Choice and Control with Applied Behavior Scientist, Dr. Susan Friedman

The Captivity Question

We've kicked off a new series, "The Captivity Question," where we explore what it means for animals to exist in human-designed environments. Often, captivity evokes images of cages and confinement, but as Dr. Friedman illuminates, it's also about the limitations on an animal’s natural behaviors and choices. Within this episode, we discuss how environments can be reshaped to offer animals more autonomy and meaningful interactions.

Understanding Behavior through Reinforcers

Dr. Friedman introduced us to the concept of "freeing the operant," a practice that encourages animals to engage with their surroundings more freely, helping them to control their own outcomes. She explains that captivity often reduces the range of skills and choices available to animals, and the key to better welfare lies in enriching these environments with varied reinforcers. Whether in a zoo or a home, it’s essential for caregivers to create spaces where animals can pursue their natural inclinations and expand their behavioral repertoire.

Episode Release May 4th 2026

Redefining Cooperation

One enlightening takeaway from our conversation is Dr. Friedman's stance on the significance of honoring the "no." This idea is about respecting an animal’s refusal, which empowers them and drives trainers to find more effective and enriching ways to get a 'yes'. This philosophy underscores the shift from a command-driven relationship to one steeped in dialogue and collaboration.

Don't Forget to Vote! Category: Pets and Animals

Show Notes:

Episode One of Series 16 : The Captivity Question - Transcript (linked)

Dr. Susan Friedman joins me to explore captivity through the lens of behaviour science — from choice and control to “freeing the operant,” honouring the no, and shaping the yes. We discuss how environments shape agency for animals in zoos, sanctuaries, and homes, and what true welfare requires.

Guest Bio: Dr. Susan G. Friedman is a professor emeritus of psychology at Utah State University and the founder of Behavior Works Consulting. She has co‑authored chapters in five veterinary texts, and her widely read articles have been translated into 17 languages. Susan’s online course, How Behavior Works, has reached students in 64 countries, and she consults internationally with zoos and animal‑care organizations, including teaching for BIAZA’s Animal Trainer Accreditation program. She served on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s California Condor Recovery Team and currently chairs the Scientific Advisory Committee for American Humane’s Film and TV Unit. Her newest initiative, Behavior Works Zoo School, launches in 2026.

Susan's Book Recommendations: The Science of Consequences: How They Affect Genes, Change the Brain, and Impact Our World by Susan Schneider

Related Links: bwzs.org

behaviourworks.org

TDWA Blog

Guest Book Recommendations List  - USA

UK Guest Book Rec List 

As Promised, below is a glossary of behaviour Science terms discussed in this episode: (if this was at all helpful to you please let me know and I'll start including glossaries in all episodes)

Operant Behaviour

Behaviour animals learn because it works — it produces outcomes they want or helps them avoid outcomes they don’t. It’s shaped by consequences, not instinct.

Freeing the Operant

Designing environments where animals can choose how to behave to get outcomes. Instead of training step‑by‑step, you provide meaningful reasons to behave and let the animal’s natural problem‑solving emerge.

Reinforcers

Anything an animal values enough to work for: food, social contact, exploration, novelty, comfort, problem‑solving. Reinforcers are the “reasons” animals behave.

For‑Shortened Reinforcers

A concept from Susan Schneider: boredom isn’t caused by small spaces but by limited access to meaningful reinforcers. Captivity reduces the variety of things animals can work for.

Engaging Environments

Susan’s preferred term over “enrichment.” Instead of adding extras, it means creating a lifestyle environment that naturally invites exploration, agency, and species‑typical behaviour.

Contingency

The relationship between behaviour and outcome: If I do X, Y happens. Animals constantly test these relationships to understand what they can control.

Differential Reinforcement

Reinforcing one behaviour while not reinforcing another, so the animal learns which behaviour “works.” It teaches what to do, not just what not to do.

Extinction (Behaviour Science)

When a behaviour stops because it no longer produces the expected outcome. Not punishment — just a missing payoff. Susan discusses new methods that avoid extinction because it can be frustrating for animals.

Poisoned Cue / Poisoned Label

A cue or word that has been paired with something unpleasant so often that it becomes aversive. For example, a dog who hears “come!” and expects scolding.

Honouring the No

Recognising and respecting when an animal communicates discomfort or refusal — shifting weight, turning away, freezing, widening eyes. It’s the ethical foundation of cooperative care.

Shaping the Yes

Adjusting our behaviour, tools, timing, or reinforcers so the animal can eventually say yes willingly. It’s about building consent, not forcing compliance.

Dialogue (Human–Animal)

A two‑way interaction where both individuals influence each other’s behaviour. Not negotiation — a responsive conversation built from cues and feedback.

Study of One

Treating each animal as an individual learner rather than a representative of their species. Behaviour science is always personal.

Agency

An animal’s ability to make choices that matter — choices that influence their own outcomes. Agency is central to Susan’s welfare philosophy.