Positive Reinforcement Progress

November 13, 2015 by J.B. -

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It’s been seven months since we started our Positive Reinforcement Training program. In that time, both the chimps and the staff have learned a lot.

We, the staff, have learned that training is a difficult skill to develop. As we try to teach new behaviors to the chimps, we are often just as confused and frustrated as they are, if not more so. It takes a lot of patience, creativity, and most importantly, experience, to become a good trainer.

The chimps have learned dozens of behaviors that will make their lives healthier and happier, and they’re starting to discover that cooperating with physical exams and other medical procedures doesn’t have to be scary – it can even be fun.

For his part, Burrito still thinks this whole thing is too good to be true – getting praised and rewarded with food, just for showing us his teeth? He would have done that for free…

But Burrito is not the only one making progress – stay tuned for updates on Annie, Foxie, Jamie, Jody, Missy, and Negra in the coming months.

YouTube video

9 Comments

  1. Amy M on November 13, 2015 at 5:07 pm

    Has Jamie the Boss started doing some PRT with the staff? 😉



  2. Avatar Shelly on November 13, 2015 at 5:11 pm

    What a very good boy!!



  3. Avatar Martha Faulkner on November 13, 2015 at 6:21 pm

    Great news!



  4. Avatar Kathleen on November 13, 2015 at 6:45 pm

    Burrito is a clicker rock star! I am so impressed. Great job J.B. PRT takes two!!!????



  5. Avatar Karen on November 13, 2015 at 9:06 pm

    Amazing, awesome! Whoever thought of this is brilliant.so proud of Burrito! JB, you are a fabulous trainer!



  6. Avatar Tanis on November 14, 2015 at 4:24 pm

    Excellent on both JB and Burrito’s part! Very impressive training!



  7. Avatar diane d. on November 14, 2015 at 8:16 pm

    I loved it when he spun around to show his back.



  8. Avatar Francoise on November 16, 2015 at 2:17 pm

    I would think they come to enjoy it because it keeps their mind active, no?



  9. Avatar qcheryl on December 4, 2015 at 10:12 pm

    That was a very interesting video. It appears to me that Burrito and JB have made excellent progress. I am always impressed by how well CSNW anticipates future needs, and plans for them.



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