Conference Presentation Abstracts
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Visitor Perceptions of Animal Happiness and Welfare in Zoos
Angela M. Lacinak Precision Behavior Full Abstract
No abstract |
LRS: Once and For All
Chuck Tompkins, Thad Lacinak, Precision Behavior, Michael Hunt, IMATA Full Abstract
Panel Discussion |
Training 101 Panel
Angi Lacinak, Al Kordowski, Katie Kolodziej, Gary Wilson Full Abstract
Angi Lacinak from Precision Behavior, Al Kordowski,from Service Dogs, Inc, . Katie Wright-Kolodzie from, Sea World San Antonio, and Gary Wilson from Moorpark College host a training panel. |
Least Reinforcing Schedule (LRS)
Angi Lacinak, Al Kordowski, Thad Lacinak, Chris Bellows Full Abstract
This session shows the benefit of attending a conference. It was not scheduled or on the program in anyway. It was something the delegates wanted and the speakers were generous enough to host. Thank you to those speakers and organizers who gave up their valuable time to bring this session to the ABMA conference. |
The Past, Present, & Future
of Teaching Animals Thad Lacinak, Precision Behavior Full Abstract
Thad brings more than 40 years of executive management and pioneering accomplishments to the field of behavior modification. He specializes in positive reinforcement application for animal facilities, school systems, parents and corporations worldwide. A staunch proponent of excellence in zoological facilities, Thad is frequently sought by the media for his expert opinion on a variety of animal-related issues. He has debated several outspoken animal extremists on shows such as Larry King Live, PBS radio, The Kelly File, and many others. In 2016, he produced and hosted the documentary, Elephant Trainer in the Room, exploring the two polarized approaches to teaching elephants in human care. In 2008, Thad retired from a 35 year career at Busch Entertainment Corporation as Vice President and Corporate Curator of Animal Training for all U.S. SeaWorld and Busch Gardens theme parks. He was instrumental in developing their industry-leading techniques, husbandry procedures, the original concept for Discovery Cove and the spectacular killer whale shows, one of which received the prestigious THEA Award. Lacinak is a member of the International Marine Animal Trainers Association where he served as Vice President and he was a founder and President of the Animal Behavior Management Alliance. Thad’s 2001 New York Times’ bestseller, Whale Done! sold over a million copies in eighteen languages. Whale Done Parenting was released in the Fall of 2009 and The Whale Done School was released in the Spring of 2012. |
Understanding Positive Reinforcement
and its Applcation Thad Lacinak, Precision Behavior Full Abstract
No abstract |
Is Traditional Elephant Training Congruous with the Welfare Expectations of Modern Zoo Paradigms?
Angi Millwood Lacinak, Precision Behavior Full Abstract
The keeping of elephants in captivity is a politically volatile topic for multifarious reasons and for a variety of people including academics, animal activists, the zoo-going public and animal training professionals. At the center of the controversy is the ankus, an archaic tool employed by ‘traditional’ elephant trainers to establish a position of social dominance within the elephant herd. Contributing factors to the continuation of this 4000-year-old convention are politics among established accreditation organizations, conflicting messaging among zoo-affiliated groups, and a reluctance to address the well-being of zoo animals as individuals rather than as species in collections. Given recent research regarding human-animal relationships (HARs) and in consideration of public concerns regarding megafauna in captivity, zoos would benefit from a reevaluation of their policies and practices regarding aversive strategies in the management of elephants. |
The Elephant Bullhook:
You say "guide", I say "goad" Otto Fad, Precision Behavior Full Abstract
The bullhook is also widely known as the elephant goad or ankus, and in a relatively recent, stab at a euphemistic rebrand, the guide. By whatever name, the ‘hook -- in use for over 2500 years to control elephants -- has become a controversial device. Despite advances in the behavioral sciences, improvements in elephant facility design, and the availability of proven positive-reinforcement techniques to manage elephant behavior, handlers and professional associations proclaiming a commitment to animal welfare refuse to proscribe its use. In light of this inaction, local and state governments have stepped-in to outlaw bullhooks through legislation and codes. After examining the role and current status of the bullhook in elephant management, this treatise concludes with a call to action. |
Transforming the Florida Aquarium’s Animal Wellness Program through the Use of Positive Operant Conditioning
Presented by Michael Terrell Team: Margo McKnight, Dr. Kathy Heym, Angi Millwood and Thad Lacinak, The Florida Aquarium & Precision Behavior Full Abstract
In 2015, The Florida Aquarium enlisted the assistance of Precision Behavior to implement a holistic animal wellness program that added behavior management into the excellent animal nutrition, water quality, and veterinary care their animals already enjoyed. The aquariums “no animal left behind” commitment permeated all exhibits from mammals and birds to reptiles and fish. An extensive staff education program completely transformed the Aquarium’s culture and the daily lives of their animals. Spotted eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari) now swim into their biologists’ arms voluntarily for medically necessary fresh-water dips. Sand tiger sharks (Carcharias taurus), historically difficult to breed in captive environments, now participate in consortium-driven reproductive research facilitated by operant conditioning. Ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) exercise on cue for improved physical fitness. A Goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) of almost 300pounds shimmies with delight as his biologists sprinkle sand on his body and release bubbles into his mouth as a reward for stationing and allowing body measurements. These are but a few of the dozens of examples of enhanced animal wellness due to the Aquarium’s commitment to meeting both the physical and mental needs of the animals in their care. What’s more, this intensive process has resulted in higher activity levels for the animals, an enthusiastic staff and ultimately, the opportunity to create meaningful experiences for our guests. |
Advanced Reinforcement Concepts Combining Science with Common Sense for Optimal Animal Behavior
Thad Lacinak and Angi Millwood, Precision Behavior Full Abstract
“The way positive reinforcement is carried out is more important than the amount.” These wise words from B.F. Skinner are as true in modern zoological training as they were when first uttered. As animal training consultants working with facilities worldwide, we often see the same challenges over and over again regardless of the focus species. Frequently, these difficulties are the result of predictability and lack of correct application of some of the most effective tools at the trainers’ disposal. This workshop will discuss advanced reinforcement concepts that can benefit all trainers whether they work with dolphins, dogs, alligators or macaws. Topics will include a variety of strategies for avoiding predictability in animal training programs such as choosing the best reinforcement schedule based on the circumstance, ensuring variety in the types of rewards offered, advanced bridging strategies and exploring the latest research on the neurotransmitter dopamine and its relation to “maybe.” We will also explore many of the most frequently misunderstood ideas or strategies in animal training such as the purpose behind and application of the least reinforcing scenario (L.R.S.), use of the Premack Principle, and the role of deprivation and satiation as they relate to reinforcement effectiveness. Although this is an advanced workshop, all concepts are explained in depth with real-world examples. The goal is to arm trainers with information and tools they can implement immediately into their daily training routines for the continued growth of the animal training field. |
The Aversives Spectrum
Angi Millwood & C.Thad Lacinak, Precision Behavior Full Abstract
It has become politically incorrect for animal trainers to admit to any use of positive punishment or negative reinforcement in modifying the behavior of the animals entrusted to them. However, a cursory review of any behavioral psychology text book and an honest assessment of any training program readily substantiates that aversives remain as constant in applied settings as they are ubiquitous in the unapplied, “natural” world. Enhancement and advancement of animal training standards is best achieved through critical and honest analysis of the techniques applied by everyone in our profession. Denying the presence of aversives leaves positive-reinforcement-focused trainers vulnerable to arguments posited by force-focused trainers and by the public, rapidly becoming more fluent in training methods via media exposure. Once a truly honest dialog about behavioral modification techniques is established, open discussion about the severity of aversives can be undertaken. For example, the role that aversive severity plays in both the effectiveness of changing behavior and in generating side-effects can be analyzed and assessed. That would be more effectual than the current climate in which all aversives are lumped together. Not all aversives are created equal. In fact, there is a wide continuum of aversives. It is fundamental that every animal training professional understands fully the methods they enlist to elicit or to suppress behavior. Armed with an accurate outlook, trainers can make decisions regarding the techniques they use and how they represent themselves, their institutions, and our field to the public. |