# From Ravens to Roaches: Animal Training and Family Life with Dr. Bob Bailey

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/precision-animal-training-7776184/from-ravens-to-roaches-animal-training-and-family-life-with-dr-bob-bailey.md
Podcast: [Precision Animal Training](https://stenobird.com/podcast/precision-animal-training-7776184)
Published: 2026-04-30T11:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://precisionanimaltraining.transistor.fm/8
Audio file: https://media.transistor.fm/d6f70e6b/192fb136.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/precision-animal-training-7776184/episodes/from-ravens-to-roaches-animal-training-and-family-life-with-dr-bob-bailey
Duration seconds: 1984

## Resource

In this episode of Precision Animal Training, Kirsten Kraljevic and Dr. Bob Bailey take a deep dive into the groundbreaking days of Animal Behavior Enterprises in the 1970s. They explore the innovative systems first developed by Keller Breland and later refined by Dr. Bob Bailey himself. The conversation highlights some truly remarkable training feats - ravens that carried loads, vultures in live performances, and even the conditioning of cockroaches and spiders. On the personal side, Bailey shares stories about raising and training exotic animals alongside his wife Marian and their six kids (three sets of twins), turning the whole operation into a real family affair. They also talk about the heartbreaking loss of decades of research in a house fire, the company's important legacy now preserved at the Smithsonian, and how those famous chicken workshops got started. It's a warm, fascinating look at both the science and the human stories behind it all. 3 Key Takeaways 1. Innovative Approaches to Animal Training Dr. Bob Bailey and his team developed smart, systematized methods that let a single trainer handle large groups of animals efficiently. Their work raised the bar for the entire field and showed real visionary thinking back in the day. 2. Unusual Species and Creative Problem Solving The ABE crew worked with all kinds of animals - ravens, vultures, cockroaches, spiders, and more. They tailored their techniques to each species' natural behaviors and the client's specific needs. These projects showcased not only technical skill but also impressive adaptability and creativity in applying behavioral science. 3. Family Involvement and Lifelong Impact Animal training at ABE was woven into everyday family life. Bob, Marion, and their children all pitched in, with the kids…

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