Training Lessons - Baiting / Reward

The beginning training of different tricks and behaviors often starts with "baiting" with meat the tiger into the desired position. The first necessary step is to target train the animal to the end of the stick. Subsequently, the animal can use this learned behavior to bridge to other behaviors, such as moving forward, turning, an arena stand, a sit-up, etc. In addition to baiting, meat is used to reward a proper response by the animal. It is imperative that the correct response be reinforced at the correct time, just as an incorrect response be interrupted at the correct time.

I use chunk beef cut into bite size chunks during both practice and performances. When we are not able to buy it in bulk at Sam's Club, we have to spring for those rump roast or similar cuts at the local grocery store. Over the course of morning paw prints, practice and two shows, we use one of these packages a day. It gets expensive !

Ryan Holder

Tiger Trainer

Kelly Miller Circus

Middlefield OH

During the morning tours when crowds come out to see the elephant help raise the Big Top, there is an educational tour to inform people about the animals on the Kelly Miler Circus as well as their counterparts in the wild. After tent raising, the group often comes by the tiger compound. I educate the public about my animals, their care and training and also present a "paw print" painting routine. We had a nice crowd today in Amish country with a lot of good, thoughtful questions.

Holder's Tigers

Kelly Miller Circus

Richfield, OH

Three show day. The tigers didn't get the memo and spent their energy playing "wild tiger" this morning.

Holder's Tigers

Kelly Miller Circus

Hartville, OH

Resting before the shows. Love the big crowds and enthusiasm of Norton Ohio. This is one my my favorite runs of the year, save the animal rights extremists the sully our good name.

Holder's Tigers

Kelly Miller Circus

Minerva, OH

Laid back

Holder's Tigers

Kelly Miller Circus

Dalton, MA

I was sitting in the yard with Nairobi and saw my reflection in her eye. It was a very neat moment. I tried to capture it with my phone but to no avail. This cat has come so far on the last year and a half. She has picked up three new tricks in as many weeks. My first tiger I have trained. She is very special to me.

Holder's Tigers

Kelly Miller Circus

Albion, PA

Yesterday, a woman was commenting on the similarities between house cats and tigers and was surprised at all the things tigers can be trained to do. She lamented she had 17 kittens at home. I told her she was free to bring them by and I could use them for tiger practice. She laughed, but her son had a look for horror on her face. Here's a new trick I'm working on with my one year old. My two year old is learning it as well.

Holder's Tigers

Kelly Miller Circus

North East, Pennsylvania

Successfully made the 400 mile jump across New York. I'm very grateful we only have to do this once a year - we normally average 40-60 miles a day between towns. Without shows yesterday as the rest of the circus arrived, the girls enjoyed a relaxing days while I worked on the truck and trailer. 

Holder's Tigers

Kelly Miller Circus

Spencer NH

Holder's Tigers

Kelly Miller Circus

Marion MA

Holder's Tigers

Kelly Miller Circus

Old Bridge NJ

My little girl will be one in about two weeks. I'm hoping someone will gift her an attention span :)

Holder's Tigers

Kelly Miller Circus

Mendham NJ

The way these girls sleep, you would not know it was almost 90 degrees. Animal rights extremists have sent out both police and animal control today. Everyone was very pleased to see the care the animals receive. Actions speak louder than words.

Holder's Tigers

Kelly Miller Circus

Tiger Husbandry

When I told people I was joining the circus to be a tiger groom, I always was given some weird looks and even weirder questions. There is a bit of "conventional" "grooming" required though.

Holder's Tigers

Kelly Miller Circus

Grantsville, MD

I strive to give my tigers as much space as possible - so they can sleep in tubs, in the corner and in the transport enclosures :). That is alright; it is there choice.

Holder's Tigers

Kelly Miller Circus

Williamsport MD

The girls are doing their thing looking over the Potomac River.

Holder's Tigers

Kelly Miller Circus

North Andover MA

The tigers enjoyed the holiday ( not that the day is any different for them than any other ). We have been enjoying several multiple day stands this week, which means more free time for the cats and more work time for me. We have been making improvements to the transport trailer and helping the show with a few construction projects as well.

Holder's Tigers

Kellh Miller Circus