Animal Training

A case study employing operant conditioning to reduce stress of capture for red-bellied tamarins (Saguinus labiatus)

Traditional techniques used to capture New World monkeys, such as net capture, can induce high levels of acute stress detrimental to welfare. Alternatively, training nonhuman animals via operant conditioning to voluntarily participate in husbandry and/or veterinary practices is accepted as...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Animal Training, HandlingAnimal Type: Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Owen, Y., Amory, J. R. 2011. A case study employing operant conditioning to reduce stress of capture for red-bellied tamarins (Saguinus labiatus). Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 14(2), 124-137.

Training rhesus macaques for conscious blood sampling in six steps

Step 1 Gently squeeze the animal about halfway towards you. Hold the animal in place for about 1 to 2 seconds.We use this time to talk to the animal calmly in a gentle voice. When the time is up, release...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Animal Training, Biological Sampling & Physiological MeasurementAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Weissman-Socci, S., Ray, K. D. 2011. Training rhesus macaques for conscious blood sampling in six steps. Tech Talk [The Newsletter for Laboratory Animal Science Technicians] 16(6), 3.

Training rats to shift into clean cages by using operant conditioning with positive reinforcement

Changing soiled cages is an integral part of husbandry, yet it can be a source of stress for both animal and animal care technician. In one case, large geriatric rats weighing around 1 kg did not have a positive response...

Year Published: 2012Topics: Animal Training, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Severs, E., Leszcynski, J. 2012. Training rats to shift into clean cages by using operant conditioning with positive reinforcement. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 632-633 (Abstract #PS8).

Individual differences in temperament and behavioral management practices for nonhuman primates

This review will examine how individual differences in temperament might affect, or be affected by, behavioral management practices for captive primates. Measuring temperament may help us predict the outcome of social introductions. It can also predict which animals may be...

Year Published: 2012Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Animal Training, Husbandry & Management, PersonalityAnimal Type: Baboon, Capuchin, Chimpanzee, Lemur, Macaque, Marmoset, Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate, Owl Monkey, Squirrel Monkey, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Coleman, K. 2012. Individual differences in temperament and behavioral management practices for nonhuman primates. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 137(3-4), 106-113.

Implementing positive reinforcement animal training programs at primate laboratories

In the last decade several surveys of primate care and training programs highlight a common theme; despite scientific evidence that animal training can be effective in reducing stress, increasing efficiency and improving veterinary care, animal training is not widely incorporated...

Year Published: 2012Topics: Animal TrainingAnimal Type: Baboon, Capuchin, Chimpanzee, Lemur, Macaque, Marmoset, Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate, Owl Monkey, Squirrel Monkey, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Perlman, J. E., Bloomsmith, M. A., Whittaker, M. A. et al. 2012. Implementing positive reinforcement animal training programs at primate laboratories. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 137(3-4), 114-126.

Positive reinforcement training in squirrel monkeys using clicker training

Nonhuman primates in research environments experience regular stressors that have the potential to alter physiology and brain function, which in turn can confound some types of research studies. Operant conditioning techniques such as positive reinforcement training (PRT), which teaches animals...

Year Published: 2012Topics: Animal TrainingAnimal Type: Nonhuman Primate, Squirrel Monkey

Citation: Gillis, T. E., Janes, A. C., Kaufman, M. J. 2012. Positive reinforcement training in squirrel monkeys using clicker training. American Journal of Primatology 74(8), 712-720.

Improving the efficiency of positive reinforcement training for non-human primates

There are many benefits of positive reinforcement training (PRT). PRT reduces stress for subjects and as such is a significant refinement to animal care practices. However, training can be time intensive, and not all animals easily learn tasks, which may...

Year Published: 2013Topics: Animal TrainingAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Coleman, K., Houser, L. A., Maier, A. 2013. Improving the efficiency of positive reinforcement training for non-human primates. American Journal of Primatology 75(S1), 66. (36th Meeting of the American Society of Primatologists Scientific Program, Abstract #115)

Positive reinforcement training effects on hemogram and chemistry parameters in chimpanzees

Positive reinforcement training (PRT) is used at various biomedical research facilities and zoos in order to facilitate animal husbandry activities as well as veterinary procedures. Previous research suggests that the use of PRT helps alleviate stress during potentially distressing events,...

Year Published: 2013Topics: Animal TrainingAnimal Type: Chimpanzee, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Breaux, S. D., Breaux, M. B., Fontenot, M. B. 2013. Positive reinforcement training effects on hemogram and chemistry parameters in chimpanzees. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 669 (Abstract #175).

Training time required to collect a variety of biological samples using primarily positive reinforcement training methods

Positive reinforcement training (PRT) methods can be applied to gain the voluntary cooperation of laboratory primates with the collection of biological samples. Information will be provided on training techniques used and the amount of training time required for various sample...

Year Published: 2013Topics: Animal Training, Biological Sampling & Physiological MeasurementAnimal Type: Chimpanzee, Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Bloomsmith, M., Franklin, A., Neu, K. et al. 2013. Training time required to collect a variety of biological samples using primarily positive reinforcement training methods. American Journal of Primatology 75(S1), 65. (36th Meeting of the American Society of Primatologists Scientific Program, Abstract #112)

Efficient cooperative chair training

Traditional procedures for training nonhuman primates to be restrained in chairs typically involve very little use of positive reinforcement. In this talk, we detail a refined chair training procedure which uses a mix of positive and mild negative reinforcement to...

Year Published: 2013Topics: Animal Training, Handling, RestraintAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Bliss-Moreau, E., Moadab, G., Theil, J. 2013. Efficient cooperative chair training. American Journal of Primatology 75(S1), 67. (36th Meeting of the American Society of Primatologists Scientific Program, Abstract #118)