viedma: I will rule the world! Emperor Cupcake! (Default)
Bill Rebane, Moviemaker and Feminist ([personal profile] viedma) wrote2008-10-10 11:32 am

Your heartwarming link for the day

Shedd Aquarium rescues dogs and trains them like a dolphin or whale


Doing stuff for humans is neat!

"In their new lives as performers, the dogs do tricks, play with handlers and demonstrate new talents like ferreting out contraband.

To teach them, the Shedd used training methods it helped pioneer.

"A lot of animal training used to be based on coercion, force and punishment . . . with owners establishing themselves as the alpha members of the group, yanking on leashes and tightening collars to dispense discipline," Ramirez said. "You can't put collars and leashes on marine mammals like whales and dolphins, so trainers had to develop a new training regimen, positive reinforcement."

Trainers encourage desired behaviors by giving the animals little rewards—a tasty snack, a pat or caress, jolly "good boy!" or "good girl!" praises. Punishment is never used."

***

No word on whether "Pet Training the Shedd Way" will be subtitled, "Suck on this, Cesar Millan."


ETA: Special bonus heartwarming article just for you, Connecticut court overturns same-sex marriage ban.
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[identity profile] traveller.livejournal.com 2008-10-10 04:58 pm (UTC)(link)
okay, but I want my dog to not pee on the rug, I don't care if he can balance a ball on his nose...

[identity profile] viedma.livejournal.com 2008-10-10 05:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Damn, I already sent Aquarium tickets to you and everything!
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[identity profile] traveller.livejournal.com 2008-10-10 05:09 pm (UTC)(link)
ooh, but I like sharks! I'll bring the dog.

[identity profile] viedma.livejournal.com 2008-10-10 05:18 pm (UTC)(link)
Watch out for the dreaded dog shark!
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[identity profile] traveller.livejournal.com 2008-10-10 05:20 pm (UTC)(link)
I will!

in all seriousness, my dad and I like to watch Cesar and cheer when he gets bit. if that tells you anything. :p

[identity profile] viedma.livejournal.com 2008-10-10 09:33 pm (UTC)(link)
~_^

Sweet.