Animal Behavior and Training Workshop

Workshop basics

This four day immersive retreat provides a minimum of three hours a day of hands-on guided practical training opportunities with ABI’s animals, one hour of training demonstrations, and two hours of classroom time. ABI believes strongly in focused exploration of concepts to maximize our success.
Topics include: Learning Theory and Our Animals; Science in Action: What Concepts Look Like IRL, Common Behavior Challenges and Case Studies; Foundation Behaviors and Why They Matter; Q&A Panel

Workshop includes coffee, tea and snacks in the morning, a catered lunch each day, and a final family dinner on Saturday early evening. Transport to and from the airport and recommended hotels is also provided.

Who this workshop is for

Animal trainers and companion animal owners who want to build their foundation skills understanding in positive reinforcement and learning theory with fully flighted birds as well as mammals.  A basic understanding of operant conditioning is helpful, but not necessary. While we have a strong attendance in companion parrot owners, this course also fits well with industry professionals and other animal lovers excited about animal behavior.

What you will take home

Attendees will have a better understanding of the different ways that they are influencing their animals’ behavior and thus, be able to consciously design an environment and lifestyle that supports better behavior. The guided daily training sessions will immediately offer real time feedback for how we can change the way we move around our animals and deliver information to them that can change our relationship for the better. Guests will be able to apply these concepts right away, understanding their powerful effects and apply the knowledge of navigating difficult variables.

Course Fee

Early bird registration: $1075
Regular registration: $1275

Next Workshop

February 23 – 26 2022

Sign up to get workshop dates and behavior tips on our newsletter

Other Details

Accommodation is recommending either at the Best Western in Escondido or the Econo Lodge in Escondido

We provide airport pick up and drop off service from the San Diego Airport as well as transport to and from the ABI ranch.

Lunches, beverages and snacks provided at the ranch.

Any changes to your workshop booking must be made before 2 weeks prior to the event start date. Refunds will not be issued within 14 days of the start of the event. Proof of vaccination for Covid 19 required for attendance.

What our guests are saying

  • These were four days absolutely packed with educational opportunities, and a lot of fun. It was great to have this time to devote to learning new training skills and refining current ones. Hillary and all of her staff spared no effort to make this workshop more than I could have ever expected.

    Ryan Vinyard

  • I was fortunate to attend a five-day workshop at Avian Behavior International earlier this year. The instructors were educated, compassionate and skilled animal professionals, and excellent educators. It was the perfect setting to work on/acquire new skills in a safe, supportive environment. It’s also a unique opportunity to work with a wide variety of bird species and hoofstock. I look forward to attending many more ABI workshops in the future!

    Jennifer Michelle Phillips, Canine Behavior Science

  • I attended Avian Behavior International's Advanced Animal Training Workshop in the fall of 2021. The workshop helped me gain a deeper understanding of animal behavior and training overall as well as deeper insight into how to set up your animal (and yourself!) for success. The workshop was very well balanced with a combination of lectures and discussions paired with hands-on animal training. The variety of species available to work with and train with at ABI is amazing and really helps solidify what we learned in the classroom about how to approach different species based on their natural histories. All of the staff was extremely knowledgable, helpful and supportive during the workshop and made the atmosphere comfortable for learning no matter your skill level. Thanks ABI for a great workshop!

    Simone Cook

  • My experience with Hillary Hankey and her expert Avian Behavior International colleagues and amazing animals was inspiring. Although I have studied the application of behavior science to animal behavior and training in many hands-on work-shops, I highly recommend Hillary Hankey and Avian Behavior International where you can learn, regardless of your level of skill, in a highly supportive and enriching multi-species environment set in the stunningly beautiful hills of Escondido, California.

    Patricia K. Anderson, PhD, CPBC

  • Prior to the ABI workshop I had no bird experience. Working with Hillary, her amazing guest trainers from around the country and amazing animals was a great experience. The content was easy to understand and we had tons of time to ask questions and join in on discussions about the covered topics. The training techniques can be used with all animals and has helped me train the many different animals on my ranch. Since the workshop I have also acquired two birds and have continued training with the techniques I learned there. I would highly recommend this workshop for anyone interested in building a solid foundation in bird training.

    Jason Duncan, Janda Exotics Animal Ranch