Ken Ramirez

Ken Ramirez

Ken Ramirez, the executive vice-president of animal collections and animal training, develops and supervises animal care programs, staff training and development as well as public presentation programs for the entire animal collection at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium. He joined Shedd Aquarium in 1989.

A 30+ year veteran of animal care and training, Ramirez is a biologist and animal behaviorist who served nine years at Marineworld of Texas. He hosted two successful seasons of the pet training television series Talk to the Animals that compared pet training to the important work done with training and caring for animals in zoological facilities. He has also recently worked closely with several search and rescue dog organizations, service dog groups, as well as with bomb and narcotic dogs. He has been on the faculty of Karen Pryor’s Clicker Expos since 2005.

Learn more about Ken at:

kenramireztraining.com

Register Online
or
Call/Email

Gentle Touch Pet Training
Teah Anders
(805) 481-1490

teah@gentlepets.com

Ken Ramirez

Registration

ADVANCING YOUR TRAINING TO A NEW LEVEL

Learn how to overcome some of the “bumps in the road” we encounter as trainers and handlers

3.0 CEUs for trainers
3.5 CEUs for behavior consultants


Non-Food Reinforcers - Most experienced trainers recognize the value of finding reinforcers other than food or treats. However, not every trainer knows how to establish new reinforcers nor how to evaluate their effectiveness. Ken will share his perspectives and experience with non-food reinforcers and explain his approach to implementing them into a good training program.


Problem Solving – As a consultant, Ken is frequently called upon to resolve training challenges. These have ranged from problematic zoo animals to difficult working dogs to the more common pet challenges. In every case, he utilizes a problem solving flow chart or matrix that guides him and his clients to an effective solution. He will share that process with participants and use one or two cases studies to demonstrate how to use the tool effectively.

Training for Conservation – The science and application of learning theory is growing in use and popularity. From training the household pet to caring for the largest exotic animal in the zoo, applied behavior analysis has led to better behaved pets and to improved animal care for animals all over the world.

Creative trainers are always finding new ways to apply behavioral science; in the last several decades trainers have used advanced training skills to give back to nature and contribute to a wide range of conservation initiatives. Ken will share his training experiences with several unique conservation projects as well as those initiated by other skilled trainers.

Conservation training is an exciting new direction for experienced trainers to put their skills to use. This presentation will demonstrate remote training with an endangered species of sea lion, specialized training for the introduction of several exotic species to the wild, how training was used to save over 60,000 sea turtles as part of the recent Gulf of Mexico oil spill recovery effort, and several other fascinating projects that relied on the application of training skills!

This is a lecture style seminar
(we will not be working dogs)

Directions

From San Luis Obispo go south on State Highway 227, turn left onto Corbett Canyon Road (just past the Price Canyon intersection), continue four miles on Corbett Canyon Road then turn right onto Deer Canyon Road. The training center is located approximately 1/4 mile up Deer Canyon Road on the left side of the road.

From Highway 101 in Arroyo Grande, go east on Grand Avenue (Hwy 227). Grand Avenue turns into Branch Street in the Village of Arroyo Grande. Go through the Village and proceed about 1/2 mile east to the stop sign at Huasna Road. Continue on north on Hwy 227 for 1/2 mile then turn right onto Corbett Canyon Road, continue two miles on Corbett Canyon Road then turn left onto Deer Canyon Road. The training center in located approximately 1/4 mile up Deer Canyon Road on the left side of the road.

Click HERE to view map.

Lunch

Lunch will be provided. Vegetarian meals will be available. PLEASE E-MAIL TEAH@GENTLEPETS.COM TO REQUEST A VEGETARIAN MEAL.

Lodging

HOTEL INFORMATION: (Please check current rates on their websites as summer/winter rates vary significantly in this area.)

Participants without dogs can also call:

Campgrounds / RV Parks

Three local San Luis Obispo County Parks have RV and car camping available. The pet fee is $3 per day per pet. You can find more information on each park at www.slocountyparks.org. Phone numbers for each park are also listed below:

There are also numerous private RV parks in the area. The closest is Pismo Coast Village; 888-RVBEACH www.pismocoastvillage.com. (Unfortunately, I noticed that they now list breed restrictions “due to insurance requirements” so check the website.)

Airport Information

Registration and Refund Policy

REGISTRATION AND REFUND POLICY: Full payment is required to confirm your registration. Registration is not final until registration form and payment are received.

Cancellation Policy: Refunds will be given, less a $40 non-refundable administration fee, if notice of cancellation is received by one month prior to seminar date. Notices should be in writing and can be emailed to teah@gentlepets.com, faxed to (805) 481-1497 or mailed to Gentle Touch Pet Training at the address listed below. If notice is not received by one month prior to seminar date, no refund will be given unless your spot can be filled from the wait list.