The use of positive reinforcement training to reduce stereotypic behavior in rhesus macaques

Abstract

Stereotypic behavior is a pervasive problem for captive monkeys and other animals. Once this behavior pattern has started, it can be difficult to alleviate. We tested whether or not using positive reinforcement training (PRT) can reduce this undesired behavior. Subjects for this study were 11 adult, female rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) with a history of locomotor stereotypy (e.g., pacing, bouncing, and somersaulting). We assessed baseline levels of stereotypic behavior and then utilized PRT to train six animals to touch a target and accept venipuncture. The other five monkeys served as controls. We assessed stereotypic behavior 1 week a month for 4 months, on days in which the monkey was not trained. Trained animals showed a significant reduction in stereotypic behavior after 1 month of training, compared to control monkeys (Mann Whitney U=28.00, P=0.02). These group differences did not persist after the first month (Month 2: Mann Whitney U=19.50, P=0.40, Month 3: Mann Whitney U=17.0, P=0.71, Month 4: Mann Whitney U=17.00, P=0.72). Still, the majority of the trained monkeys (n=4) engaged in less stereotypic behavior at the end of the study compared to baseline. Thus, training may be an effective way to reduce stereotypic behavior, at least for some individuals.

Positive Reinforcement Training in Squirrel Monkeys Using Clicker Training

“…Our data also show that using targeting behavior as a foundation, the majority of monkeys (71%) could be trained to master a set of more complex behaviors within an 8-week training period. Thus, it appears that PRT methods such as clicker training can be used in squirrel monkeys as they have been used in other nonhuman primate species including macaques [Coleman et al 2008, 2010; Fernstrom et al 2009], chimpanzees [Lambeth et al 2006; Videan et al 2005; Pomerantz and Terkel 2009], marmosets [Bassett et al 2003, McKinley et al 2003], and sooty mangabeys [Veeder et al 2009]. …”

“…Furthermore, PRT may facilitate reduced use of anesthesia or sedation in some procedures as well as reduced use of negative reinforcement strategies [Veeder et al, 2009] such as a squeeze cage apparatus. PRT also may help alleviate social problems, ease introductions between animals and their caretakers or to novel stimuli, diminish stereotypic behaviors [Coleman & Maier, 2010], augment enrichment measures, and increase safety for research staff [Laule et al, 2003]. …”

Efficient Cooperative Restraint Training With Rhesus Macaques

“…Positive reinforcement training can also be used for behavioral management challenges such as facilitating socialization (Schapiro, Perlman, & Boudreau, 2001), reducing abnormal stereotypic behaviors (Coleman & Maier, 2010), and reducing aggression (Minier et al, 2011). …”

Training penguins to interact with enrichment devices for lasting effects

“…The need to manage the behavior of captive animals has been well documented, leading to improved voluntary cooperation for husbandry purposes, decreases in aberrant behaviors such as aggression and stereotypies, increases in species-specific behaviors, and a general promotion of the "well-being" of exhibited zoo animals (Desmond & Laule, 1994;Forthman & Ogden, 1992;Markowitz, 1978). Examples of these applications within zoos or similar settings include using training to decrease aggression in a male chimpanzee to other chimpanzees during feeding times (Bloomsmith, Laule, Alford, & Thurston, 1994), using positive reinforcement to train an alternative response to stereotypic activity in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta; Coleman & Maier, 2010), training a diabetic chimpanzee to allow staff to reliably obtain blood and urine samples (Laule, Thurston, Alford, & Bloomsmith, 1996), increasing voluntary movement of group-housed chimpanzees from their outdoor enclosure into an indoor enclosure (Bloomsmith, Stone, & Laule, 1998), training an African leopard to forage near acoustic bird sounds for food rewards (Markowitz et al, 1995), and using various conditioning procedures to train bongo and nyala, two types of antelope, to enter a crate for husbandry purposes, (Grandin et al, 1995;Phillips, Grandin, Graffam, Irlbeck, & Cambre, 1998).…”