This episode Dr. Susan Friedman, Behavior Works, provides some great learning and insights into a multitude of current topics surrounding the science of behavior change. Dr. Friedman starts with discussing the Hierarchy of Behavior Change Procedures; what it is, how we can view it to provide optimal welfare to animals, and also the importance of antecedent arrangement and the environment to behavior change. She also breaks down what it means and looks like in practice when we strive for most positive, least intrusive, effective intervention. Dr. Friedman then gives a summary on the free operant approach to enrichment. She finishes the discussion by diving into the concept of control by honoring the no and shaping the yes. Stay tuned in for Dr. Friedman’s very unique "Training Tale" about plant learning. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠abc@theabma.org⁠ and to contact Dr. Friedman email ⁠ sgf@behaviorworks.org

For more information and to register for the ABMA virtual courses visit this link: https://www.theabma.org/behavior-management-courses

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Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

• 5:10 Introduction to Dr. Susan Friedman and Behavior Works

• 19:25 Hierarchy of Behavior Change Procedures

• 27:00 Most Positive, Least Intrusive, Effective Intervention

• 36:20 The importance of antecedent arrangement and the environment on behavior

• 48:05 Free Operant approach to enrichment

• 1:07:00 Honor the No, Shape the Yes

This episode, through daily live recordings, features a recap of the 2025 ABMA Annual Conference (April 27 - May 2 2025) hosted by Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas, United States. Each day of the conference, one of the presenters for the day discusses their presentation and other learning that impacted them.

Day 1: Marie Filipek, Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park

Day 2: Heidi Moomaw, Charles River Labs

Day 3: Benjamin Fainsod, Jerusalem Zoo

Day 4: Matthew Nguyen & Li Shan Tan, Resorts World Sentosa

If you are an ABMA member be sure to log in to Animalprofessional.com to watch most of the presentations and panels from the 2025 conference. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org. Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

Here is the link to the podcast survey. We really appreciate your feedback! https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/Rspt0Bk/abcpodcast2025

Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

• 5:10 Discussion of Conference Day 1 with Marie Filipek, Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park.

• 12:15 Discussion of Conference Day 2 with Heidi Moomaw, Charles River Labs

• 35:10 Discussion of Conference Day 3 with Benjamin Fainsod, Jerusalem Zoo

• 53:15 Discussion of Conference Day 4 with Matthew Nguyen & Li Shan Tan, Resorts World Sentosa

This episode was a live panel recording at the 2025 ABMA annual conference in Galveston Texas hosted by Moody Gardens. The expert panel consisted of Tim Sullivan - Brookfield Zoo, Elly Neumann - Jerusalem Zoo, Nicki Boyd- San Diego Zoo, Anaka Nazareth - National Aquarium, and Chris Jenkins - Natural Encounters Inc. The panel’s theme was “The Importance of Behavior in Modern Animal Care” with questions submitted in real time from the conference attendees. The panel discussed a wide range of topics ranging from the growth of the role behavior plays in welfare to the evolution and next steps in enrichment, to advice on getting buy-in for change. In the absence of a “Training Tale” for this episode, each of the panelists utilize their years of experience to provide their “Animal Behavior Advice”. For questions or suggestions about the podcast or to get in contact with the panelists email ⁠abc@theabma.org⁠. Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!