This episode Esther Verhoeven discusses the human perception of animal intelligence (both from the point of view of an animal care professional and a guest) and how that effects behavior. The conversation starts with Esther discussing how behaviorists should view animal intelligence so that it doesn't create excuses or affect the way we manage the animals in our care. Esther finishes the discussion by commenting on educating guests about animal intelligence and the importance of the language that we use when talking to and about animals. Stay tuned in for Esther's "Training Tale" as she dives into discussing how dolphins perceived the idea of a behavior differently during scuba diving training sessions For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Esther you can find her on all major social medias (Estherv_n). Link to Esther's Ted Talk:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCqOCQ4J9qc Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

2:50 Introduction to Esther Verhoeven  

6:00 How behaviorists/trainers should be viewing animal intelligence? 

10:15 Responses to questions about animals being “more” or “less” intelligent than others 

13:15 All animals have the ability to learn and, thus, can be trained

15:35 Using labels or intelligence as an excuse for not training 

18:10 Animals are experts in human body language 

19:05 The dangers of thinking for animals in our care 

23:20 Educating the public about animal intelligence 

26:05 Why our “chosen language” in how we talk to and talk about animals is important 

28:45 “Training Tales”