EVENTS
Precision Behavior conducts a variety of seminars and workshop. Frequently, these events are open to the public and are amazing opportunities to grow professionally and network with like-minded individuals.
Below are some of our upcoming seminars, workshops or other events as well as conferences we plan to attend and/or recommend. We hope to see you soon at an upcoming event!
Want to host an event at your facility? Contact us today!
Events change frequently. Check back often!
Important Announcement!
We are launching new courses and workshops (virtual and live)! Details coming soon!
PB Invited Speakers for 2021 ABMA conference!
We hope to see you there!!
Thad & Angi Lacinak (Friday 30 April)
Targeting and Desensitization in Advanced Application
Targeting and desensitization are often referred to as ‘foundation’ behaviors. There is good reason for this as they are stepping stones to virtually every complex behavior, particularly medical behaviors, that trainers request of animals in their care. The skillful application of these two ‘basic’ concepts, however, can yield impressively advanced results. This presentation will provide video demonstrations with a variety of species including mammals, reptiles, birds and fish plus service dogs.
Level Up: Zoo Animal Behavior Workshop
Perfect for Animal Care professionals from zoos, aqariums, nature centers, museums, animal shelters including supervisors, managers, curators and interns, part-time staff and volunteers at all levels of experience!
Reserve your spot now for a unique, immersive five-day workshop taught by Precision Behavior, a global leader in animal behavior and welfare, hosted by the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society. The science-based curriculum draws from the fields of psychology, behavior analysis, biology, veterinary medicine, and anthrozoology, among others. This primer for teaching animals using science and compassion allows students to work hands-on, with personalized coaching from Precision Behavior instructors and Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society staff.
Attendees will learn real-world solutions to common behavioral challenges in zoological facilities such as teaching reliable recall behaviors, social management and separations, eliminating stereotypies, stationing, targeting, plus husbandry and medical behaviors - all with 100% voluntary participation of the animals. regardless of your experience, this workshop will elevate your skills to the next level. With a focus on positive reinforcement-based operant conditioning, the principles and methods you’ll learn apply to any species, from dogs to elephants to humans. Together, we’ll tackle understanding schedules of reinforcement, the benefits of secondary reinforcers, advanced bridging concepts, shaping new behaviors, maintaining animal motivation for long-term success (here’s a tip: it’s not about food), current research including how guests and others perceive what we do, and so much more. Everyone from interns to zoo management will leave this unique course engaged, energized, and equipped!
cancelled due to covid-19 pandemic. Check back for dates in 2021!
June 8-12, 2020
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Fun and interactive hands-on 5 day workshop
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Taught by expert animal behavior and welfare specialists: Precision Behavior and Palm Beach Zoo zoology staff
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Personalized 1:1 coaching
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Voluntary participation by animals
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Includes light breakfast, boxed lunch and snacks
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
VISIT: https://www.palmbeachzoo.org/new-level-up-animal-training-workshop
NextGEM 2020
Save the dates:
May 12-15
Zoo Tampa
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
LIMITED TO 25 SPACES – REGISTER EARLY!
Marineland Dolphin Adventure, the world’s ORIGINAL oceanarium, is thrilled to announce an immersive hands-on dolphin behavior workshop led by Precision Behavior, global leaders in animal welfare and behavior.
Dates: February 24, 2019 – March 1, 2019
Instructors: Thad Lacinak, Angi Millwood Lacinak & Otto Fad of Precision Behavior and the talented dolphin behavior team at Marineland
Call 904-471-1111 Ext. 2 to speak to a Marineland representative to secure your place with a deposit or full payment or click the icon at the left to learn more.
ANIMAL BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT ALLIANCE (ABMA)
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP
Tampa, Florida
17 April 2016
This exciting workshop will be held at Busch Gardens on Sunday, 17 April from 8am-4pm. Cost is $75 and is limited to 100 people. Transportation to/from the hotel will be provided. You will be back in time to complete registration and attend the icebreaker! You must be registered for the ABMA conference (either a daily or weekly registration) in order to register for this workshop!
Registration opening soon! Check the ABMA website often here!
Science, Common Sense and Compassion for Optimal Animal Training & Welfare
Thad Lacinak & Angi Millwood, Precision Behavior
ANIMAL TRAINING WORKSHOPS
WITH PRECISION BEHAVIOR
Introductory & Advanced Courses
Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater, Florida
October 2015
We had such an amazing time with the staff and participants of the 2014 Animal Training Workshop at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, that we've decided to do it again! Only this time, we plan to double the fun by offering both an introductory course (like the one offered in 2014) plus an advanced level course.
WHEN:
Oct 23-24: Animal Training
Oct 25-26: Advanced Animal Training
Thank you to everyone who attended! We had an amazing four days!!
2015 IMATA CONFERENCE
International Marine Animal Trainers Association Conference
Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas
27 September - 2 October
Precision Behavior is partnering with The Florida Aquarium to present a paper on training a Goliath grouper for basic behaviors utilizing secondary reinforcers! You have to see it to believe it!
ANIMAL TRAINING IN PROFESSIONAL SETTINGS
Osaka College of Eco and Animals, Osaka, Japan
29-31 May 2015
For three days, Precision Behaivor taught first year and second year students at the Osaka College of Eco and Animals in Osaka Japan who are studying to be animal professionals. The college has a variety of focus areas including marine mammals, zoo keeping, equine care and training and all aspects of pet care and training. Both theory and practical application courses were taught.
with Professor Satoru Yamamoto.
A fantastic way to practice skills.
during the practical lab.
/ voluntary blood collection.
MULTI SPECIES 3.O
ANIMAL TRAINING WORKSHOP
BOCALAN FOUNDATION: ANIMAL AND HUMAN BEHAVIOUR INSTITUTE
Madrid, Spain
14-15 March 2015
Precision Behavior is honored to be requested for a two-day component of this multi-month, multi-species course offered by Bocalan Foundation in Spain! This is a private course and registration must be organized through Bocalan. For mor information, please contact their staff at: http://www.bocalan.es/contacto.
ANIMAL TRAINING WORKSHOP
WITH PRECISION BEHAVIOR
Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater, Florida
15-16 November 2014
This 2-day animal training course includes: key elements of successful animal training, making the most of toys, play and fun, dealing with unwanted behavior, animal biology as it relates to behavior modification, demonstrations of concepts with live dolphins and more! All course information is immediately applicable with all species, from dolphins to zebras to dogs.
ANIMAL TRAINING INTRODUCTORY COURSE
WITH PRECISION BEHAVIOR
Sarkanniemi Adventure Park, Tampere, Finland, 1-2 November 2014
Always dreamt of being an animal trainer? Now’s your chance to learn from the top professionals in the industry. Course includes: key elements of successful animal training, making the most of toys, play and fun, dealing with unwanted behavior, animal biology as it relates to behavior modification, demonstrations of concepts with live dolphins and more! All course information is immediately applicable with all species, from dolphins to zebras to dogs.
ANIMAL TRAINING ESSENTIALS WORKSHOP
WITH PRECISION BEHAVIOR
At the 2nd International Animal Training Conference
Twycross Zoo, U.K., 5 October 2014
This animal training workshop covers essential skills for every animal training professional. More than just the basics, this workshop also introduces advanced concepts that all animal trainers should understand. Topics include: getting started, the learning elements, clear cuing, advanced bridging, shaping behavior, consequences, reinforcement strategies and addressing aggression.
This conference SOLD OUT!
IMATA / AZA JOINT CONFERENCE
Orlando, Florida, 14-18 September 2014
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association (IMATA) are partnering to develop a co-located Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. This first of its kind event will be the largest, most informative conference in IMATA’s history and is expected to draw more than 2,500 participants. AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy said it well: “Partnering with similarly focused professional organizations is a vital way to expand the work of both organizations and provides valuable opportunities to advance professional networking and engagement among organizations.”
Thad Lacinak & Angi Millwood co-wrote two papers slated to be presented at this conference.
THAD LACINAK GUEST APPEARANCE ON FOX NEWS' GOOD DAY ORLANDO MORNING SHOW
18 August 2014
Thad was invited to the morning show to discuss SeaWorld's new plans to expand their killer whale habitats at all three parks.
Watch the clip here as long as the link is live from the Fox website!