cathy Mingee, North Carolina Zoo

    35:45 Recap of Thursday with Cam Luna, Nashville Zoo

    45:05 Recap of Friday with Chandelle Cotter, Bird Treatment and Learning Center

  • This episode Tim Sullivan, Brookfield Zoo Chicago and one of the founders of The ABMA, discusses how to use behavioral goals to provide purposeful lives to animals. Tim starts by giving a little history to the founding of The ABMA and then jumps into discussing why behavior is an all encompassing word. If you were at the 2024 ABMA annual conference in Nashville or if you are an ABMA member and watch Tim's environmental enrichment workshop on animalprofessional.com, this podcast episode is a great companion to his presentation. Tim educates about shifting our mindset in order to provide purposeful lives to animals. Taking ourselves away from providers and into a facilitator role, allowing animals to do the jobs that they do best! Tim also speaks to what it means to teach animals to be good learners instead of teaching animals "good" lessons and how we can all successfully navigate this shift in thinking. Stay tuned in for Tim's "Training Tale" about how he started thinking about the correlation between guest applause and the behaviors of the animal. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected] and to reach Tim you can email [email protected] Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

    2:30 Introduction to Tim Sullivan

    9:15 History on the founding of The ABMA

    12:50 Why is behavior an all encompassing word for training, enrichment, etc.?

    16:20 What does it mean to “Provide Purposeful Lives” to animals?

    23:25 Teaching animals how to interact with an enrichment opportunity/do a novel behavior in their free time?

    28:05 Getting started with changing the mindset

    33:50 Shift in enrichment from items to experiences/opportunities

    37:20 Teaching animals to be good learners, not teaching good lessons

    48:05 “Training Tales”

  • This episode Sarah van Herpt, Animals Asia - Vietnam, discusses relationship and trust building with animals who previously lived in adverse and traumatic environments. Animals Asia rescues bears from the bear bile industry so Sarah is able to give practical examples of how they help the rescued bears move from trauma to trust. Sarah educates about desensitization and different techniques used to build trust such as temporarily using negative reinforcement with animals where the best reinforcer is distance and space. Sarah also talks about how to build trust back quickly after a situation that may require some of that trust to be broken. l Stay tuned in for a "Training Tale" about giving the power of consent and control back to rescued bears! For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ To reach Sarah email [email protected] and to learn more about Animals Asia visit their website at https://www.animalsasia.org Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

    3:00 Introduction to Sarah van Herpt and Animals Asia

    9:00 Starting to build a trusting relationship with an animal from a previously aversive situation

    16:00 Desensitization

    21:10 Negative Reinforcement as a temporary tool

    24:05 Relationship building outside of a “formal” training session

    28:40 Working with animals with low trust in the “trust account”

    31:55 Building relationships back up after doing something that takes away some trust (example: necessary medical procedure)

    36:05 Overcoming setbacks with animals that previously had traumatic experiences

    37:30 “Training Tale”

  • This episode is a collaboration with AAZK (American Association of Zoo Keepers) for their "Spotlight on Aquariums Week". The guests for this episode are Sarah Snider-Keys from the Board of Directors of AAZK and Sarah (SK) Ivkovich from The Dolphin Research Center (DRC) as they discuss behavior management in an aquatic setting. Sarah and SK discuss some of the differences and challenges of working with purely aquatic species and some of the creative solutions and successes that come from an aquatic setting. This episode also touches on when and how to start training baby animals and training animals in a social group. Stay tuned in for a "Training Tale" about how a dolphin learned how to soar not from a trainer's approximations, but by watching and learning from another dolphin. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ or visit our website https://www.theabma.org To reach Sarah Snider- Keys email [email protected] and to learn more about AAZK visit their website https://aazk.org To reach Sarah Ivkovich email [email protected] Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!


    2:50 Intro to Sarah Snider-Keys and SK Ivkovich

    4:25 Information about AAZK (American Association of Zoo Keepers)

    6:55 Spotlight on Aquariums Week

    10:20 Planning and implementing training in an aquatic setting

    15:05 Specific behaviors/techniques that are unique to purely aquatic species

    19:00 Advantages and challenges with habitats that are in the public view

    25:20 Training baby animals before food is a reinforcer/When should you start training?

    33:15 Social animals, group vs individual animal criteria

    38:50 Enrichment opportunities in an aquatic setting

    46:10 Advice for starting behavior programs with aquatic species

    52:30 “Training Tales”

  • This episode Cassie Malina, Awesome Animal Solutions, discusses a topic that has been requested by multiple listeners: How to start a behavior program! Cassie starts by detailing what a behavior program could entail, where to start, and how to approach leadership and your team about the process. Cassie also discusses all of the benefits of starting a behavior program to both animal and human wellness. Stay tuned in for two "Training Tales" from Cassie! The first involves a crowned crane learning the importance of an elevator and the second is a unique way in which a hyacinth macaw learned a voluntary towel behavior. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠[email protected]⁠ To reach Cassie email [email protected] or visit her website https://www.awesomeanimalsolutions-cassiemalina.com Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

    1:35 Information about the 2024 Annual Conference

    4:30 Introduction to Cassie Malina

    11:05 What does a “Behavior Program” entail?

    15:20 Where to start when beginning a behavior program?

    18:55 Approaching leadership about starting a behavior program

    24:20 How to prepare and coach your team to prepare for starting a program?

    29:30 Behaviors or concepts to start with the animals in the new program?

    33:45 Advice on building relationships with animals who previously didn’t have a relationship

    39:40 Focusing a behavior plan on animals/species that previously didn’t have one

    42:30 Reinforcing your teammates and recognizing the “wins”

    45:30 How to balance the added time commitment of a behavior program

    49:55 “Training Tales”