Setting the Foundations for Successful Training Programs

1. Setting the Foundations for Successful Training Programs Tim Sullivan Curator of Behavioral Husbandry, Chicago Zoological Society

2. “Let’s Just Get to the Good Stuff!” “Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat” Sun Tzu- The Art of War Translation: • Having a plan without skills will slow training progress • Having skills but no plan can lead to training failure

3. Building a Strong Foundation • Set program GOALS • Teach the PRINCIPLES • Develop the SKILLS • Train “CORNERSTONES” • Train as a TEAM • Learn to PROBLEM-SOLVE

4. Set Program Goals • What do you want the program to achieve? • In 5 years?…in 10 years? Have VISION! • Make it a priority • Focus on the “95%” • Is your “program” a “person”? • Make it self-sustaining

5. Teach the Principles • Understand the concepts of animal learning, why they are important and how to apply them generally • When things are going bad, focus on the basics of learning

6. Teach the Principles Classical Conditioning • Think “Pavlov” • Pairing & giving stimuli meaning • Developing cues • Changing cues • Creating a “bridge” • Desensitization • Importance of context

7. Teach the Principles Operant Conditioning • Think “Skinner” • Consequences control behavior • Consequences create motivation • Animals learn to alter their behavior to gain or avoid certain consequences

8. Teach the Principles The Operant Formula: • ABC • Antecedent (cue) • Behavior (topography) • Consequence

9. Teach the Principles Consequences: • Positive Reinforcement • Negative Punishment • Negative Reinforcement • Positive Punishment

10. Teach the Principles More on Consequences: • Defined by their function • Are relative not absolute • Effects are dynamic • Vary in potential • Can compliment or compete with each other

11. Develop the Skills Mechanical Skills • Know the tools and when and how to use them • “Bridge” or “Marker” • Targets • Food delivery tools • Practice • Work on your timing • Play the “Training Game” • Get comfortable with your system before you begin

12. Develop the Skills Training Techniques: • Shaping plans • Shaping methods • Capturing • Targeting • Differential Reinforcement • Qualitative & Quantitative • DRI, DRA • Extinction • Team-based Contingencies

13. Develop the Skills More Techniques: • Reinforcement schedules • Continuous • Intermittent • Reinforcement variety • Secondary reinforcers • “LRS” • Time-outs • Objectivity

14. Train “Cornerstone” Behaviors Most Complex Shifting Separations Stationing Targeting

15. Train “Cornerstone” Behaviors Shifting & Separations • Consistent • No latency • Any time • Any place • For anyone

16. Train “Cornerstone” Behaviors Stationing • Comfortable position • Relaxed • Full attention • Should be default behavior

17. Train “Cornerstone” Behaviors Targeting • Any body part • Stationary or moving • Extended duration • Multiple targets

18. Train as a TEAM • Animals are easy…people are hard! • Consistency is key • How do you decide- monocracy or democracy? • Check egos at the door • Find and work to the team’s “level” • Develop policies/protocols • Safety First & Always! • Define: • Cues • Criteria • Bridge & reinforcement • Contingencies (what if’s)

19. Train as a TEAM • Communicate • Through meetings and records • Individuals train behaviors, teams owns them • Last step in every shaping plan: • Successfully transfer to other keepers • Train & maintain the behavior “for the life of the animal” • Develop individuals as a team • Thoughtfully assign behaviors • Consider skill level of keeper & animal

20. Learn to Problem-Solve Systematic Approach I. Problem Identification II. Determine Cause III. Develop Plan IV. Implement Plan V. Monitor Behavior

21. Learn to Problem-Solve I. Problem Identification • Document 1st occurrence (sensitive ‘radar’) • Determine if there is a pattern • If so, begin problem solving

22. Learn to Problem-Solve • Determine Cause • Outline symptoms of problem • Research records and brainstorm to look for changes. If unclear: • Make diagnoses from assessing the environment

23. Aggressive group member Confined space Satiation Less access to food Medical procedure Diet Treats Enrichment Security Socialization Attention Learn to Problem-Solve Assess the Environment PROS CONS

24. Learn to Problem-Solve List Potential Contributing Factors • Health / onset of medical condition • Ineffective staff communication • Inconsistent practices among staff • Inadvertent reinforcement of undesirable behavior • Social Changes (group composition, rank) • Physical changes to the environment • Seasonal / hormonal changes

25. Learn to Problem-Solve III. Develop a Plan • Should control consequences through sound techniques • Should address root cause not just symptoms • Must be practical and have a clear, measurable goal • Requires total staff buy-in

26. Learn to Problem-Solve IV. Implement the Plan • Consistency!!! (rebels need not apply). • Document & meet regularly to assess progress. • If plan isn’t working- modify plan

27. Learn to Problem-Solve V. Monitor the Behavior • Once cured- reinforce yourselves! • Monitor behavior for any regression. • Use experience to proactively manage other behavior.

28. Summary Building a Strong Foundation • Set program GOALS • Teach the PRINCIPLES • Develop the SKILLS • Train “CORNERSTONES” • Train as a TEAM • Learn to PROBLEM-SOLVE

29. Summary Building a Strong Foundation • Training is the great equalizer • Equal positive welfare effect in big or small zoos • The resources are cheap and reside in the hearts, minds & potential of animal care staff • Help is freely available • Books • Websites & list serves • Colleagues

30. Discussion