Art and Science of Animal Training Conference - Denton, TX

[Sierra Newfs]

I am unable to attend, but wanted to pass on the information since there are so many folks in Texas.


The 5th Annual Art and Science of Animal Training Conference
http://orgs.unt.edu/orca/conference/

Saturday, February 2nd, 2013
University of North Texas
Denton, Texas
9:00am – 6:30pm

For a description of each talk, please visit this page.
http://orgs.unt.edu/orca/conference/2013-conference-talk-titles-and-descriptions

Schedule of Events

8:30- 9:00 Check- In

9:00- 9:15 Introduction (President)

9:15 – 10:15 Keynote Speaker: Dr. Susan Schneider
The Science of Consequences: What we share with animals and why it matters

10:15-10:25 Break

10:25 -11:15 Bob Bailey
What did Bailey do, and why: A training potpourri

11:15-11:30 Break

11:30-12:30 Phung Luu
Successful bird training phase one: Understanding body language

12:30-1:30 Lunch (vegetarian options provided)

1:30-2:20 Steve and Jen White
Plateau schmateau! Why progress matters

2:20-2:30 Break

2:30-3:20 Alexandra Kurland
Clicker training clever Hans: The balance loop

3:20– 3:30 Break

3:30-4:20 Kay Laurence
Drive and motivation: Do we build it or lose it?

4:20-4:35 Break

4:35 – 5:25 Ken Ramirez
Training when you’re not training

5:25-5:35 Break

5:35-6:30 Panel Discussion/ Closing

 

[Sierra Newfs]

Mary Hunter of the Stale Cheerios blog has her notes posted from some of the past Art & Science events at http://stalecheerios.com/animal-training-conference-clinic-notes/ and will be adding her 2013 notes soon.

Some of her favorite gems from this year's event are below:

Weak behavior at 30 meters will not be strong behavior at 300 meters!
Bob Bailey

Animals like having control over their environment.
Did you know there are machines that let cows pick when they want to be milked?
Dr. Susan Schneider

Don’t start framing your house until you’ve built the foundation!
Steve White

Horses are brilliant at reading humans. This can work for you or against you.
Alexandra Kurland

All dogs have natural motivation and drive.
However, poor training leads to a loss of natural motivation.
Kay Laurence

Every interaction we have with an animal has some type of reinforcing value,
either positive or negative. What are you training?
Ken Ramirez

*My note, if you are not familiar with Dr. Susan Schneider's work, pick up her book, "The Science of Consequences: How They Affect Genes, Change the Brain, and Impact Our World" One of the most fascinating books I have ever read and plenty of examples of animal training/behavior throughout. http://scienceofconsequences.com

 

[R Taft]

I love Bob Bailey..wish it was not so far away...you are lucky. And I have read Dr Shneiders book.

And our initial training was Natural horsemanship with our horses those many, many years ago (late 80's)....Which is when we started looking for alternative methods for both our dogs and horses...And just more and more comes our way

I really enjoy all the links you post..gets my mind working and I just love that..Thank you

 

[pecanpiepatti]

I love Bob Bailey..wish it was not so far away...you are lucky.

If you EVER come to Texas, you can come stay with us!!!

 

[Sierra Newfs]

I love Bob Bailey..wish it was not so far away...you are lucky. And I have read Dr Shneiders book.

And our initial training was Natural horsemanship with our horses those many, many years ago (late 80's)....Which is when we started looking for alternative methods for both our dogs and horses...And just more and more comes our way

I really enjoy all the links you post..gets my mind working and I just love that..Thank you

Bob Bailey is quite amazing! I'd encourage anyone who gets the opportunity to either work with him at a camp or attend a seminar to do it. Be warned, he's pithy and will get into your head. To know him is to understand Pavlov is always on your shoulder, but you end up with Bob on your other shoulder too. He and Parvene Farhoody are doing chicken camps in the eastern US this summer. I'm quite tempted! http://www.dogsofcourse.com/index.php?id=6

Did you love "The Science of Consequences"? I am still reeling from all of the ideas and applications in that book and will definitely have to read it again later. The book has led to some pretty interesting and ridiculous conversations amongst my friends.

I love horses and what they can teach us. Two of my favorite sessions at ClickerExpo were horse-centric with Alexandra Kurland for her talk on Gimme a Break! Rest, Recess and Training for Optimal Performance and her lab on Body Control & Motion. I brought home lots of great information for the dogs and now want to find a tai chi class for myself. While I think dogs and their people would benefit from exposure to more effective and less intrusive training, it doesn't even compare to what the typical horse has to endure.

You might like this blog, a friend sent me an email that consisted of the subject: Read This and a link to http://spellboundhorses.com/dragon/ I loved it and Jen keeps sharing wonderful gems such as her most recent post, totally applicable in the dog world too, The Golden Bridle: http://spellboundhorses.com/2013/02/11/the-golden-bridle/

Thank you for your kind words!