FEATURE


Current trends in animal training choose to focus on using elements of this science that focus on kind and gentle strategies to create desired behaviour and reduce undesired behaviour. This includes avoiding the use of aversive punishment and negative reinforcement.


The science behind training is called applied behaviour analysis. This science focuses on how organisms learn. And truly we are all students of this science on a daily basis whether we are conscious of our application of its principles or not. Current trends in animal training choose to focus on using elements of this science that focus on kind and gentle strategies to create desired behaviour and reduce undesired behaviour. This includes avoiding the use of aversive punishment and


negative reinforcement. In its place, trainers learn the art and skill of applying positive reinforcement to gain cooperation. A scientific approach using positive


reinforcement principles and methods has other benefits. We stop relying on anecdotes or labels. To my mind the worst one is: “This bird is mean and bites”. If you won’t notice the bird’s body language when it shows with signs like pinning eyes or raised crest, that it feels uncomfortable, it has no other recourse than to bite. Or fly


BIRD SCENE 11


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