Lesson 2 – Creativity works for me! It can work for you, too!

Animal Behavior is the study of one. Each animal is an individual. And they all have different learning histories. Consequently each animal also has it’s own unique set of reinforcers.

So, what is reinforcing for one animal. might not be reinforcing for another. Likewise a Training plan that works for Animal A, might not work for Animal B. This requires us to sometimes be creative when working with animal behaviour.

An Animal Training secret that gets results.

I believe that one trait of a successful animal trainer is creativity. This refers to creatively solving your training challenges. Maybe you are stuck as to how to become more creative?

This is what I have found has worked for me. I consistently ask myself one question that repeatedly delivers results . “If there was something I could do. No matter how small or insignificant that something might be. What would it be?” When you ask yourself a question like this something happens.  Your brain will eventually provide you with an answer. Then all you have to do is take action on that answer.

Do you sometimes experience challenges with achieving nice animal behaviour and training results? Try asking yourself the above question. Be creative and you might surprise yourself. Also remember that all animals are individuals. What worked for one animal might not work for another.

I was reminded of the individuality of every animal, when I endeavored to train two parrots to do the exact same behaviour. Watch this lesson’s video (above). Learn how I accepted the individuality of each animal. Learn how using creativity I managed to get results from both birds. I did this via completely different teaching strategies.

I hope you have enjoyed this training tidbit. Make sure to watch the next one. I would also love to hear how you have been creative with animal training. Leave a comment below. Share your story about Animal Behavior and Training.

Ryan Cartlidge. Animal Training Academy

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• Free Animal Training Video Series. Course

  A collection of video and content surrounding all areas of Animal Training.

  • Lesson 1 – The Secret about Feng Shui and Animal Training. Lesson

    A short lesson about the importance of Environmental Arrangement and Animal Training.

  • Lesson 2 – Creativity works for me! It can work for you, too! Lesson

    Learn about being creative in your training endeavours.

  • Lesson 3 – How to Measure Animal Behaviour. Lesson

    Learn about the importance of setting your animals environment up for success.

  • Lesson 4 – How to get into Animal Training. Lesson

    This lesson, shares my story and touches on how to get into animal training.

  • Lesson 5 – How to write Animal Training Plans. Lesson

    A lesson describing the process of writing a good training plan.

  • Lesson 6 – Clicker Training – How to know when to use a clicker. Lesson

    Learn about decisions I make as to when I use a clicker.

  • Lesson 7 – See how easily you can use Positive Reinforcement. Lesson

    Learn about the application of Positive Reinforcement.

  • Lesson 8 – How to quickly improve your skills – Animal Training Basics. Lesson

    This is a lesson that teaches you a simple thing you can do to help improve your training skills now!

  • Lesson 9 – Animal training relationships. (Molly the Morepork, Part 1). Lesson

    Learn about building partnerships with your animals.

    • Lesson 9.1 – Behavior Management. (Molly the Morepork, Part 2) Lesson

      In this lesson you will learn about empowering your animals and developing trusting relationships.

    • Lesson 9.2 – Target Training (Molly the Morepork, Part 3) Lesson

      In this lesson you will learn about target training your animals.

    • Lesson 9.3 – Crate training tips (Molly the Morepork, Part 4) Lesson

      In this lesson you will learn some quick crate training tips you can employ with all animals.

    • Lesson 9.4 – Owl training (Molly the Morepork, Part 5) Lesson

      In this lesson you will learn about short windows of opportunity.

    • Lesson 9.5 – Animal Training Skills (Molly the Morepork, Part 6) Lesson

      In this lesson you will learn about practicing your patience.

  • Lesson 10 – Competing Reinforcers – Does your dog come when called? Course

    This lesson explains what competing reinforcers are.