Animal Training

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)

Operant conditioning with laboratory beagles

There is increased regulatory emphasis on positive reinforcement training for husbandry, research procedures, and restraint devices. We practice acclimation, association, and positive reinforcement training with our beagle colony with goals to reduce stress for dogs and improve efficiency for personnel....

Year Published: 2013Topics: Animal Training, Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, Handling, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Savastano, G. M. 2013. Operant conditioning with laboratory beagles. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 619 (Abstract #PS57).

The effects of operant training on blood collection for domestic cats

The impact of operantly training domestic cats to accept jugular blood collections in a dorsally recumbent (novel) position was assessed. Cats were assigned to one of three groups: Group 1 (N = 14): no training, traditional jugular blood collection; Group...

Year Published: 2013Topics: Animal Training, Biological Sampling & Physiological MeasurementAnimal Type: Cat

Citation: Lockhart, J., Wilson, K., Lanman, C. 2013. The effects of operant training on blood collection for domestic cats. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 143(2-4), 128-134.

Effect of temperament on the behavioral conditioning of individual rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

Animal training programs are used at many animal facilities to refine human-animal interactions. While there is a strong focus on positive reinforcement training (PRT) over negative reinforcement training (NRT) or punishment, animals vary in responsiveness to different training techniques. Generally,...

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

Citation: Hannibal, D., Minier, D., Capitanio, J. et al. 2013. Effect of temperament on the behavioral conditioning of individual rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). American Journal of Primatology 75(S1), 66. (36th Meeting of the American Society of Primatologists Scientific Program, Abstract #113)

Training nonhuman primates to check their watering system as a means to increase psychologic wellbeing and increase efficiency for husbandry staff

Through the use of operant conditioning methods, that is, clicker training, it is possible to train nonhuman primates to check their automatic watering system. Primate species not indicated. We will detail a training study.

Year Published: 2013Topics: Animal Training, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Giordano. K.A. 2013. Training nonhuman primates to check their watering system as a means to increase psychologic wellbeing and increase efficiency for husbandry staff. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 615 (Abstract #PS41).