Post by sweetie on Jul 31, 2004 10:02:08 GMT -8
Wow, I like that people can express how they feel and reclarify. Thanks for every one being sensitive about each other's issues. Respect somethimes has to be balanced between one's own beliefs and the beliefs of another.
If I may add a bit here. I have 3 dogs, 1 cat and 4 gerbils. My dogs love to learn, and to be taught. My cat although smart and independent, needs to be taught some things (stay off the counters etc) even though he may not want to learn. My gerbils need to be taught not to bite, not to climb out of the playground enclosure, and to be handled.
Regardless of the species, there are acceptable behaviors that need to be "taught" if we maintain "wild" creatures. If left on their own they would not need to learn these behaviors but the mere fact we own them, it is imperative they learn certain behaviors (not to bite). I truly believe that every species is able to learn certain (Pavloves dog & ring a bell) behaviors. With the proper positive reinforcers, I believe that learning is possible. Learning in some species actually benefits the well being of the animal. Whose to say that gerbils won't benefit from the attention of the owner's attempt at teaching?
Just the one on one attention may be beneficial. Not to mention the change in the ordinary routine. Gerbils are inquisitive little tykes that benefit from different environments, toys, etc.
I DO NOT believe in the use of "regular" negative reinforceres especially in teaching. Most of the ones that commented have also probably utilized the blowing in the face of gerbils to "teach" them not to bite etc. Are you bad for teaching them? What is it that we (humans) do for "treats"?
In summation, Josh go for it and let us know how it goes. Learning is part of every day life for all animals (people also).
If I may add a bit here. I have 3 dogs, 1 cat and 4 gerbils. My dogs love to learn, and to be taught. My cat although smart and independent, needs to be taught some things (stay off the counters etc) even though he may not want to learn. My gerbils need to be taught not to bite, not to climb out of the playground enclosure, and to be handled.
Regardless of the species, there are acceptable behaviors that need to be "taught" if we maintain "wild" creatures. If left on their own they would not need to learn these behaviors but the mere fact we own them, it is imperative they learn certain behaviors (not to bite). I truly believe that every species is able to learn certain (Pavloves dog & ring a bell) behaviors. With the proper positive reinforcers, I believe that learning is possible. Learning in some species actually benefits the well being of the animal. Whose to say that gerbils won't benefit from the attention of the owner's attempt at teaching?
Just the one on one attention may be beneficial. Not to mention the change in the ordinary routine. Gerbils are inquisitive little tykes that benefit from different environments, toys, etc.
I DO NOT believe in the use of "regular" negative reinforceres especially in teaching. Most of the ones that commented have also probably utilized the blowing in the face of gerbils to "teach" them not to bite etc. Are you bad for teaching them? What is it that we (humans) do for "treats"?
In summation, Josh go for it and let us know how it goes. Learning is part of every day life for all animals (people also).