Team Development

Development of our staff members is critical to sustainability and growth of our animal training programs.  A variety of opportunities are provided to our staff to maintain a progressive training program.  Two courses are required for all animal care staff, Introduction to the Behavior Management Program and Practical Tools for the Everyday Trainer.

Introduction to the Behavior Management Program is an introductory course providing new staff with an overview of the Behavioral Husbandry program which includes mission, vision, philosophy, commitments, roles in the program, S.P.I.D.E.R. framework, process expectations, and brief overview of enrichment and training.

Practical Tools for the Everyday Trainer is designed to take a closer look at the science of behavior and to apply fundamental training skills into everyday training practices. The course highlights specific concepts that are the foundation to the deeper understanding of animal training including shaping behavior, timing of delivery of reinforcement, bridging and event marker principles, developing successful two-way communication, stimulus control, fading prompts and baiting strategies, consequences and antecedents and other behavior influences.

Workshops are developed and offered to staff or to individual teams when requested.  Workshop topics have included clearing up the confusion on variable schedules, time outs, bridging stimulus, labeling behavior, reinforcement strategies, shaping and relationships.