#learntotrainanimals

Wow! What a year. Yes, there have been unprecedented challenges. It is especially difficult when changes are unpredictable and basic needs are not met. As I reflect on 2020 I rode the roller coaster with everyone too. Priorities changed month to month depending on what was happening globally, nationally, to our animal community, my local community, and my home. Overall, while I am missing many of favorite reinforcers, I found new opportunities that previously were difficult to make happen with a demanding travel schedule. I recently watched a TED talk that discussed how it is moments like these in which we often grow the most. If I were to describe 2020 in one word, it would be “learn.” Learning has been my dopamine hit for the year and I hope I have been able to provide outlets and opportunities so that it also can be yours. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow with you in 2021. Here are some learning highlights from 2020... Read the rest at link in bio @barbara_heidenreich and here https://animaltrainingfundamentals.com/uncategorized/2020/ #animaltraining #zooanimaltraining #exoticanimaltraining #birdtraining #learntotrainanimals #behavioranalysis https://www.instagram.com/p/CJjgMe2lWmg/?igshid=pqioyxy4w293

My old buddy is having some medical issues requiring tests. I didn’t know what to expect but always come prepared with treats. The dr wanted a blood pressure reading. Something we’d never done or trained for. By pairing desired items/experiences with the procedure we were able to get voluntarily participation even though the behavior is not what one would called trained. Some call this classical conditioning, but in reality it is a shaping procedure since calm body language is part of our criteria. The benefits are obvious. We can reduce or eliminate stress for unexpected procedures tremendously when pressed for time. There are many other applications of this pairing procedure as well and I use it in my zoo training frequently. But we don’t want to get stuck here, which often happens. Interested in discussing the difference between pairing procedures and classical conditioning more? That’s the plan at www.trainexoticanimals.com #dogtraining #medicalbehaviors #veterinarycare #bloodpressuretraining #learntotrainanimals