Improving Animal Training Practice with Science: A Data-Taking Perspective

Two-day seminar with Eduardo Fernandez

 

In today’s animal training and consulting community, behavioral science principles—such as focusing on reinforcement contingencies and understanding the function of behavior—have become standard practice. However, while these concepts are widely applied, the systematic use of data to measure their effectiveness remains rare.

 

This creates a challenge for science-based practitioners: there’s a growing demand to apply behavioral principles, but far fewer opportunities to integrate the empirical, analytical side of the science.

 

This talk is designed to bridge that gap by offering simple, practical, and effective data-taking strategies for real-world animal behavior work.

 

We’ll cover:

  • Preference Assessments – how to systematically identify potential reinforcers and enrichment opportunities.
  • Progress Tracking Tools – measurement systems that let trainers directly document training and shaping results.
  • Behavioral Inventories & Ethograms – how to create welfare-focused records that also demonstrate the measurable success of any intervention.
     

Whether you’re a trainer, consultant, or welfare professional, you’ll learn how anyone can collect and use data—making your practice not just evidence-informed, but truly data-based. The inclusion of six dogs ensures a high proportion of practical work.

 

Early bird discount: For bookings made by October 31, 2025, a discount of 20 Fr. per seminar day will be granted.

registration

Registration deadline 09.01.2026

Seminar Details

target audience:

Dog trainers and interested dog owners

location:

Training hall in Mettmenstetten

expenses:

290 Fr.

course places:

40 places without dogs, 6 places with dogs

course administration

Eduardo J. Fernandez

Dr. Eduardo J. Fernandez is the Animal Behaviour Program Director and a Senior Lecturer of Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare in the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at the University of Adelaide (Australia). Most of his work involves behavioral research applied to the welfare, enrichment, and training of zoo, aquarium, and companion animals. His general research focus is on animal welfare and the applied animal sciences, largely influenced by learning and evolutionary theories and perspectives. He currently runs the Exotic Enrichment and Learning (EEL) lab, which focuses on improving the lives of animals located in zoos, aquariums, and wildlife parks. Many of his past publications and presentations as well as current research can be found on his ResearchGate profile (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eduardo_Fernandez18).

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