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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“Alice was absolutely lovely and helped us with some issues that weren't covered in the syllabus, she was so knowledgeable about everything puppy behaviours and she taught the class well. The venue was great, there was plenty of space for each puppy and for exercises without it being too big and scary. Nelly loved attending puppy school and we learnt so much about dog training and behaviour.”— Mandy
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“I wanted to share my gratitude towards my puppy school tutor in Chichester, Louise Williamson. She has really gone above and beyond to help me giving me lots of support, advice and positive encouragement.”— Emma
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“We had a wide range of breeds with us and Amanda knew the traits of each so well, knowing how to approach training with them all and adapting when necessary. Amanda made it so fun for the pups and us humans! Corky and I will miss it!”— David
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“Absolutely loved going to puppy school each week. Alice was always helpful and approachable. Monty has learned so much and I feel we now understand how he learns better for future training. ”— Malik
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“We loved the training sessions ! Boyce loved seeing his puppy friends and the training really helped give us a bit of confidence with lots of support offered. ”— Terry