Learner-Centered Training incorporates previously-unexplored levels of communication, choice, and agency into our work with animals. Our methods move beyond common positive reinforcement practices to engage animals as collaborators and active participants in their learning journey. In doing so, we empower both our animal and human learners to cultivate deep, meaningful partnerships built on shared values. The result is a life-changing connection between human and animal, with impacts that extend far beyond the training session.

 

We believe learning is a dynamic, interactive process that is most effective when learners are truly at the heart of the training or behavior modification process. Rather than relying on body language alone, we solicit direct feedback via simple gestural communication. Instead of merely positively rewarding behaviors with treats or toys, we foster independent cognitive processes like meaning-making and values-aligned decision-making. This may sound complex, but we know from years of experience that these strategies are effective, efficient, simple in practice, and easy for learners to utilize. They create mutually-beneficial change more quickly, result in highly-generalizable skills, serve the learner in more meaningful and empowering ways, and increase resilience - not to mention permanently reframing the way we think about, live with, and understand our animal companions!

 

Our blog and podcast offer opportunities to explore concepts, strategies, and real-life cases that showcase the profound impact of this approach. Our expanding educational resources include online courses, zoom events, webinars, and we offer personalized coaching and advice opportunities. 

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Join us on our journey to deconstruct our collective assumptions about animals and the way we train, and to share in our passion and excitement as Learner-Centered Training catalyzes a metamorphic reconstruction of animal behavior work!