Training animals as an art form
I believe that the more we see animal training as an art form, as a process that never has an end line and as mutual exchange - learning with and from the animal, the bigger the chance we will be constantly improving. There is always more to learn, even for the most experienced trainers. Enjoy the ride!
Even fish can be positively trained (video)!
There are no animals that cannot be trained or make significant progress with training. Seeing progress they make is the best feeling and reward for all the time originally put in training. It makes it all worth it!
See the video of fish doing tricks. I hope it will inspire you to start/continue with training!
Behaviour works across the species
Behaviour is behaviour and you can find the consequences that drive it for every species you encounter.
What does science-based even mean?
I often say that my animal training is science-based but what does that even mean and why would that matter?
Are there any animals that cannot be trained?
I urge you to not just believe people who say "it cannot be done". Look further, ask around and prove them wrong!
Is it possible to train a cat?
Wouldn’t it be great to train your cat to come when called?
What is 'ABC' in behaviour analysis and animal training?
I write about many things and it might seem chaotic. There is one thread in all of this. Behaviour. Behaviour is everywhere. No matter the species and situation. There are principles of behaviour that are being researched by the field of behaviour analysis. Let me shed some light on it.
Where you can learn about animal training (video)
Learning is a huge passion of mine. Learning about animal training is my two biggest passions coming together! I would love to inspire you to learn more and continue to grow. It's not always easy and there can be plenty of obstacles (time, money, lack of guidance). Fortunately, there are many resources to learn from (much more than mentioned in the video) and I hope you will be able to find a suitable one for your situation.
3 things I learnt watching tigers and hyenas training sessions
1. There are zoos that have the welfare of their animals at heart and they go above and beyond to make sure their animals are in the best conditions possible.
2. You don’t have to tell your animal that they’ve done something “wrong” when you are using behaviour science principles effectively.
3. We can all strive to achieve more with our companion animals.
Least intrusive most positive
I stand for the least intrusive, most positive ethos in animal training promoted by dr. Susan Friedman and will continue to learn and improve the methods I use.
Prong collars and treating people with kindness
I approached the subject of using prong collars with curiosity, without judgment. I listened and I understood. I can relate to people using them in their situation. And that’s how I was able to take the collar off. Not by judgment but by understanding.
Animal training as a way of improving lives
Animal training can be a way of improving lives of everyone involved. It's not always easy and not everybody sees it in that way but when you take your time to learn, it can be an incredibly fulfilling job for anyone who loves animals.
Many times we don’t even bother trying to learn a new skill. We convince ourselves that it’s not for us. When what we could do is to find the first successive approximation and start learning through a fun and successful process.