Choice and Control with Applied Behavior Scientist, Dr. Susan Friedman
- Apr 19
- 4 min read
Updated: May 21
The Captivity Question: Understanding Animal Welfare in Human-Designed Environments
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. However, as Dr. Friedman illuminates, it’s also about the limitations on an animal’s natural behaviors and choices. In 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." This practice encourages animals to engage with their surroundings more freely. It helps them control their own outcomes. Captivity often reduces the range of skills and choices available to animals. 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. This expansion of their behavioral repertoire is crucial for their well-being.
The Importance of Choice
Choice is vital for animal welfare. When animals can make decisions, they experience a sense of control. This control can significantly enhance their quality of life. Imagine a dog choosing when to play or a cat deciding where to nap. These simple choices can lead to happier, healthier animals.
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. It 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.
Show Notes
Episode One of Series 16: The Captivity Question - Transcript (linked)
Dr. Susan Friedman joins me to explore captivity through the lens of behavior science. We discuss choice and control, “freeing the operant,” honoring the no, and shaping the yes. Our conversation covers how environments shape agency for animals in zoos, sanctuaries, and homes. We also delve into 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. Her widely read articles have been translated into 17 languages. Susan’s online course, How Behavior Works, has reached students in 64 countries. She consults internationally with zoos and animal-care organizations. This includes teaching for BIAZA’s Animal Trainer Accreditation program. She served on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s California Condor Recovery Team. Currently, she 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
As promised, below is a glossary of behavior 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.
Glossary of Behavior Science Terms
Operant Behavior
Behavior 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 behavior.
Contingency
The relationship between behavior and outcome: If I do X, Y happens. Animals constantly test these relationships to understand what they can control.
Differential Reinforcement
Reinforcing one behavior while not reinforcing another, so the animal learns which behavior “works.” It teaches what to do, not just what not to do.
Extinction (Behavior Science)
When a behavior 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.
Honoring the No
Recognizing 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 behavior, 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 behavior. 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. Behavior 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.
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