Monkey Business for the Puppy School Regional Manager Team
As animal trainers, it is important that our knowledge and skills are continually developed and expanded so we can continue to excel in positive training techniques. Sarah Smith, Operations Manager, explains how a visit to the zoo enabled this and why it won’t be easily forgotten.
For two days in September (2024) Puppy School ‘s 14 Regional Managers and Founder Gwen Bailey, headed to Paignton Zoo, Torquay to embark upon a two day of animal training working with some of the Zoo’s monkeys.
Led by experienced Certified Animal Behaviourist and zoo training expert, Jo Mason (Educating Animals), together with the keepers of Paignton Zoo, we worked with Hamadrya Baboons, Diana Monkeys and Sulawesi Black Crested Macaques.
Each primate species had a desired goal set by their keepers, something that could be used to enhance their welfare and well being. We needed to consider, plan, assess and evaluate for each primate we were working with. Just like puppies that attend our classes, individual personalities and traits, as well as reward preferences were an important factor for achieving success.
The Hamadrya Baboons were taught to put their arm thorugh a drainpipe and hold a bar at the end. This is something that can be developed and used for consent based handling when giving injections or taking blood draws, for example.
The Diana Monkeys were taught to distinguish between two images presented on paddles by touching the desired image, useful for keeping these intelligent animals mentally stimulated. Similarly, the Sulawesi Black Crested Macaques were taught to touch a target stick, not an easy ask for primates who have had no previous training.
Hamadrya Baboon target training
Diana Monkey being rewarded
Sulawesi Black Crested Macaque
By using reward based methods (and lots of peanuts, vegetables and fruit!), our team were able to shape and capture the desired behaviour that they wanted for every animal, adjusting their training plans to build success without compromising the welfare of each primate. We wrote a training plan for each animal (a legal requirement for training exotic animals) as well as notes on progress achieved, which were shared with the keepers at Paignton Zoo. We were all amazed at how fast they learnt when compared with dogs!
Regional Manager Neal Otter target training a Baboon
It’s safe to say that the event was a huge success all round and as an added bonus, the team also got to feed the Giraffes!
“I’ve been experiencing the most unbelievable, emotional, educational and heartwarming time of my life…” Amanda Childs, Regional Manager for Surrey and Wiltshire.
“…working with Baboons has been an activity that I never realised I had been craving. Knowing I will have helped to teach (Baboon) a new skill that will help improve his welfare and further enrich his life is just heart warming.” Debbie Taylor, Regional Manager for North Wales and Mid-West.
“Being part of an experience that pushed the training skills of a group of awesome Puppy School Regional Managers to the next level has been one of the most unforgettable and humbling experiences of my life.” Chrissie Pargeter, Regional Manager for Hampshire and Sussex.
We would like to thank Jo Mason and the wonderful staff, keepers and animals at Paignton Zoo for making this experience possible.
Testimonials
What Clients say
about Puppy School
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“I can’t imagine a tutor better than Kelly. She was so reassuring and helpful, and skilled in getting us through the exercises. Her fondness for the dogs and enthusiasm was obvious.”— Emma
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“The whole family really enjoyed the puppy course. Elin was a brilliant instructor, extremely knowledgeable, helpful, welcoming and easy to understand. We have learnt a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the course. Thank you!”— Sam
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“Frankie is a natural puppy instructor with bags of energy and knowledge. The course was very informative and very enjoyable. Both Sassy and I have learned a great deal. I feel confident moving on with Sassy's training and look forward to future courses. Course was perfect and a huge thank you to Frankie, see you at the next course.”— Jenny
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“Great class, enjoyed the group setting, good venue and friendly knowledgeable trainer. Taught puppy and owner loads, really enjoyed and would highly recommend to anyone getting a puppy!”— Richard
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“Caroline is an excellent trainer. She is knowledgeable, friendly and very patient, never judgemental. Teg and I enjoyed the classes very much.”— Andrew