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Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior Differential Reinforcement of Other behavior (DRO) is a positive reinforcement training technique used to decrease an undesirable behavior. It is one of the more “complicated” training concepts we’ve discussed on this website. I put “complicated” in quotes, because animal training is not complicated. 😉 Before you dive in to DRO, make sure you understand the […]
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In my final interview with Dr. Grey Stafford, we discuss the public’s perception of zoos and aquariums and perhaps more importantly, what animal advocates can do to spread the truth surrounding accredited animal facilities. It was such an honor to sit down with Dr. Stafford and I would like to thank him for his time and his continued work to […]
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Last week, we discussed advancements in animal training with Dr. Grey Stafford. In this interview, I asked Dr. Stafford about SeaWorld’s decision to end the Orca breeding program. You may remember when I gave you my thoughts when I first heard that Governor Brown signed a bill into law that would ban Orca breeding in California and make killer whale […]
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To see my first interview with Dr. Grey Stafford, please click here. In this interview, Stafford discusses some of the advancements in animal training. As committed animal care professionals, it is our job to constantly improve the lives of the animals in our care. From training butterflies to fly from point A to point B, to teaching dolphins to decide […]
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Recently, I was fortunate enough to sit down with Dr. Grey Stafford, the new president of the International Marine Animal Trainers Association. He has almost 3 decades of experience in the animal welfare space and is the author of the book, Zoomility. This is part of one our four part series with Dr. Grey Stafford. We’ll be discussing advancements in the […]
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I asked Peter Giljam, of zoospensefull.com, to share his experience working with animals abroad. Many of you have expressed interest in working outside the US while others desire to come to the United States to work with animals. While we provide plenty organizations and associations for aspiring animal care professionals, it is often more beneficial to learn from someone who […]
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I “met” Blaine through LinkedIn and loved the articles he was creating. I asked him to share his knowledge with all of you! This is a must-read article for aspiring trainers! Yes, it is not directly about how to become a marine mammal trainer – but it does give you valuable insight on the process of entering the competitive field of […]
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SeaWorld’s Camp for Aspiring Marine Animal Trainers More than a year ago, I received an e-mail form Elijah Ozbat, an aspiring marine animal trainer, who discussed his time at SeaWorld’s Camp! With his permission, I have included this e-mail with pictures. If you are considering attending one of SeaWorld’s camps, read about Elijah’s experience below! You can also read Elijah’s […]
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The Animal Trainer Union My starting wage at Sea Life Park Hawaii was $8/hour. My starting wage at SeaWorld Orlando was about $11/hour. I worked weekends and Holidays. I worked early mornings and late nights. At Sea Life Park, I was asked to clock out and continue working more times than I can count. And I was so happy I […]
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All Good Things Must Come To An End Caring and improving the lives of animals is one of the great privileges of being alive. Those lucky enough to land an internship or enter the field of animal care, rescue, rehabilitation, and release are some of the luckiest people in the world. However, each year many animal care specialists leave the field entirely. […]
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