Lara Joseph is a professional animal trainer, behavior consultant, internationally invited speaker, and owner of The Animal Behavior Center, an international education center devoted to helping people understand and change behavior through the science of applied behavior analysis and positive reinforcement. She is available for conference presentations, customized on-site workshops, and online education for animal caregivers and animal-care professionals. Her work is guided by one principle: “Behavior is not defined by species; it is defined by function.”
Working across species, from parrots and pet pigs to deaf and deaf-blind dogs, wildlife ambassadors, and zoo animals, Lara helps caregivers and professionals identify why behavior occurs, address training and behavior challenges, strengthen animal choice and cooperation, and improve enrichment and daily care. Her behavior consultations provide individualized assessments and practical training plans. Her online programs translate behavior science into actionable steps people can apply, while her workshops help teams develop consistent, humane practices for training, enrichment, behavior change, and cooperative care.
Lara is a published author whose presentations have reached universities, zoological organizations, veterinary professionals, wildlife rehabilitators, behavior analysts, and animal-care organizations. Her past hosts include the Philadelphia Zoo, Wheaton College, the Association of Avian Veterinarians, and the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council. She is also the creator and host of Coffee with the Critters, a long-running educational livestream, and president of the nonprofit Sam, I Can Foundation.
Based near Toledo, Ohio, Lara serves clients online worldwide and travels throughout the United States. She is a professional member of the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (IAATE) and the Zoological Association of America (ZAA).
Speaking
Lara is available for conference presentations, customized on-site workshops, and online education for animal caregivers and animal-care professionals. Programs are tailored to each audience and translate behavior science into practical, humane action. Visit the Speaking page for hiring information.
Selected Presentations
Where to Begin: Off-Contact to Free-Contact Training with Zoo Animals – The Pet Professional Guild Geek Week – November, 2020
Mentions / News Articles
- Local cockatoo that was slated for euthanasia stars in national commercials – 13 Action News, Toledo, Ohio – June, 2019
- From “Problem Parrot” to TV Star – Lafeber – July, 2019
- The Animal Mind – The Blade – July, 2016
Interviews / Podcasts
- Vicki Ronchette Interviews Lara on using Applied Behavior Analysis with animals – August, 2021
- Lara is interviewed on BlueZooBird podcast – February, 2020
- Lara tells the story of Sam, the Blind Amazon – BlueZooBird podcast
- Crate Training, Jumping Up, Digging and Behavior Analysis – Pure Dog Talk
- Best in Flock Interview with Lara – September, 2018
- Positive Solutions for Canine Aggression Issues – Pure Dog Talk
- Raising Deaf Dogs – Interview by Dr. Becker – October, 2017