DiscoverAnimal Behavior Conversations: The Podcast of The ABMA
Animal Behavior Conversations: The Podcast of The ABMA

Animal Behavior Conversations: The Podcast of The ABMA

Author: Shane Gorbett, Board of Directors, The Animal Behavior Management Alliance

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The Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA) strives to spread knowledge throughout the animal care field to help enhance animal care through operant conditioning. Each episode we will discuss a topic in the world of animal care and break down the science of behavior change. To achieve this, the podcast’s host, Shane Gorbett, will interview fellow trainers and experts from across the world to discuss all things training, behavior, enrichment, welfare, and much more! This podcast will be a great resource for all trainers. Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!
47 Episodes
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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 abc@theabma.org and to reach Tim you can email tim.sullivan@czs.org 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 ⁠⁠abc@theabma.org⁠⁠ To reach Sarah email svanherpt@animalsasia.org 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 ⁠⁠abc@theabma.org⁠⁠ or visit our website https://www.theabma.org To reach Sarah Snider- Keys email sarah.snider@aazk.org and to learn more about AAZK visit their website https://aazk.org To reach Sarah Ivkovich email sarah.ivkovich@dolphins.org 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 ⁠abc@theabma.org⁠ To reach Cassie email awesomeanimalsolutions@gmail.com 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”
This episode Heather Samper, Moody Gardens and “All Things ABMA”, discusses the importance of body language while training. The first part of the episode focuses on learning to read an animal learner’s body language, how to implement that into your sessions, and the benefits of being a keen listener of body language.  The second portion of the episode focuses on why it is so vital for us as trainers to be cognizant of our own body language.  Stay tuned in for two "Training Tales" from Heather! The first is a hilarious story involving a coati and Russian secret service agents (yes, you read that correctly) and the second is an in depth look into search and rescue with Heather’s beagle.  For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org To reach Heather about ABMA related discussions email website@theabma.org or theabma@theabma.org and for items regarding MyTrainingStore.com email info@mytrainingstore.com Let's talk some training and banter about behavior! 2:40 Introduction to Heather Samper 11:35 Why is it important to learn how to read an animal’s body language?  15:50 Implementing the skill of reading body language into training sessions  26:00 Under or Over Threshold  28:25 Universal body language “fundamentals”  37:05 Calm Baseline  41:00 Reinforcing for body language and the benefits   49:25 Importance of the trainer’s body language  1:00:00 “Training Tales”
This episode Kelli Meyers, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, discusses The 10 Modern Principles of Shaping as created by Karen Pryor and how they have evolved from "The 10 Laws of Shaping". Kelli breaks down each principle and gives advice on how to best implement and think about each of the principles. The 10 principles can be found below in the timestamps for this episode. Stay tuned in for Kelli's "Training Tale" about how she had to get really creative with her body positioning (hint: it included floating in the middle of the habitat) to help teach a sea lion a "clapping" behavior. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Kelli you can email kelligolota@gmail.com Let's talk some training and banter about behavior! 1:40 Introduction to Kelli Meyers  4:30 Introduction to the 10 modern principles of shaping  6:50 Principle 1: Be prepared before you start  10:35 Principle 2: Ensure success at each step  12:25 Principle 3: Train one criterion at a time 14:10 Principle 4: Relax criteria when something changes 15:40 Principle 5: If one door close, find another  18:55 Principle 6: Keep training sessions continuous  20:20 Principle 7: Go back to “kindergarten” if necessary, take a step back and then move forward 21:45 Principle 8: Keep your attention on your learner  25:50 Principle 9: Stay ahead of your learner  26:45 Principle 10: Quit while you’re ahead  33:20 “Training Tales”
This episode Esther Verhoeven discusses the human perception of animal intelligence (both from the point of view of an animal care professional and a guest) and how that effects behavior. The conversation starts with Esther discussing how behaviorists should view animal intelligence so that it doesn't create excuses or affect the way we manage the animals in our care. Esther finishes the discussion by commenting on educating guests about animal intelligence and the importance of the language that we use when talking to and about animals. Stay tuned in for Esther's "Training Tale" as she dives into discussing how dolphins perceived the idea of a behavior differently during scuba diving training sessions For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Esther you can find her on all major social medias (Estherv_n). Link to Esther's Ted Talk:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCqOCQ4J9qc Let's talk some training and banter about behavior! 2:50 Introduction to Esther Verhoeven   6:00 How behaviorists/trainers should be viewing animal intelligence?  10:15 Responses to questions about animals being “more” or “less” intelligent than others  13:15 All animals have the ability to learn and, thus, can be trained 15:35 Using labels or intelligence as an excuse for not training  18:10 Animals are experts in human body language  19:05 The dangers of thinking for animals in our care  23:20 Educating the public about animal intelligence  26:05 Why our “chosen language” in how we talk to and talk about animals is important  28:45 “Training Tales” 
This episode Gabby Harris, uShake Sea World, discusses an article that she wrote for "Engage", the quarterly behavior publication of The ABMA. The article is titled "Welfare Considerations for Behavior Management of Animals in Human-Care: The Role of Self Regulation”. Gabby educates about why self-regulation can affect an animal's wellbeing and how we can provide opportunities for self-regulation to animals. Stay tuned in for two "Training Tales" each focusing on learning moments with dolphins! For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to contact Gabby email gabby@seaworld.org.za or visit her website: www.touchinganimalsouls.blogspot.com To read the article in "Engage": engage Let's talk some training and banter about behavior! 4:40 Introduction to Gabby Harris  12:30 Summary of “Engage” article 15:45 Mental wellbeing of animals  18:25 Definition of Self-Regulation  22:40 Providing opportunities for self-regulation 42:25 Optimism of animals  43:50 “Training Tales”
This episode Kyle Banton-Jones, Wild Enrichment, discusses the importance of focusing on the individual vs the group or species in regards to behavioral husbandry. This episode was recorded in collaboration with Kyle's podcast and is a compliment to episode 53 of the Wild Enrichment Podcast, so be sure to check out here: https://wildenrichment.podbean.com In continuation from that episode, Kyle talks about the evolution of enrichment and advancing behavioral husbandry of under-represented species. Additionally, Kyle discusses an article that he wrote, "Behavioral Husbandry for the Individual", and gives considerations for focusing on both the species/group while also ensuring that individual animal's needs are met. Stay tuned in for Kyle's "Training Tale" about how a macaw gave him a lightbulb moment about communicating with animals while training . For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Kyle email kyle@wildenrichment.com or contact any of Wild Enrichment's social channels. To learn more about Wild Enrichment, read the article that this episode discusses, and utilize their resources visit: https://wildenrichment.com Let's talk some training! 6:00 Introduction to Kyle Banton-Jones and Wild Enrichment  10:50 How the word “enrichment” has evolved and changed  13:45 Advancing behavioral husbandry in “under-represented” species 20:20 Behavioral Husbandry for the Individual  23:45 Considerations from the viewpoint of the species 28:40 Considerations from the viewpoint of the individual   31:45 Providing opportunities for the group while also providing opportunities for the individual  34:15 Focusing on one individual’s enrichment goals within a group  38:10 The importance of applicable data collection  39:30 “Training Tales”
This episode Dani Larson, Southwick's Zoo, discusses prompts and how they provide additional information to animal learners. Dani gives great examples of prompts and discusses the difference between a prompt and a discriminative stimulus. Additionally, Dani educates about the importance of fading prompts, but also how to utilize prompts when a behavior breakdown. Stay tuned in for a wild "Training Tale" about how Dani used a soup spoon to teach her dog "Paw". For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Dani contact her on Instagram, @danipoirier, or email dani@southwickszoo.com Let's talk some training! 5:55 Introduction to Dani Larson  11:25 Definition of a Prompt  13:40 Examples of prompts  18:35 The difference between a prompt and a discriminative stimulus (cue)  21:30 Fading out prompts  29:15 How to fade out a prompt  38:40 How to utilize a prompt when a behavior breaks down 43:25 “Training Tales”
This episode Meghan Holst, one of the co-founders of MIAZS (Minorities in Aquarium and Zoo Science), adds another addition to "The Behaviors of..." series by discussing the behaviors of allyship and giving insight in to MIAZS as an organization. Meghan educates about what allyship is and ways in which everyone can be involved in being an ally. Meghan also talks about how to professionally and effectively bring up social justice issues in a workplace and why human behavior is just as important as animal behavior. "The healthier and supported humans are, the healthier and supported the animals are." Stay tuned for Meghan's "Training Tale" about conditioning an electrical signal bridge for sharks. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Meghan email executivedirector@miasz.org. Also, check out all of the free, informational resources offered by MIAZS on their website. https://www.miazs.org Let's talk some training! 3:35 Introduction to Meghan Holst  8:30 All about MIAZS (Minorities in Aquarium and Zoo Sciences)  17:30 How to get involved and support MIAZS  19:35 What is Allyship?  23:00 Behaviors of being an ally  28:15 How to bring up social justice issues in the workplace  33:20 Why is human behavior just as important as animal behavior  38:40 “Training Tales”
This episode special guest, Sabrina Brando, AnimalConcepts, continues the welfare discussion from episode 35 with a focus on introducing the topic of Welfare Assessments. Sabrina discusses a holistic approach to welfare and the necessity of observational, research-focused data as opposed to emotional thinking in welfare assessments. Sabrina also explains the difference between output-based and input-based welfare assessments. The episode ends with a conversation about constant welfare analysis and effective assessments models. Stay tuned for Sabrina's "Training Tale" about reinforcing a dolphin for saying "no" and not coming to her when asked. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Sabrina contact her on the AnimalConcepts website ⁠https://www.animalconcepts.eu/,⁠ LinkedIn, or the AnimalConcepts social channels. Also, check out all of the free, informational resources offered by AnimalConcepts on their website.  Let's talk some training! 4:20 Welfare through observational, not emotional data  10:15 The way that we are feeling about something, doesn’t mean that the animal is feeling the same  13:45 A holistic approach to welfare  20:00 Outputs vs Inputs  25:00 Difference between output-based and input-based welfare assessment 30:40 The continued learning of welfare assessments  38:45 What makes for an effective welfare assessment model 41:35 “Training Tales”
This episode concludes Behavior Month 2023 with special guest, Sabrina Brando, AnimalConcepts, to discuss this week's theme for Behavior Month 2023: Welfare Around the World. This episode serves as the podcast's introduction to welfare with plans for future episodes to dive deeper into the science of welfare. Sabrina explains what welfare science is and the different lenses in which we can view animal welfare. Sabrina also discusses the Five Domains Model and the importance of affective states to animal welfare. Stay tuned for Sabrina's powerful "Training Tale" about a monkey taking his choices into his own hands. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Sabrina contact her on the AnimalConcepts website https://www.animalconcepts.eu/, LinkedIn, or the AnimalConcepts social channels. Also, check out all of the free, informational resources offered by AnimalConcepts on their website.  Let's talk some training! 5:20 Introduction to Sabrina Brando  11:40 Definitions of welfare from AZA and EAZA  12:35 Welfare in a practical and applicable sense  18:00 Focusing on the individuals  23:15 The Five Domains of Welfare Science  38:30 What are affective states?  49:15 “Training Tales”
This episode continues the learning of Behavior Month 2023 with special guests from The ABMA Board of Directors; Chris Jenkins, Marni Wood, and Justin Garner. The panel of guests discuss this week's theme for Behavior Month 2023: The Human-Animal Connection. The panel talks about the importance of having strong, trusting relationships with animals and tackles the questions: how do we evaluate our relationships with animals and what makes for a "good" or a "bad" relationship? The panel also offers advice on how to grow a relationship through changing our own actions. Stayed tuned for a "Training Tale" from podcast host, Shane, about how his relationship with a red river hog paid off during a unique situation. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach any of our panel of guests you can email directorchris@theabma.org, directormarni@theabma.org, and directorjustin@theabma.org Let's talk some training! 4:35 Introduction to Chris Jenkins, Justin Garner, and Marni Wood  8:40 Human-Animal Relationships from an academic lens  10:25 Building human-animal relationships in a modern setting  16:25 What defines/how do you measure a “good” relationship  20:15 What would cause you to define a relationship as “bad” 27:35 When and when not to take away from your trust account  31:40 If the relationship needs improved, how do we strengthen it  35:25 What can we, the human learner, change in our behavior 41:15 Reading animal body language  43:50 Advice for building a stronger, better relationship  51:00 The future role of human-animal relationships in welfare science  52:50 “Training Tales” 
This episode continues the learning of Behavior Month 2023 with special guests Clarie Santiago and Hunter Peck from Natural Encounters, Inc. who discuss this week's theme for Behavior Month 2023: The Evolution of Enrichment. This is also an exciting episode for the fact that this was a live, in-person recording at the NEI Ranch because NEI graciously hosted The ABMA's 2023 midyear meeting! In this episode our guests discuss the evolution of enrichment, both on a holistic level and within a specific team or facility. Clarie and Hunter also contemplate the shift of enrichment towards behavior-based and how training, enrichment, and behavior are not mutually exclusive, but in fact all related. Stayed tuned for two "Training Tales" this episode! Clarie talks about a daring flight from a black kite and Hunter explains how a pigeon named Blade learned to fly. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Clarie and Hunter you can message them on Facebook.  Let's talk some training! 8:15 Introduction to Clarie Santiago and Hunter Peck  14:15 The evolution of enrichment  16:20 The evolution of enrichment on a team/in a facility  21:50 Behavior, enrichment, and training - Not mutually exclusive topics  29:10 Shifting the focus towards behavior and away from interactions  31:25 Enrichment as a tool to decrease “undesirable” behaviors  38:05 Can something that the animal “doesn’t like” still be considered successful enrichment?  41:50 Focusing on enrichment for a species as a whole and at an individual level 45:30 Hunter and Clarie’s enrichment opportunities that they are excited to implement in the future  47:15 “Training Tales”
This episode kicks off Behavior Month 2023 and we are joined once again by special guest, Wouter Stellaard from Behavior 360 and The Kuzo Group, to discuss this week's theme for Behavior Month 2023: Cooperative Care. Wouter discusses what it means for animals to participate in cooperative care and the element of empowering animals to participate and giving them the voice to say yes or no. Wouter also offers advice on times where behavior is needed in a timely manner. To wrap up the conversation, Wouter talks about the importance of cooperative care in a modern zoo and showing that in action to guests. Behavior bird brainiacs (that will make sense after you listen to this episode) will be excited for Wouter's "Training Tales" about a short-billed corella and a beautiful, boisterous black-breasted buzzard! For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Wouter contact him on his website behavior360.com  Let's talk some training! 2:15 Information about Behavior Month 2023 3:50 Introduction to Wouter Stellaard 11:05 What does Cooperative Care look like in practice?  13:55 Giving animals the ability to say yes or no 18:55 How can we tell if a behavior is truly voluntary? Is there anything that is truly voluntary? 24:55 What is the difference between an operant learning strategy and “distracted” feeding in terms of cooperative care?   31:20 When medical diagnostics/information are needed in a timely manner  36:50 The shift in moving away from the word “husbandry” and to “cooperative care”  40:00 Effectively communicating to the public about the role cooperative care plays in a modern zoo  44:40 How cooperative care can improve welfare  49:10 “Training Tales” 
The panel of guests from the previous episode returns to finish to answer some of the questions that our listeners have submitted concerning the previous 29 episodes. Tricia Dees, Sarah Dugger, and Justin Garner all join the podcast again to answer and discuss a wide range of questions including: the difference between capturing and molding, what it means for the criteria of a behavior to have a "range", how to professionally discuss animals living in human care, and how to educate about labels and constructs. Stayed tuned in for Justin's "Training Tale" about how a cheetah discovered a unique way to generalize a behavior. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org Let's talk some training! 1:05 Introduction to Behavior Month 2023 5:35 Introduction to Tricia Dees, Sarah Dugger, and Justin Garner  9:15 If you manipulate an animal and then they do a behavior, is that capturing or molding? 21:30 Can you explain more in depth what you mean by the criteria of a behavior having a “range”?  35:25 What are professional ways to educate someone who approaches you who is against having animals in human care (especially marine mammals)? 1:05:00 How do you politely guide others towards refraining from labeling animals (both as a professional and with guests)? 1:22:05 “Training Tales”
As this is the 30th episode of the podcast we have assembled a panel of guests to answer some of the questions that our listeners have submitted concerning the previous 29 episodes. Tricia Dees, Sarah Dugger, and Justin Garner all join the podcast again to answer and discuss a wide range of questions including: differences between classical and operant conditioning, variable schedules, reinforcement placement, negative reinforcement, and the start of building relationships with an animal. This podcast recording was 3 hours long, so this panel will be back again next episode to finish answering questions. In addition, we ran out of time for a "Training Tale" from the guests so host, Shane, shares a "Training Tale" in honor of the life of Bodega the sea lion that involves a forklift malfunction. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org Let's talk some training! 6:30 Introduction to Tricia Dees, Sarah Dugger, & Justin Garner  11:05 Can you explain the difference between operant and classical conditioning?  18:05 If you have an animal that is afraid to approach you for reinforcement, how could you use operant conditioning to help the animal be more comfortable approaching you and to make training sessions reinforcing rather than potentially aversive? 29:25 Does Negative Reinforcement have to include removing something that is aversive to the animal?  36:10 If we are bridging every behavior, how can we really be using variable reinforcement, even if we are only following up with reinforcement variably? 44:35 What would constitute something as being a baiting strategy vs reinforcement placement?  56:30 “Training Tales”
This episode kicks off a brand new, reoccurring series on the podcast called "The Behaviors of..." which will dive into the human side of the animal care field. Starting this series off is Dave O'Connell and Kyle Alexander, Bearizona, discussing the behaviors of a unified, supportive team. Dave and Kyle talk about what team behaviors have helped to create a healthy, positive work culture at Bearizona and the importance of focusing not just on the animals, but also the people. Dave and Kyle also discuss the benefits of celebrating everyone's uniqueness, changing a culture from competitive to collaborative, creating a "circle of reinforcement" in a team, and building up trust accounts amongst coworkers and leadership. Stay tuned in for Kyle's "Training Tale" about a jaguar and, in the spirit of the episode, he also talks about some the awesome training of others at Bearizona. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Dave contact dave@bearizona.com and to reach Kyle contact keepers@bearizona.com  Let's talk some training! 4:50 Intro to Dave O’Connell and Kyle Alexander  7:20 Behaviors of a Unified, Supportive Team  10:30 Celebrating everyone’s uniqueness  14:30 How to ask if you can try something new 16:50 Creating a culture of healthy accountability  22:25 Cultivating a “circle of reinforcement” where everyone gives credit and celebrates their coworkers successes   25:55 Changing the culture from competitive to collaborative  32:35 We are here for the animals and for the people  36:05 Information about Behavior Month 2023 39:40 Building up trust accounts with coworkers and leadership 48:35 Everyone on a team can be a leader   1:02:50 “Training Tale”
This episode Becky Wolf, San Diego Zoo, discusses criteria as it pertains to defining behaviors while training. Becky gives examples and a breakdown of the four aspects of a behavior that can be reinforced: topography, duration, frequency, and intensity. The episode ends with a discussion on why it is so important to both the animals, the individual trainer, and a team that a behavior has clear, defined criteria. Stay tuned in for a special treat as Becky shares three "Training Tales" including a unique ostrich recall, a jumping lion, and a cheetah that made special connections with guests. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Becky contact bwolf@sdzwa.org  Let's talk some training! 3:25: Intro to Becky Wolf  6:00 Definition of Criteria  6:30 Example of a behavior’s criteria in practice  8:45 Topography  12:30 Duration 16:00 Frequency  17:25 Intensity  18:45 Can a behavior’s criteria have multiple aspects?  20:20 Can a behavior have a lower and upper range of criteria?  22:20 Latency  24:55 When a behavior’s criteria isn’t met  29:00 Why is it important to the animal that we have clear, defined criteria?  31:00 Why is it important to a trainer/team that we have clear, defined criteria? 35:05 “Training Tales”
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