Two fun-filled days of learning at Hope Haven Farm with hands on training with pigs, emus, goats, chickens, donkeys, turkeys, a guardian dog, and more. We know that trainers can learn a lot from working with different species--you better have fabulous timing with that chicken, be prepared for your emu to opt out if you have too low of a rate of reinforcement, be mindful of your body pressure with the sensitive goat, and watch that the donkey just doesn't shove his nose in your training pouch out of frustration if you are unclear with your criteria. Attendees will learn foundation skills for marker/clicker training and more advanced concepts in cooperative care with some of the animals at the farm sanctuary. Attendees will learn about species specific body language and behavior patterns of the animals they are working with (and how that might affect training choices), learning theory, good training mechanics, animal body language, shaping, luring, capturing, criteria setting and more. They will also learn a lot about how we influence animals with our body language/pressure (in helpful and not so helpful ways) while working with animals far more sensitive to our bodies than most domesticated dogs. Attendees will be helping to teach foundation skills that farm volunteers can use to more easily navigate operations on the farm--like shaping stationing skills and cooperative care behaviors.

Sponsor:Alliance of Modern Pet Professionals Pittsburgh
Speaker(s):Tena Parker, Andrea Lamping, Dr. Karen Phillips

Contact: Alliance of Modern Pet Profess
 Email: pittsburghpetprofessionals@gmail.com
 Web: http://www.pittsburghpetprofessionals.com/