Currently in the Briton Shark Lab, Pavlov's Classical Conditioning model for learning is being implemented in a series of training exercises. Over the summer of 2006 nurse sharks are being shaped to respond to auditory and visual stimuli in their captive environment. Auditory stimuli include an underwater speaker which plays a series of pure tones as well as recordings that mimic the sounds of struggling fish. The animal can then be taught to discriminate between artificial sounds and other sounds naturally present in the environment. The sharks can also be trained to respond to visual stimuli in the tank. Presently, two visual targets are being used, each requiring the shark to perform a different task. The first target is a hollow pipe that the shark learns to push around the bottom of the tank. The second target is a weighted ring that sits upright at the bottom of the tank which the shark must find and retrieve. As literature suggests, both targets are patterned in contrasting colors (typically yellow and black) in order to attract the shark's attention.

The sound of a buzzer at the side of the tank is paired with a food reward. Once the shark makes the association between the buzzer and the food reward, both auditory and visual stimuli are introduced and paired with the sound of the buzzer. Upon perceiving a particular tone frequency from the underwater speaker, the buzzer is sounded and the shark comes to the surface for food. Upon seeing one of the visual targets, the shark performs the appropriate task and comes to the surface to receive a food reward. Using this method, the shark can be taught to make a series of desired responses. Behavioral studies will continue throughout the summer.