Efficient cooperative restraint training with rhesus macaques

J Appl Anim Welf Sci. 2013;16(2):98-117. doi: 10.1080/10888705.2013.768897.

Abstract

It is sometimes necessary for nonhuman primates to be restrained during biomedical and psychosocial research. Such restraint is often accomplished using a "primate chair." This article details a method for training adult rhesus macaques to cooperate with a chair restraint procedure using positive and negative reinforcement. Successful training was accomplished rapidly in approximately 14 training days. The success of this training technique suggests that this method represents a refinement to traditional techniques. Further, this method worked effectively for animals previously deemed unfit for traditional pole-and-collar training.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cooperative Behavior*
  • Female
  • Macaca mulatta / psychology*
  • Male
  • Posture
  • Reinforcement, Psychology*
  • Restraint, Physical / psychology*
  • Reward