Coffee with the Critters

Training does not have to be long, complicated, or overwhelming to make a difference. In this episode, we’ll talk about how short, intentional training moments can help prevent behavior problems, modify unwanted behavior, build trust, and give animals clearer ways to get what they need. Whether you work with animals professionally or share your home with them, the animals under our care are learni...

We are discussing animal stress in relation to quality care. This could include veterinary care, grooming, socialization and more.

We are continuing our conversation on empowering animals. We’ll look at how purposeful enrichment can help animals that find people, proximity, or touch stressful and how confidence can keep growing between training sessions. Join me to learn what hesitation looks like and how to design enrichment that encourages exploration, choice, and success.

Confidence is not something we demand from animals. It is something we teach. We’ll look at how fear can show up in different ways, why labels can limit what we see, and how training can help animals move from avoidance to participation through clarity, predictability, choice, and reinforcement.

Before we label an animal as aggressive, stubborn, anxious, hormonal, difficult, or “just being bad,” we need to understand what the behavior is doing for the animal and what the animal may be learning from us. In this live-stream, we will take a powerful look at the definition of a label, and explain why using them hinders changing behavior concerns.

Behavior problems do not happen for no reason. Before we label an animal as aggressive, stubborn, anxious, hormonal, difficult, or “just being bad,” we need to understand what the behavior is doing for the animal and what the animal may be learning from us. In this live-stream, we will take a powerful look at why behavior matters, how animals learn from their environment, and why we may accidental...

Lara answers followers questions about behavior, training, and enrichment!

In this live episode of Coffee with the Critters, we’re breaking down what it actually means to build calm behavior, not suppress it. We’ll explore: • Why many behavior concerns are actually regulation problems • The difference between suppressing behavior and teaching calm • How to identify and reinforce observable calm behavior • What to measure if you want calm to become reliable If you’ve ever...

After 20 years working with animals across species, one issue shows up again and again: Motivation is misunderstood. When behavior doesn’t happen, people assume: • the animal is stubborn • the animal isn’t interested • the animal “knows it but won’t do it” But behavior doesn’t happen because we want it to. It happens because, in that moment, it is worth it to the animal.

In continuation of celebrating 13 years in business, our next episode of Coffee with the Critters will be discussing Reinforcement History. • Every behavior an animal exhibits carries a history. • Behavior continues because it has worked before. • Reinforcement leaves a history. • That history shapes what animals do next.

In continuation of celebrating 13 years in business, our next episode of Coffee with the Critters, we'll be discussing Data Collection. People believe they understand behavior. But very few people are measuring it. If you’re not measuring behavior, you’re guessing. When you evaluate behavior, are you collecting data?

Part Two to Lara’s throwback episode from 2023! Listen as Lara delves deeper into Positive Reinforcement.

When you evaluate enrichment, what variables are you actually measuring? After working with wolves, birds, primates, reptiles, and numerous species for the past two decades, one lesson continues to surface: Not all enrichment improves welfare. In this episode, Lara talks about when enrichment increases arousal instead of meaningful engagement. Busy does not equal beneficial. Intensity does not equ...

In this two part throwback episode from 2023, Lara breaks down Positive Reinforcement.

This week, I am joined by Chrissy Pratt, President of Elephation, a non-profit focusing on compassionate, sustainable solutions to the multiple issues that affect captive elephants, the people who care for them, and the communities in which they live.

Building Strong, Trusting Relationships with Animals Here's what we'll cover: -Beginning to strengthen trust through training -Understanding behavior -Shaping trust through two-way learning -Providing functional enrichment

Ready for some live training demonstrations? In this episode, I will be working with Noodle and showing beneficial training for everyday living with animals.

This week's topic: Scent-Oriented Foraging Enrichment Here's what we'll cover: • Designed from a behavioral perspective • Designed from observation ​Examples

This week's topic: Time Management Q&A for Busy Animal Caretakers. Here's what we'll cover: • Tips for Time Management • Implementation Examples I Use

Time Management Q&A for Busy Animal Caretakers Here's what we'll cover: • Reviewing the responses from the questionnaire • Addressing feedback from last week's topic • Taking your questions and giving feedback ----------------------------------------------------------------- "Coffee with the Critters" airs every Sunday at 9:30 AM EST. This is a live-streamed event on The Animal Behavior Center's F...

Time Management for Busy Animal Caretakers Here's what we'll cover: • Identifying Obstacles • Defining Goals & Mission • Tips that put thoughts into action

The holidays are a time of chaos, but it doesn't have to be. Visitors teaching your animals to bite, bark, jump, eat junk food, etc. If your traveling for the holidays, how are you keeping your animals occupied while you are gone? Lara answers animal behavior, training, and enrichment questions.

In this episode, Lara will be addressing the important topic of Ethics, especially in relation to owning your own business within the animal community. Many people struggle with ethics, politics, and money and trying to stay true to their mission.

This week’s episode is a throwback from a 2020 interview Lara did with Board Certified Behavior Analyst Samantha Sarin.

In this episode, Lara talks about how we designed and created certain enrichment to modify behavior and create complexity.