Training Programme for Behaviour-Analytic Animal Trainers

The programme consists of the following components:

Ethical and Professional Competence

In addition, the programme promotes ethical and professional competence in animal training. You will learn to apply ethical principles in your work with animals and people, and to operate effectively in multidisciplinary professional environments.

How does this programme contribute to professional animal training?

Following Eduardo J. Fernandez’s (2024) article on the LIFE model for ethical animal training practices, animal training procedures have undergone drastic changes in the last few decades, with a shift toward reward-based training methods. These reward-based practices have also been directly impacted by the behavioural and animal welfare sciences. These recent changes have led to a definition of success in animal training that goes beyond being effective. By connecting established terminology, behavioural principles, and training practices, we can promote optimal welfare for the animals under our care and in our lives.

Additionally, we are truly excited that the international scientific community now has a new platform in form of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis in Animal Training. See more: https://jabaat.org.

Teaching periods

Teachers

Laura Bernard Moon

M.Ed., Board Certified Behaviour Analyst

Jari Parkkisenniemi
M.Sc. in Computing, Expert in Behaviour Analysis, OBM Specialist

Jari Parkkisenniemi, M.Sc., is an animal training and behaviour analysis specialist with extensive experience in both teaching and applied practice. His approach combines scientific theory with hands-on training to achieve effective, ethical, and welfare-oriented outcomes for animals and their caregivers.

Drawing on experience training more than 30 animal species, advanced studies in behaviour analysis, international studies and professional development in animal training, and consulting on animal training and behaviour with zoological institutions and governmental agencies, he brings a uniquely broad and evidence-based perspective to the field.

Jari has taught behaviour analysis and animal training across university and vocational education programs and regularly mentors trainers and organisations in topics ranging from training methodology to behavioural problem solving.

Alongside his work in animal training, he is an OBM (Organizational Behavior Management) Specialist who consults organisations in leadership and development, bringing applied behavioural science into both animal and human learning environments.

Jari is also one of the founders and lead instructors of a Finnish behaviour-analytic animal trainer education program at Tampere University, established in 2017.

www.linkedin.com/in/jari-parkkisenniemi

Tuition fee

Total 7 800 €. VAT is not added to the price of the training (0%).

The tuition fee is paid by invoice in two installments: the first payment is made when you have received a training place, the second installment will be paid during spring 2027 while the training is ongoing.

Cancellation Policy

Registration for the programme becomes binding once you accept the offered study place by submitting the enrolment form. By accepting the study place, you commit to paying the participation fee in full.

The participation fee covers the tuition and related study materials. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel, accommodation, and other personal expenses related to attending the programme.

If a participant wishes to cancel their participation after accepting the study place, the participation fee will not be refunded.

In cases of serious illness preventing participation in the programme, the participant must provide a medical certificate issued by a physician confirming the inability to participate. Any refund of the participation fee and/or waiver of invoicing will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The organiser reserves the right to make changes to the programme schedule, teaching arrangements, or instructors if necessary. If the programme must be cancelled by the organiser, any paid participation fees will be refunded. The organiser is not responsible for participants’ travel or accommodation costs or any other indirect expenses.

What do we require from you when applying to the programme?

The programme’s admission requirements include:

• a minimum vocational qualification,
• an interest in animal training,
• and a positive attitude toward animals.

Applicants must be motivated to complete the programme and oriented towards professional development with high ethical standards. Educational background and/or work history in any field of animal training is considered an advantage.

The language of instruction and study materials is English. Successful completion of the programme requires the ability to understand scientific literature in English, adequate spoken English skills, and the necessary digital skills and access required for online learning.

How to apply

Good to know:

Applications are processed in order of arrival. We are accepting applications until November 30 even if the group is full.
A maximum of 20 participants will be selected for the training. If you are on the waiting list for the course, your application will be processed in order of arrival.

The decision will be announced about a week after the interview.