Dr Susan Friedman & Rick Hester; Freeing the Operant [Ep. 211]

At Animal Training Academy, we understand your passion. You're dedicated to mastering your animal training skills using a force-free approach. You're driven by the desire to handle the myriad of challenges that come your way, equipped with a broad knowledge & experience base. But like all of us, there are times you hit rough patches in your training journey. These challenges can sometimes leave you feeling overwhelmed & helpless. It's disheartening, especially when you have so much love and dedication for what you do. We believe everyone should be empowered to positively impact the lives of the animal and human learners they come into contact with. Enter our guides for this episode: Dr. Susan Friedman and Rick Hester. Rick Hester has extensive experience at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. He's worked with a diverse range of species from penguins to African lions. Collaborating with experts like Dr. Susan Friedman, Rick has deepened his understanding of behaviour analysis. His work at the zoo and his role as an adjunct faculty at Colorado State University showcase his dedication to the field. Dr. Susan G. Friedman, a global influencer in the realm of animal behavior, is a professor emeritus in the Department of Psychology at Utah State University. Her work, translated into multiple languages, has been instrumental in shaping the understanding of animal behaviour across the world. In this episode, they'll guide you to: Understand the concept of the four freedoms: Freedom to Initiate, Freedom to Form, Freedom to Repeat, and Freedom of Pace. Dive deep into real-world examples with penguins and elephants at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado. Brainstorm and strategize on how to integrate this newfound knowledge into your work, enhancing your ability to meet your animals' needs and improve their welfare. So, are you ready to elevate your training skills? Dive in and listen to this enlightening podcast episode. Our goal at Animal Training Academy is to support you in avoiding the pitfalls of embarrassment, overwhelm, and burnout. By equipping you with the right knowledge and tools, we aim to help you build resilience to setbacks, get more organized, and continuously grow your training skills. Ultimately, we envision you confidently navigating your journey, leading a fulfilling life, and making a positive impact on both animal and human learners. Listen to the episode now and embark on a transformative journey in animal training. Links Learn more from Dr Friedman and get in touch with both her and Rick here >>> https://www.behaviorworks.org/