Hokey Pokey

One of the exercises we learned at the Dolphin Marine Magic center was the process they use in training the animals. However since I am not a payed employee I had to train a fellow intern the hokey pokey. We used the Premack principle which states that "high-probability behavior reinforces low-probability behavior", so if you teach the animal the hardest part of a trick and then move onto the easier parts it will have higher success. I determined the spin at the end of the Hokey Pokey would be the most difficult part of the dance so I taught that to the intern first relating the movements to certain signals. Next I taught her the motion of moving her hand in and out, which according to the Premack principle is easier and as suggested led to greater success in teaching this trick. After reinforcing the intern we perfected the trick and performed it for the animal handlers who were impressed with our performance. This exercise taught me more key skills in the field of animal care & entertainment. Overall it was a wonderful experience that I won't likely forget.