ABOUT US
Founded in 2001, Karen Pryor Clicker Training (KPCT) is a leader in the field of animal training and a recognized world leader in the science and application of marker-based positive reinforcement, or what is often called "clicker training."
The company believes passionately in the power of the clicker training approach to enrich the lives of pet owners, animal professionals, and the animals they live with, work with, or study.
We use our expertise to
Build strong bonds between people and the animals in their lives.
Help people attain specific goals that support having animals in their lives.
Enrich the lives of the animals and the people who care for them and work with them.
Help professional trainers and other animal professionals succeed.
About Ken Ramirez
Ken Ramirez is the Executive Vice-President (EVP) and Chief Training Officer of Karen Pryor Clicker Training (KPCT). There he helps to oversee the vision, development, and implementation of training education programs for the organization.
A 50+-year veteran of animal care and training, Ken is a biologist and animal behaviorist who has overseen or consulted on training projects for many zoological organizations throughout the world.
He began his training career working with guide dogs for the visually impaired and continues to work with organizations training dogs for service work, search-and-rescue, bomb detection, and narcotic detection. Ken has also maintained a close affiliation with pet training throughout his career.
Ken Ramirez in the classroom at The Ranch.
Prior to his work with KPCT, Ken served as EVP of Animal Care and Animal Training at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium for more than 25 years. There he developed and supervised animal care and animal health programs, staff training and development, and public presentation programs for more than 32,000 animals.
Ken has written for numerous scientific publications and authored countless popular articles. He is the author of the bestselling Animal Training: Successful Animal Management through Positive Reinforcement as well as his newest book, The Eye of the Trainer: Animal Training, Transformation, and Trust.
Ken taught a graduate course on animal training at Western Illinois University for 20 years and has been active in several professional organizations, including as a past president of the International Marine Animal Trainer’s Association (IMATA). He is actively involved in the creation of a certification process for animal trainers in zoological settings.
Currently, Ken is developing courses and programming at The Ranch, the Karen Pryor National Training Center in the state of Washington.
OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION
We are committed to the conversations and dialogue, education, and steps that lead to greater understanding and that can make the profession more inclusive. Read our latest updates here.