I just finished reading a review copy of Karen Pryor’s new book, Reaching the Animal Mind (Scribner). I don’t know when it’s coming out, I’ll let you know as soon as I hear (but you can pre-order it on Amazon now). It’s an inspiring book, especially for those that haven’t yet used clicker training on any of their animals. I don’t use clickers for everything I have to admit, I tend to use them most for tricks, or any behavior that is not in a dog’s normal repertoire.
One of the interesting parts of her book is a report of research by Lindsay Wood that found clicker training significantly faster than a verbal marker at training new behaviors. This makes a lot of sense, given what we know about sound and the way it is received. I did my dissertation work on sound, and learned that sounds like clicks (broad band spikes, basically) are perfectly constructed to get a lot of response from acoustic receptor neurons. They are also unique, and so get more attention than any words we could produce.
I also loved reading about her early years at the Sea Life Park, thrown into the “deep end” as it were, as a last minute trainer for the planned marine mammal show that was starting in just a few months. Karen’s ability to combine the science of learning with real live problems, and her intuitive understanding of the importance of figuring out why an animal is, or is not, doing what is asked, is truly inspiring.
Meanwhile, I brought Willie and 4 sheep to campus yesterday for a sheep herding demonstration for my University class. Willie had never worked inside in a enclosed arena before, much less in a setting with 150+ people watching. I thought he’d be a bit nervous, and he was, even more so than I thought. What interested me most was that the sheep had no trouble percieving and responding to it. They wouldn’t move away from Will unless he was just a few feet away from them. Normally their flight distance from Will is about 15-20 feet, (flight distance varies tremendously depending on the dog and the sheep and the context), but in the arena Will had to be right behind them to get them to move.
Poor Will tongue flicked his way around the entire hour, but he didn’t make any huge mistakes, never lost his head and so I am still proud of him. The fact is, Will is simply not the perfect herding dog. The pro’s would call him weak, in that he doesn’t have the confidence and the power to intimidate stock, especially bold individuals who are willing to threaten him. The ideal herding dog takes complete charge over a herd, but without frightening them.. a tricky balance indeed. However, Willie tries hard and I can’t help love him for it. He’s biddable and he’s game and he tries so very hard, it’s just impossible not to love him for it. He helped load the sheep up for the demo, and even though the ram challenged him (and ran him backward 10 feet), Will came back and reasserted himself, and the ram turned and trotted up the ramp into the truck.
As I think about it, I realize that I myself have never been particularly brave, but I’ve tried not to let that stop me in whatever I do. I have, after all, spent over 20 years working with aggressive dogs. Could it be that part of why I love Willie so much is that I identify with him?
Who knows, but here’s part of why I love my two-legged guy, Jim, so much: The photos below is of just one of two gorgeous flower arrangements he brought me for Valentine’s Day (did I mention he also brought his home made heart-shaped sugar cookies, made from his grand mother’s recipe? Oh yeah, and then there’s the chocolate he brought… am I lucky or what?)
And here’s why colorful flowers are so welcome this time of year, although I do love the fresh snow on last year’s flower stalks:
Carolyn says
Amazon.com says the release date is June 16, 2009.
Kerry L. says
You gotta love those dogs who try SO hard. I got Walter the corgi when he was 2 1/2 years old. If I’d waited longer to give him a name I would probably have called him Earnest just because he is so dedicated to figuring out what I want from him. Kerry
Kelly Ladouceur says
First of all, I am SOOO looking forward to reading a new book by Karen Pryor! I bet it’ll be great.
You know, so many of the dogs out there aren’t perfect for the activity they work at (obedience, agility, herding, etc). Sometimes that’s because of the handler, and sometimes it seems to be the innate characteristics of the dog that get in the way. I have three wonderful dogs, none of whom are perfect for the roles I’ve given them. I think that sometimes, we love them *more* because of how hard they try. The mistakes and tough times help us appreciate everything these guys do for us. Or who knows? Maybe I’m just being sentimental. Either way, great job Willie!
And great job to your dear husband, too, who did so well with choosing beautiful gifts to mark a special day!
Holly says
I wonder if there are any bits from “Lads Before the Wind” by KP. I have that book and it is quite good.
I too, love an beastie who tries so hard for me. Dash is one such dog, he came to me at 8, with all the accumulated rust that goes with attaining that age and only having experienced a few things in life. But the things he does know, he knows and he will do over and over.
I heart him.
Patty says
I’ve just read Reaching the Animal Mind. I thoroughly enjoyed it, particularly Karen Pryor’s investigation of research about how and why clicker training works.
I was also intrigued with the notion of dog’s acknowledging a kind act by coming over and likcing your hand. I realize there isn’t any hard evidence about this, but it certainly is an interesting thought. Since I’ve read this, I’ve noticed the following behavior pattern. One of my dogs goes to the water dish, finds that its empty, I go and get the water pitcher and fill up the dish and then she licks my elbow once just before I stand up, and then drinks her fill. Anyone else observed a similar behavior?
Patty
JAMES says
ASWESOME info, can’t wait till Valentines!
JJ says
Due to your blog posts praising Ken Ramirez, I decided to go see him talk at a 2 day seminar in a nearby town. That was a couple months ago. I love it and learned a lot.
One of the books that Ken mentioned more than once and recommended in his talk was “Don’t Shoot The Dog” by Karen Pryor. I also learned about “ClickerExpo” at this seminar and that it is coming to another city near me at the end of January. I’m all jazzed about improving my training skills, so I signed up for the ClickerExpo.
To prepare myself for ClickerExpo, I purchased “Don’t Shoot The Dog” and this other book that I happened to notice, “Reading the Animal Mind”. I hadn’t remembered that you blogged about the book until after I got most of the way through and then noticed your quote on the book.
I loved both books. I think of them as being very complimentary. Reading the Animal Mind is kind of a sequel to Don’t Shoot… I highly recommend both these books for everyone, whether you have a dog or not, because the books help you better understand all animals, including people.
Thank you for blogging about both Ken Ramirez and Karen’s book. I’m now huge fans of both of them. I wouldn’t have gone to the seminar and the upcoming conference if it wasn’t for you. 🙂