ABOUT THE Seminars

Through his workshops and seminars, Ken Ramirez brings to life the power of positive reinforcement training to build trust and transform the lives of animals.

 

Ken is one of the most creative, cogent, and effective animal trainers in the world. His positive reinforcement training principles and practices are studied, replicated, and applied in settings as diverse as conservation efforts with elephants on the African plains, canine search and rescue in Texas, oil-disaster recovery for sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico, butterfly training in England, and animal shelters in Chicago.

 

Ken’s workshops and lectures are a “must-do” for anyone who lives with, studies, or works with animals. His curriculum, training wisdom, principled guidance, and practical advice can cultivate those new to the field of behavior modification or provide professional development opportunities for veteran trainers who might be looking for continuing education experiences.

 

Solving Problems: A Practical Approach - Lecture & Workshop (3 hours)

Trainers are often called upon to resolve behavioral challenges.  These can range from common challenges with pets, to problematic zoo animals, to difficult working dogs. In this comprehensive seminar, Ken Ramirez introduces a helpful problem-solving matrix that can guide trainers to effective solutions.  He will share that process with participants and reference cases studies to demonstrate how to use the tool effectively. With help from participants, Ken will facilitate how to use the tool in your program.

 

Untangling Complex Tools - Lecture & Discussion (3 hours)

Experienced trainers seem to enjoy debating the use of “complex tools.” IMATA conference and social media discussions are often filled with lengthy and heated debates about the usefulness of tools such as “keep-going” signals, jackpots, end-of-session signals, no-reinforcement markers, and time outs. These discussions typically arise either because the definitions of some tools are not clear, or because practical applications vary from facility to facility.  In this seminar, Ken Ramirez will attempt to take away the mystery and confusion by looking at the science of behavior and the practical applications of these diverse sets of tools. Time will be allotted to allow discussion of each tool in depth.