Positively reinforcing!
Next offered:
Spring 2013, at Disney's Animal Kingdom Orlando, FL
dates TBD
(Offered in the spring each year)
Course Description
Animal Training Applications provides zoo and aquarium staff with a background in training theory and an understanding of the skills necessary to train animals. It includes a historical perspective of animal training as well as terminology and an overview of training techniques. Selected training concepts and skills will be taught via animal demonstrations, group activities and individual skill development opportunities.
Tuition & Expenses
Early Bird Rates:
$950 for AZA Individual Members
$1,050 for Non-members
Regular Rates:
$1050 for AZA Individual Members
$1150 for Non-members
The AZA registration fee above covers only tuition for the course. Other expenses include hotel (roughly $60/nt plus tax), travel, and meals.
Target Audience
This course is designed for animal keepers, aquarists, and other animal care staff. Education staff who handle animals or discuss animal training may benefit, as well.
Prerequisites
None. Priority will be given to AZA members, but volunteers and private animal trainers are welcome to attend. International applicants and those not affiliated with an AZA accredited institution will be considered on a case-by-case basis; please submit a letter describing your intended benefit from taking this course.
Course Registration
Checks sent for course payment will be cashed immediately upon receipt as per standard business practices. Cashing your check does not indicate that you have been accepted into a course. You will receive an acceptance email or waitlist email once acceptance decisions are made.
Travel & Accommodations
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest airport, approximately 40 minutes from Disney's Animal Kingdom. Shuttle service between the airport and the hotel is available through Mears Transportation Group.
Course participants stay at the Galleria Palms Orlando in Kissimmee, Florida and are transported to the classroom on Disney property in vans each day.
Please wait until you are admitted into the course before making your reservations. You will receive a confirmation letter containing detailed information regarding your accommodations and transportation once you are admitted.
Topics & Instructors
• Introduction to Animal Training and Animal Welfare
• Understanding an Animal's Natural and Individual Histories
• Learning Theory and Concepts
• How to Create a Training Plan
• Understanding Motivation and Relationships with Animals
• Communication and Partnerships
• Working with Social Groups and Maintaining Behavior
• Husbandry Training and Roadblocks
• Safety
• Reinforcement Strategies
• Record Keeping
• Problem Solving
• Common Challenges and Hurdles
• Animal Demonstrations/Group Activities
Emily Insalaco, Manager of Behavioral Programs - Denver Zoo
Marty MacPhee, Curator of Behavioral Husbandry - Disney's Animal Kingdom
Steve Martin, President - Natural Encounters, Inc.
Michelle Skurski, Zoological Manager of Behavioral Husbandry -Disney's Animal Kingdom
Ken Ramirez, VP of Animal Collections and Animal Training - John G. Shedd Aquarium
Course Schedule
Monday, April 9
4:00 PM - Hotel check-in begins
7:00-9:00 PM - Icebreaker and opening session
Tuesday, April 10 through Saturday, April 14
Classes meet all day
Saturday, April 14
5:30 PM - Class ends
Questions?
For additional details please contact the AZA Professional Development Department or call (301) 562-0777.