Addressing Undesired Repetitive Behaviors

Many people think repetitive behavior is pathological, but in this example, we see repetitive behaviors can be learned. This Sumatran elephant bobs her head in hopes it might earn her food or other desired consequences. To address this, I have the team practice looking for moments when she is not bobbing, and then give her food. She quickly learns this is the new behavior that works. As the trainers reinforce her for standing with her head still more frequently, and add an intermittent schedule of reinforcement, she learns to stand longer and longer with the correct head position.