Bob Bailey in-depth workshops are intensive and thorough hands-on introductions to what is known as applied behavior analysis or operant conditioning. These workshops are designed for professional animal trainers or those training hobbyists who are serious about their pastime. These classes are not intended for the “casual” trainer, or for the average pet owner. Each student must shape or otherwise change the behavior of at least two chickens. Most of all students learn to change their own behavior.
Keller and Marian Breland taught their first animal trainer classes in 1947 using chickens as models. The Brelands spent many years searching for a better behavioral model than chickens, but they always came back to the common barnyard fowl. From the 1970s on Bob and Marian Bailey continued using chickens to teach novice and experienced trainers.
The in-depth workshops are at least 40 hours in length and are physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Bob Bailey’s philosophical point of view on teaching animal training is that training is a mechanical skill and the understanding and skillful practicing of a few simple behavioral principles are keys to trainer success. Workshop emphasis is on “getting behavior,” with a minimum of “ideology.” Positive reinforcement is the norm and punishment is rare. The student learns to make it worthwhile for the chicken to “play the game.”
The last Hot Springs Bailey & Bailey operant conditioning workshop was given in the fall of 2004. Bob will teach “chicken workshops” in Sweden in 2011. The Bob Bailey class levels offered are Level 1 (Discrimination), Level 2 (Cueing), Level 3 (Criteria), 4 (Chaining), and Level 5 (Teaching).
Please see WWW.HOUSE-OF-LEARNING.SE for the classes, fees and schedules in Sweden.
Bob Bailey—Marie Fogelquist
2011 Operant Condition Workshop Schedule
Borlange, Sweden
May 10—May 14………………..…………... Discrimination
May 17— May 21………………..…………...Cueing
May 24— May 28…………………..………...Criteria
May 31—June 4 …………….…….………...Chaining
June 7—Jun 11…………………….....……..Teaching
September 7—September 11……….………Discrimination
September 14—September 18……………..Cueing
September 21—September 25……………..Criteria
September 28—October 2………….……...Chaining
October 5—October 9…………….….……..Teaching
