Quick post! In no particular order, in rapid fire, almost stream of consciousness - what I love (so far) about the Karen Pryor Academy just having completed Workshop 2.
- The program's transformed me from a chronic Lure-Reward trainer to Shaping/Capturing/Targeting trainer. I rarely if ever need to use lures now, and behaviors get on cue significantly faster!
- The hands-on exercises are carefully designed to enable me to internalize training theory WITHOUT having to just study and memorize. I never had to take time to memorize the 4 conditions of Stimulus Control - just by doing the work, I was able to describe them and demonstrate how to test for them without flipping to the textbook.
- The other students in the program are awesome! Not only are they really nice, but the ideas I've exchanged and learning through observation is invaluable. Everyone gets along, everyone's dog gets along, and it makes the long workshop days a pleasure.
- The e-learning materials are increasing my confidence as a trainer significantly - by going through the fundamental concepts in great detail, concepts that were once "fuzzy" are crystal clear.
- There's tons of free "bonus" learning that I get just by hanging out with KPA Faculty, facilitators, and other students. You can't help but talk doggy before class, on breaks, and at lunch! I have a ton of new ideas on how to help Petey, my foster beagle, get over his fear biting!
That's it for now. OK, a 6th reason I love the program. It's priced in US dollars, and the Canadian exchange rate is close to parity again. So, it's almost like 25% off right now!
Andre Yeu
When Hounds Fly
Toronto, Canada
