“Our learners should respond to requests because they have the skills and motivation to do so, and not because they are forced to behave in order to avoid punishment.” ~ Dr. Susan Friedman. I love this quote from Dr. Friedman. This quote about teaching talks to me on so many levels as it relates to dog training, parrot training, and training any other species. [Read more…] about Why This Quote About Teaching Talks To Me
Dr. Susan Friedman
Choice, Empowerment And Agency In Dog Training
Choice and empowerment are two words I have used a lot over the years when it comes to modifying behaviors AND enhancing quality of life. Rather than using force and aversive strategies as much as possible, I prefer to teach and create change in the most positive and least intrusive ways (now called LIMA training for Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) and that typically involves those concepts. Now there is another psychology buzz word that is commonly used by dog trainers, other animal trainers, and behaviorists. It is AGENCY. This post will talk about agency, choice and empowerment in dog training (and parrot training, or training any other animal – including humans), and why they are important concepts to understand (and practice).
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Big News From Lisa
I have SO much news to share as to why I have been rather quiet the past few weeks. [Read more…] about Big News From Lisa
Empowerment And Choices: Putting A Leash On A Puppy
“The power to control one’s own outcomes is essential to behavioral health, and the degree to which a behavior reduction procedure preserves learner control is essential to developing a standard of humane, effective practice.” – Dr. Susan Friedman [Read more…] about Empowerment And Choices: Putting A Leash On A Puppy
Solving Parrot Behavior Problems
On Facebook last week, someone in my network asked me some questions about parrots. They were questions I have heard before. I thought I’d write a post so that others too can learn from my answers. [Read more…] about Solving Parrot Behavior Problems
Effectiveness Is Not Enough In Animal Training
I was one of more than 500 trainers from across the globe who convened on Dearborn, Michigan in March for the Karen Pryer Clicker Training Expo. It was a phenomenal opportunity to learn from some of the best trainers and behaviorists whose focus is on modifying behavior in the most positive way. What also made the weekend special for me was the chance to see my very first teacher and long time mentor, Dr. Susan Friedman (who pioneered the use of Applied Behavior Science to the care and training of captive and companion animals). In one of her lectures, ‘Effectiveness Is Not Enough’, Susan reminded us to make a habit of two things: to HELP or at least to DO NO HARM. She also talked to us about the Humane Hierarchy. [Read more…] about Effectiveness Is Not Enough In Animal Training