Coffee with the Critters

The Animal Behavior Center
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Coffee with the Critters focuses on topics related to working with animals in the field of behavior, behavior modification, training, and enrichment using the science known as Applied Behavior Analysis. Our content focuses on working with various species of animals, including companions, zoo animals, and wildlife ambassadors. Tune in every week for a new topic!

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Labels Don’t Solve Behavior Problems

    Before we label an animal as aggressive, stubborn, anxious, hormonal, difficult, or “just being bad,” we need to understand what the behavior is doing for the animal and what the animal may be learning from us. In this live-stream, we will take a powerful look at the definition of a label, and explain why using them hinders changing behavior concerns.

    15 min

  2. 11 MAY

    If We Can’t Describe Behavior, We Can’t Change It

    Behavior problems do not happen for no reason. Before we label an animal as aggressive, stubborn, anxious, hormonal, difficult, or “just being bad,” we need to understand what the behavior is doing for the animal and what the animal may be learning from us. In this live-stream, we will take a powerful look at why behavior matters, how animals learn from their environment, and why we may accidentally reinforce the very behaviors we are trying to stop.

    25 min

  3. 27 APR

    Q&A with Lara

    Lara answers followers questions about behavior, training, and enrichment!

    25 min

  4. 27 APR

    Calm is a Skill: Teaching Regulation, Not Suppression

    In this live episode of Coffee with the Critters, we’re breaking down what it actually means to build calm behavior, not suppress it. We’ll explore: • Why many behavior concerns are actually regulation problems • The difference between suppressing behavior and teaching calm • How to identify and reinforce observable calm behavior • What to measure if you want calm to become reliable If you’ve ever struggled with reactivity, overstimulation, or an animal that “can’t settle,” this conversation will change how you approach it.

    28 min

  5. 25 MAR

    Misunderstanding Motivation

    After 20 years working with animals across species, one issue shows up again and again: Motivation is misunderstood. When behavior doesn’t happen, people assume: • the animal is stubborn • the animal isn’t interested • the animal “knows it but won’t do it” But behavior doesn’t happen because we want it to. It happens because, in that moment, it is worth it to the animal.

    19 min

  6. 16 MAR

    Reinforcement History

    In continuation of celebrating 13 years in business, our next episode of Coffee with the Critters will be discussing Reinforcement History. • Every behavior an animal exhibits carries a history. • Behavior continues because it has worked before. • Reinforcement leaves a history. • That history shapes what animals do next.

    14 min

  7. 13 MAR

    Data Collection

    In continuation of celebrating 13 years in business, our next episode of Coffee with the Critters, we'll be discussing Data Collection. People believe they understand behavior. But very few people are measuring it. If you’re not measuring behavior, you’re guessing. When you evaluate behavior, are you collecting data?

    17 min

  8. 5 MAR

    From The Vault: Understanding Positive Reinforcement Part 2

    Part Two to Lara’s throwback episode from 2023! Listen as Lara delves deeper into Positive Reinforcement.

    41 min
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About

Coffee with the Critters focuses on topics related to working with animals in the field of behavior, behavior modification, training, and enrichment using the science known as Applied Behavior Analysis. Our content focuses on working with various species of animals, including companions, zoo animals, and wildlife ambassadors. Tune in every week for a new topic!

Information

  • Creator
    The Animal Behavior Center
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Animal Behavior Center
  • Show Website
    Coffee with the Critters