Positive Reinforcement Training and Enrichment are being recognized as critical components in providing for the health and welfare of companion parrots. Learn the tools required to implement training and enrichment programs, enhance existing programs and solve behavior problems with this fun, interactive and comprehensive workshop.
Join us for a weekend of learning:
| Date: | November 8-9, 2008 - CLICK HERE TO VIEW FLYER |  |
| Time: | Saturday 9:00 AM to 4:00PM (Lunch, snacks and beverages included) Sunday 9:00 AM to 12:00PM (snacks and beverages included) |
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| Location: | City Theatre of Austin, 3823 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78722 Visit their website for driving directions www.citytheatreaustin.org |
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| Cost: | $75 per person (includes both days) | |
| To Register: |
or click here to download a registration form to submit by mail. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis and space is limited. |
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This event will be filmed. Registration indicates you understand and agree to your image being used in the production.
Course Description: Positive Reinforcement Training
Training with positive reinforcement is a skill caregivers can learn to use to create and modify parrot behavior. Paired with careful observation of bird body language it can be a powerful tool in shaping a well behaved, interactive and entertaining companion parrot.
The mechanics of training with positive reinforcement will be explored via lecture, video, games, activities and live demonstrations. We will also explore the drawbacks of using methods based in negative reinforcement that have been traditionally used to create behaviors, as well as learn how to apply the more trust building alternatives. With video examples of parrots voluntarily participating in physical exams, intramuscular injections and blood draws without restraint, participants will be inspired by the power of positive reinforcement training.
Course Description: Enrichment
Companion parrot owners have been striving to find ways to enrich the lives of the birds in their care. They have presented device after device to keep their parrots busy. This has worked in most cases, but now people are looking for better and more naturally based programs of enrichment. This interactive workshop is designed to get participants thinking about enrichment as a multi-dimensional process. It furnishes caregivers with the tools needed to create stimulating, engaging enrichment from idea to assessment. Enrichment can no longer be a piece of wood without a purpose. Participants are encouraged to look at all facets of the birds in their care and then design an enrichment plan that meets the specific needs of those individuals. Sensory activities encourage participants to remember that enrichment needs to target all of a parrot's sensory needs not just dietary needs. Opportunities for problem solving and brainstorming allow caregivers to share ideas with fellow avian enthusiasts.
Instructor Bio: Robin Shewokis
Robin Shewokis is the owner of The Leather Elves, a company that designs and manufactures enrichment devices for animals in captivity. The Leather Elves started as a family business that created enrichment for companion parrots. After working with a few facilities that housed collections of parrots, Robin realized that there was a need in facilities for enrichment targeting other species. In 2001, The Leather Elves began working with zoos internationally and in the US to enhance the level of enrichment provided. Since then Robin has consulted at zoos in the US and Canada, presented at Vogelpark Avifauna in Holland and distributed enrichment products worldwide. Robin is a member of The American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK) and the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (IAATE). She works on the enrichment committee of IAATE and has presented the enrichment workshop at their annual conference for the past two years. At the 2006 AAZK conference Robin received a certificate of appreciation for her contributions to the field of enrichment with regard to management of captive exotic animals.
Instructor Bio: Barbara Heidenreich
Barbara has been a professional in the field of animal training since 1990.
She owns and operates a company, Good Bird, Inc., (www.GoodBirdInc.com) that provides behavior and training products to the companion parrot community. These products include Good Bird Magazine, books, videos, and training/behavior workshops. Barbara has provided behavior workshops and/or animal training presentations at the Association of Avian Veterinarians conference, The American Federation of Aviculture conference, The International Parrot Conference at Loro Parque, Parrot Festival, The International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators conference, American Association of Zoo Keepers conference, Association of Zoos and Aquariums conference, The Parrot Society of Australia conference and many more. She is the past president of the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (www.IAATE.org) and has been on the Board of Directors since 1997. Her expertise has been utilized by the US Dept. of Agriculture, Fish and Wildlife Service and numerous international professional organizations. In the past 4 years she has met and trained over 600 parrots at her workshops.
She is the author of “Good Bird! A Guide to Solving Behavior Problems in Companion Parrots” by Avian Publications and also “The Parrot Problem Solver. Finding Solutions to Aggressive Behavior” by TFH Publications. She is also the producer of the Good Bird Parrot Behavior and Training DVD series.
Barbara’s experience also includes consulting on animal training in zoos and other animal related facilities. She has been a part of the development and production of more than 15 different free flight education programs. Barbara continues to provide consulting services to zoos, nature centers and other animal facilities through her other company Animal Training and Consulting Services (www.ATandCS.com). In her career she has trained animals, trained staff, and/or presented shows at facilities around the world