This episode Cassie Malina, Awesome Animal Solutions, discusses a topic that has been requested by multiple listeners: How to start a behavior program! Cassie starts by detailing what a behavior program could entail, where to start, and how to approach leadership and your team about the process. Cassie also discusses all of the benefits of starting a behavior program to both animal and human wellness. Stay tuned in for two "Training Tales" from Cassie! The first involves a crowned crane learning the importance of an elevator and the second is a unique way in which a hyacinth macaw learned a voluntary towel behavior.  For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠abc@theabma.org⁠ To reach Cassie email awesomeanimalsolutions@gmail.com or visit her website https://www.awesomeanimalsolutions-cassiemalina.com Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

1:35 Information about the 2024 Annual Conference 

4:30 Introduction to Cassie Malina 

11:05 What does a “Behavior Program” entail? 

15:20 Where to start when beginning a behavior program? 

18:55 Approaching leadership about starting a behavior program

24:20 How to prepare and coach your team to prepare for starting a program? 

29:30 Behaviors or concepts to start with the animals in the new program? 

33:45 Advice on building relationships with animals who previously didn’t have a relationship 

39:40 Focusing a behavior plan on animals/species that previously didn’t have one

42:30 Reinforcing your teammates and recognizing the “wins”

45:30 How to balance the added time commitment of a behavior program 

49:55 “Training Tales”