Genuine Choices in Animal Training: Exploring Assent with Hannah D. McGee [Episode 213]

With the relentless pace of research enhancing our community's insights, how frequently do you reassess the positive impact of your training methods on your animals?

Many grapple with bridging the chasm between theory and practice. If you've been there, stressing over how to implement new knowledge, you're not alone - therefore In this episode, you, the dedicated listener, will unravel the subtle layers of one such area - 'assent' in animal training.

Meet Your Guide: Hannah D. McGee, a souce of wisdom in the realm of canine behaviour. With her extensive credentials as a Canine Behavior Consultant and with her role at the University of North Texas, she dives deep into the science and art of animal training. And as someone passionate about refining trainer skills, she bridges the academic and practical seamlessly.

Here's a sneak peek of your journey:

1. Understanding Assent: Grasp the nuances between assent and consent. Hannah lays down why continuous monitoring is essential and how assent paints a clearer picture of your animal's desires and your training efficiency.

2. The Tricky Terrain of Coercion: Just because an animal seems to participate willingly doesn't mean they genuinely want to. Dive into the intriguing example of a rat named Puff to understand how easy it is to inadvertently coerce assent.

3. The Essence of Genuine Choices: By exploring the concept of 'degrees of freedom', you'll understand how true choices in training contexts can be offered to animals. The curious case of a rat named Perry will challenge traditional thinking around reinforcement and offer a fresh perspective.

You wouldn't want to navigate the treacherous waters of embarrassment, burnout, or ineffectiveness, would you? Instead, arm yourself with knowledge, resilience, and a toolkit that sets you on a path of success. By the end of this episode, you'll be poised to make impactful strides in your training journey, ensuring you and your animal learners lead fulfilling lives.

So, if you've been seeking a roadmap to master animal training that respects choice, participation, and well-being, this episode is a must-listen!

Equip yourself with the latest insights, be the trainer your animals truly deserve, and let Hannah's expertise light the way.

• Can There Be Compassion without Assent? A Nonlinear Constructional Approach: https://rdcu.be/dlqvt
• Behavior Explorer >>> https://behaviorexplorer.com/
• Email: hannahmcgee@my.unt.edu