Beyond behaviors: Redefining success in animal training

When designing an animal training class or protocol, how do you define and evaluate its effectiveness? Traditional measures often focus on whether the client followed the training plan or if the animal learned the behavior. But are these outcomes the most meaningful indicators of success? After years of studying human-animal relationships, my team has identified trends in animal-assisted training programs that challenge these conventional benchmarks. Join me as we explore data from studies on the human-animal bond and animal-assisted interventions, highlighting sometimes overlooked indicators of success that significantly impact both human and animal wellbeing. Together, we’ll consider broader ways to evaluate animal care and training practices and discuss ways you might apply these insights in your own work.