
1
Scientific Foundations of Behavior
Master the essential theoretical foundations for any ethical and effective training project.
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Understand operant conditioning techniques and their practical applications.
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Learn the fundamental principles and laws of behaviorism.
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Use reinforcement and reinforcement schedules to build lasting behaviors.
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Observe and analyze behaviors to better interpret situations and find appropriate solutions.
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Discover the vocabulary of learning and behavior science.
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Develop essential trainer qualities.
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Debunk common myths and avoid the traps of belief-based misconceptions.
2
Daily Management and Field Challenges
Tackle the real-life situations of animal care with safety and professionalism.
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Condition a reliable and operational emergency recall.
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Manage animal entries and exits quickly and safely.
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Apply effective desensitization and counter-conditioning methods (environment, objects, people…).
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Train basic management behaviors (stationing, shifting/separation, moving from point A to point B, keeper focus…).
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Train cooperative behaviors for simple medical care (weighing, tactile training, body checks, teeth/mouth checks…).
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Prepare animals for transport and specific handling procedures.
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Address repetitive behaviors (stereotypies and anticipatory behaviors).
3
Core Learning – Essential Skills
Acquire the fundamental techniques to build solid and motivating animal training sessions.
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Build and establish trust and relationships with animals.
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Apply the fundamental principles and laws of learning.
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Master the key learning tools (bridge, target, and reinforcers).
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Encourage alternative behaviors through differential reinforcement.
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Design simple and personalized training plans (including shaping approximations).
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Adjust training in real-time through fine behavioral observation.
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Set yourself up for success by recognizing and seizing opportunities.
4
Expert Learning
Move to an expert level to manage complex and critical situations.
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Train more complex medical behaviors (blood draws, ultrasounds, electrocardiograms, X-rays, dental procedures, ophthalmologic exams…).
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Manage, redirect, and extinguish undesired behaviors (aggression, regurgitation, destruction…).
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Master and apply advanced learning concepts to increase training efficiency.
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Create behavioral enrichment programs tailored to the species and individual.
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Evaluate training and enrichment programs using reliable behavioral indicators.
5
Professional Environment and Strategic Vision
Deploy your expertise in a demanding professional environment.
Organization & Management
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Organize team activities to optimize results.
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Structure training programs aligned with institutional priorities.
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Plan and lead continuous improvement projects in animal behavior management.
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Train internal referents to spread best behavioral practices within teams.
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Safety
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Develop behavior-based safety protocols.
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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.
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Promote your training projects to the public and partners.
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Prepare teams for public and media appearances.
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Adapt your communication to different internal and external audiences.
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Communicate ethically and educationally about animal training practices.
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Design engaging, interactive, and educational presentations.
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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.
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Define and monitor reliable animal welfare indicators.
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Support a consent-based approach to animal training.
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Public Relations & Media Training
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Promote your training projects to the public and institutional partners.
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Prepare teams for public and media engagements.
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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.
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Inspire innovation in behavioral projects.
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Build a sustainable strategy for learning and animal welfare.
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Guide institutions toward a proactive behavioral culture.
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Discover a full range of training topics, from fundamental learning principles to advanced behavior management techniques.
