Cooperant Learning Podcast | What BCBAs Can Learn About Assent From Animal Trainers | Andrew Bulla

In today's conversation Andrew Bulla joins CL to explore the intersections of behavior analysis and animal training. They discuss the importance of assent, the LIMA principle, and the role of animal models in understanding behavior. Andrew shares his journey from working with neurodivergent individuals to training animals, emphasizing the lessons behavior analysts can learn from animal trainers. The discussion highlights the significance of choice, autonomy, and functional analysis in behavior change, as well as the need for integrating insights from animal training into behavior analysis practices.

 

Dr. Andrew Bulla earned his Bachelor’s degree from Saint Joseph’s University in psychology with a minor in autism studies. Upon graduating, he completed his master’s and doctoral degrees in behavior analysis from Western Michigan University, and subsequently became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst in 2014. He is currently an associate professor of psychology and program chair for behavior analysis programs at Georgia Southern University – Armstrong Campus. Drew is also a consultant for Morningside Teachers’ Academy, where he helps coordinate and run the Summer Institute to teach individuals all over the world about the Morningside Model of Generative Instruction. Drew has worked at a variety of organizations over the course of his career including autism centers, community mental health agencies, animal facilities, several school districts, and internationally with schools in Lima, Peru delivering consultative services in Spanish. During his time in these positions, Dr. Bulla applied behavior analysis to a variety of learners and situations. He has worked in autism early intervention, ancillary programs including social and recreational skills, the assessment and treatment of challenging behaviors, academic interventions for students with and without disabilities, instructional design, and animal training including loggerhead sea turtles and grey wolves. Drew has published and conducted research in the areas of self-management, instructional design, precision teaching, physical activity, the experimental analysis of behavior, and animal training and welfare. He has published his research in a variety of journals including the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, The Mexican Journal of Behavior Analysis, Behavior Analysis in Practice, Journal of Behavioral Education, The European Journal of Behavior Analysis, Psychology in the Schools, and Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice. Dr. Bulla has presented over 100 peer-reviewed presentations, posters, and workshops at regional, national, and international conferences. He is currently a board member for the Standard Celeration Society and has served as the Lead Guest Editor for a special issue of Behavior Analysis in Practice on precision teaching, and is currently on the editorial boards for Behavior Analysis and Practice and Behavior and Social Issues.