Lesson 5 – How to write Animal Training Plans.

FREE training documents

1. Behavioural repertoire document …
2. Training plan document …
3. Shaping plan document …

CLICK HERE for a free lesson to explain the behavioural repertoire document

CLICK HERE for a free podcast on writing training plans featuring Debbi Marrin (the director of training and behavioral husbandry from San Francisco Zoo)

CLICK HERE for a free podcast on shaping behavior with Mikolaj Zybala.

4 SIMPLE STEPS TO WRITING YOUR SHAPING PLAN

1) At the bottom of a blank piece of paper write down your final behaviour. This is the behaviour you want your animal to do after your training is finished. (point B)
2) At the top of that same piece of paper write down the closest behaviour the animal already does. That is the closest behaviour it already does  to the final behaviour from step 1. (Point A)
3) Fill in the gaps. Write down small behavioural increments required to get you from Point A to Point B.
4) Implement your training plan. Reinforce each step along the way. Modify the plan as needed. Stop when you reach you final behaviour.

In this lesson we discuss how to write good training plans. Being able to write these plans assist in developing your shaping skills. Shaping being a technique used to train animals. Trainers of all levels are constantly practicing and refining this important skill set. Shaping involves understanding what your animal already does. Then thinking about the new behaviour you want from your animal. This is followed by slowly reinforcing any movement in the right direction. Starting with what the animal already does. Eventually ending up with the new behaviour. Having a plan written down on paper is a good idea. It helps clarify in your mind what you need to do in an individual training session. This is important. Because if you don’t know what your asking from your animal, then how are they meant to know?

NOTE: You don’t have to stick to your plan. If your animal is learning fast, miss a few steps. If your animal is learning slowly, Maybe add a few steps. Always listen to what your animals behaviour is telling you. Adjust your training accordingly. Watch this Lessons video to see how I put this technique into practice with a Red Crowned Parakeet.

• 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.