Hybrid workshops are offered to provide a more flexible learning environment for attendees who may be unable to attend a full 5-day in-person workshop experience.
Hybrid workshops are a NEW offering from Natural Encounters!
We know how hard it is to break away from your busy life for an entire week, and hybrid workshops help with that challenge by offering the ability for learners to complete the informative lecture portion of our workshops in an online setting in the comfort of their own homes. Afterwards, a 3-day in person (and all training!) portion becomes accessible to graduates of the online course in sunny Winter Haven, FL. Get the best parts of our traditional 5-day workshops in a more flexible format!
Hybrid workshops require completing the lecture portion of the workshops in a live online format, which must be completed as a pre-requisite before attending the 3-day in-person training component. The in-person portion of the workshop must be completed within a calendar year of the online lecture portion unless otherwise arranged.
The in-person portion by itself is also available as a ‘training refresher’ to NEI Workshop Alumni who have attended any full 5-day in-person workshop within the last 5 years!
If you have any questions about the new experience, email workshops@naturalencounters.com!
Scientific principles and training technology of Operant Learning
Guided hands-on training with a variety of different species of birds and experienced animal training mentors
Innovative educational programming from design through presentation
Strategies for improving staff communication, team performance, and team building
Limited in-person class size for personal attention in a comprehensive learning environment
*All in-person workshop materials, including note guides and other resource information, and lunch are provided.
The online portion of this workshop includes two consecutive full-day (8-hour) webinars including lunch breaks. Attendees will have opportunities to submit questions and comments during the webinars. Recordings, resource materials, and PDF versions of the lecture slides will be sent be sent to all registrants within 48-hours of the event.
Attending a workshop at the NEI training facility is the best way to learn the art and science of animal training. This 34-acre facility is home to over 70 species of animals. Staff accommodate the daily care of the animals so that the attendees can concentrate on learning the technology and skills required to perform at the professional level. Each attendee receives personalized attention from our staff of experts.
August 13 and 14, 2026
8:00am – 5:00pm EDT
Zoom Webinar
No limit
NOTE: The online portion of this workshop qualifies the attendee for the in-person workshop for 5 years following its completion.
$1000.00 USD per person
September 22-24, 2026
October 8-10, 2026
Natural Encounters, Inc. Training Facility in Winter Haven, FL
Limited to 24 attendees
September 24, 2026
October 10, 2026
$1000.00 USD per person
NOTE: We are pleased to offer a $100 discount for students who have completed the online portion of this workshop within the past year.
We partner with a nearby hotel to provide a group rate.
Transportation between the airport and the hotel will be provided the day before the workshop unless you choose to make other arrangements.
A full lunch will be provided each day of the workshop. Dinner will be provided only for the farewell dinner. All details will be provided in a confirmation letter.
A link to the digital application form will also be included in the Zoom registration confirmation email for the online portion.
NOTE: NEI requires a minimum number of attendees to run each offering of the workshops. If a planned offering is below minimum attendance numbers, NEI reserves the right to cancel and transfer you to a future class of your choice. If this transfer extends beyond the calendar year required to finish the entire course, we will extend the deadline for any students affected.
