ABC'S: ANIMAL BEHAVIOR

CONCERNS & SOLUTIONS

A Question & Answer Forum For Animal Professionals

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Welcome to the ABC's! Animal Behavior Concerns & Solutions is an animal behavior column written by animal behaviorist and animal trainer, Diana L. Guerrero. This section is dedicated to animal training techniques for all animals and pets, and topics related to operant conditioning and reinforcement. Behavior control issues are discussed in this two part series. For pet training please visit the pet sections, see our pet behavior booklets in the shop, or click here for enrollment information for classes and teleseminars.

Common Training Errors 101: Dealing with Animal Behavior Control Issues
Part 1 of 2

QUESTION
American Zoo. How should we deal with animal behavior control issues?

ANSWER
Part One of Two.
Whose control issues -- the trainer's or the animal's? Joking aside, I'll attempt to answer this broad question. I am going to assume that you are asking about losing training control over an animal or animals. We will look at why you might lose control this month and then at possible strategies next month.

Just a reminder to those of you that write in -- please be very specific about your situation and questions. The more information I have, the more in-depth and specific I can be in assisting you. You can fax me or visit the online form to email it in.

First, let me say that you probably never really have control over an animal. They cooperate with you voluntarily. This allows you to guide and manage them and to obtain the behaviors you desire. Control is an illusion, but it is common to refer to having "behavioral control" over an animal and so I will use that terminology.

There are different reasons that a trainer will lose control over an animal or why an animal will not cooperate. These have been mentioned in previous columns when I have discussed other situations. Dealing with the situation successfully requires mitigation prior to the escalation or loss of control. A good saying to place on your training boards is: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." or maybe, "An hour today is better than months of effort later."

Remember the trainers that forced the dolphin to beach? (ABC'S Column, Jan 1998) They had to take six months to not only to get that behavior back, but also to get the animal to cooperate again. That was a situation where the trainers forced an issue to get control -- did they really gain control? I'd say no based on how long it took them to get back cooperative behavior from that animal.

Anyway there are many reasons why a trainer might lose behavioral control with an animal. Novice trainers might overlook behavior clues that the animal gives them. The trainer might dismiss a gut feeling or an intuitive sense of foreboding when working with animals. Other trainers might feel pressured to move forward and perform a show or engage in a session when all indications signal that they should not.

Breakdown in an animal's behavior is usually signaled in advance. Low-level warnings such as sloppy behavior, body posture changes, playing with food and other deviations can indicate escalated trouble later. In other cases, the animal may react predictably in specific situations or in reaction to events, seasonal changes, etc.

Taking a moment to scrutinize a group of animals or a particular animal before you work it is important. Sometimes seniority directives or management pressures can get in the way, but the bottom line is that you should pay attention and act accordingly when you sense, or know from experience, that you may have a problem or lose control of your animal (or animals). Your ultimate goal is to engage in efforts that will avoid such situations.

But lets get real. We have all had to move forward into situations we might not otherwise get into because our jobs dictate that we must, and sometimes circumstances occur during our training interactions that require we be quick on our feet.

Animals are sentient beings and so no matter how prepared you might be or how good you are with theory, rhetoric or actual training -- you will find yourself in this situation at one time or another. Some of the common reasons we might lose behavior cooperation from our animals are due to:

Seasonal Changes
These changes include breeding cycles and other seasonal influences. Some animals will bulk up at certain times of year and become more challenging; periods of torpor can be difficult to deal with; animals may lose their food drive or be influenced by rut, musth or related states; birthing activities and cycling females will also contribute to uncooperative behavior. Knowing the natural history of the species and seasonal trends are important so that complications can be anticipated and dealt with.

Group Dynamics
Changes within the social dynamics of a group can be a challenge. Maturing animals, the addition of new animals and competition between individuals are all difficult situations. Dominant animals and shifts within the group should be apparent and closely monitored to avoid altercations.

Psychological Reactions
Knowing how an animal will react within a given situation is something that is usually revealed to a trainer as they begin to know the animal and work with it. New or unfamiliar stimuli can create unexpected reactions. Building a strong rapport with your charge can help you through many consequences and to predict when there might be a problem.

Training Inconsistency
Confusion or frustration will lead to serious situations such as aggression, panic and flight. Maintaining consistency in training criteria, reinforcement schedules and between trainers will help an animal be secure and clearly identify what is required and what to expect from a fair trainer.

Medical or Physical Complications
Sudden behavior changes can be due to medical or other complications. Adrenal, thyroid or other glandular disorders can create aggressive or abnormal reactions. Injury or pain can induce an animal to react adversely. Knowing your animal and watching for slight changes in behavior can often alert you to problems before they escalate and will enable you to avert problems.

Environmental Changes
Exhibit moves, changes in exhibit design or furniture, travel, relocation to an offsite setting, and sometimes weather conditions, can contribute to difficulties with an animal. Habituation and astute observation on the part of the trainer is necessary here. Keeping an animal occupied and challenged is also important.

Are you a reader with a question? Be sure to submit it--and good luck in all your training endeavors!

Continue reading about Behavior Control Issues in Part Two.

About the columnist: Since 1978 Diana L. Guerrero has worked professionally with both wild and domestic animals. Guerrero has been affiliated with, and certified by, a variety of animal programs in the USA and Europe. Based in California, she writes, consults, and speaks. Information on her animal career programs, training courses, and her books {What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality (SkyLight Paths, 2003), Blessing of the Animals (Sterling, 2007), Help! My Pet is Driving Me Crazy (Guerrero Ink, 2007), Animal Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners & Pet Professionals (Guerrero Ink, 2007)} can be found in this web site and in the shop. Questions for Guerrero should be submitted via the blog comments or membership forum.