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Consistency is Key! Utilizing a predictable training approach to re-condition foundational and fundamental behavior in a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus)
by Allison Lacour - Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Description: For years trainers have successfully maintained behavior by balancing consistency and variability. However, after nearly four years of reliable behavior from one of our rescued resident California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), we suddenly saw a significant breakdown in his response to the LRS and the willingness to gate and heel; the sudden loss of his fundamental repertoire raised concerns.
After an observation period, we theorized that he may be most successful with predictable scenarios, and consistency, rather than increased variability. We established an approach that we called: “maintain, challenge, challenge, maintain.” Employing this strategy, we conducted four training sessions a day. For his first session, we would maintain the progress he made from the day before. For his second and third sessions, we would challenge him by increasing our successive approximations. For his fourth, and final, session of the day we would maintain the progress he made that day. By maintaining consistency with this approach, we found he improved his foundational/fundamental behaviors. This approach also helped us to quickly train novel, complex behaviors. We were able to obtain first-hand experience on how different animals respond to variability – and how consistency was key!