Animal Trainers Enhance Skills at Unique Chicken Camp in Arcata

Animal trainers gathered in Arcata from various regions to participate in the innovative “Chicken Camp,” led by acclaimed dog trainer Terry Ryan. The four-day workshop, organized by Lauren Wendt, founder of Momentum K9, took place at Redwood Coast Montessori and was designed for trainers working with a wide range of animals, including dogs, horses, and birds.

A total of 19 participants attended the workshop, with 14 actively training chickens and five observing. Approximately half of the attendees hailed from Humboldt County, while others traveled from distant locations, including one participant from Germany. Wendt described Chicken Camp as a hands-on training experience where “students” are human trainers and “learners” are the chickens.

“The purpose of Chicken Camp is not to teach tricks but to refine training skills,” Wendt explained. “The workshop focuses on making trainers more precise, intentional, and effective.” The use of chickens in training is particularly beneficial, as Wendt noted that they provide immediate feedback, making trainers quickly aware of any mistakes in timing or technique. “If you can train a chicken, training a dog feels comparatively easier,” she added.

Throughout the Chicken Camp, participants engaged in discussions, lectures, and practical training sessions with 16 locally raised chickens. Training sessions were structured to be brief, as both chickens and dogs benefit from short practice intervals. Wendt stated, “The chickens trained for about 40 minutes over the four days, but the progress made was impressive.”

Participants learned essential skills, starting with teaching chickens to peck a red poker chip, which is akin to the targeting behaviors used in dog training. The camp progressed to more complex tasks, including color discrimination and various interactive games. Wendt emphasized that each training exercise revolves around key principles: breaking behaviors into manageable steps, providing clear communication, and rewarding the learner effectively.

The workshop featured Terry Ryan, a respected figure in dog training and a faculty member at the Karen Pryor Academy. Ryan has been instrumental in shaping animal training practices since 1966 and has conducted Chicken Camps globally since the 1990s. Wendt expressed her excitement about hosting Ryan, noting her enthusiasm for bringing such a renowned instructor to the local community.

Among the attendees was Marilyn Cottrell, an obedience trainer with HumDOG, who had long wanted to attend one of Ryan’s workshops. Cottrell shared her experiences, stating, “I learned to see, shape, and correctly reinforce small behaviors that lead to complex actions. It was a transformative experience.” She plans to share her insights with the HumDOG board and curriculum committee, believing the skills gained will enhance their training programs.

Another participant, Beverly Morgan Lewis, also a HumDOG instructor, expressed her longstanding desire to attend Chicken Camp after hearing about its benefits from other top dog agility trainers. Morgan Lewis trained a chicken named Rosa during the camp and noted that the skills learned would significantly impact her dog training approach. “This program helps you dissect behaviors into tiny steps, making the training process more manageable and effective,” she said.

In preparation for Chicken Camp, Wendt acquired 16 baby chicks in January, which were raised by a workshop attendee. Currently, the chickens are living at Wendt’s home, enjoying a normal life until the next workshop. Wendt founded Momentum K9 after a career as a wildlife police officer and K9 handler, combining her passion for training with her commitment to conservation.

This workshop marked Wendt’s first time hosting Chicken Camp locally, although she has participated in several as a student. She remarked, “Chicken Camps have been the most impactful workshops I’ve attended. The training methods taught here are invaluable for anyone looking to improve their technique and enjoy the training process.”

For more details about Chicken Camp and the offerings from Momentum K9, visit https://momentumk9training.com. For information on HumDOG, check https://humdog.org, and for more about the Karen Pryor Academy, go to https://karenpryoracademy.com.