Setting the Foundations for
Successful Training Programs
Tim Sullivan
Curator of Behavioral Husbandry, Chicago Zoological Society
“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
Building a Strong Foundation
• Set program GOALS
• Teach the PRINCIPLES
• Develop the SKILLS
• Train “CORNERSTONES”
• Train as a TEAM
• Learn to PROBLEM-SOLVE
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
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
Teach the Principles
Classical Conditioning
• Think “Pavlov”
• Pairing & giving stimuli meaning
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Developing cues
Changing cues
Creating a “bridge”
Desensitization
Importance of context
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
Teach the Principles
The Operant Formula:
• A B C
– Antecedent (cue)
– Behavior (topography)
– Consequence
Teach the Principles
Consequences:
• Positive Reinforcement
• Negative Punishment
• Negative Reinforcement
• Positive Punishment
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
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
Develop the Skills
Training Techniques:
• Shaping plans
• Shaping methods
– Capturing
– Targeting
• Differential Reinforcement
– Qualitative & Quantitative
– DRI, DRA
• Extinction
• Team-based Contingencies
Develop the Skills
More Techniques:
• Reinforcement schedules
– Continuous
– Intermittent
• Reinforcement variety
• Secondary reinforcers
• “LRS”
• Time-outs
• Objectivity
Train “Cornerstone” Behaviors
Most
Complex
Shifting
Separations
Stationing
Targeting
Train “Cornerstone” Behaviors
Shifting & Separations
• Consistent
• No latency
• Any time
• Any place
• For anyone
Train “Cornerstone” Behaviors
Stationing
• Comfortable position
• Relaxed
• Full attention
• Should be default
behavior
Train “Cornerstone” Behaviors
Targeting
• Any body part
• Stationary or moving
• Extended duration
• Multiple targets
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:
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•
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Cues
Criteria
Bridge & reinforcement
Contingencies (what if’s)
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
Learn to Problem-Solve
Systematic Approach
I. Problem Identification
II. Determine Cause
III. Develop Plan
IV. Implement Plan
V. Monitor Behavior
Learn to Problem-Solve
I. Problem Identification
• Document 1st occurrence
(sensitive ‘radar’)
• Determine if there is a
pattern
• If so, begin problem
solving
Learn to Problem-Solve
II.
Determine Cause
•
Outline symptoms of
problem
•
Research records and
brainstorm to look for
changes. If unclear:
•
Make diagnoses from
assessing the environment
Learn to Problem-Solve
Assess the Environment
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PROS
CONS
Diet
Treats
Enrichment
Security
Socialization
Attention
• Aggressive group
member
• Confined space
• Satiation
• Less access to food
• Medical procedure
Learn to Problem-Solve
List Potential Contributing Factors
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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
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
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
Learn to Problem-Solve
V.
Monitor the Behavior
• Once cured- reinforce
yourselves!
• Monitor behavior for any
regression.
• Use experience to proactively
manage other behavior.
Summary
Building a Strong Foundation
• Set program GOALS
• Teach the PRINCIPLES
• Develop the SKILLS
• Train “CORNERSTONES”
• Train as a TEAM
• Learn to PROBLEM-SOLVE
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
Discussion