Hosted by Denver Zoo
Denver, CO
October 8 - 13, 2017
This course is now FULL. Spaces are only available on the course waitlist.
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.
Course Topics
- 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
Instructors
Emily Insalaco, Curator of Behavioral Husbandry & Animal Ambassadors - Denver Zoo
Steve Martin, President - Natural Encounters, Inc.
Michelle Skurski, Zoological Manager of Behavioral Husbandry -Disney's Animal Kingdom
Tim Sullivan, Curator of Behavioral Husbandry - Chicago Zoological Society-Brookfield Zoo
Ken Ramirez, VP & Chief Training Officer - Karen Pryor Clicker Training
Is This Course Right for You?
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. 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 to azatraining@aza.org for consideration.
Course Schedule
First Day
- Student registration
- Opening evening ceremony
- Courses meet for individual opening session/class
Mid-Week
- Class meets all day
Last Day
- Classes meet
- Closing Ceremony
Attendance for course participants is required for the duration of the course until the evening of the last day. As a result, individuals generally depart the following day.
Course Travel & Tuition
Travel and Accommodations
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the closest airport, approximately 40 minutes from the Denver Zoo.
Course participants stay nearby the Denver Zoo and are transported to the classroom on zoo property via charter bus each day.
General Hotel Pricing:
$134+ Single Occupancy*
$144+ Double Occupancy*
$149+ Triple Occupancy*
$154+ Quadruple Occupancy*
*All rooms have two queen beds
Please wait until you are admitted into the course before making your reservations. You will receive an email containing detailed information regarding your accommodations and transportation once you are admitted.
Tuition & Expenses*
The AZA registration fee below covers tuition and lunches for each day of the course. Other expenses include hotel, travel, and other meals. Registration prices are subject to change.
Scholarship funding for courses is available through a competitive process. AZA scholarship applications are due by mid-July and are awarded by early September.
Early Bird Rates:
$975 for AZA Individual Members
$1075 for Non-members
Registration deadline: 12 weeks prior to course start date
Regular Rates:
$1075 for AZA Individual Members
$1175 for Non-members
Final registration deadline: 4 weeks prior to course start date
*Prices are subject to change
Accepted forms of payment for registration are by: credit card, check or purchase order. Registration for this course will remain open until all of our available registered and wait-listed spots are reserved.
To register with a credit card
You may now register and pay online with a credit card! Non-members can log in too, after creating a free account. After logging in, choose "Professional Development" from the menu on the left. Next, click on the title of the event for which you would like to register. Finally, choose "Event Registration" from the options at the top and complete the registration process. When registering online, there is no need to submit the registration form. You will receive an acceptance email or wait list email once acceptance decisions are made.
To register with a check or purchase order
Download the ATA Course Registration Form and return by mail with check or purchase order. 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 a wait list email once acceptance decisions are made. If you are not admitted into the course from the waitlist, a full refund will be promptly issued.