Cecile Ashen-Young¹ & Jade Fountain²

¹Companion Animal Behaviour And Training;²Animal Behaviour Matters

Abstract: For this session, attendees will be involved in identifying solutions for some presented animal behaviour cases. Components of a successful outcome with an animal case may include considerations around the following:

• Animal behaviour and species needs
• Potential functions of behaviour and how to measure these
• Appropriate reinforcement for the individual animal
• Tracking progress and outcomes
• Possible interventions and skills that human clients will need for success

This session will be beneficial for any behaviour analysts or those working with human clients, who would like to learn more about potential of applying their skills sets and knowledge to support animal cases and will be a good opportunity for animal behaviour practitioners to practice application of applied behaviour analysis principles to their future cases. The session will be facilitated by Cecile Ashen-Young and Jade Fountain, leading the discussion from the audience to determine the behaviour plan for the individual case presented.

Open discussion by attendees will identify the needs and considerations for a successful behaviour case and what priorities should be for the individual animal and the human caregivers involved for these fictitious cases. Come along and participate in this interactive session, learning more about the use of applied behaviour analysis principles in the animal behaviour and training field. If time permits, we will also discuss facilities and industries where ABA for animals is most commonly used and benefit from skillsets. 

Target Audience: behaviour analysts, animal trainers, animal consultants, those with an interest in working with animals

Learning Objectives: By the end of the presentation, participants will: 

• Practice applications of ABA principles to animal based cases
• Engage in discussion to develop a plan for an animal behaviour case
• Apply knowledge to new scenarios