We are a non-species specific training and behavior team, comprised of a veterinarian and an animal trainer. Collaboration is an effective tool for problem solving. By looking at behavior from more than one discipline and viewpoint, a broader and more detailed picture emerges of the behavior, the antecedents for the behavior, and the consequences maintaining the behavior. We strive for humane and ethical practices in our training strategies based on current, ongoing scientific research into the subject. We believe that the key component of training is a strong relationship built on trust. Trust is developed through meeting the needs of the learner physically, mentally and emotionally.
"Every behavior we train has an emotion attached, the emotion is in the contingency."
Jesus Rosales Ruiz
When a behavior is established with an association to fear and intimidation, the emotion gets wrapped up in with the behavior and may lead to avoidance and mistrust. When the behavior is trained using a reinforcement strategy that provides positive feedback, the behavior gains value to the animal, and the likelihood of the trained behavior occurring again increases. For example: If an animal is rewarded as it slows in an approach of a threshold (door, gate, ramp, etc), and again once it has passed the threshold, there is a much better chance that the animal will pause at both sides of the threshold in the future.
