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Friday with Ken
Reinforcement Strategies - Most
experienced trainers recognize the value of finding reinforcers other than food
or treats. However, not every trainer knows how to establish new reinforcers nor
how to evaluate their effectiveness. Ken will share his perspectives and
experience with non-food reinforcers (both novel and natural) and explain his
approach to strategically implementing them into a good training program.
Problem Solving - As a consultant, Ken is frequently called upon to resolve
training challenges. These have ranged from problematic zoo animals to difficult
working dogs to the more common pet challenges. In every case, he utilizes a
problem solving flow chart or matrix that guides him and his clients to an
effective solution. He will share that process with participants and use one or
two cases studies to demonstrate how to use the tool effectively.
Evolution of
the Modern Trainer - Ken will use a review of the trajectory of his career to
examine the growth and changes in the training community to help explore what is
possible and how far the training community has progressed. This presentation
will take a brief peek at a variety of concepts including relationship building,
husbandry training, mimicry, remote training, complex chains, and so much more.
This final section is less about how to do these things and more about seeing
what possibilities exist.
Saturday with Kathy
Trainers often overlook the
value of classical, or Pavlovian, conditioning. Clicker-training, a specific
application of operant conditioning, is certainly a powerful way to teach
animals a variety of useful voluntary behaviors. But in situations where a dog's
emotional reflexes are engaged --including anything from mild fear, conflict and
novelty to phobias, aggression and separation anxiety -- skillful use of
classical conditioning is often beneficial.
Classical conditioning works
especially well as the initial training; it can lay a strong foundation for
subsequent operant techniques. As trainers and guardians, we need to understand
the scientific principles and core concepts of classical conditioning, but more
importantly, we must learn to develop the ability to apply these procedures in
real-life, less-than-perfect settings. Because classical conditioning is always
at play, knowing how to use it to our best advantage gives us tools and
potential previously untapped.
Case studies and videos will be included.
Comments from previous seminars:
Energy! Passion for the topic! Ability to truly
listen to questions and comment. Empathy for problems of attendees. Respect for
peoples' opinions. Kathy's enthusiasm is second to none. It is always infectious
to be around someone who is passionate about their work and excited about it.
I'm a huge fan! Depth of knowledge based on both education and wide experience.
Passion for animals that shines through Energy and enthusiasm in her
presentation Obvious passion for the subject matter. Use of relevant and
entertaining examples to make topics as accessible as possible. Engagement of
the participants in problem solving helped promote confidence building in their
training skills. What can you say! Kathy is one of the best speakers I've seen &
I've been to several APDT conferences. |
