Animal Behavior Conversations: The Podcast of The ABMA
Published by Shane Gorbett, Board of Directors, The Animal Behavior Management Alliance
Kids & Family
Pets & Animals
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 animal care professionals 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!
This episode Gerry Creighton, Global Elephant Care, discusses the importance of and advice for creating reinforcing and challenging environments for animals. Gerry starts the podcast by detailing his journey and the evolution of the Dublin Zoo and then discussing what it means to “borrow animals” for training. He gives advice on creatinine environments where animals aren’t looking to us for reinforcers. Gerry also provides learning on giving animals appropriate, biological challenges and allowing animals to make their own decisions. The podcast ends with advice on how to effectively message to guests, and leadership, when environments are created that may limit the guest view of the animal. Stay tuned in for Gerry’s "Training Tale" about an elephant who learned the joy of positive reinforcement training! For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Gerry email gerry@globalelephantcare.com To learn more about Global Elephant Care and Gerry’s book “Raised by the Zoo: My Life with Elephants and Other Animals” visit https://globalelephantcare.com/ 5:20 Introduction to Gerry Creighton 21:50 “Borrowing Animals” for training 33:25 How can we give animals appropriate challenges in their life? 40:45 Creating environments where animals aren’t looking to us for reinforcers 50:15 Letting animals make their own decisions and how to listen to those decisions 1:01:40 Effectively messaging to guests and leadership if environments cause an animal to not be readily seen 1:08:40 “Training Tales”
This episode Amy Schilz, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo & International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffes, provides some great learning and advice for creating a three way dialogue when training with multiple trainers. This podcast is a companion to Amy’s presentation at the 2026 ABMA-IAATE annual conference titled “Three Way Communication: Creating Clear Contingencies for Learners Working with Multiple Trainers”. Amy starts the episode by discussing the three way dialogue when training with multiple trainers and how each party is providing cues. The discussion continues with information on how to give control to the animal to start, stop, and continue and the adjustments that we can, and should be making, after an animal says “no”. Finally, Amy explains advice for keeping criterion consistent and effectively planning and discussing all of the various considerations when training with multiple trainers. Stay tuned in for Amy’s "Training Tale" about the success of one of the newer trainers at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.! For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Amy email giraffe@cmzoo.org . For more information on the International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffes visit these links: Workshops: https://giraffecenter.cmzoo.org/Workshops Conferences: https://giraffecenter.cmzoo.org/Conferences "How To" video shorts: https://giraffecenter.cmzoo.org/Video-Shorts 3:00 Introduction to Amy Schilz 8:00 International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffes 14:50 Three Way Communication when training with multiple trainers 18:40 Advice for starting to train with multiple trainers 21:00 How are each party providing cues 30:00 Adjusting what we are doing after an animal says “no” 33:25 Advice for effectively navigating between schedules of reinforcement in a session 37:00 How to keep criterion consistent 44:10 How to give control to the animal and discuss amongst all trainers 51:35 Advice for making a plan with all of the considerations 53:45 “Training Tales”
This episode SK Ivkovich, Dolphin Research Center, provides some great learning and advice for training social animals in a group with one trainer. This podcast is a companion to SK’s presentation at the 2026 ABMA-IAATE annual conference titled “Three’s a Crowd? Benefits of Training Social Animals in a Multi-Animal Group with One Trainer”. SK starts the discussion by advocating for the many benefits, to both animals and humans, of training social animals in a group. SK also focuses on the importance of focusing on the individual in the group and the role of the social hierarchy. The episode finishes on some advice for how to get started training social animals in a group. Stay tuned in for SK’s "Training Tale" about DRC’s new harbor seals! For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach SK email sarah.ivkovich@dolphins.org To learn more about the Dolphin Research Center’s Professional Animal Trainer Program visit https://dolphins.org/drcti_professional_trainer_certificate_program and to learn more about the Dolphin Academy Program visit https://dolphins.org/drcti_professional_trainer_certificate_program 3:15 Introduction to SK Ivkovich 4:50 Information on Dolphin Research Center’s Professional Animal Trainer Program and Dolphin Academy Program 10:15 The benefits of training social animals in a group 18:00 The benefits to the trainers 22:10 How to focus on each individual while training in a group 25:50 The role of social hierarchy 39:50 Advice for starting a session with multiple animals 48:55 Bridging animals in a group 57:00 “Training Tale”
This episode, through daily live recordings, features a recap of the 2026 ABMA-IAATE Annual Joint Conference (March 30-April 2, 2026) hosted by Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio, United States. Each day of the conference, one of the presenters for the day discusses their presentation and other learning that impacted them. Day 1: Brett Williams, North Carolina Zoo, United States Day 2: Tzu Ying Lee, Mandai Wildlife Group, Singapore Day 3: Tom Morath, Hawk Conservancy Trust & Nature’s A Hoot Podcast, United Kingdom If you are an ABMA member be sure to log in to AnimalProfessional.com to watch most of the presentations from the 2026 conference. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org. To purchase Podcast Merchandise visit the ABMA online store at: https://www.sawdustandinkapparel.com/abma26 Let's talk some training and banter about behavior! 8:40 Day One Recap: Brett Williams, North Carolina Zoo 24:50 Day Two Recap: Tzu Ying Lee, Mandai Wildlife Group 36:00 Day Three Recap: Tom Morath, Hawk Conservancy Trust & Nature’s a Hoot Podcast
This episode continues on "The Behaviors of..." series which dives into the people side of the animal care field. This episode, is a live panel recording from the 2026 ABMA-IAATE Joint Annual Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States with live submitted questions from conference attendees. The panelists discuss “The Behaviors of Partnering for Success” and give advice for both formal leadership and frontline staff. Among other topics asked by the live audience, the panelists discuss what it means to be a good teammate, setting up systems for success, how to “disagree well”, and how leadership and staff can partner together for success. The panelist are Chris Jenkins (Virginia Zoo in Norfolk), Cinnamon Eubanks (Saint Louis Zoo - Forest Park Campus), Kit Lacy (Cascades Raptor Center) and Erin Katzner (World Parrot Trust). For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org 6:20 What does “Partnering for Success” look like in the animal care field? 10:55 What is the difference between avian and mammalian trainers? 16:25 From a leadership perspective, what does it look like to partner for success with your staff? 25:05 Advice for staff to have a discussion about partnering with their leadership on a project or initiative 33:30 Advice for when there is resistance to change because what happens now “works” 43:00 Advice for disagreeing well 51:35 Setting up a departmental system for success 1:00:10 Advice for leaders to define roles and staff to work within those roles 1:09:40 Advice when collaboration with a peer isn’t reciprocated 1:16:10 The behaviors of a good teammate 1:21:55 What changes or advancements are the panelists most excited for and how can leadership and staff work together to achieve that goal
To commemorate the 75th episode of the podcast, a special guest panel discuss current progressive practices in enrichment and the future of innovative enrichment strategies. The panel consists of Nicki Boyd (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance), Rick Hester (Cheyenne Mountain Zoo & BehaviorWorks), and Elly Neumann (Jerusalem Zoo). The discussion starts with looking to nature to inform enrichment and using that knowledge to create environments that are responsive to the animals’ experience. Next, the panel discusses strategies for setting up an enrichment program for success. The panel also answers listeners questions about aggression and the evolution of audio enrichment. The episode ends with looking towards the future with the role of animal personality in enrichment and innovative ways to implement a free operant strategy for enrichment. Instead of a "Training Tale" to end the episode, each panelist gives their best advice for taking your enrichment to new heights. For questions or suggestions about the podcast or to ask any of the panelists a question email abc@theabma.org For more information on the ABMA’s virtual conference visit this link: https://www.theabma.org/virtual-conference 4:35 Introduction to panelists 8:00 The focus on the animals’ experience and creating a new system 17:10 Updating the animals’ environment 24:10 How to look to nature to inform enrichment 26:40 How can we set up keepers for success when it comes to planning, implementing, and tracking enrichment 43:40 If an animal is displaying aggressive behaviors towards enrichment, can that impact the animal’s behavior outside of interactions with enrichment? 51:15 The role individual animal personality plays in enrichment 59:40 Free Operant Enrichment 1:07:45 The evolution of “audio” enrichment
This episode continues on "The Behaviors of..." series which dives into the people side of the animal care field. This episode, is a live panel recording from the 2025 ABMA Virtual Conference with live submitted questions from conference attendees. The panelists include leaders at all levels of animal care from keepers to curators to executive directors which give a holistic view and advice on what leadership can look like at any level in the animal care field. The panelist are Chris Jenkins, Clint Lusardi, Darren Minier, Julie Grove, Missy Lamar, Sandy Jabas, Shea Eaves, Stephanie Joe, Torianna Green, and Trelle Dandridge. Instead of the traditional "Training Tales", to end the episode the panelist provide their "Leadership Resource List" which can be found at the end of this episode's description. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org 4:40 Introductions to the panelists and what does leadership mean to you? 22:45 Approaching management to encourage someone to take on a responsibility so that other coworkers feel motivated, seen, and heard 33:30 As a leader, when growing and supporting a newer leader that struggles with communication and tone, how do you best allow them to practice those skills without damaging relationships 52:20 What are the challenges of leading your peers and how do you overcome those challenges? 59:15 What advice do you have for a leader to hold their team accountable so that they are raising the team up to a higher standard instead of brining the higher achievers down to a lower standard? 1:04:20 What does it look like when a leader creates “a safe environment”? 1:09:25 What advice do you have for those who are leading amongst their peers? 1:26:20 How do you work around the thought of “You’re not my boss” when you are trying to be a leader at any level 1:33:10 For those who do not have the authority or responsibility of changing disciplinary action plans for a larger organization, what are some small changes we can make in our teams in order to model “Just Culture” 1:40:00 “Leadership Resource List” “Leading Without Authority” by Keith Ferrazi “It’s Your Ship” by Captain Michael Abrashoff “Crucial Conversations” “Just Culture” “Radical Candor” by Kim Scott
This is a very special episode where we highlight ABMA’s 2025 Premier Sponsor: Pets for Vets with the organization’s founder and executive director Clarissa Black. Clarissa starts by discussing how the organization was formed, what the organization does, and their very important mission. She then gives information on how trainers can get involved with the organization and the process for applying for a pet while sharing some incredible and life-changing success stories. Clarissa finishes the conversation by giving advice and learning into the world of therapy pet training and examples of some of the incredible training that is accomplished. Stay tuned in for Clarissa’s "Training Tale" of teaching her puppy appropriate social interactions using a stuffed panda bear. If you would like to see a picture of Bear, the dog who inspired Clarissa to develop Pets For Vets, check out ABMA's social media channels! For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org . To contact Clarissa email cblack@petsforvets.com and to learn more about Pets for Vets and how you can get involved visit https://petsforvets.com/ 3:10 Intro to Clarissa Black 6:30 Overview and mission of Pets for Vets 10:20 How to get involved as a trainer 11:30 Success Stories 16:00 The process of choosing the specific pet for each veteran 18:50 How to apply for a pet 20:10 How to start your pet training journey 25:20 Lessons learned from zoological training that apply to pet training 30:35 Difference in training with animals that share our (home) environment 32:34 Nightmare training and other examples of training with therapy pets 38:55 Reciprocal expression and perception of behavior 45:05 Common challenges when training therapy dogs and other pets 51:00 “Training Tales”
This episode Ryan Cartlidge, Animal Training Academy, discusses how to get “unstuck” in training. Ryan starts the episode by operationalizing what getting “stuck” in training may look like and the process of thinking “How do I get unstuck?” Ryan breaks down this process into three steps 1. Building a tool kit of knowledge 2. Having the Courage to Act and 3. Having the Systems for Learning in place. Throughout the entire episode Ryan details multiple tactics and learnings that can assist in getting unstuck such as understanding reinforcement systems, videoing your training sessions, utilizing flowcharts, and so much more! Stay tuned in for Ryan’s very unique "Training Tale" in which he was the learner. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to contact Ryan and to learn more about Animal Training Academy connect with the organization in any way below: Email >>> Website >>> www.atamember.com Instagram >>> https://www.instagram.com/animal_training_academy/?hl=en Facebook >>> https://www.facebook.com/animaltrainingacademy/ If interested follow the link to a free month of ATA. Sign up for 30 free days of ATA membership and then after that time period, you can roll into a full membership. >>> https://atamember.com/thanks-for-subscribing/ 6:20 Introduction to Ryan Cartlidge 12:35 Information about Animal Training Academy 16:00 What does it mean when we feel “stuck” in training 25:10 Starting the process of thinking “How do I get unstuck”? 32:50 Building a tool kit of knowledge and skills 1:00:40 Having the courage to act 1:15:10 Having the systems for learning in place 1:27:45 “Training Tale”
This episode continues on "The Behaviors of..." series which dives into the people side of the animal care field. This episode, which is a continuation of episode 29, Dave O’Connell, Bearizona, discusses “The Behaviors of a Unified and Supportive Team”. The biggest takeaway from the entire episode is that one of the most important behaviors of a supportive team is the ability to talk with another. Through talking with one another we are able to create shared team goals, disagree in a productive and positive manner, give and receive growth minded feedback, and provide effective corrective feedback. Dave discusses that the behaviors of effective feedback include being timely, being specific, and being kind. Dave finishes off the learning by talking about the behaviors of creating supportive and growth-minded team culture. Stay tuned in for Dave’s "Training Tale" about how the Bearizona team continues their learning journey through “Lunch and Learns”. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to contact Dave email dave@bearizona.com For more information on the ABMA’s virtual conference visit this link: https://www.theabma.org/virtual-conference To submit an abstract for the ABMA 2026 annual conference visit this link: https://www.theabma.org/abma-annual-conference 4:50 Introduction to Dave O’Connell 13:25 Creating shared goals 20:50 How to disagree well? 25:20 The behaviors of a team with a growth mindset 29:30 Giving and receiving constructive, growth-based feedback 41:20 Giving effective corrective feedback? 47:25 Advice for approaching leadership with feedback and suggestions? 55:15 The behaviors of a team with a unified and supportive culture 1:03:00 “Training Tales”
This episode Justin Garner, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, provides some great learning on behavior chains and the process of chaining. Justin starts by breaking down the process of chaining while giving practical application examples. The discussion then dives into how a behavior chain works and dissects what it means for each behavior in the chain to serve as both a discriminative stimulus and a conditioned reinforcer. Justin then explains the difference between backward and forward chaining and why it is recommended to utilize backward chaining. The discussion ends with advice on preventing behavior chain breakdown and an explanation on the difference between shaping and chaining. Stay tuned in for Justin’s "Training Tale" about a team and a mob of macropods reaching new heights in training. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org For more information on the ABMA’s virtual conference visit this link: https://www.theabma.org/virtual-conference To submit an abstract for the ABMA 2026 annual conference visit this link: https://www.theabma.org/abma-annual-conference To complete the podcast feedback survey visit this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/Rspt0Bk/abcpodcast2025 1:30 Upcoming ABMA offerings 5:35 Definition and practical application of chaining and behavior chains 15:30 Backward chaining 22:35 Forward chaining 26:15 Recommendation to utilize backward chaining 31:15 Advice on preventing behavior chain breakdowns 33:50 The difference between chaining and shaping 38:50 “Training Tales”
This episode wraps up (for now) the two episode arc discussing how changing conditions can change motivation with Wouter Stellaard, Behavior 360 and the Kuzo Group. Before listening to this episode, please take the time to listen to Part 1 of this topic which is episode 68 of the podcast. This episode is a direct continuation of Episode 68 in which Wouter discusses a multitude of ways in which we can change conditions to change motivation without utilizing diet/weight management. Wouter discusses strategies if you have come to “the last stop” and determined that the best decision is using food to change motivation. Topics covered include considerations on safety, non-food reinforcers, using all available resources, timing, specific situations, and the importance of record keeping and observations. The episode ends on a reminder that behavior and learning itself is reinforcing and how we should be adding things, not removing them from animals’ lives and behavioral repitoires. Stay tuned in for Wouter’s inspiring “Training Tale” about training the next generation of animal care givers. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to contact Wouter email wstellaard@behavior360.com or wouters@thekuzogroup.com For more information and to register for the 2025 ABMA virtual conference visit this link: https://www.theabma.org/virtual-conference To complete the podcast feedback survey visit this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/Rspt0Bk/abcpodcast2025 Let's talk some training and banter about behavior! 1:40 New ABMA Virtual Conference + Behavior Month Information 3:50 Short recap of Episode 68 - Part 1 10:25 Shifting from Diet/Weight Management to Behavior Management 14:05 Non-Food Reinforcers 17:50 The Last Stop: Using Food to Change Motivation 19:50 Timing of Sessions 21:20 Considerations for Using Food to Change Motivation 24:35 Importance of Record Keeping and Observations 26:15 Considerations About Safety 28:50 Using All the Resources Available to Make the Most Informed Decisions 33:50 Signs that Using Food is Detrimental 39:45 Can the Animal Physically Accomplish the Behavior 41:35 Definition of Depreciation and its Practical Application 44:50 Behavior and Learning are Reinforcing 52:30 “Training Tale”
This episode begins a two episode arc discussing how changing conditions can change motivation with Wouter Stellaard, Behavior 360 and the Kuzo Group. In this episode Wouter discusses the many, and not exclusive, ways in which we can change conditions to change motivation that do not involve diet management. The episode begins by discussing motivation as a construct and a label and then breaking down motivating operations and setting events. Wouter educates on the many ways in which we can alter antecedents and the environment in order to effect motivation. Additionally, Wouter encourages listeners to evaluate ourselves and our shaping plans. Stay tuned in for Wouter’s “Training Tale” about getting into the weeds of training Calm Attentive Behaviors (CAB) with wolves at Bearizona. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to contact Wouter email wstellaard@behavior360.com or wouters@thekuzogroup.com For more information and to register for the ABMA virtual courses visit this link: https://www.theabma.org/behavior-management-courses To complete the podcast feedback survey visit this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/Rspt0Bk/abcpodcast2025 Let's talk some training and banter about behavior! 3:50 Introduction to Wouter Stellaard 9:40 A jumping off point for a discussion 11:35 Change from weight management mindset to behavior management mindset 15:10 Definition of Motivation 18:50 Motivation as a label 22:55 Motivation and the Study of One in One Moment 26:20 Definition of Motivating Operations and Setting Events 29:20 Relationship and Trust 30:40 Variety of reinforcers 31:10 Variety of asked behaviors, rate of reinforcement 33:20 Shifting the mindset to what we can do and away from the animal isn’t motivated 37:10 Antecedents and changing the environment 43:50 Evaluating ourselves 49:55 Differential Outcome Effect 52:00 Competing Reinforcers 56:30 Reevaluating our shaping plan 59:40 Low Motivation vs Reinforced Behavior 1:03:50 Social Structure and Hierarchy 1:13:50 “Training Tales”
This episode Ari Bailey, Natural Encounters, Inc., discusses a topic that she will be presenting on at the IAATE Symposium titled “Get Out of the Way and Let Behavior Happen.” The episode is a great conversation that focuses on recognizing when to fade out and when to implement specific tools such as baiting, prompts, target, etc. Ari also gives advice on how to approach others with ideas on changing or trying something new in the training process. The discussion finishes with Ari discussing how getting out of the way of the animal’s behavior can create more consistent and resilient behaviors and learners. Stay tuned in for Ari’s very unique "Training Tale" about the origin story of a terminology for different sizes of peanuts. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to contact Ari email a.bailey@naturalencounters.com For more information and to register for the ABMA virtual courses visit this link: https://www.theabma.org/behavior-management-courses To complete the podcast feedback survey visit this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/Rspt0Bk/abcpodcast2025 Let's talk some training and banter about behavior! 4:30 Introduction to Ari Bailey 12:55 “Get Out of the Way and Let the Behavior Happen” 21:10 How to recognize that it’s time to move on from an approximation 30:30 Using baiting, targets, prompts in the shaping process 42:00 Advice on how to approach teammates with moving to the next approximation 46:10 How to approach teammates about “testing” something new 53:00 How does this correlate to consistent and resilient behaviors? 1:02:05 “Training Tales”
This episode Dr. Susan Friedman, Behavior Works, provides some great learning and insights into a multitude of current topics surrounding the science of behavior change. Dr. Friedman starts with discussing the Hierarchy of Behavior Change Procedures; what it is, how we can view it to provide optimal welfare to animals, and also the importance of antecedent arrangement and the environment to behavior change. She also breaks down what it means and looks like in practice when we strive for most positive, least intrusive, effective intervention. Dr. Friedman then gives a summary on the free operant approach to enrichment. She finishes the discussion by diving into the concept of control by honoring the no and shaping the yes. Stay tuned in for Dr. Friedman’s very unique "Training Tale" about plant learning. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to contact Dr. Friedman email sgf@behaviorworks.org For more information and to register for the ABMA virtual courses visit this link: https://www.theabma.org/behavior-management-courses To complete the podcast feedback survey visit this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/Rspt0Bk/abcpodcast2025 Let's talk some training and banter about behavior! 5:10 Introduction to Dr. Susan Friedman and Behavior Works 19:25 Hierarchy of Behavior Change Procedures 27:00 Most Positive, Least Intrusive, Effective Intervention 36:20 The importance of antecedent arrangement and the environment on behavior 48:05 Free Operant approach to enrichment 1:07:00 Honor the No, Shape the Yes
This episode, through daily live recordings, features a recap of the 2025 ABMA Annual Conference (April 27 - May 2 2025) hosted by Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas, United States. Each day of the conference, one of the presenters for the day discusses their presentation and other learning that impacted them. Day 1: Marie Filipek, Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park Day 2: Heidi Moomaw, Charles River Labs Day 3: Benjamin Fainsod, Jerusalem Zoo Day 4: Matthew Nguyen & Li Shan Tan, Resorts World Sentosa If you are an ABMA member be sure to log in to Animalprofessional.com to watch most of the presentations and panels from the 2025 conference. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org. Let's talk some training and banter about behavior! Here is the link to the podcast survey. We really appreciate your feedback! https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/Rspt0Bk/abcpodcast2025 Let's talk some training and banter about behavior! 5:10 Discussion of Conference Day 1 with Marie Filipek, Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park. 12:15 Discussion of Conference Day 2 with Heidi Moomaw, Charles River Labs 35:10 Discussion of Conference Day 3 with Benjamin Fainsod, Jerusalem Zoo 53:15 Discussion of Conference Day 4 with Matthew Nguyen & Li Shan Tan, Resorts World Sentosa
This episode was a live panel recording at the 2025 ABMA annual conference in Galveston Texas hosted by Moody Gardens. The expert panel consisted of Tim Sullivan - Brookfield Zoo, Elly Neumann - Jerusalem Zoo, Nicki Boyd- San Diego Zoo, Anaka Nazareth - National Aquarium, and Chris Jenkins - Natural Encounters Inc. The panel’s theme was “The Importance of Behavior in Modern Animal Care” with questions submitted in real time from the conference attendees. The panel discussed a wide range of topics ranging from the growth of the role behavior plays in welfare to the evolution and next steps in enrichment, to advice on getting buy-in for change. In the absence of a “Training Tale” for this episode, each of the panelists utilize their years of experience to provide their “Animal Behavior Advice”. For questions or suggestions about the podcast or to get in contact with the panelists email abc@theabma.org . Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!
This episode Steve Martin, President and CEO of Natural Encounters, Inc., discusses training on a continuum by moving away from coercion and towards genuine choice. Steve starts the episode by giving a review of the concepts of choice and… control with some practical examples. The discussion then turns to breaking down behavioral degrees of freedom, genuine choice, and coercion with many more great practical examples. The episode ends with Steve outlining that real-world animal training requires us to train on the continuum but always striving towards providing genuine choice in order to enhance an animal’s welfare. Stay tuned in for Steve’s motivation and emotional "Training Tale" about a trainer from a show at the Singapore Zoo. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to contact Steve email s.martin@naturalencounters.com Let's talk some training and banter about behavior! 3:45 Introduction to Steve Martin 9:25 Review of Choice and… Control 18:55 Degrees of Behavioral Freedom 28:20 Free Choice 30:35 Genuine Choice 44:05 Coercion 56:15 Training on the Continuum 1:04:15 “Training Tales”
This episode Mel Paynter and Alyse Stitt, Georgia Aquarium, discuss motivation in the context of animal behavior and training. In part 1 of this two episode discussion Mel and Alyse discuss what motivation is, what it looks like in practice, and give some o-fish-ally great examples from the many aquatic species that they work with in the Ocean Voyager habitat at the Georgia Aquarium. They both dive deeper into breaking down and discussing some of the numerous stimuli and events that can affect motivation. The discussion finishes with their advice on how to productively and effectively use motivation as a tool in our training toolbox and not as a label. Stay tuned in for Mel and Alyse’s “Training Tales” that focus on how the fish they have worked with have taught them and changed their perspective. You can also learn more information about the 2025 ABMA annual conference by visiting www.abma.org For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to contact Mel and Alyse email mpaynter@georgiaaquarium.org or AStitt@georgiaaquarium.org Let's talk some training and banter about behavior! 3:25 Introduction to Mel Paynter and Alyse Stitt 8:15 Overview of Ocean Voyager habitat at Georgia Aquarium 10:15 Definition of Motivation 13:45 Definition of Motivating Operations Affects on Motivation: 17:10 Food and Enrichment 24:00 Breeding/Courtship 34:00 Social Structure/Situations 39:50 Environment 43:35 Weather/Seasonality 45:00 Learning History 47:50 Animal’s physical ability to do something 48:50 Previous access to resources 50:35 Differences in motivation among individuals 59:25 Advice for using motivation productively and effectively, not as a label 1:05:35 “Training Tales”
This episode Shane Gorbett, Philadelphia Zoo and host of the podcast, discusses and breaks down fading. Shane first discusses examples of what fading looks like in practice and how we can apply the artful application of the science of behavior change in order to know when and how to fade. Shane also discusses the challenges of fading too quickly, too slowly, or not at all. Stay tuned in for Shane’s "Training Tale" about Nile crocodile crate training and the importance of paying attention to the communication that we provide to animals. Visit www.theabma.org for more information and for questions or suggestions about the podcast or to contact Shane, email abc@theabma.org Let's talk some training and banter about behavior! 5:35 Introduction to Shane Gorbett 14:10 Definition of Fading and Examples 25:10 Fading to change a behavior’s cue. 28:00 How do we know when to fade? 31:50 What happens if we fade too quickly? 37:35 What happens if we fade too slowly? 39:05 What happens if we never fade at all? 42:55 “Training Tale”
Keep the useful structure, then change the audience, point of view, and voice until the idea is unmistakably yours.
