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Animal Training
Animal Training Focus Questions
47
Other
Graduate
08/07/2013

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Term
Define BEHAVIOR
Definition
A behavior is anything an animal does involving an action and/or a response to a stimulus.
Term
Animals behave in certain ways for which 4 reasons.
Definition
Animal behave in certain ways to
1) find food and water
2) interact with social groups
3) avoid predators
4) reproduce
Term
Why is it important not to be anthropomorphic (humanlike characteristics) when discussing animal behaviors?
Definition
We have no way of knowing for sure why an animal is doing something so it is important not to connect humanlike characteristics to animals.
Term
How do scientists define learning?
Definition
Scientists define learning as a relatively permanent change in behaviors a result of experience.
Term
What determines the types of behaviors that are possible for an animal to learn?
Definition
An animal's genetic makeup and body structure determine what kinds of behaviors an animal can learn. An animal can only learn what they are physically capable of doing.
Term
Define operant conditioning.
Definition
In operant conditioning the behavior is conditioned by the consequences that follow the behavior. That is, a behavior will happen either more or less often depending on its results.
Term
What are the ABC's of training?
Definition
A - Antecedent
B - Behavior
C - Consequence
Term
What is a reinforcer?
Definition
A reinforcer is a response that follows a behavior.
Term
What is the difference between a primary and secondary reinforcer?
Definition
Primary reinforcers are anything the animal needs to survive and is inherently positive (food, shelter, socialization). Secondary reinforcers are everything else and often the animal needs to be trained to enjoy.
Term
Define Discrimination as it relates to Animal Training.
Definition
Discrimination is the learned ability to react differently to different stimuli.
Term
Define Shaping as it relates to Animal Training.
Definition
Shaping is the step by step learning of a behavior that cannot be learned all at once.
Term
Define Approximation as it relates to Animal Training.
Definition
Approximation is each step in the learning process.
Term
Define Extinction as it relates to Animal Training.
Definition
Extinction is the elimination of a behavior by not reinforcing it.
Term
Define Observational Learning as it relates to Animal Training.
Definition
Observational Learning is learning by watching others. Observational learning can occur without outside reinforcement.
Term
What are the 3 parts to SeaWorld's animal training philosophy.
Definition
SeaWorld has a 3 part animal treining philosophy:
1. Trainers create an environment that is fun, interesting and stimulating for the animals.
2. Trainers reinforce desirable behavior with a variety of rewards, and work not to draw attention to the undesirable behavior.
3. Trainers build strong and rewarding relationships with animals, based on a history of positive and stimulating interaction.
Term
Describe Learning Sessions as they contribute to the enrichment and well being of our animals.
Definition
Learning sessions involve a formal training process for the animals, in which trainers condition specific behaviors.
Term
Describe Exercise Sessions as they contribute to the enrichment and well being of our animals.
Definition
Exercise sessions of high energy behaviors are used in succession to work on the physical fitness of the animal.
Term
Describe Relationship Sessions as they contribute to the enrichment and well being of our animals.
Definition
Relationship sessions allow time for a trainer and animal to develop mutual trust, which enhances the degree of learning.
Term
Describe Play Sessions as they contribute to the enrichment and well being of our animals.
Definition
Play sessions provide time in the day when trainers and animals interact with "games" and "toys" which creates an enriching environment.
Term
Describe Husbandry Sessions as they contribute to the enrichment and well being of our animals.
Definition
Husbandry sessions are very important for the day-to-day health care of the animals such as check-ups, medical procedures etc.
Term
Describe Shows as they contribute to the enrichment and well being of our animals.
Definition
Shows provide an opportunity for SWBG to educate the public about the behavior, physiology and ecology of numerous animals.
Term
Describe Gate Sessions as they contribute to the enrichment and well being of our animals.
Definition
Gate sessions are when the animals are moved between pools through gates as well as having animals stay under control when the gate is opened and closed.
Term
Describe Feeding Sessions as they contribute to the enrichment and well being of our animals.
Definition
Feeding session are simply when the animals are fed.
Term
What is environmental enrichment?
Definition
Environmental enrichment is creating a complex and stimulating environment with lots of variety. For example,creating changes in an animal's daily activities. Animal are provided with activities they seem to find interesting and stimulating, including play sessions with trainers and other animals.
Term
Give several examples of environment enrichment devices used here at the park.
Definition
Some of the environmental enrichment devices used here at the park are large plastic buckets, large plastic hoops. large ice blocks, mirrors(Peepers the Speckled Mousebird)and cardboard boxes (Susie the Cockatoo), and strap webbing from car washes(dolphins)
Term
Explain Variable Ratio (VRrv) in animal training.
Definition
Trained behaviors are maintained on a VARIABLE RATIO reinforcement schedule. Animals are not automatically reinforced after each behavior. They do a number of behaviors before they are reinforced.
Term
What is the Least Reinforcing Scenerio (LRS)?
Definition
LSR is a training technique used when an animal does not respond or responds with an incorrect behavior.
Term
Describe the 2 parts of Least Reinforcing Scenario (LRS).
Definition
The 2 parts of LRS are
1) Consequence for incorrect behavior. This occurs when the trainer does not reinforce the incorrect behavior.
2. A stimulus providing an opportunity for reward. For 2 or 3 seconds the trainer is relaxed and attempts no change in environment. This brief time period is a stimulus provides a new opportunity for reward. Following an LSR the animal is reinforced for calm attentive behavior. The animal may also receive an opportunity to perform another behavior that will result in reinforcement.
Term
Why is building a positive relationship with the animals so important?
Definition
Building a positive relationship is the key to successful training.
Term
What are the 3 basic building blocks of how animals are trained at SeaWorld?
Definition
Reinforcement, Communication and Target Recognition are the Building Blocks of how animals are trained at SeaWorld.
Term
How does a trainer communicate to the animal when they perform correctly?
Definition
To communicate to the animal that they have performed correctly, the trainer uses a bridge signal - to bridge the gap in time between the behavior and the reinforcer.
Term
What are some types of bridge signals?
Definition
Bridge signals can be a whistle, a light touch or a verbal signal such as "good", "okay", or "nice".
Term
Describe the steps used to train an animal to follow a target.
Definition
1. the trainer teaches the animal to target by touching the target gently to the animal. Bridge is sounded and the animal is reinforced. This is repeated several times. 2. the next step is to position the target a few inches away from the animal. The trainer waits for the animal touch the target. Gets bridged and reinforced. 3. After several successful repetitions, the target is moved still further away. Each time the animal touches the target, Eventually the animal will follow the target. The target may then be used to lead the animal through a series of steps to gradually perform complex behaviors.
Term
Why is desensitization important in animal training?
Definition
Desensitization is important to help an animal learn and accept unusual or unexpected changes in their environment.
Term
Describe some scenarios where desensitization is vital to the success of the animal.
Definition
Desensitization is important because various aspects of shows can be very distracting: other animals on stage, one than one trainer, applause from the audience, loud voices, music over sound system. Animals learn to ignore these distractions and are reinforced for calmly responding to changes in the environment. Desensitization is essential to animal health care and husbandry. Animal are trained to calmly respond to the veterinarian's touch and medical equipment. Animals are trained to allow touching of the tail flukes to eventually allow for blood draws through the reinforcing calm responses.
Term
Explain the benefits of training in terms of Educational value.
Definition
The educational value that training provides is the ability to observe and learn directly from live animals directly increasing public awareness and appreciation of wildlife.
Term
Explain the benefits training in terms of Husbandry and Care.
Definition
Training benefits Husbandry and Care by helping veterinarians, animal care specialists, trainers and keepers to perform medical examinations more easily and with less stress to the animal.
Term
Explain the benefits of training in terms of Breeding.
Definition
Training provides breeding benefits by allowing the close monitoring of the health of pregnant animals which is key to healthy animals and a healthy genetically diverse population.
Term
Explain the benefits training in terms of Research.
Definition
By training animals to respond to a variety of stimuli in their environment, researchers can gather scientific data that would not otherwise be available.
Term
Explain the benefits training in terms of Physical and Mental Stimulation.
Definition
The physical and mental stimulation provided in the training, play, exercise, relationship, show sessions keep the animals healthy and active.
Term
What are the background requirements for being a trainer at SeaWorld?
Definition
Animal trainers at Seaworld are required to be 18 years old with a HS diploma. Some course work in animal related sciences such as Animal Husbandry, Zoology, Biology, Animal Science and Psychology etc. but a college degree is not required but is preferred. The best background experience is working with animals especially large animals. Strong swimming skills and in some positions a SCUBA certification. Since trainer perform and speak in front of audiences, Strong communication skills and experience in public speaking or drama are desirable.
Term
List a few other examples of career opportunities working with animals.
Definition

Other opportunities to work with animals include:

Veterinary medicine,

Animal Husbandry,

Marine Wildlife research,

Education, and

Wildlife management and research.

Term
What is a positive reinforcer?
Definition
A positive reinforcer is a response that strengthens the behavior.
Term
How is it operant conditioning different from classical conditioning?
Definition
Unlike classical conditioning, in operant conditioning the response requires thought and an action. The response is followed by a reinforcer or consequence.
Term
How does the LRS system reduce frustration that might result from lack of reinforcement.
Definition
When LSR is used consistently it can decrease undesired behavior and increase calm and attentive behavior. LSR helps reduce frustration that might result from the lack of reinforcement. It teaches the animal to respond without aggression.
Term
When is the best time to communicate to an animal that they have performed correctly in order to be effective?
Definition
The best time to communicate to an animal that they have performed correctly is immediately following the behavior.
Term
Explain Reinforcement Variety (vrRV) in animal training.
Definition
A variety of interesting, stimulating reinforcers is essential to successful training. This prevents boredom, lack of motivation, frustration and aggression.
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