Karen Boyce wonders if new methods being employed by zoos are influencing the ways we’re training our pets.
Old-School Methods
Over the last 20 years, zoos, such as Chester Zoo, just a hop from Wrexham, have changed how we train animals. They’ve ditched old-school methods like shouting or pushing and now use treats and praise to get animals to cooperate. This kinder way, called positive reinforcement, works wonders with zoo animals like monkeys, seals and even lions — and it’s perfect for our pets, too! Wrexham pet owners can utilise these methods to make training their dogs, cats, rabbits, and virtually any pet enjoyable and stress-free.
In the past, zoos sometimes employed harsh tactics to train animals, which stressed both the animals and the zookeepers.
Around the early 2000s, zookeepers noticed that animals were happier when they received rewards—such as a juicy fruit for a parrot, a fish for a penguin, and even a honey solution for a Mountain gorilla – for doing things like stepping on a scale or allowing veterinarians to examine them. It soon became pretty clear that animals love working for treats, and they learn faster when they’re not scared. That’s a big lesson for our own pets.
For Wrexham dog owners, this means that training your pup should be a blast. Instead of yanking the lead or shouting “No,” try giving a treat when your dog sits, comes back or stays. Local trainers, like my company, Beastly Thoughts, and That Dog Wrexham, swear by this approach. They use special tasty treats or a favourite toy to teach cues, and the dogs lap it up. How else can a zoo trainer get a tiger to open its mouth for a tooth check unless it’s with a meaty reward? Your dog will start seeing training as a game, not a chore, and you’ll both have a better time.
Trained With Love and Treats
Cats can get in on this, too. If you’ve ever tried forcing your cat into a carrier for a vet trip, you know it’s no fun. Zoos train big cats, such as lions, to move from one enclosure to another using a clicker and treats. In Wrexham, you can use the same idea – click your clicker or say a positive word (like “Yes”) every time your cat gets closer to the carrier, and then pop him a treat. It takes patience, but soon, the kitty might stroll in without a fuss.
The best part? This way of training makes pets happier. Zoo animals trained with rewards are calmer and friendlier, and it’s the same for your dog or cat. A Wrexham pup trained with love and treats is more likely to wag its tail than cower. Plus, it builds a bond — you’re the source of good stuff, so your pet trusts you more.
Getting started is easy. Grab some small treats (think tiny bits of chicken or pet-safe biscuits) or a toy your pet loves. Reward them immediately when they do something good, such as coming when called. If you need help, check out Beastly Thoughts or That Dog for classes.
Zoos have demonstrated that kindness is an effective approach. By using rewards, Wrexham pet owners can turn training into a joy, helping their furry pals shine.
We hope you enjoyed reading “Zoos Influencing Pet Training”. Click here for more of our pet-related articles.
Author: Karen Boyce for Love Wrexham Magazine
Karen Boyce is the founder of Beastly Thoughts Professional Dog Services (BTPDS), established in 2007. As the largest independent dog training facility in Wales, BTPDS specialises in puppy training and managing reactive dogs, while also offering a wide range of obedience classes, lectures, webinars, and online training hubs and communities. In 2019, Karen was honoured as the Animal Star Awards Dog Trainer/Behaviourist of the Year. In 2025, BTPDS surpassed the milestone of training 2,000 puppies and was named the Overall Winner in the Best of North Wales Business Awards, in addition to being recognised as the Best Pet Services Business in North Wales. Contact Details: - Phone: 07970 488 395 - Email: [email protected] - Website: www.beastlythoughts.co.uk
