This episode Cassie Malina, Awesome Animal Solutions, discusses a topic that has been requested by multiple listeners: How to start a behavior program! Cassie starts by detailing what a behavior program could entail, where to start, and how to approach leadership and your team about the process. Cassie also discusses all of the benefits of starting a behavior program to both animal and human wellness. Stay tuned in for two "Training Tales" from Cassie! The first involves a crowned crane learning the importance of an elevator and the second is a unique way in which a hyacinth macaw learned a voluntary towel behavior.  For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠[email protected]⁠ To reach Cassie email [email protected] or visit her website https://www.awesomeanimalsolutions-cassiemalina.com Let's talk some training and banter about behavior! 1:35 Information about the 2024 Annual Conference  4:30 Introduction to Cassie Malina  11:05 What does a “Behavior Program” entail?  15:20 Where to start when beginning a behavior program?  18:55 Approaching leadership about starting a behavior program 24:20 How to prepare and coach your team to prepare for starting a program?  29:30 Behaviors or concepts to start with the animals in the new program?  33:45 Advice on building relationships with animals who previously didn’t have a relationship  39:40 Focusing a behavior plan on animals/species that previously didn’t have one 42:30 Reinforcing your teammates and recognizing the “wins” 45:30 How to balance the added time commitment of a behavior program  49:55 “Training Tales”