ABC'S: ANIMAL BEHAVIOR CONCERNS & SOLUTIONS
A Question & Answer Forum For Animal Professionals

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Animal Training 101: Training is Training (Part Two of Two)

Question
I have been a canine trainer and have recently started working with equines. Can you tell me if they have the same type of drives useful for training as outlined for canines?

Answer
Last month I discussed the fact that the term, "drive" is an archaic one and that it is no longer used in the professional behavior realm. This month the answer continues with the identification of animal social styles.

Last month I mentioned the use of animal social styles to gain an edge in training. In the 1990's my first works on animal social styles were published in the pet industry and in my former column of the Elephants Managers Journal. I have since refined my social style interpretations and the physical traits that accompany them. Over the past ten years or so, the primatology field has also ventured into personality typing strategies for non-human primates. The following excerpt is reprinted here from my What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality book chapter called, "Wisdom of the Owl." Traits and definitions remain consistent across species. You can order this book here.

Humans relate to the world through different personality styles. Described through the ages, one of the more enduring theories came from Galen, a Greek physician. He grouped the personality traits by body fluids: sanguine (blood), choleric (yellow bile), phlegmatic (phlegm), and melancholic (black bile). Although this theory might sound a bit archaic, it influenced modern theorists.

For instance, Alfred Adler, a physician turned psychiatrist, related these types to his four personality categories. Even today, management and behavior professionals categorize the same personalities or social styles by other names. What is interesting is that I see the same four general categories exhibited in animals as well.

Each animal has specific personality traits, much like humans. These traits vary between individuals and from one species (or breed) to the next. I'd like to say I discovered this, but Ivan Pavlov (famous for his work with classical conditioning, which caused dogs to salivate when they heard a bell) used Galen's theory to describe dog personalities when he presented his work on conditioned reflexes back in 1927. Before I read his article, I worked with my own category names, and so I'd like to share them with you here. These categories apply to all animals, not just the world of canines. Animals can also exhibit the traits of more than one category.

Animal Social Styles
My work with animal social styles began in 1990. Because the knowledge of human social styles assisted me in my work with pet owners and in my management roles, I assumed that identifying the same trend in animals would increase the likelihood of successful training of animals of all types. These categories are those that I named for ease of identification. Just as with humans, all animals have shades of the different categories.

Hyper-sensitive
Once alarmed, hyper-sensitive, or fear-reactive, animals cease to respond normally. These animals depend on another animal or human for guidance. Slow learners, they work best with calm, clear directives, and slow deliberate steps. Harshness or excessive reassurance does not work since they shut down and become unable to perform; in worse cases, they panic. These critters do better in unhurried, predictable routines and with gentle training programs.

Physical traits of these animals include longer features and narrow builds. Fear-aggressive dogs, animals who retreat or hide from new people or experiences, or who lash out when cornered or trapped, compose this group. They are slow or hesitant, seek to please, and are extremely devoted.

Determined
Bright determined creatures constantly push to see what they can get away with. Quick to learn, their goal is to achieve the dominant role within the home or animal group. They exhibit aggressive movements or assertive performances, but with proper guidance become great companions or working animals. If not directed, they are a handful. These animals do better with variety and unpredictable training sessions. If given the opportunity, they often "train the trainer" or perform the bare minimum. Consistency and persistency is critical for success with these critters.

The physical characteristics in this category consist of taut body compositions and strong muscular builds. Offensively aggressive, these household animals boss their humans around. Moderate to extreme behaviors include: nudging to play, rushing through doors first, demanding food, body slamming, and bumping.

Placid
Secure creatures, placid animals are always ready and willing--especially with a motivational push. These animals seldom attend training class, because they cooperate and cause little trouble. When describing these animals people say, "My pet is an angel, we never have any trouble." In diverse collections they are confident or more experienced critters. They never seem to get out of hand.

Instead of tense musculature, the physical qualities of these animals include a healthy glow and fuller features. Communication channels with these animals are good. With training, many out of control animals, along with their owners, mold to fit into this category.

Hyper-responsive
Swift responsive animals are sensitive, want to please, and can learn many behaviors quickly. They work and perform well, and subtle actions trigger their behavior. Human eye contact, posture, or verbal attention (good or bad), can actually reinforce hyper-behavior.

The physical tendencies of these creatures include delicate features and smaller dimensions. Fast to learn and fast to respond, these animals perform intricate tasks and behaviors. Rapt attention from humans is necessary since these animals anticipate requests and respond accordingly.

Are you a reader with a question? Be sure to submit it--and good luck in all your training endeavors!

About the columnist: Since 1978 Diana L. Guerrero has worked professionally with both wild and domestic animals. Guerrero has been affiliated with and certified by a variety of animal programs in the USA and Europe. Based in California, she writes, consults, and leads safaris. Information on her animal career programs, training courses, and her books, What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality (SkyLight Paths, 2003), Blessing of the Animals (Sterling, 2007), Help! My Pet is Driving Me Crazy (Guerrero Ink, 2007), Animal Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners & Pet Professionals (Guerrero Ink, 2007) are available through this web site. Questions for ABC's should be submitted to Diana directly through the ABC's zoo questionnaire on this web site, or contact her now.