Emma Hills

06/12/2022

We had a fantastic workshop with wonderful, engaging people and beautiful animals. Throughout the workshop I emphasised training animals using positive reinforcement – something I have had huge success with and that I feel passionate about.

We kicked off the day with a presentation about how animals learn, and moved on to further learning theory, I like to include interactive learning methods to make the sessions fun for everyone involved. I was able to demonstrate voluntary zebra foot trimming, with no restraint. We moved onto practical sessions with goats, cattle and finally putting everything into practice with the stunning wolf dogs, showing how stationing is achieved and how useful it can be.

It was a fantastic day and a wonderful opportunity for me to be able demonstrate the power of training animals using positive reinforcement. I can't thank the Rosaire family enough for this amazing opportunity with the use of their wonderful facilities and lovely animals at Big Cat Habitat, Sarasota. Thank you to those who helped and those who attended – we hope to do follow up workshops in the Spring.

22/08/2021

Some more raven training with the lovely learner Vera. Actually we are both learning! Every behaviour as an ABC its a conversation. You can see Vera and I having a visual discussion and deciding how to move forward with some new topics.

http://www.heythropzoologicalgardens.org/encounters

17/01/2021

This video is just a few moments of 3 individual foxes making different decisions in a similar environment. Just like these beautiful animals we all deal with life in different ways.
Keep safe.

10/11/2020

This fox training video was inspired by spending time with some amazing dog trainers. Blossom the fox of course is not a dog. I am thrilled to show you how transferable these methods are.
Heythrop Zoological Gardens

13/06/2020

This video is a demonstration of shaping, a wolf to voluntarily put on a collar, prior to putting on his harness.
Being observant while training can be one of the most important skills you can develop as an animal trainer. What do you see in the moment and what do you notice from reviewing the session on video?
https://www.gofundme.com/f/heythrop-zoological-gardens-support-fund?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

18/05/2020

I’m so proud of how far our zebras have come in their training sessions. Being creative and learning new skills together has built our relationship and trust. With animal led training, and an emphasis on positive reinforcement, so many things are possible. Managing problems and making mistakes along the way are all part of the journey. Please enjoy.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/heythrop-zoological-gardens-support-fund?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

10/05/2020

As children we learn new concepts in small steps. In time building them into chains, for example making a cup of tea. If the final outcome is desirable, we can develop complex chains to get there. Please enjoy Vera in action, thank you for watching 😊https://www.gofundme.com/f/heythrop-zoological-gardens-support-fund?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

04/05/2020

Join me today for a porcupine training session. Filming your sessions and watching them back can give you so much information on what you did well and what you can work on, as well as catching some hidden gems 😍 Enjoy!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/heythrop-zoological-gardens-support-fund?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

26/04/2020

All in a days work - weighing individuals teaches you so much about the animals in your care. Can they cope with an object that perhaps isn't always in their environment? Can they follow a cue to sit or stand on them, do they all fit? Can they voluntarily sit still and wait for 5 seconds or longer? Introducing scales can tell you so much more than just your animal’s weight!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/heythrop-zoological-gardens-support-fund?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

19/04/2020

Hi everyone, I thought I’d share this bit of fun with you all. I was invited to join the Mullenscote TV gundog garden training challenge! This wonderful private group of gundog trainers, led by Howard Kirby and Linsey Whitley, provide professional videos demonstrating their talents in hunt point and retrieve training and more. Their precision is amazing with enthusiastic encouragement for their followers.

During the covid lockdown, they are encouraging everyone to contuine building their skills with their dogs in their back gardens. I joined in with Honey and Glazier, our adorable foxes, for Weeks 1's challenge practisinging the following behaviors:

1. Come
2. Sit
3. Watch me
4. Finish.

I was thrilled to receive a certificate that I have printed and put up proudly on my wall. I don't think we are quite ready for trials yet lol, but it has given us a challenge we really enjoyed! Behaviours that are built with positive reinforcement encourage trust, connection and are enriching for these animals they are also tools for the future. Thank you Howard and Linsey for your support in these times and your wonderful spirit and warmth and joy!💗 Exx
https://www.gofundme.com/f/heythrop-zoological-gardens-support-fund?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

12/04/2020

Vera learnt a new discrimation task this morning.
Can't thank the NHS, front line workers, vets, zoo keepers, shop keeper and many more titles enough for all your bravery.
Also all those people staying at home, we are thinking of you all.
If you would like Vera to deliver a note for someone, please message 💗

05/04/2020

A fun video with Vera the raven. A run though of her discrimation tasks, all in a days play 😍

29/03/2020

Some fun training antics in isolation with Vera the raven. How our training journey doesn't always go to plan, but we adapt and get there in the end! Stay safe”

08/03/2020

https://m.facebook.com/845504796/posts/10158178435534797/?notif_id=1583657967242194¬if_t=event_friend_attending&ref=notif

12/02/2020

What a fantastic week at Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary. Zida's feet are starting to look amazing, under the patient supervision and guidance of Chris Grimes the ferrier, I was able to achieve a lot! A great trimming session, Zida stood extremely steady while I snipped around her feet clumsily, that's a skill I am working on! Now a plan is in motion for the back feet! 🦓

04/02/2020

I am so excited to be back at the Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary in Sarasota Florida. What a wonderful opportunity to be back learning with this young lady Zida.

Our next project is to work on voluntarily putting her headcollar on. This will be an important tool for the future, if she needs veterinary care or emergency evacuation during hurricane session. We are working through my step-by-step plan at her pace, slowly slowly!

This technique will be discussed in my equine workshop on February 22 which will be held at The Big Cat Habitat. Zida will part of the team that we will be leaning from in my demonstrations, come and join us 🦓!

19/01/2020

I’m excited to announce that my new website is now live! 🎉

At ehanimaltraining.com you can find information on the consulting services I offer and videos of my training, including this latest video with the lovely Zider.

Zider found hoof trimming extremely distressing and became very dangerous to handle. I worked with her for several weeks and devised a method of hoof trimming that allowed Zider to voluntarily participate. Look forward to your feedback below!

15/12/2019

Zebra voluntarily receiving a head collar

15/12/2019

Vera the raven playing a game

15/12/2019

Cooperative veterinary examination of Vera the raven

15/12/2019