Zoo Animal Training and Problem Solving
Working with exotic and undomesticated animals presents its own unique challenges. I have worked in zoos myself for many years and worked with other zoos to establish best practice methods.
The proper training of staff and animals is an excellent way of solving problems, improving workplace safety and encouraging the considerate handling of animals. I use learning theory with an emphasis on positive reinforcement, which results in animals that are easier to manage, display fewer stereotypies, and show an improved level of communication with their handlers.
The level of training zookeepers receive has a huge impact on animals in their care. Stress in the workplace associated with problem animals can be greatly reduced once proper techniques are in place and there is improved communication between the animal and their keeper. My animal training workshops give keepers an understanding of the basics of animal-led training, which can be adapted to any species and many situations.
Areas I can help with include:
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Staff training and development
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Animal training workshops
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Consultant for the creation and production of animal shows
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Cooperative medical procedure
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Ear and eye treatment
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Hoof care
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Nail trimming
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Body examination
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Pre-meds
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Blood sampling
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Identi-chip reading
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Gating animals and introductions
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Undesired behaviour management
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Enclosure usage
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Environmental enrichment
Ambassador Animals
Allowing the public to engage with animals is central for promoting understanding and compassion. I can help you select and train suitable animals for this ambassador role, reducing stress and encouraging choice and cooperation.
I can also work with staff to prepare them for interaction with the public and show them the best methods for conducting a completely safe, comfortable encounter. My approach is animal-led and I always prioritise the animal's needs on that day.
Areas I can help with include:
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Train staff
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How to train ambassador animals
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How to engage with the public
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Safety during encounters
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Train ambassador animals
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Animal-led training to improve handling and communication
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Animal-assisted Therapy
Zoo animal training and problem solving
I have experience developing new ways of introducing animal contact to people with varying levels of mobility and ability. Encouraging human-animal bonds is beneficial for both parties, and learning about training and enrichment is a fantastic experience for those with a love of animals who want to understand them better.
Clients can be involved in many aspects of animal contact, including bird handling, free flying preparation, how to conduct a cooperative medical procedure, training desired behaviours, learning about environment enrichment and fun games!
I also have experience helping disabled riders to work with their own horses. I can develop bespoke techniques that allow people with various levels of mobility to interact with their ponies, making time with their horses easier and more rewarding for both horse and owner.
Areas I can help with include:
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Giving people with different abilities the chance to connect with animals
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Working with clients to develop methods of connecting with or riding their animals
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Teaching people with various abilities about animal care and husbandry
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Fun games!
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Training therapy animals
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Training animals for stress-free travel and vet visits
Private Collections and Pets
Animal-assisted Therapy
Making sure animals (and their owners!) receive proper training can relieve stressful situations and help build strong relationships. I would be happy to come to your premises and assess your animals and their needs. Together we will make a plan with species-specific requirements, allowing them to have more choice, control and to ensure all their needs are met.
For private zoos, I can run workshops and training sessions to make sure all staff are trained to the same standard and are consistent in their training and day to day care of the animals. They will also achieve a new level of understanding of the science behind an animal's behaviour.
Owning an exotic pet can be a rewarding experience, but owners require detailed knowledge of husbandry. Tackling unwanted behaviours and difficulties with everyday handling can also be a real challenge. I have extensive experience working with exotic animals that have had a varying level of interaction with handlers, and am confident I can help improve handling issues and communication.
Areas I can help with include:
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Relationship building
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General husbandry advice
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Staff training and development
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Tackling unwanted behaviours
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Training cooperative veterinary procedures
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Box training
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Travel training
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Environmental enrichment
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Introducing and mixing animals
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Cognitive training
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Bird training
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Handling and behaviour issues
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Free-flying preparation
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Horses and Equids
Private Collections and Pets
Horses were my first passion and I have worked with them for many years. From starting young horses to dealing with behavioural issues, I would happy to develop a plan and problem solve with you. I also run workshops specifically designed for horse owners to learn more about how to progress with specific behavioural and handling issues.
The way young horses are initially trained can have a lasting impact on their receptiveness and abililty to learn. I can help guide clients in these early stages, as well as assist with horses working towards competitions.
I also specialise in helping people with disabilities or mobility limitations to connect with their horses. I can work with each client's partiuclar needs to create a positive environment, facilitate horse riding and build a rewarding relationship.
Areas I can help with include:
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Horse training
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Starting young horses
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Competition problem solving
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Handling and behaviour issues
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Clipper training
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Herd dynamic
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Workshops
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Improving access for people with disablities and mobility issues.
Workshops and Education
I have been leading college tours of Heythrop Zoological Gardens for over 10 years . It’s a great opportunity for students to get up close with our animals and learn about their management. We give students a tour of the facilities and discuss the needs and training procedures for many of the animals. Please get in touch if you have a group that would be interested in our tours.
We also run workshops and conferences for students. These sessions deliver key frameworks to teach students the fundamentals of animal behaviour training. Students can expect visual examples and practical application in a classroom environment, which can be applied across species.
Areas I can help with include:
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Workshops on animal training
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College tours of HZG
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Lectures and presentations
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Teaching learning theory
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Practical experience with a range of animals
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Workshops on handling and husbandry
Advanced Training
I conduct one-to-one training days for animal trainers looking to advance their understanding of learning theory and practice a range of techniques. I can give trainers in-depth or refresher tutorials covering operant conditioning and the most effective ways of using of positive reinforcement.
Animal trainers would also have a chance to train with species they have little or no previous experience with. Understanding whether your training techniques are transferable to other species in differing situations is an important step in becoming a well-rounded animal trainer.
I would also be happy to problem solve particular issues or training requirements, Please get in touch if you would like to discuss further.
Areas I can help with include:
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1-to-1 workshops on operant conditioning and learning theory
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Tutorials covering learning theory and operant conditioning
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Experience training a range of different animals
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Problem solving particular training issues or requirements