Laboratory Animal Behavior Certificate
15 credits/30 CEUs

Do you want to maximize the welfare of the animals in your care, or to train for positions in lab animal behavior, training and enrichment? Our Laboratory Animal Behavior program will give you the education you need to achieve these goals. We combine comprehensive classes in animal training & enrichment with in depth courses exploring the behavior of common laboratory species. You can choose from our detailed courses on primates, dogs, cats, rodents and rabbits.

Certification from ABI requires satisfactory completion of 15 credit hours or a program of five certificate courses. Certification demonstrates mastery of all material in the program.

Want to learn more about Laboratory Animal Enrichment or Animal Training & Enrichment?

Laboratory Animal Behavior Certificate: requires the two courses below and three additional behavioral classes chosen from the Program Electives.

*Students may choose any three of the four behavioral courses below to complete their certificate program.

Animal Training
We will explore operant conditioning and the basic principles of animal psychology and learning theory. Students will learn how to use these principles to train domestic and exotic animals and improve their captive husbandry and psychological well being.

Text: "Essentials of Conditioning & Learning" (3rd ed.) by M. Domjan and "Don't Shoot the Dog" (2nd ed.) by K. Pryor

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Animal Enrichment
Behavioral and environmental enrichment will be explored in a comprehensive approach. This will include an overview of animals’ psychological needs, a systematic approach for coupling enrichment solutions to animal problems, practical suggestions on design and application, and a discussion of assessment and long-term application. Major components of enrichment will be reviewed with respect to the Animal Welfare Act and the principles of animal management.

Text: "Environmental Enrichment for Captive Animals" by R. Young Optional but recommended: "Second Nature: Environmental Enrichment for Captive Animals", D.J. Shepherdson (ed.)

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Canine Behavior & Enrichment
The effective training and husbandry of dogs requires that we understand their communication signals, recognize signs of stress and aggression, and take a proactive stance in preventing the development of stereotypical or self-destructive behavior. This course will focus on canine body language, communication and behavior. We will review how enrichment and socialization can be used to address behavioral issues in a variety of settings from laboratories to dog day care.

Text: TBA

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Feline Behavior & Enrichment
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.

Texts (2): "The Body Language and Emotion of Cats" by M.M. Milani and "The Behaviour of the Domestic Cat" by J.W.S. Bradshaw

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Behavior & Enrichment of Primates
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.

Text: TBA

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Behavior of Rabbits & Rodents
Rabbits and rodents are the most widely used models of disease; they occupy a prominent place in the world of research. Despite their prominence, however, animal caregivers are often unfamiliar with the range of behaviors and behavioral needs in captivity. We will review their species-specific behaviors in depth and explore how this knowledge can be used to improve their welfare in captivity.


Text: TBA

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