What do trainers mean when they say they “give their animals choice?” What does it mean to allow animals to control outcomes? If we do that, how do we avoid creating chaos? How do we make sure that working animals do what is expected of them? Can we have a well-behaved animal and still offer them choice and control? These and other questions plague professional trainers every day. As a consult helping trainers in zoological facilities that are trying to get difficult medical behaviors – Ken is often poised with the question, is it possible to give true choice? How do we, as positive reinforcement trainers, set animals up for success and give them true agency while still getting the behavioral results we need? Ken will discuss his approach to dealing with those questions and how he works with clients to deal successfully with real-world distractions and share several case studies for attendee’s consideration.
Trainers often disagree about certain tools due to varied definitions and varied uses of controversial tools. Ken will review some of the more popular and controversial tools and share both practical applications and scientific references about these tools in an effort to help you determine if these tools should be a part of your toolbox. Examples include the keep-going signal (KGS), jackpots, end of session signals, intermittent schedules of reinforcement and a myriad of others. Many of these tools are useful only in very specific circumstances such as highly advanced stimulus-control projects. Casual or incorrect use can be confusing to the learner or, worse, punishing. Ken Ramirez, highly experienced in the teaching of positive reinforcement training, takes away the mystery and confusion.
PLEASE NOTE: It is important to understand that while these animal training seminar courses are presented by IMATA, they are not part of the IMATA conference. The courses are separate from the IMATA conference, and participants must pay a tuition fee that is separate from conference registration. Conference registration is not required to enroll in the animal training seminar courses.