Animal Training & Enrichment Certificate
15 credits/30 CEUs

The Animal Training and Enrichment program at ABI is geared towards animal caregivers and trainers. This certification program is ideal for those interested in a more comprehensive approach to animal training, including emphasis on environmental enrichment, animal cognition, and emotions. We discuss working with rats, dogs, cats, parrots, primates, wildlife - because the principles are the same regardless of the species. Our program does not emphasize the training of specific behaviors but rather the integration of multiple disciplines in behavior.

Certification from ABI requires satisfactory completion of 15 credit hours or a program of five certificate courses. Certification demonstrates mastery of all material in the program.

Want to learn more about Animal Training & Enrichment or Laboratory Animal Enrichment?

Animal Training & Enrichment Certificate

*The following courses may be substituted for ABI 232 The Human Animal Bond

Animal Training
We will explore operant conditioning and the basic principles of animal psychology and learning theory. Students will learn how to use these principles to train domestic and exotic animals and improve their captive husbandry and psychological well being.

Text: "Essentials of Conditioning & Learning" (3rd ed.) by M. Domjan and "Don't Shoot the Dog" (2nd ed.) by K. Pryor

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Animal Enrichment
Behavioral and environmental enrichment will be explored in a comprehensive approach. This will include an overview of animals’ psychological needs, a systematic approach for coupling enrichment solutions to animal problems, practical suggestions on design and application, and a discussion of assessment and long-term application. Major components of enrichment will be reviewed with respect to the Animal Welfare Act and the principles of animal management.

Text: "Environmental Enrichment for Captive Animals" by R. Young Optional but recommended: "Second Nature: Environmental Enrichment for Captive Animals", D.J. Shepherdson (ed.)

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Animal Behavior
This course builds an evolutionary framework for understanding why animals exhibit particular patterns of behavior. Animal behavior is investigated through both the ecological processes that have driven the evolution of behavior and the physiological mechanisms that allow behaviors to be performed. Topics covered include genetics and behavior, learning, organization of behavior, communication, mating systems, paternal behavior and cooperation. The principle objective of this course is to understand how natural selection has shaped animal behavior.

Text: "Animal Behavior: an Evolutionary Approach" by J. Alcock (2005)

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Animal Minds & Emotions
Animal lovers and pet owners have long known what behaviorists have only recently acknowledged: that animals are sentient beings, possessing minds, emotions, and immense cognitive abilities. We will explore the evidence for animal cognition and emotions, particularly with respect to animal training, enrichment, and improving their quality of life.

Texts (2): "Animals in Translation" by Temple Grandin and "Minds of Their Own" by Lesley Rogers

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The Human-Animal Bond
This course explores the history and psychology of human relationships with animals and nature. The student will learn about the relationship between people and animals by discussing domestication, socialization, religion, culture, farming, research, and pets. Other topics include pet overpopulation, relinquishment, bonding, and health benefits from the bond (for people and animals). The principal objective is to gain an understanding of the various roles animals play in our lives.

Text: "The Human-Animal Bond" by Orland Soave (2000).

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Canine Behavior & Enrichment
The effective training and husbandry of dogs requires that we understand their communication signals, recognize signs of stress and aggression, and take a proactive stance in preventing the development of stereotypical or self-destructive behavior. This course will focus on canine body language, communication and behavior. We will review how enrichment and socialization can be used to address behavioral issues in a variety of captive settings from laboratories to dog day care.

Text: TBA

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Feline Behavior & Enrichment
While most species of cat are relatively asocial, they still have social needs. We will take an in-depth look at feline behaviors, communication, and body language. Enrichment and training will be discussed in light of managing cats in the home, lab, or zoo environment, however, emphasis will be on the domestic cat (Felis catus). Specific enrichment strategies will be evaluated for their effectiveness in treating or preventing problem behaviors in captivity.

Texts (2): "The Body Language and Emotion of Cats" by M.M. Milani and "The Behaviour of the Domestic Cat" by J.W.S. Bradshaw

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Behavior & Training of Marine Mammals
We will explore how operant conditioning and training techniques can be used to train a variety of marine mammals, such as dolphins, orcas, sea lions and sea otters. The course will also include a discussion of the field of marine mammal training and tips for breaking into this competitive field.

Texts (2): "Whales With Fur: How to train any animal using dolphin training techniques" by Pete Davey and "A dolphin in front of you" also by Pete Davey

Optional but recommended: "Animal Training: Successful Animal Management Through Positive Reinforcement" by Ken Ramirez

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