There are numerous benefits related to giving animals a sense of agency over a wide variety of situations in their lives, even ones that seem relatively minor to us humans. For example, increasing agency can facilitate skill-building, boost reinforcer value, and reduce stress in circumstances where stressors are less predictable and controllable.

This Learning Lab is a hands-on follow up to the Dem-OH! exploring simple training games designed to build more opportunities for choice in the lives of animals. Instead of relying on their handlers to be able to anticipate their preferences by reading their body language, Learning Lab participants can directly bring about their preferred consequences with their actions. Originally intended for use in shelter residents, these games have a wider application for use with a variety of species in different learning environments.

Animal-handler teams will watch step-by-step demonstrations of the games presented in the Dem-OH! and will have a chance to practice at home, with live, one-on-one feedback. The group will learn together creative strategies to increase opportunities for empowerment in our animal partners.

CEUs may only be earned by 2025 ClickerExpo LIVE registrants. Closed captioning is available on the full version of this course.