26/06/2025
"The hierarchy of behavior change procedures results from the commitment to reduce force and coercion in the training profession. It contributes an answer to the question, βWhen we, as a profession, decide to put down our punishment-based tools, how do we meet our medical, husbandry and other behavior goals?β - Dr Susan Friedman
20 Years of Putting the Hierarchy to Work: Evidence Based and Values Driven
Join the discussion at Clicker Expo, March 2026 https://clickerexpo.clickertraining.com/clicker-expo-usa/
The hierarchy of behavior change procedures results from the commitment to reduce force and coercion in the training profession. It contributes an answer to the question, βWhen we, as a profession, decide to put down our punishment-based tools, how do we meet our medical, husbandry and other behavior goals?β
The hierarchy makes clear that although nature may not rank consequences from most to least preferred, we can do so on the basis of science and values. The hierarchy provides a structure with which to actively and creatively work though selecting behavior change procedures according to the least intrusive principle, a widespread ethical doctrine across many professions, which we do well to adopt.
With the hierarchy, we prevent dogmatic selection of procedures. Rather, professionals are sensitized to the side effects of the different procedures and encouraged to brainstorm solutions prioritizing those that give animals some control over their own outcomes rather than those that curtail control.
In this discussion, with their collective experience spanning over 80 years and several switchbacks in training methodology and philosophy, Ken Ramirez and Susan Friedman will show you how they put the hierarchy to work to benefit the animals we care for so deeply.