A friend of mine posted this earlier today. I just found it interesting. I'm thinking I may have to take out my tape measure for some of the Great Danes that come into the store. There's one in particular that might give George some competition.
http://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/23/giant-george-the-great-dane-is-newly-crowned-worlds-tallest-d/
Friday, February 26, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Positive Punishment
I got in a discussion yesterday with someone about positive punishment. As a result, I thought it warranted an entry. The terminology can be counter-intuitive, so I'll try to clarify.
So, to start with the basics, reinforcement is anything that increases the likelihood of a behavior and punishment is anything that decreases the likelihood of a behavior. For example, upon seeing a treat, a dog may sit and start to salivate. Sitting is the behavior, salivating is an unconditioned response (which we won't get into here). The main point here is that punishment is not always bad and reinforcement is not always good.
Now, the confusing part. In the context of behavior, positive does not mean good, and negative does not mean bad. The way I originally remembered the difference was positive is often represented as a plus sign (+), as in positive reinforcement, represented as +R or R+. The plus sign mean to add, so something is added. The inverse is also true for negative when something is subtracted or taken away (-R or R-).
So, in terms of positive punishment, something is added to decrease a certain behavior. This includes things like hitting, shocks, leash corrections, and many things that are usually referred to as aversives. Something has been added to change the behavior. I won't go into detail here about the problems and fallout of using positive punishment. I've discussed that in other entries and I'm sure it will come up again. Suffice it to say it has been scientifically proven there are much more effective ways to change behavior using negative punishment (taking away the shoe your dog is not supposed to chew on) and positive reinforcement (giving him an appropriate chew toy).
This is a VERY broad overview and barely touches on the subject in the simplest terms, but I hope it's a good starting point and clears up the topic a little. For more information, view some of the other entries, or look at some of Patricia McConnell's or Karen Pryor's books for a start.
So, to start with the basics, reinforcement is anything that increases the likelihood of a behavior and punishment is anything that decreases the likelihood of a behavior. For example, upon seeing a treat, a dog may sit and start to salivate. Sitting is the behavior, salivating is an unconditioned response (which we won't get into here). The main point here is that punishment is not always bad and reinforcement is not always good.
Now, the confusing part. In the context of behavior, positive does not mean good, and negative does not mean bad. The way I originally remembered the difference was positive is often represented as a plus sign (+), as in positive reinforcement, represented as +R or R+. The plus sign mean to add, so something is added. The inverse is also true for negative when something is subtracted or taken away (-R or R-).
So, in terms of positive punishment, something is added to decrease a certain behavior. This includes things like hitting, shocks, leash corrections, and many things that are usually referred to as aversives. Something has been added to change the behavior. I won't go into detail here about the problems and fallout of using positive punishment. I've discussed that in other entries and I'm sure it will come up again. Suffice it to say it has been scientifically proven there are much more effective ways to change behavior using negative punishment (taking away the shoe your dog is not supposed to chew on) and positive reinforcement (giving him an appropriate chew toy).
This is a VERY broad overview and barely touches on the subject in the simplest terms, but I hope it's a good starting point and clears up the topic a little. For more information, view some of the other entries, or look at some of Patricia McConnell's or Karen Pryor's books for a start.
Friday, February 12, 2010
The Mid-Missouri Chapter of the American Red Cross is offering a Pet First Aid class
"The goal of the Cat and Dog First Aid presentation is to teach participants how to be prepared for emergencies that involve a cat or a dog and how to protect themselves and the animal from further harm, injury or suffering during emergencies by teaching prompt, effective first aid actions and care."
Class is held on March 13, from 8:00 am to 12:00 Noon. Cost is $39. You can register through the Columbia Career Center.
More information at http://redcross-midmo.org/healthandsafety/Pet.htm
And registration at https://secure.career-center.org
Class is held on March 13, from 8:00 am to 12:00 Noon. Cost is $39. You can register through the Columbia Career Center.
More information at http://redcross-midmo.org/healthandsafety/Pet.htm
And registration at https://secure.career-center.org
Friday, January 15, 2010
What CAN be done.
Dr. Spophia Yin is another excellent trainer who is out there. I'm particularly impressed with the information she has on "Sophia's Approach to Modifying Behavior of Dogs and Other Animals."
As I've stated before, there seems to be a lot of information about what NOT to do, but not so much (at least not as accessible, in my opinion) about what you should do... or more appropriately, outdated methods vs. methods based on science.
The other thing I really like about her site is the number of videos she has on how to apply a positive reinforcement technique in everyday situations, among other things.
I hope this will be helpful to some people and their dogs.
Sophia's Approach to Modifying Behavior of Dogs and Other Animals
http://www.askdryin.com/sophia.php
Dog Movies
http://www.askdryin.com/dog_movies.php
As I've stated before, there seems to be a lot of information about what NOT to do, but not so much (at least not as accessible, in my opinion) about what you should do... or more appropriately, outdated methods vs. methods based on science.
The other thing I really like about her site is the number of videos she has on how to apply a positive reinforcement technique in everyday situations, among other things.
I hope this will be helpful to some people and their dogs.
Sophia's Approach to Modifying Behavior of Dogs and Other Animals
http://www.askdryin.com/sophia.php
Dog Movies
http://www.askdryin.com/dog_movies.php
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Missourians for the Protection of Dogs
As I've mentioned before (click here), Missouri leads the country in the number of puppy mills. There is an initiative to get something on the November ballot to change that. I hope everyone will participate.
Missourians for the Protection of Dogs is spearheading a new, citizen-backed ballot initiative that will improve the lives of dogs in commercial breeding operations in Missouri.
Columbia Campaign Kickoff:
Columbia Public Library (Daniel Boone)
100 West Broadway
January 13 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Visit http://www.missourifordogs.com for more information.
Missourians for the Protection of Dogs is spearheading a new, citizen-backed ballot initiative that will improve the lives of dogs in commercial breeding operations in Missouri.
Columbia Campaign Kickoff:
Columbia Public Library (Daniel Boone)
100 West Broadway
January 13 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Visit http://www.missourifordogs.com for more information.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Monday, December 14, 2009
Holiday Hours
Mudd Puppies will be closed December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.
Our holiday hours from December 26 - January 2 will be 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sundays 12:00 Noon - 5:00 p.m. We will resume regular business hours on January 3.
Our holiday hours from December 26 - January 2 will be 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sundays 12:00 Noon - 5:00 p.m. We will resume regular business hours on January 3.
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