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ABI Newsletter,
Spring 2009
"Man is rated the highest animal, at least among all animals
who returned the questionnaire." ~ Robert Brault
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Director's Corner: Program expansion |
One of the most common questions we receive at ABI is "How soon can I complete my program?" Our new answer is "Sooner than you think!" We have moved from a trimester system to quarterly offerings - we now offer four semesters per year. With more semesters it is easier than ever to schedule courses when you want and to complete your program at a pace that best fits your needs.
Our new summer semester kicks off on June 25, 2009. Summer registration for all courses is currently underway, register now to reserve space in the course of your choice and avoid disappointment.
This summer we are also proud to offer two additional courses for the first time: ABI 272 Feline Behavior & Enrichment and ABI 378 Behavior & Enrichment of Primates.
While most species of cat are relatively asocial, they still have social needs. We will take an in-depth look at feline behaviors, communication, and body language. Enrichment and training will be discussed in light of managing cats in the home, lab, or zoo environment. However, emphasis will be on the domestic cat (Felis catus). Specific enrichment strategies will be evaluated for their effectiveness in treating or preventing problem behaviors in captivity.
Primates are well known for their complex behaviors, social systems and communication. Proper care and management demands that we understand these behaviors and implement the most effective enrichment strategies possible. We will take a systematic look at the behavioral needs of primate species in captivity and how enrichment can be used to maximize their psychological well being.
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Spotlight on Claudia West, Wildlife student |
We are very excited to introduce a new column in our newsletter. In each issue, we'd like to feature either a graduate of ABI or a current student. This semester we are proud to introduce Claudia West. She’s been a student with ABI since September 2007.
 Claudia is currently working on her Wildlife Rehabilitation certificate with ABI. She has a 16 acre farm in Astor, FL. Astor is southeast of Gainesville, where Claudia lives, near the Ocala National Forest. Claudia has always felt that her land would be a great place for a wildlife rehabilitation facility. Her farm is already regularly inspected, and she currently houses several species of wildlife on the property. While Claudia has spent years studying the behavior and natural history of wildlife, she is a relative newcomer to the area of rehabilitation.
 Like the majority of our students, Claudia has had a life-long love of animals. Once she has completed her Wildlife Rehabilitation Certificate, she plans to take the Florida state test to become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. In addition to Wildlife Rehabilitation, Claudia plans to develop outreach programs, using education animals already available on her farm. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors!
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Ask the Trainer: Canine exercise |
Q: My dog "Munchkin" is a beautiful girl but desperately needs more exercise. She's a bit overweight and gets destructive when I leave her at home for more than a couple of hours. The trainer recommended more activity but my medical condition prevents me from walking her very far. And I can't get another dog to play with her, my roommate won't agree to it. How can I get her more exercise?
~ Sally A., Springfield, MA
A: Fortunately Sally, there are a number of clubs and activities you can choose from to foster more exercise for your dog. While almost any dog can benefit from a wide range of activities, it can be helpful to try to match certain activities to the breed, to take advantage of natural inclinations. For example, many working dogs were originally bred for guarding, fighting, pulling and pack work. If your walks need to be short due to your condition, you could increase her workout by having her carry a doggy backpack with drinks for you both. Larger breeds can be trained to pull carts and can actually be quite useful in yardwork!
Terriers are high energy animals with a strong inclination to dig so digging boxes (or an outside digging area) can provide terrific activity. A dig box can be filled with leaves, mulch, or almost any safe material - hiding treats or other rewards can create a great outlet for this behavior. Herding breeds naturally excel at agility work. If your condition prevents you from running with Muchkin, flyball can be a very fun activity for your dog. Herding dogs seem to particularly love it, probably due to their abbreviated predatory sequence.
 There really is no limit to the possibilities, Sally. For starters, try to stick with a good program of operant conditioning, and spend more time in fetch and retrieval games if Munchkin is interested. If you have the space, coursing is another option. Here are a few more ideas and resources to get you started:
Enjoy!!
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