2008 Woodie Awards
Horse trainer teaches method
Speaker to explain clicker technique
Candice Lindsey
Issue date: 11/20/08 Section: NEWS
NT's student-led Organization for Reinforcement Contingencies with Animals will host a horse training lecture on Dec. 5.
The organization and the department of behavior analysis have invited horse trainer Alexandra Kurland to speak on the clicker training method and how useful it is in teaching horses how to behave.
According to clickertraining.com, the technique "is an animal training method based on behavioral psychology that relies on marking desirable behavior and rewarding it."
In simpler terms, the animal receives immediate feedback when it hears the "click" and is rewarded if the click occurs
Although Kurland specializes in bringing this type of training to the horse community, it is not limited to horses. Those interested in the general use of clicker training with all animals can benefit from this lecture as well.
"The department of behavior analysis focuses on how animals and people behave," said Erica Feuerbacher, an applied behavior analysis graduate student and organization member. "We are always trying to find creative trainers with humane methods to speak at events."
Feuerbacher said NT is hosting this event so the students and NT community can see what can be done and where basic learning techniques can be applied to both animals and humans.
After seeing new techniques, behavior analysis students can evaluate the methods and get to the basic fundamentals of learning and training.
She also said it is important for undergraduate and graduate students in the behavior analysis department, along with those in the community interested in utilizing new training methods, to attend.
Organization adviser Jesus Rosales-Ruiz said he is proud of what the student organization has put together.
"This is a good opportunity to see one of the finest trainers in the country, maybe even the world," Rosales-Ruiz said. "We want the UNT community to come see what behavior analysis can do to improve the lives of animals."
Club member Katie Kalafut said she encourages everyone interested in behavioral studies to attend.
"Alexandra is a phenomenal speaker on animal training. This lecture will be very valuable," Kalafut said.
The event will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m in the Environmental Sciences Building Room 125.
A separate clinic will be held Dec. 6 and Dec. 7, in which Kurland will help individuals hands-on with the clicker method. A small number of spots are still available for those interested in attending.
To sign up, e-mail the organization at orca.unt@gmail.com.
The organization and the department of behavior analysis have invited horse trainer Alexandra Kurland to speak on the clicker training method and how useful it is in teaching horses how to behave.
According to clickertraining.com, the technique "is an animal training method based on behavioral psychology that relies on marking desirable behavior and rewarding it."
In simpler terms, the animal receives immediate feedback when it hears the "click" and is rewarded if the click occurs
Although Kurland specializes in bringing this type of training to the horse community, it is not limited to horses. Those interested in the general use of clicker training with all animals can benefit from this lecture as well.
"The department of behavior analysis focuses on how animals and people behave," said Erica Feuerbacher, an applied behavior analysis graduate student and organization member. "We are always trying to find creative trainers with humane methods to speak at events."
Feuerbacher said NT is hosting this event so the students and NT community can see what can be done and where basic learning techniques can be applied to both animals and humans.
After seeing new techniques, behavior analysis students can evaluate the methods and get to the basic fundamentals of learning and training.
She also said it is important for undergraduate and graduate students in the behavior analysis department, along with those in the community interested in utilizing new training methods, to attend.
Organization adviser Jesus Rosales-Ruiz said he is proud of what the student organization has put together.
"This is a good opportunity to see one of the finest trainers in the country, maybe even the world," Rosales-Ruiz said. "We want the UNT community to come see what behavior analysis can do to improve the lives of animals."
Club member Katie Kalafut said she encourages everyone interested in behavioral studies to attend.
"Alexandra is a phenomenal speaker on animal training. This lecture will be very valuable," Kalafut said.
The event will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m in the Environmental Sciences Building Room 125.
A separate clinic will be held Dec. 6 and Dec. 7, in which Kurland will help individuals hands-on with the clicker method. A small number of spots are still available for those interested in attending.
To sign up, e-mail the organization at orca.unt@gmail.com.
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