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Mary Hunter and her horse Apollo


On this site I share stories of my animal training adventures, information about the science of animal training and behavior, and tips and advice to help you improve your training.

Join me as we explore the best training strategies for creating fast learning, effective communication, and enthusiastic, willing animals.

If you’re new to Stale Cheerios, I recommend that you start by visiting this page to learn more about Stale Cheerios and that you visit my Top Posts page.

~Mary Hunter

Recent posts from the StaleCheerios blog

Bathtub Mice

Bathtub Mice

By on January 2, 2012 in Rat (and Mouse) Training

I spent a lot of time last week hanging out with my new mice in the bathtub. All three mice were very shy when I first got them and did not want anything to do with me! In fact, two of them would run and hide whenever I came into the room. So, the mice […]

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two mice

Merry Christ-mouse!

By on December 26, 2011 in Rat (and Mouse) Training

Happy holidays to all my blog friends and readers! I hope you are having a merry time with your friends, family and animals. Santa brought Ginger, our dog, a new toy, which she is trying her hardest to destroy. The toy has already lasted almost 24 hours, which means it must be pretty durable! First, […]

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A Bearded Dragon Who Plays Video Games

By on December 17, 2011 in Other Species

Now here’s a youtube video of one cool lizard!!! This bearded dragon thinks the ants in this phone game look pretty appetizing. And, she has pretty good aim, too! I assume that this did not take any training, but I’m not sure. I just hope she got a treat for all her hard work! What […]

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What is the Art and Science of Animal Training Conference?

By on December 7, 2011 in Conferences and Clinics

As some of you know, I’m involved with ORCA (the Organization for Reinforcement Contingencies with Animals) a graduate student group at the University of North Texas that conducts research related to animal training and behavior. In their most recent newsletter, ORCA published an interview with ORCA advisor Dr. Jesus Rosales-Ruiz discussing the origins and purpose […]

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Should you adopt? Ask a whale!

By on December 2, 2011 in Dog Training

Here’s an awesome video clip from Vimeo. Everyday, there are thousands of homeless pets who need homes. Should you adopt a dog from shelter? How about asking a beluga whale? Check out the video–even this whale thinks pet adoption is the right choice! Even a Whale Thinks Pet Adoption is the Right Choice! from The […]

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Houdini Learns to Step Up

By on November 27, 2011 in Rat (and Mouse) Training

Houdini is the little white mouse who I’ve had for about a week and a half now. You can read more here about why Houdini is my mouse escape artist. Houdini’s a pretty friendly little fellow. He seems to like to sit on my hand and is pretty curious and willing to explore. He usually prefers […]

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