• Understand operant conditioning techniques and their practical applications.

• Learn the fundamental principles and laws of behaviorism.

• Use reinforcement and reinforcement schedules to build lasting behaviors.

• Observe and analyze behaviors to better interpret situations and find appropriate solutions.

• Discover the vocabulary of learning and behavior science.

• Develop essential trainer qualities.

• Debunk common myths and avoid the traps of belief-based misconceptions.

• Condition a reliable and operational emergency recall.

• Manage animal entries and exits quickly and safely.

• Apply effective desensitization and counter-conditioning methods (environment, objects, people…).

• Train basic management behaviors (stationing, shifting/separation, moving from point A to point B, keeper focus…).

• Train cooperative behaviors for simple medical care (weighing, tactile training, body checks, teeth/mouth checks…).

• Prepare animals for transport and specific handling procedures.

• Address repetitive behaviors (stereotypies and anticipatory behaviors).

• Build and establish trust and relationships with animals.

• Apply the fundamental principles and laws of learning.

• Master the key learning tools (bridge, target, and reinforcers).

• Encourage alternative behaviors through differential reinforcement.

• Design simple and personalized training plans (including shaping approximations).

• Adjust training in real-time through fine behavioral observation.

• Set yourself up for success by recognizing and seizing opportunities.

• Train more complex medical behaviors (blood draws, ultrasounds, electrocardiograms, X-rays, dental procedures, ophthalmologic exams…).

• Manage, redirect, and extinguish undesired behaviors (aggression, regurgitation, destruction…).

• Master and apply advanced learning concepts to increase training efficiency.

• Create behavioral enrichment programs tailored to the species and individual.

• Evaluate training and enrichment programs using reliable behavioral indicators.

Organization & Management

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• Organize team activities to optimize results.

• Structure training programs aligned with institutional priorities.

• Plan and lead continuous improvement projects in animal behavior management.

• Train internal referents to spread best behavioral practices within teams.

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Safety

• Develop behavior-based safety protocols.

• Raise team awareness about risk analysis and proactive prevention.

Communication, Collaboration, and Public Relations

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• Strengthen intra- and interdisciplinary communication tools among keepers, veterinarians, educators, and scientists.

• Promote your training projects to the public and partners.

• Prepare teams for public and media appearances.

• Adapt your communication to different internal and external audiences.

• Communicate ethically and educationally about animal training practices.

• Design engaging, interactive, and educational presentations.

• Develop skills in constructive feedback and clear communication.

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Ethics and Animal Welfare

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• Integrate ethics into every stage of the learning and training process.

• Define and monitor reliable animal welfare indicators.

• Support a consent-based approach to animal training.

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Public Relations & Media

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• Promote your training projects to the public and institutional partners.

• Prepare teams for public and media engagements.

• Communicate ethically and educationally about operant conditioning practices.

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Institutional Vision & Leadership

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• Unite teams around a shared behavioral vision.

• Inspire innovation in behavioral projects.

• Build a sustainable strategy for learning and animal welfare.

• Guide institutions toward a proactive behavioral culture.

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