We frequently discuss the benefits of training and the advantages of focusing on positive reinforcement, but I have long believed that training does far more than we sometimes realize. Positive reinforcement training expands an animal's repertoire, makes them better problem solvers, increases their resilience to change and, dare I say it, boosts their intelligence.
The Unexpected Benefits of Training
Animal Welfare and Assessment Standards for Marine Animals
To minimize disagreements regarding animal welfare, defining what does not constitute animal welfare is equally important to welfare assessments. Welfare is not the same as animal care. Animal care can be defined as what we provide and do for the animals.