Animal Training

Videotaped demonstrator improves efficiency of training chimpanzees to urinate on cue

Studies have shown chimpanzees can learn to perform tasks by watching live or videotaped demonstrators. The present study assessed whether female chimpanzees exposed to a videotaped demonstrator would learn a husbandry-related task, urinating into a receptacle on cue, faster than...

Year Published: 2010Topics: Animal Training, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Chimpanzee, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Perlman, J. E., Lambeth, S. P., Horner, V. et al. 2010. Videotaped demonstrator improves efficiency of training chimpanzees to urinate on cue. American Journal of Primatology 72(S1), 52. (33rd Meeting of the American Society of Primatologists Scientific Program, Abstract #84)

To squeeze or not to squeeze? A Discussion on LAREF, September, 2009

The discussion was started by the following questions: "Is the squeeze-back mechanism more or less stressful than the pole and collar system for removing a macaque from his cage for an IM (intramuscular) injection?" and "How are stress levels being...

Year Published: 2010Topics: Animal Training, Handling, Human-Animal Interaction, RestraintAnimal Type: Baboon, Capuchin, Chimpanzee, Lemur, Macaque, Marmoset, Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate, Owl Monkey, Squirrel Monkey, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Moreau, E. 2010. To squeeze or not to squeeze? A Discussion on LAREF, September, 2009. Laboratory Primate Newsletter 49(2), 3-4.

Human-directed contra-aggression training using positive reinforcement for indoor-housed rhesus macaques

The quality of human-animal interactions can be an indicator of well-being in laboratory primates and increased anxiety-related behavior, such as aggression, may compromise an animal's ability to provide research outcomes reflective of normal function. The objective of this study was...

Year Published: 2010Topics: Animal TrainingAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Minier, D. E., Tatum, L., McCowan, B. 2010. Human-directed contra-aggression training using positive reinforcement for indoor-housed rhesus macaques. American Journal of Primatology 72(S1), 53. (33rd Meeting of the American Society of Primatologists Scientific Program, Abstract #87)

The use of positive reinforcement during pole and collar training of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

The pole and collar method enables safe transfer of a monkey from their home environment to a restraint chair without sedation. The ability to conduct procedures with a conscious and cooperative subject is cost effective, labor saving, promotes animal welfare,...

Year Published: 2010Topics: Animal Training, HandlingAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: McMillan, J. L., Galvan, A., Wichmann, T. et al. 2010. The use of positive reinforcement during pole and collar training of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 705-706 (Abstract #P78).

Improving the efficiency of positive reinforcement training by testing food item preference

Positive reinforcement training relies on identifying an effective reinforcing consequence, often food, to be presented contingent on the performance of the desired behavior. Prior to training sessions, we used a multiple stimulus without replacement (MSWO) preference test to identify the...

Year Published: 2010Topics: Animal TrainingAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Martin, A. L., Franklin, A. N., Bloomsmith, M. A. 2010. Improving the efficiency of positive reinforcement training by testing food item preference. American Journal of Primatology 72(S1), 27. (33rd Meeting of the American Society of Primatologists Scientific Program, Abstract #6)

Laser lixit training: An alternative form of target training that can be utilized in the daily husbandry care of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) and cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis)

Rhesus and cynomolgus macaques are some of the most frequently utilized laboratory nonhuman primates, and it is common for one facility to have a significantly large colony of either or both species. Daily care needs to be efficient and effective,...

Year Published: 2010Topics: Animal Training, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Haba Nelsen, S. L., Bradford, D., Houghton, P. 2010. Laser lixit training: An alternative form of target training that can be utilized in the daily husbandry care of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) and cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis). American Journal of Primatology 72(S1), 27. (33rd Meeting of the American Society of Primatologists Scientific Program, Abstract #5)

Operant training differences between male and female group-housed nonhuman primates

Operant training of animals is a widely accepted practice for training or conditioning animals to cooperate with technical procedures or perform certain tasks in a laboratory setting. This type of training has been proven to reduce stress on the animal...

Year Published: 2010Topics: Animal TrainingAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Egeler, J. L., Hoekwater, S., Hoffman, H. D. 2010. Operant training differences between male and female group-housed nonhuman primates. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 660 (Abstract #PS17).

Enhanced canine enrichment and its effects on staff morale

The use of dogs in research has been under increasing public scrutiny and criticism over the past several years, and our institution has been no exception. Of particular concern is the use of Class B dogs. In order to investigate...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Animal Training, Human-Animal InteractionAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Bennett, K. J., Hill, V. A., Brock, K. et al. 2011. Enhanced canine enrichment and its effects on staff morale. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 772 (Abstract #P123).

Clicker training in minipigs

Clicker training minipigs provides a significant improvement in the dermal dosing procedures.

Year Published: 2010Topics: Animal TrainingAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Arblaster, F. 2010. Clicker training in minipigs. Animal Technology and Welfare 9, 115-118.

Thinking outside the box in box training

At the Oregon National Primate Research Center, we train animals to enter transfer boxes using positive reinforcement training (PRT), a type of training in which the trainer reinforces desired behaviors (such asentering the transfer box) by rewarding the subject when...

Year Published: 2010Topics: Animal Training, HandlingAnimal Type: Baboon, Capuchin, Chimpanzee, Lemur, Macaque, Marmoset, Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate, Owl Monkey, Squirrel Monkey, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Watts, A. 2010. Thinking outside the box in box training. Tech Talk [The Newsletter for Laboratory Animal Science Technicians] 15(2), 3.