Action: Carnivores: Use food as a reward in animal training

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No evidence was captured for the effects of using food as a reward in animal training on captive carnivores.

'No evidence' for an action means we have not yet found any studies that directly and quantitatively tested this action during our systematic journal and report searches. Therefore we have been unable to assess whether or not the action is effective or has any harmful impacts. Please get in touch if you know of such a study for this action.

Background information and definitions

Positive human-animal relationships are discussed as a form of enrichment for captive animals. Using food as positive reinforcer for animal training is commonly used to help with veterinary and husbandry procedures. This form of training aims to reduce the potential stress experienced by an animal when in close proximity to humans (Claxton, 2011).

Claxton, A.M. 2011. The potential of the human-animal relationships as an environmental enrichment for the welfare of zoo-housed animals. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 133,1-10.

Please cite as:

Jonas, C.S., Timbrell, L.L., Young, F., Petrovan, S.O., Bowkett, A.E. & Smith, R.K. (2019) Management of Captive Animals. Pages 539-567 in: W.J. Sutherland, L.V. Dicks, N. Ockendon, S.O. Petrovan & R.K. Smith (eds) What Works in Conservation 2019. Open Book Publishers, Cambridge, UK.

Action: Carnivores: Use food as a reward in animal training

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