Is Choice Really an Option in Animal Training?

By Ken Ramirez, KPCT Executive Vice-President (EVP) and Chief Training Officer

"Advocates of choice-based training argue that animals should be allowed to opt out of behaviors if they are uncomfortable. The goal is to provide them with agency and control over their lives. Professional working trainers are frequently at odds with the idea, claiming that it’s fine for pet dog trainers to allow their dogs to opt out of a behavior, but it is not realistic for working dogs." Continue reading about Ken's thoughts on the concept of choice in animal training.

Enrollment Closes June 24 for This BCP Course

How Behavior Works with Susan G. Friedman, Ph.D.

Many Behavior Consulting Program courses are available on demand and can be started at any time. However, some courses have limited enrollment and run on a set schedule. Enrollment for How Behavior Works: Living and Learning with Animals (LLA) with Susan G. Friedman, Ph.D., closes on June 24. This course is only offered twice a year. Enroll now!

Become a Certified Dog Trainer

Our Dog Trainer Professional program is based on the most up-to-date behavior science and modern training and teaching practices. It covers both the science and the practice of dog training, behavior change, client teaching, problem-solving, and business management. View some of our upcoming application deadlines below:

Apply by June 23: Virtual with Sherrie Yuschak
Apply by June 27: Virtual with Andre Yeu
Apply by July 15: Virtual with Terrie Hayward
Or view all upcoming series here.

New & Barkworthy

🐾 Visiting the groomer or vet can be a tense experience for both the guardian and the dog, especially if the environment has stressful associations and outcomes. Check out these quick tips to help you or your clients from Laura Monaco Torelli.

You can also join Laura in this real-time virtual class and learn how to bring cooperative care practices into your home and eliminate the stress from routine care, such as nail trims, ear drops, and more! Enrollment ends June 16!

🌟 June CTP of the Month - Toni Woods

"I realized then that it’s the loop end of the leash that requires the most effort."

⛰️ When food isn't an option, your training shouldn't have to stop. Discover Ken Ramirez’s step-by-step process for teaching novel reinforcers and reducing reliance on food in Effective, Non-Food Reinforcement, July 18 - 19, at The Ranch.

🤩 Our virtual conference, ClickerExpo LIVE, will be held Jan. 22 - 24, 2027, and our in-person conference, ClickerExpo Seattle, will be held Apr. 2 - 4, 2027. Join us for one or both!

🎆 Boom, bang! If your dog or your client's dogs suffer from sound sensitivies you won't want to miss this real-time virtual class with Debbie Martin where you'll learn to identify, modify, and alleviate canine sound sensitivities.