This episode Katie Stevens, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, breaks down what it means to "label" an animal and the risks associated with using labels while training. She discusses how labels can lead to poor communication and potentially set up an animal or a training session to fail before it even begins. Katie provides strategies and alternatives to labels that allow us to discuss training through behavior and observation. Tune in for Katie's double dose of "Training Tales" about a miniature donkey who overcame his labels and an alligator who learned to crate with his own personal "gator elevator". For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected] and to reach Katie contact [email protected] . Let's talk some training!

This episode we take a break from discussing a specific training topic and instead talk about a challenge that most of us in the animal care field have faced: finding the time to train. The core of this episode stems from a quote by Ken Rameriz which is "Don't look at training as a luxury or fringe benefit: it is an essential part of an animal's life." This episode's guest, Stephanie Tien from the North Carolina Zoo, offers some tips in order to ensure that we all are finding the time to train and advice on ways to communicate with others in order to make training a priority. Tune in for Stephanie's "Training Tale" about a gorilla who she describes as "the gorilla version of Winnie the Pooh." For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected] and to reach Stephanie contact [email protected]. Let's talk some training!

May is National Pet Month so this episode Sarah Dugger from Good Dog and Company discusses that, while the environments may be different, the principles and applications of the science of behavior change is the same between training in a zoo and training pets.  Since Sarah started her career in a zoological setting, she is able to provide a unique perspective on the future of animal training in the home. Sarah also does some functional assessments of some common behaviors in the pet training world and how her experiences in a zoological setting helped to inform the best, most ethical interventions. Tune in for not one, but two, Training Tales from Sarah as she talks about walking her dog off lease down a mountain and the resiliency of a young, injured mountain lion cub. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected] and to reach Sarah contact [email protected] Let's talk some training!

This episode Justin Garner of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, returns to break down both Positive and Negative Punishment. We discuss practical applications of using Punishment and the "side effects" of its usage. Punishment focuses on what the animal shouldn't do, as opposed to providing the information of what they should do. Tune in for Justin's fun "Training Tale" about a dog that helped to teach a cheetahs ]how to shift. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected] and to reach Justin email The ABMA or contact [email protected].  Let's talk some training!

This episode current President of The ABMA, Anaka Nazareth of the National Aquarium, continues our discussion about reinforcement from Episode 9 by breaking down Negative Reinforcement.  We discuss practical applications of using Negative Reinforcement including using this method as a way to give animals control and a voice in their training. However, the episode ends with an explanation of why we want to focus on positive, not negative reinforcement during behavioral interventions and training. Tune in for Anaka's fun "Training Tale" about an African pied crow who recycles vegetables (talk about a spirit animal!) and to learn more about The ABMA's Glossary of Terms. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected] and to reach Anaka email The ABMA or contact [email protected].  Let's talk some training!

This episode Wouter Stellaard, Behavior 360 and The Kuzo Group, continues the discussion about Tokitae, the killer whale, and touches on the importance of using data to make informed welfare decisions. Additionally, Wouter discusses the importance of putting the animals' successes first and how we talk and think about training. Tune in for some amazing training stories from Wouter including providing more control opportunities for bears.  For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected] and to reach Wouter contact email [email protected].  Let's talk some training!

This episode Mark Simmons, author of “Killing Keiko: The True Story of Free Willy’s Return to the Wild”, dissects the recent news about the plans to release Tokitae, the killer whale, and two Pacific white-sided dolphins, Li-i and Loke, into the waters of the Pacific Northwest.  Mark also discusses his talk at the 2023 conference, "Past is Prologue", which focused on the role of trainers in the preservation of species. Tune in for an amazing "Training Tale" from Mark where he recounts a time that Keiko seemly did the impossible only for trainers to learn that Keiko was just working smarter, not harder.  For questions or suggestions about the podcast, the news about the plans to release the three animals, or for Mark; email [email protected] Let's talk some training!

This episode Andie Haugen, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, discusses the the big one: Positive Reinforcement! Positive Reinforcement is an amazing tool to empower animals and allows for each animal to learn in their own way. Tune in for a two for one "Training Tales" from Andie where she recounts how she captured an animal to mimic the legendary Indiana Jones theme song and describes the fun challenges of switching the cheetah's blood draws from Free Contact to Protected Contact.  For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected] and to reach Andie contact [email protected] or reach out at Andie_panda. Let's talk some training!

This episode, through daily live recordings, features a recap of the 2023 ABMA/IMATA joint conference (March 5-10 2023) hosted by Zoo Atlanta and the Georgia Aquarium. 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 ([email protected])

Day 2: Justin Garner, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay ([email protected])

Day 3: Jen Dew, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium ([email protected])

Day 4: Sherona Dhunraj, Ski Dubai ([email protected])

Day 5: Maggie Santangelo, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium ([email protected])

If you are an ABMA member be sure to log in to Animalprofessional.com to watch any of the presentations and panels from the 2023 conference. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected]. Let's talk some training!

This episode Pablo Joury, Curator of Pinnipeds at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, discusses Consequences and finishes our breakdown of the ABCs of Behavior! We start with a quick run down of reinforcement and punishment and then continue on exploring the many different ways consequences can be applied while training. Tune in for our first in-person podcast and for Pablo's "Training Tale" of training the first ever eye ultrasound on a sea lion! Additionally, stick around until the end of the episode for a one-time new segment; "Fun with French" as Pablo sort-of teaches us how to say "seal" in French. Let's just say that it is seal-ing hilarious. For questions or suggestions about the podcast or to ask Pablo any questions email [email protected]. Let's talk some training!