This is part three of my notes from ORCA’s 2013 Art and Science of Animal Training Conference. For links to the rest of my notes (which will be posted over the next few weeks), please visit the Conference and Clinic Notes section of my site. Alexandra Kurland’s lecture was one of my favorite talks at [...]
Fading out those clicks and treats
We’ve been having a good discussion recently on one of the clicker training facebook groups about how to reduce or fade out the clicks and treats when clicker training. When people start clicker training (What is clicker training?), many are afraid that they are doomed to always carry around a clicker and a bag of [...]
Clicker Training Clinic Notes: Cues
This post is the second part of my notes about a horse clicker training clinic that I audited with Alexandra Kurland in Texas in February. Click here for part one. On the first morning of the clinic, we had a lengthy and interesting discussion about cues. Alexandra Kurland had recently returned from Karen Pryor’s ClickerExpo, [...]
Creative Cues: Texture cues for blind dogs
Recently I posted about how platforms, pedestals and mats can be helpful during training new behaviors to our animals. These items give the animal a target to go to, which can reduce errors and lead to faster learning. (Click here to check out that post.) This post led to some interesting discussions on facebook with [...]
Does this bird know his colors?
Alright readers, here’s a challenge for you. Check out this youtube clip below of a raven, who is being trained to peck at a yellow bowling pin. He has two choices–peck yellow or peck blue. If he pecks the correct pin, he receives a bit of food as a reward. If he pecks the incorrect [...]
Alexandra Kurland and Loopy Training
At the Art and Science of Animal Training conference this year Alexandra Kurland spoke about loopy training, which is a concept she has been developing over the past year. Loopy training was the focus of a clinic I did with Alexandra Kurland last fall. The more I hear about it, the more it makes sense [...]
Ginger Takes a Bow
Using clicker training, Ginger dog has recently learned how to bow! I’ve included a short video clip at the bottom so you can watch her practicing her bow. With clicker training, many dog trainers advise to get the behavior occurring at a high rate BEFORE trying to add a cue to it. This actually makes [...]
What’s the best way to train an animal?
Stale Cheerios will help you learn new knowledge and techniques to take your training skills to the next level. So stick around, your animals will be grateful!
I'm a graduate student studying the science of behavior and training. On this blog I share stories of my animal training adventures, as well as tips, techniques and tricks to help you improve your training. I work with a variety of species, including horses, rats, and dogs. Join me as we explore the best training strategies for creating fast learning, effective communication, and enthusiastic, willing animals.
Mary Hunter
mary@stalecheerios.com
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