Learning about learning!

Here's a very rough video of my two babies. Please note they are both way out of practice and Tunny is under the weather! I wasn't going to have her do anything but she was dyeing to show up her sister :)

P.S. Peapod is a house rabbit and does interact with my dog regularly.

So, I disapeared for a few months. But here I am again, pretty determined to update this journal more frequently. Sometimes being in school means it's very easily to succumb to the "college bubble". Thank god for winter break.

I'm home with the dogs again and was going to do a drop in agility class with Tunny but we're stranded at home without a ride. Nice.

We do have some sad news, though. Tunny, who isn't even five years old yet, is developing a cataract in her left eye (her eye spotted eye).  We're all pretty shook up about it and I haven't yet made any decisions.  I have started thinking about how I might have to change my training techniques if she looses a lot of her sight (and if, for whatever reason, we opt to not get surgery).  Currently she doesn't seem too bothered by it but I am worried since she's always used her sight over her other sense (especially her sense of smell). I thought of trying some more scent discrimination to force her to turn hber sniffer on more often. *sigh*

I also got a new job a few months ago taking care of fish displays for a resturant chain. I also scuba dive for them and clean the tanks from the inside out. It's a different direction for me but I really love it! We've been working on training the fish to swim through hoops when prompted. I guess I can't get away with my number one love ;)

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Story?id=5588291&page=1
James Carter, a psychologist at Harvard Medical School, is working on an interactive computer program called Virtual Space Station. With help from 13 American astronauts who have flown on long-duration flights, Carter's team is designing the program so that if an astronaut is suffering from depression or anxiety, or having a conflict with a crewmate, he or she can use the computer for therapy. 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080819/sc_nm/magpies_mirror_dc
LONDON (Reuters) - Magpies can recognize themselves in a mirror, highlighting the mental skills of some birds and confounding the notion that self-awareness is the exclusive preserve of humans and a few higher mammals. It had been thought only chimpanzees, dolphins and elephants shared the human ability to recognize their own bodies in a mirror.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/animal-pharm-prozac-for-pets-872829.htmlLifestyle drugs to treat troubled canines for depression, anxiety, bad behaviour and even obesity are being launched by pharmaceutical firms anxious to cash-in on the nation's booming love affair with man's best friend. Most of the new pills are almost identical to those popped by humans – and some are proving very controversial indeed. This month, the American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA) annual convention in New Orleans, attended by more than 10,000 of the country's leading vets, saw a heated debate about the doggie anti-depressants Clomicalm and Reconcile, and a product called Slentrol – the world's first canine anti-obesity pill. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/01/science/01chimp.html?ref=todayspaper
She spent her early years playing in the backyard of a small house in Reno, Nev., learning American Sign Language from the scientists who adopted her, and by age 5 she had mastered enough signs to capture the world’s attention and set off a debate over nonhuman primates’ ability to learn human language that continues to this day.

Congratulations Tunny for passing her CGC/TDI! 

Yay, my little dog with a BIG heart! <3

Public plea for help... 

If you have experience in bird training can you tell me what literature you would consider a necessity?  I have ZERO experience with birds or bird training and I have to interact with many large exotic species at work (cockatoos, macaws, african greys). Admittedly, they make me a little nervous because I have a hard time reading them. No one tells you how big their beaks and claws look when you're so close to them.

I'm going to get an African Grey and hope he's half as cool as Alex-

Numerical Competence in an African Gray Parrot 
Abstract:  An African gray parrot (Psittacus erithacus), Alex, trained to label vocally collections of 1–6 simultaneously presented homogeneous objects, correctly identified, without further training, quantities of targeted subsets in heterogeneous collections. For each test trial Alex was shown different collections of 4 groups of items that varied in 2 colors and 2 object categories (e.g., blue and red keys and trucks) and was asked to label the number of items uniquely defined by the conjunction of 1 color and 1 object category (e.g., “How many blue key?”). The collections were designed to provide maximal confounds (or distractions) and thus replicate the work of Trick and Pylyshyn (1989) on humans. Humans count rather than subitize under such conditions. Alex's results (83.3% overall accuracy) are therefore discussed in terms of their relation to human numerical competence, particularly with respect to counting.

Acquisition of a Relative Class Concept by an African Gray Parrot (Psittacus erithacus): Discriminations Based on Relative Size
Abstract:  We report that an African gray parrot (Psittacus erithacus), Alex, responds to stimuli on a relative basis. Previous laboratory studies with artificial stimuli (such as pure tones) suggest that birds make relational responses as a secondary strategy, only after they have acquired information about the absolute values of the stimuli. Alex, however, after learning to respond to a small set of exemplars on the basis of relative size, transferred this behavior to novel situations that did not provide specific information about the absolute values of the stimuli. He responded to vocal questions about which was the larger or smaller exemplar by vocally labeling its color or material, and he responded “none” if the exemplars did not differ in size. His overall accuracy was 78.7%.

Cognition in an African Gray Parrot (Psittacus erithacus): Further Evidence for Comprehension of Categories and Labels
Abstract: This experiment was designed to examine further the comprehension skills of an African gray parrot (Psittacus erithacus). For each test trial the parrot was shown a different collection of 7 physical exemplars (each collection chosen from among 100 objects of various combinations of shapes, colors, and materials); was asked 1 of 4 possible vocal questions, each of which requested a different type of information (e.g., “What color is [designated object]?”) about a single object in the collection; and was required to reply vocally to each question. A correct response indicated that the parrot understood all the elements of the question and used these elements to guide the search for the 1 object in the collection that provided the requested information. The bird responded with an accuracy of 81.3%, which suggests that his capacities are comparable to those of nonhuman primates and marine mammals that have been trained on similar tasks that involve comprehension of categories and labels.

The relationship between number of training sessions per week and learning in dogs 

Abstract

Despite the fact that most domestic dogs receive some kind of training, surprisingly few studies have been undertaken to analyze the process in detail, e.g. the question of how often training should be done has not been investigated in dogs. According to the Danish animal protection law, laboratory animals, including laboratory dogs, must be habituated to personnel and laboratory procedures before experimentation. In order for the law to be implemented, however, better knowledge about the effect of different training schedules on the learning performance of dogs is needed, something that is also of interest for owners and trainers of family dogs as well as working type dogs. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of two different training schedules on the number of training sessions required to reach a certain training level. Using shaping and clicker training, 18 laboratory Beagles were trained to perform a target response. Nine dogs were trained once a week and nine dogs were trained five times a week. The results of the study show that dogs trained once a week learned the shaping exercise in significantly fewer training sessions than dogs trained five times a week. In addition, weekly trained dogs tended to have higher success rates at the different steps of the shaping exercise than the dogs trained five times a week. The dogs trained five times a week completed the shaping exercise in significantly fewer days than the weekly trained dogs. It is concluded that for dogs learning a given skill, weekly training results in better learning performance than training five times a week, when performance is measured in the number of training sessions required to reach a certain training level.

I am attempting to bring the full-text public papers to this journal more often. Please tell me if you can read this as I have a hard time checking if they are public since I am a student and have access to them (meaning I'm to damn dumb to tell if I'm logged in or not!). If you can't and you really want to read them leave me a message here and I'll try to e-mail them to you.  I'll try to post these with much more frequency. And as usual, give a howl if you see something you want to howl about. ;)

Breed Differences in Canine Agression

( Abstract )

Clicker increases resistance to extinction but does not decrease training time of a simple operant task in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) 

( Abstract )

Efficacy of dog appeasing pheromone in reducing stress and fear related behaviour in shelter dogs

( Abstract )

As much as a pain in the ass my internship has been this summer it's nearing the end and I just know I'm going to miss it (the training aspect). Working with exotics, much like working with Peapod, has made me a better trainer. Especially working with the primates - that was a daily test of my training! Baboons don't let you slip up...

My movements are much more precise, varying my schedule of reinforcing has improved, behavior plans and training journals have become MUCH more organized and clear, and using the correct psychological jardon (instead of the terms used in dog or horse world) has become the norm for me.

I don't think I'll be able to break myself of the habit of saying "behaviors" instead of "tricks" or saying "SD" instead of "commands".

Not to mention it's lit a fire within me to work with exotics which was a dream that fell to the wayside when I felt that it was an unattainable career. I even found myself looking at an exotic animal rescue page the other day. BAD MARIA! Instead I took Peapod out and worked on harness training ;)

Obviously I stopped updating daily - the progression of the study was slow and subtle. I didn't think daily updates were necessary! But, finally I was able to take a short clip as I wasn't assigned any baboons for this session.

These two monkeys have learned the most of all the focal animals. They can behave and focus very well and they also try to figure out what we're teaching them. In this short clip they are learned some target discrimination.

Tomorrow is my last day with them! I am incredibly sad and heartbroken over it. I did form relationships with these animals and really got to know them. They always kept me laughing - they are very interesting characters! They really learned a lot even with all the disctractions and all the social pressures they had to overcome.

Ok, so I dissapeared from LJ for a little bit (been taking naps instead of putzing around on the computer!). 

Update on the baboons: There's been a lot of hang ups. For one thing, the most dominant animal is getting older and slower so their hierarchy is showing all sorts of weird dynamics. Secondly, the heat wave might be making for agressive behavior pronounce (out of frustration and such). Thirdly, they might be hitting an extinction burst and thats why they have the sudden increase in agression. 

I did see a cool bridge session betwen Researcher and BF. Researcher held out the target (marked boards) with a treat behind it, BF pushed it out of the way to get the treat and that behavior was marked (simply for touching the target). He then grabbed the taregt again and went to push it out of way, probably assuming that was the behavior she wanted, researcher didn't bridge (didn't want aggressive targeting) and then BF withdrew an arm and lightly touched it with his left hand and held it there for a few seconds. Big yummies insued. 

Also, if they approach researcher when they aren't her focal animal she can stand up, take a few steps back, and they walk away. This started out as latent learning (I suppose in respone to LRS) but now is a pretty good "no thanks, not you" cue. 

One baboon vomited during a session (he wasn't being reinforced for anything). Researcher explained that is a stereotypical behavior for capitve primates that are 1)bored or 2) trying to get attention of other animals. 

And then tomorrow, 5 hour long park orientation for my internship. Exciting.

I recieved four books in the mail recently. Lads Before the Wind, How Monkeys Think, and Your Inner Fish.  So far, Lads Before the Wind has pretty much captivated me and is my main read. But they are all really excellant books. I also received Sniffy the rat but havent attempted anything with that yet.  

I don't work with the baboons on Wednesdays but I do have Rally classes with my little dog. She is doing very well and I am pleased with her progress (two classes and already doing advanced courses). My only annoyances lie with the trainer that sometimes makes snide remarks about her being a chihuahua ("she has excellant attention...for a chihuahua"). A chihuahua is a dog, and any dog can do anything a dog is capable of doing. OK? Ok. 

The good news I have though is that I got the Animal Trainer internship so I'll be working alongside trainers with all sorts of exotic animals!!! Kinkajous, coutimundis, caphucin monkeys, large birds, bunches of reptiles, dolphins and just so many other things that I can't spell. Yay!

*I have Wednesdays off 

June 5, 11:13 - ?
~60, Cloudy
Reinforcers: Carrots

General Goals: Introduce stations (6 signs painted with different color symbols, i.e red heart, green circle). Reinforce calm behavior. 

Behavior Observations: MANY juvenile and lower-ranking animals (not many large males) approached us. A lot of tesnion between troop members. 

Session Notes: Session was cut short because of the tension, agression, and lack of targeted animals. Researcher notes that very heavy rains from previous night might have caused fights for space in the dry monkey house. 

Returned at 11:45 with same goals and was more successful (admittingly I forgot to take notes). 

Second Session at 2:30 
Reinforcers: sunflower seeds, peanuts, almonds, walnuts

General Goals: Start bridging targets. Reinforce non-agressive behavior and baboons that ignore researcher's training session. 

Behavior Observations: Sunflower seeds kept them most intrigued and I was able to gather at least 8 of them and have them calmly sit before me and eat with little to no agression (succes!). The little seeds kept their heads down and also made them work a little bit for reinforcers. Researcher was able to start bridging two stations and their coorsponding baboons. Agression is slowly regressing but one dominant male, BF, is pushy and sometimes self-reinforces.

Notes: The females are starting to present more sexual behavior which could probably add some tension to the troop fighting over mates.

January 3nd: Day 2 - Sunny, dry, ~70 degrees

First Session
10:30-10:45 AM

General Procedure: Reinforcers - carrots (low value but healthier option, only attracts certain baboons)
Acclimate the baboons to a second trainer (me). 
Reinforce baboons for approaching the fence and sitting/eating politely next to other troop members. 
Researcher still works on bridge.

Behavior Observations: Less aggression over low value reinforcers. They are becoming increasingly more interested in me as well as the bridge.

Notes: Short session, low value reinforcers = very little agression (came and left on positive notes)

Second Session
2:30 - 2:50

General Procedure: Reinforcers - carrots for baboons at fence and peanuts in puzzle feeder for BF
Attemp to lure BF to me and keep him seperate from baboons at fence by use of puzzle feeder. 
Reinforce other baboons for sitting/eating politely by fence and ignore BF and puzzle feeder.

Behavior Observations: Was very succesful at getting BF to follow us and then threw him the puzzle feeder. He took it away from the fence and immediately opened in and busied humself with the contacts (peanuts and shredded paper). Baboons at the fence stayed with us and were reinforced for doing so. There was a scuffle somewhere between the fence and BF, neither of us saw what it was over, but I did see a baby baboon running away from an adult baboon.

Notes: The baby baboons seemed besides themselves with excitement over something to play when BF left the puzzle feeder (tupperware) and the paper behind. One took the bottom pice of tupperware, held it over his face with one hand and then ran around bumping into the other adult baboons (they were very tolerant of this). Another took the lid and rolled around with it (very cute!). Also discussed how hardy the animals are as they are constantly bloodied by each other and seem to heal instantly (an adult baboon had his face rip open sometime between sessions and we already saw signs of healing). 

January 2nd: Day 1 - Sunny, dry, ~70 degrees

First Session
10:30-10:45 AM

General Procedure: Reinforcers - Peanuts (medium value)
Acclimate the baboons to a second trainer (me). 
Reinforce baboons for approaching the fence and sitting/eating politely next to other troop members.
Researcher still attempts to add a bride, dog whistle, and is successful. 
Work on getting BF (dominant male) seperate from the others and allowing them to take reinforcers. 

Behavior Observations: Was pretty successful at getting BF to follow me. He did not agress toward the other members but did eventually go back to researcher. 

Notes: Already seeing more peaceful interactions between members since I last saw them.

Second Session
2:30 - 2:50

General Procedure: Reinforcers - Peanuts (medium value) 
Did not attempt to seperate BF. 
Everything else the same.

Behavior Observations: Very little agression during session. At the end of the session a fight broke out near the fence and one baboon was chased up the fence and surrounded by other members. Researcher noted this as odd behavior for the troop.

Notes: Researcher comments that longer sessions seems to cause more agression.

Wild Polar Bear and sled dogs engage in play. 

Monkeys control a mechanical arm with their thoughts

My dog has pretty severe nail clipping anxiety. For about three years now she's had abnormally long nails as I tried everything I could do to desensitize her to it. I used a clicker to have her target the clippers (and treat her with food). I would leave the nail clippers on the floor for a few days to get her used to their presense. I tried using the clicking sound of the clippers as a bridge ("loading the nail clippers?"). I even attempted to used TTouch methods on her and clip her nails when she went zen on me. 

Of course, this whole time I've been using the wrong reinforcement. Whats the one thig she wanted more then treats, praise, or any other forms of bribery? 

Well to get away, of course! So that was her reward. I'd let her come to me (while I held clippers) on her own time. Then I gently pinned her under my left arm and held her paw in my left arm. When she settled, I'd clip a nail and then instantly release her from my arm and the clippers from my hand. She was free to go and be away from me as long as she wanted. When she returned I verbally praised her and started again. I was able to do all her little toes in two sessions. 

Well, duh!

I have some really interesting trainers added here. 

For example, check out 

rumorofrain 's bird training skills. She's a very gifted and knowledgable trainer! 

Daedalus and her Piggy Bank

 

Rally is an interesting sport. It's much more of a leisure sport. There are only a handful of commands in Novice and it's all on lead (which is good for us because we have been up until now training off lead so we're a bit ahead). It works well with my crazy schedule because I can work with Tunny for maybe two 10 minute sessions and feel pretty set.  

We are having "issues" with down from a standing position (why did rally make that different from obedience?!). And she doesnt like when I tell her stay and circle around her, it seems to make her nervous sicne she tries to desperately keep eye contact. 

But really, those are such minor things. So far, so good.

I smuggled a little baby bunny away from a horse auction on November 14th, 2007. He was being housed in a glad trash bag box and was being relentlessly harassed by unsupervised children reaching in the box, picking him up, twirling him around, dropping him to the ground, and throwing him back in the box.

Against my best conscious, I laid down the three dollar and brought him home. And then promptly felt panic welling up in my throat and swelling in my chest when I realized this was one my worst choices in responsible pet ownership I’ve ever made.