Behaviour Course

[Newticus]

I have heard some people mention an online bird behavior course, but I can't for the life of me remember what it is called and I can't seem to find the posts where it was mentioned.
Does anyone know what I am talking about?
The premise of the course is to work on a behavioural issue you are dealing with with your own bird while learning principals of positive behaviour modification.

any help?

Melanie

[NotEnoughTime]

I think you are referring to Welcome to BehaviorWorks.org the "Professional Course" or LLA certificate (Living and Learning with Animals).

There have been many comments saying how valuable this program is...

[Abby]

Just did my final exam today. Loved it loved it loved it. You're looking at about an 18 month wait to get in though. The course is very popular and I found it really makes you think and look at how you work with your birds. I even unintentionally started using it with my children.

[MissV]

Oh, I didn't even realize that was an ONLINE course! Anyone know how much it costs in the end? I'm paying for school already as it is ^^

[NotEnoughTime]

The fees are a link off of the left menu. To quote:

*** quote

Registration & Fee

To register for LLA Professional, please email Susan. The cost for enrollment in each of the two modules is $350.00, totaling $700 for the full 8-week course. A $100 discount is available for people registering for both modules at the start of Module 1.

A Professional Discount is available for staff coming from the same clinic or facility. For 2 participants from the same facility, the fee is $25 less per person.

*** end quote

It is not just online but also teleconference.

[MissV]

Oh, thank you so much! Maybe in a little bit I can fit it in...I'll have to check funds and schedule, but it sounds like a great experience!

btw, does the LLA certficate actually qualify you for something? Or is it more just like proof that you've completed supplementary training?

[NotEnoughTime]

The LLA, like any private certification, is likely only recognized by people that know about it... Susan G. Friedman is fairly well known in the parrot world for her publications and articles on parrot behaviour (see: The Writings of Susan Friedman, Ph and Parrots First).

There would be a definate advantage to a trainer having taken a course offerred by Susan Friedman IMO... But as to "qualifying you" for anything... Well - anyone can hang up a shingle and call themselves an, "animal trainer." Unless there are particular country/province/state regulations -- which, to my knowledger there are not -- then trainers do not have to have any qualifications beyond calling themselves a "trainer." Kind of sad sometimes...

[Abby]

For the LLP course which is more for the companion owner it's $50. Best $50 I've spent for awhile.

LLP is completely online.

[asulli]

I think I will sign up for the LLP companion owner. It seems that the $50.00 is a donationathat is sent to places like "The World Parrot Trust, The Bird Endowment, The Gabriel Foundation, and the Grey PoopOn Challenge (now StopPDD)".

I think it is will worth it, and if it is a donation it just might be tax deductible. Cannot beat that. I have donated to different foundations, but donating to this one is very much worth it.

On the site it says that "no one will be turned away for lack of payment. A commitment to ongoing learning for the benefit of your parrot is recognized as an important contribution to the welfare of birds, as well. If you are unable to donate $50 at the time of your class, you need only let me know".

[Abby]

Hey Roger I think we're looking at the 2 different courses. I'm thinking about doing the LLA now having completed the LLP but no idea how to do the teleconference thing with being downunder. Something for me to question Susan about.

I think the LLP (the $50 course) is worthwhile as a good introduction to applied behavioural analysis.