Marine Mammal Trainer — Animal Behavior & Psychology

Classical and Operant Conditioning - Description: Delve into the two core principles of learning: classical conditioning (Pavlovian conditioning – association) and operant conditioning (learning through consequences). Learn about different types of reinforcement (positive, negative) and punishment (positive, negative). Understand the concepts of stimulus discrimination, stimulus generalization, and extinction. - Specific Resources or Activities: - Expected Outcomes:

Building Behaviors Step-by-Step - Description: Learn about shaping, a crucial technique for training complex behaviors by rewarding successive approximations. Understand different reinforcement schedules (continuous, variable ratio, fixed interval, etc.) and their impact on learning and maintaining behavior. - Specific Resources or Activities: - Expected Outcomes:

Keeping Animals Engaged and Happy - Description: Learn about the importance of motivation in animal training. Explore different types of reinforcers (primary, secondary) and how to identify what motivates a specific animal. Discuss enrichment: how to provide stimulating environments that promote natural behaviors and prevent boredom. - Specific Resources or Activities: - Expected Outcomes:

Becoming a Skilled Observer - Description: Develop observation skills. Learn about ethograms (a catalog of behaviors) and how to use them. Practice recording behavior and analyzing data to understand the animal's responses to training and the environment. Identify signs of stress or discomfort in marine mammals. - Specific Resources or Activities: - Expected Outcomes:

Responsible Animal Training Practices - Description: Learn about the ethical considerations of animal training. Understand the importance of animal welfare and the role of trainers in ensuring the animals' well-being. Discuss the use of positive reinforcement training, the avoidance of punishment, and the importance of adapting training plans to individual animals. - Specific Resources or Activities: - Expected Outcomes:

Case Studies and Future Learning - Description: Review the concepts learned throughout the week. Analyze case studies of successful marine mammal training programs. Discuss common training challenges and how to overcome them. Explore resources for continued learning in the field of marine mammal training and animal behavior. - Specific Resources or Activities: - Expected Outcomes: