The old adage "you can lead an animal to water, but you can't make him drink" was definitely coined by someone who knew nothing about affection-based animal training. If that person had known about and had applied the principles of training animals based upon affection and relationship-building strategies, the phrase most probably would not even exist.



Let's begin by exploring the basis of training exotic animals, which is called operant conditioning. This primary training strategy lays the foundation upon which the principles of affection-based training are built. Through operant conditioning, exotic animals learn from their own behaviors as they are relevant to the environments in which they exist. The probability that a specific animal behavior either increases or decreases is directly proportionate to the consequences the animal experiences. In other words, positive results produce positive behaviors in exotic animals, resulting in the increased chances that such behavior will be repeated.

It is amazing how similar affection-based training in exotic animals compares to the same techniques when applied to human beings. For instance, a child who brings home a fantastic report card simply because he chose to apply himself at school is likely to continue making high marks when he receives recognition and praise from his parents. If the same child's parents pay no attention to his accomplishments at school, it is exceedingly likely that the child's enthusiasm for a job well done will be significantly, if not completely diminished. The child's attitude quickly changes to a "why bother?" mindset.

Exotic animals respond precisely the same way ... no praise, no motivation to repeat the positive behavior. Without a favorable outcome, the animal is far less likely to duplicate the positive, desired behavior.

Acclimating Exotic Animals to New Environments

Building a strong relationship with an exotic animal should begin in the earliest possible stage of the animal's life. Whether you have a young tiger cub, a newborn brown bear, a baby elephant or any other exotic animal, it is essential that the animal becomes acclimated and is comfortable with the human voice and the human touch. Begin with bottle-feeding and raise the animal as part of your family, much as you would a new baby. As the animal grows, so does the relationship, with the animal accepting you as a part of its tribe.

Again, this part of the exotic animal training experience is intriguingly like that of the human experience. Consider the situation in which a new employee comes on board as the result of her company's being acquired by your company. If the new employee is treated with a "hands-off" attitude, it is highly probable that her potential for high performance on the job will never be realized. However, if she is warmly received, treated with respect and given credit for what she brings to the table, it is extremely likely that she will perform well in her new business environment and be a valued member of your team.

Positive Reinforcement in Training Exotic Animals

It is a given that exotic animals respond to experiences they perceive as physical. In other words, a tiger will perform as desired if it receives a positive response in the form of an experience it can feel, hear, see or taste. These forms of reinforcement are primary and tangible, providing the tiger with a stimulus, whether in the form of a rub down, voiced praise, food or even opportunities for mating.

A perfect and amazing example of how training exotic animals with positive reinforcement generates desired behavior can also be witnessed by observing the results in humans when they are likewise provided their respective stimuli. Think back to your younger days when you and your classmates each received a case of chocolates to sell in order to raise money for your school. What could possibly motivate kids to give up riding their bikes and playing ball after school to go door-to-door trying to sell candy? Simple, it was the promise of an ice-cream party for the class who sold the most.

Another technique for training exotic animals to exhibit and repeat positive behavior involves using conditioned reinforcement. This form of reinforcement is not routine or involuntary, but rather is learned. Your exotic animal will learn over a period of time and through repetition that if she performs the appropriate and desired behavior that she will earn a hearty "Good Girl" and a well-deserved back rug.

For an idea of how conditioned reinforcement works in training exotic animals, consider a truly exotic species we call the human teenager. He will most probably move slowly each morning the first week of his new summer job. However, once he earns his first paycheck, he is more likely than not to have a little spring in his step the second week. He has learned firsthand, and much to his delight, that going to work equals a paycheck, which is his stimulus. Likewise, if the top annual producer on your sales staff is recognized with an "all expenses paid" golf trip, it is a sure bet that he will be an amazing go-getter next year and put forth his best efforts towards achieving the same reward.

Regardless of the species of exotic animal with which you are working, a strategically devised training plan that incorporates elements of both primary reinforcement and conditional reinforcement ensures you the best possible outcome in achieving desired results with your animal. Relationships that are established and fostered early on in which the animal is nurtured intensely enable you to become the leader rather than trying to assume the role as master, which inevitably leads to frustration for both you and your animal.

Achieve amazing results in exotic animal training by putting relationship-building, affection-based training concepts to work for you today. This technique ensures optimum results every time. Both you and your exotic animal deserve the best possible opportunity for success, and hands-down, these principles of animal training are the stepping stones upon which you can achieve the success you each deserve.

(c) 2007, Dan Stockdale and Rick Kelly.