Advertise on podcast: Animal Behavior Conversations: The Podcast of The ABMA

This episode Mary Hunter, Behavior Explorer, provides some great learning and advice about Reinforcement Systems.  This podcast is a companion to Mary’s presentation at the 2024 ABMA annual conference in 2024 titled “Reinforcement Systems: Building Interconnected behavior chains that lead to improved communication and accelerated teaching”.  The episode begins by defining Reinforcement Systems and their practical application.  Next Mary gives an in depth breakdown to the four dimensions of Reinforcement Systems: Reinforcer, Delivery System, Bridge, Ready Response. The episode ends with Mary discussing how a reinforcement system can improve communication, accelerate learning, and help problem solve various potential training challenges.  Stay tuned in for Mary’s "Training Tale" about how her horse has taught her care givers how and where to give her tactile reinforcement! For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠.  To reach Mary and to learn more about Behavior Explorer and PORTL visit her websites https://behaviorexplorer.com/ and https://stalecheerios.com/  4:45 Introduction to Mary Hunter 6:30 PORTL 10:25 Definition of Reinforcement Systems  18:40 The Dimensions of a Reinforcement System: Reinforcer, Delivery System, Bridge, Ready Response  44:55 How can teaching a Reinforcement System increase communication and accelerate learning to avoid accidentally reinforced behaviors.  55:50 What challenges can be problem solved with Reinforcement Systems 1:02:25 “Training Tales”

This episode Sue Pasquine, ZooTampa at Lowry Park and an ABMA Board Member, helps to define and break down “Schedules of Reinforcement”. This episode is Part 2 of a two part series breaking down the most commonly heard and used schedules of reinforcement. The episode aims to break down and discuss the four main types of intermittent reinforcement schedules.  Sue explains and gives examples of Fixed Ratio (FR), Fixed Interval (FI), Variable Ratio (VR), and Variable Interval (VI) Schedules.  To end the episode, we discuss two “flavors” of schedules of reinforcement which are not found in the literature but are used in practice.  These “twists” to traditional reinforcement schedules include Variable Ratio of Reinforcement Variety (VRRV) and a continuous schedule that utilizes secondary reinforcers.  Stay tuned in for Sue’s "Training Tale" about reimagining the zoo’s macaw flight and how they implemented a variable schedule od reinforcement. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠. To learn more about the ABMA visit: https://www.theabma.org/ 6:50 Overview of the four main types of intermittent schedules of reinforcement 9:15 Fixed Ratio Schedule (FR) 17:35 Fixed Interval Schedule (FI) 22:55 Variable Ratio Schedule (VR)  33:50 Variable Interval Schedule (VI) 40:00 “Flavor” of Schedule of Reinforcement: Variable Ratio with Reinforcement Variety (VRRV) 45:45 “Flavor” of Schedule of Reinforcement: Continuous Schedule Utilizing Secondary Reinforcers  58:30 “Training Tales”

This episode Sue Pasquine, ZooTampa at Lowry Park and an ABMA Board Member, helps to define and break down “Schedules of Reinforcement”. This episode is Part 1 of a two part series breaking down the most commonly heard and used schedules of reinforcement. The episode starts with definitions of schedules of reinforcement and the two categories nonintermittent and intermittent.  Next, continuous reinforcement is discussed.  Continuous is the best schedule to utilize when teaching a new item. Sue then provides some learning into non-intermittent schedules of reinforcement. The importance of knowing what schedules of reinforcement and consistency across team members was discussed.  Sue also discusses how schedules come into play when shaping a new behavior.  The discussion ends with advice for transitioning from a continuous reinforcement schedule to an intermittent schedule.  Stay tuned in for Sue’s "Training Tale" about the power of asking why something is done and the benefits of well conditioned bridging.For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ and to reach Sue email.  3:55 Introduction to Sue Pasquine  9:45 Definition of Schedules of Reinforcements 12:10 Definition of Non-Intermittent schedules and Continuous Reinforcement  17:20 Definition of Intermittent schedules  25:55 The importance of knowing what schedule we are using and that a team is using the same schedule in the same situations  28:20 How schedules come into play when shaping a new behavior  33:50 Advice for moving from a continuos schedule to an intermittent schedule  41:00 “Training Tales”

This episode Heidi Hellmuth, an ABMA founder, provides some great learning and advice for building resiliency, or coping skills, with animals.  This podcast is a companion to Heidi’s presentation at the 2026 ABMA-IAATE annual conference titled “Building Resiliency in Animals from Anemones to Zebras”. The episodes starts with defining resiliency and practical applications to building resiliency in animals while also explaining what resiliency is not.  Next Heidi discusses the importance of proactively vs reactively building resiliency and the positive effects it can have on an animals welfare and mental state.  The episode ends with advice on how to start resiliency building, ideas for parts of an animal’s life and environment to focus on, and the benefits of giving animals more control and agency in their life.  Stay tuned in for Heidi’s "Training Tale" about a hippo who learned to go on a scale in a unique way! For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ and to reach Heidi email [email protected] 6:55 Introduction to Heidi Hellmuth  13:50 Definition of resiliency  18:50 The importance of proactively vs reactively building resiliency 20:35 How an individual’s resilience can be an indictor of an animal’s welfare and mental state 24:00 What resiliency is not 27:40 The positive effects that building resiliency can have 31:35 Aspects of an animal’s life to focus on building resiliency 45:00 How can giving animals more control and agency in their life positively affect their resiliency  49:30 Potential risks involved in resiliency building  53:00 Ideas to start resiliency building  58:35 “Training Tales”

This episode continues on "The Behaviors of..." series which dives into the people side of the animal care field. This episode Megan Sanders, BehaviorWorks, discusses the behaviors of training the trainers and advice on coaching people through the science and practical application of training.  This podcast is a companion to Megan’s presentation at the 2026 ABMA-IAATE annual conference titled “Training the Trainer: Behavior Skills Training Using PORTL to Improve Accuracy with Animal Trainers”. Megan starts the episode by demonstrating how we can take our knowledge of the science of training animals and apply that to training and coaching humans.  Next, Megan discusses the importance of practicing skills in the “classroom” beforehand and advice on how to teach those skills.  Finally, Megan provides some advice on giving and receiving feedback and how to best set yourself up for success if you are the one being training. Stay tuned in for Megan’s "Training Tale" about the simple way spider monkeys were recalled from the rainforest. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ and to contact Megan email [email protected] 4:10 Introduction to Megan Sanders  13:00 How do we use the knowledge that we have about behavior modification in animals and bring that into how we teach people 16:30 Information on resources related to the science of behavior change and people  19:15 The importance of practicing skills before training an animal  30:35 Behavior Skills Training and how to apply that to teaching training  34:30 Teaching training skills in a classroom setting using PORTL  40: 25 Advice on giving feedback  45:45 Modeling as an effective teaching strategy  47:30 How to set yourself up for success if you are the one being trained  57:05 The behaviors of being effective at training trainers  1:02:40 “Training Tales”

This episode Gerry Creighton, Global Elephant Care, discusses the importance of and advice for creating reinforcing and challenging environments for animals.  Gerry starts the podcast by detailing his journey and the evolution of the Dublin Zoo and then discussing what it means to “borrow animals” for training.  He gives advice on creatinine environments where animals aren’t looking to us for reinforcers.  Gerry also provides learning on giving animals appropriate, biological challenges and allowing animals to make their own decisions.  The podcast ends with advice on how to effectively message to guests, and leadership, when environments are created that may limit the guest view of the animal. Stay tuned in for Gerry’s "Training Tale" about an elephant who learned the joy of positive reinforcement training! For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ and to reach Gerry email ⁠[email protected] To learn more about Global Elephant Care and Gerry’s book “Raised by the Zoo: My Life with Elephants and Other Animals” visit https://globalelephantcare.com/ 5:20 Introduction to Gerry Creighton  21:50 “Borrowing Animals” for training  33:25 How can we give animals appropriate challenges in their life?  40:45 Creating environments where animals aren’t looking to us for reinforcers  50:15 Letting animals make their own decisions and how to listen to those decisions  1:01:40 Effectively messaging to guests and leadership if environments cause an animal to not be readily seen 1:08:40 “Training Tales”

This episode Amy Schilz, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo & International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffes, provides some great learning and advice for creating a three way dialogue when training with multiple trainers.  This podcast is a companion to Amy’s presentation at the 2026 ABMA-IAATE annual conference titled “Three Way Communication: Creating Clear Contingencies for Learners Working with Multiple Trainers”. Amy starts the episode by discussing the three way dialogue when training with multiple trainers and how each party is providing cues.  The discussion continues with information on how to give control to the animal to start, stop, and continue and the adjustments that we can, and should be making, after an animal says “no”.  Finally, Amy explains advice for keeping criterion consistent and effectively planning and discussing all of the various considerations when training with multiple trainers. Stay tuned in for Amy’s "Training Tale" about the success of one of the newer trainers at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.! For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ and to reach Amy email ⁠[email protected].  For more information on the International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffes visit these links: Workshops:https://giraffecenter.cmzoo.org/Workshops Conferences:https://giraffecenter.cmzoo.org/Conferences "How To"  video shorts:https://giraffecenter.cmzoo.org/Video-Shorts 3:00 Introduction to Amy Schilz 8:00 International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffes  14:50 Three Way Communication when training with multiple trainers  18:40 Advice for starting to train with multiple trainers  21:00 How are each party providing cues  30:00 Adjusting what we are doing after an animal says “no”  33:25 Advice for effectively navigating between schedules of reinforcement in a session  37:00 How to keep criterion consistent  44:10 How to give control to the animal and discuss amongst all trainers  51:35 Advice for making a plan with all of the considerations  53:45 “Training Tales”

This episode SK Ivkovich, Dolphin Research Center, provides some great learning and advice for training social animals in a group with one trainer.  This podcast is a companion to SK’s presentation at the 2026 ABMA-IAATE annual conference titled “Three’s a Crowd? Benefits of Training Social Animals in a Multi-Animal Group with One Trainer”. SK starts the discussion by advocating for the many benefits, to both animals and humans, of training social animals in a group.  SK also focuses on the importance of focusing on the individual in the group and the role of the social hierarchy.  The episode finishes on some advice for how to get started training social animals in a group. Stay tuned in for SK’s "Training Tale" about DRC’s new harbor seals! For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠[email protected]⁠ and to reach SK email [email protected]  To learn more about the Dolphin Research Center’s Professional Animal Trainer Program visit https://dolphins.org/drcti_professional_trainer_certificate_program and to learn more about the Dolphin Academy Program visit https://dolphins.org/drcti_professional_trainer_certificate_program 3:15 Introduction to SK Ivkovich  4:50 Information on Dolphin Research Center’s Professional Animal Trainer Program and Dolphin Academy Program  10:15 The benefits of training social animals in a group  18:00 The benefits to the trainers  22:10 How to focus on each individual while training in a group  25:50 The role of social hierarchy  39:50 Advice for starting a session with multiple animals  48:55 Bridging animals in a group  57:00 “Training Tale”

This episode, through daily live recordings, features a recap of the 2026 ABMA-IAATE Annual Joint Conference (March 30-April 2, 2026) hosted by Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio, United States. Each day of the conference, one of the presenters for the day discusses their presentation and other learning that impacted them.  Day 1: Brett Williams, North Carolina Zoo, United States Day 2: Tzu Ying Lee, Mandai Wildlife Group, Singapore Day 3: Tom Morath, Hawk Conservancy Trust & Nature’s A Hoot Podcast, United Kingdom If you are an ABMA member be sure to log in to AnimalProfessional.com to watch most of the presentations from the 2026 conference. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email [email protected].  To purchase Podcast Merchandise visit the ABMA online store at: https://www.sawdustandinkapparel.com/abma26 Let's talk some training and banter about behavior! 8:40 Day One Recap: Brett Williams, North Carolina Zoo  24:50 Day Two Recap: Tzu Ying Lee, Mandai Wildlife Group  36:00 Day Three Recap: Tom Morath, Hawk Conservancy Trust & Nature’s a Hoot Podcast

This episode continues on "The Behaviors of..." series which dives into the people side of the animal care field. This episode, is a live panel recording from the 2026 ABMA-IAATE Joint Annual Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States with live submitted questions from conference attendees. The panelists discuss “The Behaviors of Partnering for Success” and give advice for both formal leadership and frontline staff.  Among other topics asked by the live audience, the panelists discuss what it means to be a good teammate, setting up systems for success, how to “disagree well”, and how leadership and staff can partner together for success. The panelist are Chris Jenkins (Virginia Zoo in Norfolk), Cinnamon Eubanks (Saint Louis Zoo - Forest Park Campus), Kit Lacy (Cascades Raptor Center) and Erin Katzner (World Parrot Trust).  For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠  6:20 What does “Partnering for Success” look like in the animal care field?  10:55 What is the difference between avian and mammalian trainers?  16:25 From a leadership perspective, what does it look like to partner for success with your staff?  25:05 Advice for staff to have a discussion about partnering with their leadership on a project or initiative 33:30 Advice for when there is resistance to change because what happens now “works”  43:00 Advice for disagreeing well  51:35 Setting up a departmental system for success  1:00:10 Advice for leaders to define roles and staff to work within those roles  1:09:40 Advice when collaboration with a peer isn’t reciprocated  1:16:10 The behaviors of a good teammate  1:21:55 What changes or advancements are the panelists most excited for and how can leadership and staff work together to achieve that goal

To commemorate the 75th episode of the podcast, a special guest panel discuss current progressive practices in enrichment and the future of innovative enrichment strategies. The panel consists of Nicki Boyd (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance), Rick Hester (Cheyenne Mountain Zoo & BehaviorWorks), and Elly Neumann (Jerusalem Zoo).  The discussion starts with looking to nature to inform enrichment and using that knowledge to create environments that are responsive to the animals’ experience.  Next, the panel discusses strategies for setting up an enrichment program for success.  The panel also answers listeners questions about aggression and the evolution of audio enrichment. The episode ends with looking towards the future with the role of animal personality in enrichment and innovative ways to implement a free operant strategy for enrichment.  Instead of a "Training Tale" to end the episode, each panelist gives their best advice for taking your enrichment to new heights. For questions or suggestions about the podcast or to ask any of the panelists a question email ⁠[email protected]⁠ For more information on the ABMA’s virtual conference visit this link: ⁠⁠https://www.theabma.org/virtual-conference⁠ 4:35 Introduction to panelists  8:00 The focus on the animals’ experience and creating a new system  17:10 Updating the animals’ environment  24:10 How to look to nature to inform enrichment  26:40 How can we set up keepers for success when it comes to planning, implementing, and tracking enrichment  43:40 If an animal is displaying aggressive behaviors towards enrichment, can that impact the animal’s behavior outside of interactions with enrichment?  51:15  The role individual animal personality plays in enrichment  59:40 Free Operant Enrichment   1:07:45 The evolution of “audio” enrichment

This episode continues on "The Behaviors of..." series which dives into the people side of the animal care field. This episode, is a live panel recording from the 2025 ABMA Virtual Conference with live submitted questions from conference attendees. The panelists include leaders at all levels of animal care from keepers to curators to executive directors which give a holistic view and advice on what leadership can look like at any level in the animal care field. The panelist are Chris Jenkins, Clint Lusardi, Darren Minier, Julie Grove, Missy Lamar, Sandy Jabas, Shea Eaves, Stephanie Joe, Torianna Green, and Trelle Dandridge. Instead of the traditional "Training Tales", to end the episode the panelist provide their "Leadership Resource List" which can be found at the end of this episode's description. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ 4:40 Introductions to the panelists and what does leadership mean to you?  22:45 Approaching management to encourage someone to take on a responsibility so that other coworkers feel motivated, seen, and heard  33:30 As a leader, when growing and supporting a newer leader that struggles with communication and tone, how do you best allow them to practice those skills without damaging relationships  52:20 What are the challenges of leading your peers and how do you overcome those challenges?  59:15 What advice do you have for a leader to hold their team accountable so that they are raising the team up to a higher standard instead of brining the higher achievers down to a lower standard?  1:04:20 What does it look like when a leader creates “a safe environment”?  1:09:25 What advice do you have for those who are leading amongst their peers?  1:26:20 How do you work around the thought of “You’re not my boss” when you are trying to be a leader at any level  1:33:10 For those who do not have the authority or responsibility of changing disciplinary action plans for a larger organization, what are some small changes we can make in our teams in order to model “Just Culture”  1:40:00 “Leadership Resource List”  “Leading Without Authority” by Keith Ferrazi  “It’s Your Ship” by Captain Michael Abrashoff  “Crucial Conversations”  “Just Culture”  “Radical Candor” by Kim Scott

This is a very special episode where we highlight ABMA’s 2025 Premier Sponsor: Pets for Vets with the organization’s founder and executive director Clarissa Black.  Clarissa starts by discussing how the organization was formed, what the organization does, and their very important mission.  She then gives information on how trainers can get involved with the organization and the process for applying for a pet while sharing some incredible and life-changing success stories.  Clarissa finishes the conversation by giving advice and learning into the world of therapy pet training and examples of some of the incredible training that is accomplished.  Stay tuned in for Clarissa’s "Training Tale" of teaching her puppy appropriate social interactions using a stuffed panda bear. If you would like to see a picture of Bear, the dog who inspired Clarissa to develop Pets For Vets, check out ABMA's social media channels! For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠[email protected]⁠.  To contact Clarissa email [email protected] and to learn more about Pets for Vets and how you can get involved visit https://petsforvets.com/ 3:10 Intro to Clarissa Black  6:30 Overview and mission of Pets for Vets  10:20 How to get involved as a trainer  11:30 Success Stories  16:00 The process of choosing the specific pet for each veteran  18:50 How to apply for a pet  20:10 How to start your pet training journey  25:20 Lessons learned from zoological training that apply to pet training  30:35 Difference in training with animals that share our (home) environment  32:34 Nightmare training and other examples of training with therapy pets  38:55 Reciprocal expression and perception of behavior  45:05 Common challenges when training therapy dogs and other pets  51:00 “Training Tales”

This episode Ryan Cartlidge, Animal Training Academy, discusses how to get “unstuck” in training. Ryan starts the episode by operationalizing what getting “stuck” in training may look like and the process of thinking “How do I get unstuck?”  Ryan breaks down this process into three steps 1. Building a tool kit of knowledge 2. Having the Courage to Act and 3. Having the Systems for Learning in place. Throughout the entire episode Ryan details multiple tactics and learnings that can assist in getting unstuck such as understanding reinforcement systems, videoing your training sessions, utilizing flowcharts, and so much more!   Stay tuned in for Ryan’s very unique "Training Tale" in which he was the learner. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠[email protected]⁠ and to contact Ryan and to learn more about Animal Training Academy connect with the organization in any way below:  Email >>>  Website >>> www.atamember.com Instagram >>> https://www.instagram.com/animal_training_academy/?hl=en Facebook >>> https://www.facebook.com/animaltrainingacademy/ If interested follow the link to a free month of ATA.  Sign up for 30 free days of ATA membership and then after that time period, you can roll into a full membership. >>> https://atamember.com/thanks-for-subscribing/ 6:20 Introduction to Ryan Cartlidge  12:35 Information about Animal Training Academy  16:00 What does it mean when we feel “stuck” in training  25:10 Starting the process of thinking “How do I get unstuck”? 32:50 Building a tool kit of knowledge and skills 1:00:40 Having the courage to act 1:15:10 Having the systems for learning in place  1:27:45 “Training Tale”

This episode continues on "The Behaviors of..." series which dives into the people side of the animal care field. This episode, which is a continuation of episode 29, Dave O’Connell, Bearizona, discusses “The Behaviors of a Unified and Supportive Team”.  The biggest takeaway from the entire episode is that one of the most important behaviors of a supportive team is the ability to talk with another.  Through talking with one another we are able to create shared team goals, disagree in a productive and positive manner, give and receive growth minded feedback, and provide effective corrective feedback.  Dave discusses that the behaviors of effective feedback include being timely, being specific, and being kind.  Dave finishes off the learning by talking about the behaviors of creating supportive and growth-minded team culture. Stay tuned in for Dave’s  "Training Tale" about how the Bearizona team continues their learning journey through “Lunch and Learns”. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠[email protected]⁠ and to contact Dave email [email protected] For more information on the ABMA’s virtual conference visit this link: ⁠https://www.theabma.org/virtual-conference⁠ To submit an abstract for the ABMA 2026 annual conference visit this link: ⁠https://www.theabma.org/abma-annual-conference 4:50 Introduction to Dave O’Connell  13:25 Creating shared goals  20:50 How to disagree well?  25:20 The behaviors of a team with a growth mindset  29:30 Giving and receiving constructive, growth-based feedback  41:20 Giving effective corrective feedback?  47:25 Advice for approaching leadership with feedback and suggestions?  55:15 The behaviors of a team with a unified and supportive culture 1:03:00 “Training Tales”