How Behavior Analysis Contributes to a Better Life for Non-Human Individuals

Non-human animals are well known research subjects in behavior analysis, and the technology of operant conditioning has been used to train animals to perform various tasks for over 70 years. But what about putting the principles and procedures of applied behavior analysis to use for improving the quality of life for individual animals? Animal welfare is a growing concern in our society, and the principles and procedures from applied behavior analysis are increasingly used by animal caretakers in their effort to deliver the best possible care. This presentation provides reflections and practical examples of behavioral goals, choices of methods, and effect evaluations, from a behavior analysis perspective and with the best interest of the individual animal as a primary focus. This presentation is an in-depth expansion of a brief lecture given at the EABA conference in 2014. The presentation will be given in English.