"The use of behavioral principles within the animal training and consulting community have become commonplace. While core behavior analytic principles (i.e., a focus on reinforcement contingencies and functional understandings of behavior) are now frequently used for applied animal behavior purposes, the use of data to measure those applications remains virtually untapped. This creates a conundrum for hopeful science-based practitioners: An increased demand for applying behavioral principles, but with limited opportunity to bring about their empirical, analytical counterparts. This talk focuses on bridging the gap between data and training/consulting by providing simple yet effective data-taking procedures for a variety of applied animal behavior needs. Specifically, we will focus on : (1) the use of preference assessments to systematically identify potential reinforcers and enrichment objects/procedures, (2) measurement systems that allow trainers to directly document their training/shaping progress, and (3) creating behavioral inventories (e.g., ethograms) that facilitate general welfare improvements, including the empirical success of any intervention. Particular attention will be placed on how anyone can collect data, including practitioners, for the purpose of creating a data-based practice. "

Sponsor:IAABC Foundation
Speaker(s):Dr Eduardo Fernandez

Contact: Rochelle Burtt
 Email: courses@iaabcfoundation.org
 Web: http://iaabcfoundation.org/pounce