Introduction

Ever wondered what a lion, a dolphin, and your dog have in common? Turns out, quite a lot. The trainers at Shelby Semel Dog Training bring a unique perspective to your dog’s training journey, blending techniques honed with exotic animals in zoos with the real-world challenges of working with dogs in a bustling city like NYC. Their approach isn’t just effective—it’s rooted in science, creativity, and compassion.

All of Shelby’s trainer’s are highly qualified in canine behavior and training, but the way they all got there is a little different. Three of our trainers come from fascinating zoological backgrounds:

Junior Trainer, John Scott, MA has worked with free-flight birds, marine mammals, and more during his 15+ years in zoos across the country.
Trainer Frankie Silva spent her time at the New York Aquarium training penguins and marine mammals.
Senior Trainer & Behavior Consultant Daniel Neale, MSc honed his skills in the US Navy’s Marine Mammal Program, training dolphins and sea lions for open water military functions.

With these trainers, the methods aren’t just about teaching commands; they’re about building a relationship and understanding rooted in positive reinforcement—a technique that’s as effective for a tiger as it is for your terrier.

The Bridge Between Zoological and Domestic Animal Training

Training animals might seem species-specific at first glance. After all, every species has evolved unique behaviors. But the science of modifying behavior, which is what training ultimately is, applies universally. Whether you’re working with a dolphin or a dog, the foundation of the most effective training is the same: positive reinforcement. This means rewarding behaviors you want to see more of—a process that builds trust, fosters communication, and encourages collaboration.

“Positive reinforcement gives you the tools to teach while also maintaining a strong and trusting relationship,” says Frankie Silva. It’s an approach that prioritizes cooperation over compulsion, making it both effective and ethical.

For the trainers at Shelby Semel Dog Training, the transition from working with wild animals to living rooms in NYC highlights the adaptability of these techniques. The high-energy chaos of New York City can feel a bit like the “wild”—with distractions everywhere—but the goal remains the same: creating a confident, well-behaved companion who thrives in any environment.

What makes this bridge so fascinating is that it’s not just about the methods but also the mindset. Zoo trainers must always consider the animal’s unique environment, instincts, and comfort level. Bringing that level of consideration to dogs means tailoring every training plan to fit not only the dog’s needs but also the owner’s lifestyle and expectations. That’s why positive reinforcement is so effective—it’s flexible enough to adapt to both lions and Labradors.

Frankie silva with a california sea lion

Key Similarities in Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement

Rewarding desirable behavior isn’t just about handing out treats. It’s about timing, consistency, and understanding what motivates the animal in front of you. John Scott recalls his time training 90 macaws to fly a mile across a theme park: “It took trust, incremental steps, and a lot of reinforcement to ensure they returned safely. That same process translates beautifully to dogs learning reliable recall.”

The beauty of positive reinforcement is its universality. Whether it’s a dolphin learning to wave or a puppy mastering “sit,” the principle remains the same: put value behind the desired behavior, and you’ll see it more often. This method isn’t just about shaping behavior; it’s about creating a positive association with learning. For example, when a dog realizes that sitting calmly leads to treats and praise, they’re more likely to repeat that behavior—just as a tiger might present its paw for a health check if it’s been reinforced positively over time.

Building Trust

Trust is the foundation of all training. It’s what allows an animal—whether a sea lion or a shy rescue dog—to feel safe enough to try something new. “Trust isn’t given; it’s earned,” John explains. “It’s built through consistent, positive interactions.”

Daniel emphasizes this point by adding, “As human companions, we often underestimate how much a lack of trust can impact behavior. Just like you wouldn’t hop into a stranger’s car without hesitation, animals have a similar drive for self-preservation. Trust is what bridges that gap and motivates them to engage with us.”

For Frankie, building trust often means slowing down. “With nervous animals, respecting their boundaries is key. It’s about meeting them where they are and progressing at their pace. That patience always pays off.”

Trust can be visualized as a bank account. Every positive interaction—whether it’s a gentle pet, a well-timed reward, or simply giving the animal space—adds a deposit to the account. Occasionally, a withdrawal is necessary, such as when a vet visit is unavoidable, but as long as the account isn’t overdrawn, the relationship remains strong. This concept applies equally to wild animals and family pets, reinforcing the importance of trust in every interaction.

Shaping Behavior

Complex tasks—like a tiger voluntarily presenting its paw for a health check or a dog walking politely on a leash—are taught in steps. Trainers break these behaviors into manageable chunks, rewarding small successes along the way. This process, known as shaping, turns big challenges into achievable milestones.

For instance, a dog learning to stay might begin with staying for just one second. Over time, that duration is extended, and distractions are introduced gradually. Similarly, zoo trainers might teach a sea lion to participate in a medical exam by breaking the behavior into small, approachable steps. The key is patience and celebrating each success along the way.

Enrichment and Problem-Solving

Animals need mental stimulation as much as they need food and water. Enrichment prevents boredom and promotes problem-solving skills, which are crucial for both wild animals and domestic pets. Frankie notes, “At the aquarium, enrichment was a daily priority. We’d create puzzles or new environments for animals to explore. Now, I adapt those ideas for dogs, using scent games or interactive feeders to keep them engaged and happy.”

One memorable example involves a hyperactive dog that struggled to focus during training sessions. By incorporating enrichment activities inspired by zoo techniques—like hiding treats in puzzle toys or creating scavenger hunts—the dog’s energy was channeled productively, making training sessions more successful. This demonstrates how enrichment isn’t just about keeping an animal busy; it’s about meeting their mental and emotional needs to set them up for success.

How This Expertise Benefits You and Your Dog

The trainers’ zoological experience brings something special to the table. Here’s how it translates into better outcomes for your dog:

Behavioral insight: Years spent observing and training exotic animals sharpened their ability to read subtle cues—a skill that’s invaluable for understanding dogs.
Creative problem-solving: In a zoo, you can’t just “wing it” with an eagle or dolphin. That creativity now helps trainers tackle even the most challenging dog behaviors.
Ethical methods: Positive reinforcement isn’t just effective; it’s humane. It builds trust and confidence in ways that aversive techniques never can.

FAQs About Zoological Expertise and Dog Training

Even if the methods are similar, what are some key differences in Zoo animal versus companion animal training?

“I think in a zoo or aquarium setting, you are better able to control the antecedents during your training session. You are able to talk about your plan before the session, coordinate with other trainers, and arrange your animals in a way to set your individual animal up for success. Training dogs in New York City can sometimes feel like the wild west, since you are constantly coming into contact with other distractions, dogs, and owners who may not be as invested in training their dogs. It has taught me grace when training animals in highly distracting environments, since you can control far less in New York City than in a zoo or aquarium.” - John Scott, MA

Can you share an example of how you applied a technique you learned in the zoo setting to help a dog overcome a specific behavioral issue?

“In my time working with exotic animals, I had the opportunity to train a lot of husbandry/healthcare focused behaviors. This helped me tremendously with a client whose dog was really struggling at the vet, with general exams, blood draws and vaccine injections. I was able to use my experience training more complex husbandry behaviors with exotic animals to help the client's dog feel more comfortable and confident at the vet. He started off needing to be heavily medicated for a basic exam, but now is much more confident and relaxed, no medication needed.” - Frankie Silva

How do you approach problem-solving for difficult behaviors in dogs based on your zoological experience?

“When tackling difficult dog behaviors, I rely on a mix of science and creativity—a balance I learned during my time working with exotic animals. Functional behavior analysis and tools like video review help me dig into the “why” behind a behavior by capturing subtle cues and environmental triggers that might otherwise go unnoticed. Safety is always front and center. In a zoo, you’re constantly aware that a mistake could have serious consequences, and I bring that same mindset to dog training, creating plans that prioritize the well-being of everyone involved. And while the science of operant conditioning is solid, applying it in real-world settings—whether in a zoo or on the streets of NYC—requires a lot of creative problem-solving. Every situation is different, and the challenge is finding the right approach for each unique dog and their circumstances.” - Daniel Neale, MSc

Conclusion

The leap from zoos to living rooms might seem like a big one, but the underlying principles of training remain the same. For the trainers at Shelby Semel Dog Training, their zoological experience adds a layer of depth, creativity, and empathy that transforms the training process into something truly special. Whether they’re helping a macaw fly across a park or teaching a rescue dog to trust again, their work underscores the power of patience, positivity, and connection.

Dog training in NYC isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about building relationships. And with trainers like John, Frankie, and Daniel, your dog is in the best possible hands.

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The Wild Side of Dog Training: How Shelby Semel’s Trainers Bring Expertise from the Zoological Field to Your Living Room