Disqus - Latest Comments for ArkLady

Re: letter.ly

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:47:41 -0000

I didn't get any responses so I won't be holding it. We can try again next month.

Re: letterly

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:23:53 -0000

Glad to see that many of you made it to post your information. Don't forget to finish your profiles and add your pics to Disqus as it can be quite handy for networking...your responses were most helpful...now if the rest of you would comment, it would be super!

Re: letterly

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 23:25:12 -0000

Hi Carol, thanks for chiming in. Cities would be more helpful rather than general locations. You are open to a lot so I'll just keep those opportunities coming! Big cats can be limited but since you are open to a lot, you never know what might be attractive to you!

Re: letterly

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 23:24:26 -0000

Nice to see you pop in. Congrats on the undergraduate graduation. I've been getting a lot of research position info opps lately. I'll keep my eye out for Baltimore, Maryland but you never know!

Re: letterly

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 23:19:23 -0000

Thanks John, great to know and thanks for posting. Very helpful and I am assuming, Atlanta, Georgia. If that is not correct, let me know.

Re: letterly

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:24:50 -0000

Okay, are you ready to start posting? Here is my example:

My specific interest is in animal behavior training (and animal careers LOL) and although I travel and am open to going just about anywhere on the globe, my current residence is in the San Bernardino Mountains near Big Bear Lake, California.

Okay? Now you try!

Re: letterly

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:21:58 -0000

I got a question about this opportunity...which basically asked--do I recommend it?

In general, I usually only post those positions and opportunities that I think are worth investing your time or talent into.

However, if you cannot fit it into your budget--don't do it. This opportunity cycles through on a regular basis--and if you are in my animal career coaching program--I help you lay out the best way to pursue your career and sometimes it is best to get your strategy and goals clear before you take the time and money to participate in something.

Re: The Amazing Disappearing Facebook Fan Box and Share Buttons Trick Revealed

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 10:50:18 -0000

Interesting, I only just was given the option to switch identities and so haven't had a problem yet. Interesting...but I have been experiencing difficulties commenting and posting on both my main page and business pages.

Re: Is it Just Me or Am I Being Called the Cesar Milan of Dog Nutrition?

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 13:49:10 -0000

NP, sorry about lagging but I am just now completely morphing over to Disqus.

I have been in debates over the giving animals bones or necks for a while. Did you see the article on Enrichment on my website?

It was posted from a guy in Australia in 1995 or 1996. WAY ahead of the game.

Re: Does Clicker Training Work with Cats?

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 13:45:46 -0000

Glad you do...he was such a pain in the butt but so fun when he "got" it.

Re: Animal Training & Behavior Books

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 19:35:25 -0000

Yes, I bit the bullet and am making some changes to the site. I have not quite figured out how to manage all of the comments and some spammers are getting through.

Re: Does Clicker Training Work with Cats?

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 20:26:43 -0000

I think you saw the videos I posted of Mr B in school learning how to weigh himself. I taught him a lot of things using a clicker and we used to train all the cats used in commercials with clickers.

This video illustrates an important concept--don't hold too long of a training session. You want an animal to stay interested and be clear on the objective.

Play training is a little harder sometimes because you are using a social event as the reward but I always like to see the little motor heads working to figure it all out and see if they can manipulate you further!

Mr B learned "out of the kitchen," sit,, "place" (because he was aggressive during feeding and we wanted him out of the feeding area until called), down, off, come when called, wait, and scale.

He remains one of my favorite kitty students to date since when he realized he controlled the treat delivery with his actions--he began purring and purred through each and every session!

Re: More Progress with Apollo’s Feet (video)

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 11:18:22 -0000

LOL I remember working with a Clydesdale who would only comply with those who had training sense--otherwise people had no luck forcing him. BIG hooves and legs.

Re: A Survey about Switching Species…

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 21:21:19 -0000

Just deliver the reinforcer by hand.

I trained my rats mostly using the secondary reinforcer with pretty steep variables.

One was bonded strongly with me and the other wasn't. Interesting comparison because when I was stressed, the bonded one's performance deteriorated while the other could have cared less.

1) What was the first kind of animal you trained?
OMG I don't remember. As a kid, probably a parakeet, dog, cat. My first official training for obedience stuff as a novice was a dog.

Professionally? Eesh, I had several animals at the same time--tiger, camel, and I can't remember what else.

2) What other species have you trained?
Non-human? You name it, I've probably trained it--exception being some marine species, polar bear, panda. LOL Seriously, at one time I had a list of species and I finally just tossed it.

3) What have you learned from one species that has helped you train a different species?
I don't think it is a species specific type of deal.

I think the key to training aptitude comes from experience in knowing how animals communicate and understanding the nuances of it.

Plus, I see trends similar to human social styles in animals that is evident across species. So knowing how to recognize that helps get success with different individuals.

I believe you learn from all animals collectively but that studying the natural history is very helpful and observation without verbal interactions is key.

Also, wild animals are very different from domestic animals and moving from predator to prey is also different.

4) What is your favorite kind of animal to train?
That isn't fair! They all are great and I think more of individuals who challenged me and taught me how to be a better trainer tend to stand out in my heart.

I always tend to work with the renegades--more intelligent or more sensitive or a combination of the two.

If I had to chose, I'd say I prefer working wild animals over domestics.

5) What animal (or species) has taught you the most?
As I mentioned, lots of individuals influenced me as a trainer...I'd say the one I am with is probably the best answer!

The ones that stand out? My first tiger and a sea lion.

Re: Ginger needs suggestions for new dog tricks!

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 21:04:54 -0000

Play dead is always a favorite and there are several variations.
Backup
Prayers
Sit Up
Wave
Head Up, Head Down, Head Left, Head Right
Roll Over
Shake Body
Hide Your Face
Spin

I am sure I could come up with more if that doesn't keep you busy. LOL

Re: Does this bird know his colors?

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 21:01:25 -0000

I am not certain that the raven actually learned to distinguish the 'color' because the trainer always presented the pin with the same hand/arm and mostly presented it in the same positioning.

When doing a trial, I would look to establish the correct choice by using different objects of the same color and not necessarily the same shape.

Also, when training an animal you have to be careful about inadvertently cueing the animal with body movement, presentation, and more diligent about making sure variables are introduced.

Thanks for the link Mary and I am always happy when you drop by. I've been a bit remiss about venturing out even though I do have you in my reader!

Re: An Elephant Never Forgets (Ever?)

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 20:52:22 -0000

I find it amusing that everything has to be quantified before people will believe it and don't think there is an easy answer here for a number of reasons.

For instance, animals I've worked with from the past have remembered my 10, 15, 20 years and longer.

While some want to equate that to specific triggers, depending on the situation, I have no doubts that they do.

When it comes to task acquisition and long term retention, it does vary because the animals have different cognitive skills and health and physical influences do come into play as you point out.

But also, what seems clear to the trainer is not always what is interpreted or experienced by the animal.

Also, as you noted, just because the animal grasps a concept in one location does not mean that it will transfer easily to another location or context.

I know you've been through different parts of my site but there is a column where I talk about moving forward before a behavior is stabilized and similar challenges also occur when you take an animal from a low distraction (familiar) area into one of higher distraction.

In the last group of elephants I worked there were so many inconsistencies in handling and clarity that sometimes it was necessary to break the behavior back down into small steps and very distinct SDs.

The animals knew the behaviors but it was the failure on the part of the trainers to differentiate or clearly identify what was required or asked.

Finally, I've trained elephants a couple of times in my lifetime and have to say that it was very gratifying to be greeted with great enthusiasm after an absence of several years. <g>

Re: Is it Just Me or Am I Being Called the Cesar Milan of Dog Nutrition?

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:31:03 -0000

Great summary. I was involved with a progressive clinic (as a behavior/training associate) in the mid-1990s and we had a raw diet pet food nutritionist (plus holistic vet, etc) and were considered heretics.

Today there are a lot of options and it boils down to not only health but what you will do to maintain your pet's health.

I've fed raw, cooked and commercial diets. Today there are a lot of commercial options (including raw) so it is not as much of an issue to feed what might be best for your pet like it was 10-15 years ago.

When you get into the history of pet food it is very revealing and yes, it is a big, big market.

It used to be that recommendations were trusted but that is hard any more with sponsorships and endorsements that are tied to financial rewards.

Glad to see someone tackle this topic...and good luck with the Cesar Milan label--you know he has his named licensed to pet food now too!

Re: Reading Your RSS Feeds Is Not a Job

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:37:49 -0000

I use the list function for my RSS reader and scan the headlines for items that might be of interest or useful.

Periodically I clear many from the list--especially if I have been skipping them regularly. I tend to check my feed readers (I have different ones for different topics) a few times a week according to a schedule and then when I have a moment or two of free time.

It keeps me current, gives me ideas, and helps me keep up on trends or to spot ones.

Re: On Leash Aggression: There’s Always a Warning

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:20:13 -0000

I teach people to watch for the critical distance--the distance at which the dog tenses or begins to show the very early signs of aggression and then to back off and being work there.

The biggest challenge many people have is the failure to identify not only the triggers but also the distance at which is at the lowest level or the non-reactive distance.

Re: The greener office

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Thu, 06 May 2010 14:13:48 -0000

I did some marketing work for a local office that was going paperless. At first it was a nightmare because people printed everything but ultimately when you teach people to scan into a PDF or use some of the time management tools--it is awesome.

I like in a small community that is so ecologically retarded that it is scary. It isn't every sophisticated and few people recycle.

In today's state of the environment anything you can do to help is awesome and so good on' ya!

Re: Embracing the digital book — Craig Mod

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 09:08:16 -0000

I'm glad I stopped for a read. Last year I created an ebook but was really disappointed that all the color and layout would not work in the as-it-stands ebook model.

Instead I was excited about the possibilities--embedded or popout videos, color, photos and less restriction from the traditional book.

IMO many current problems stem from the more traditional publishing thought process. My last editor made me send things through the mail--not electronically.

I've watched how the publishing industry has changed--normally it is slow to do so. However as new technology mores forward I think it is going to be exciting to see what happens.

But, as someone who works on a screen most of the day, I prefer hard copies of books.

And just what is that process when I print out something and see it differently?

Re: Lit Agent, Andrea Hurst Wants Writers with High Internet Presence - mediabistro.com: GalleyCat

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:17:53 -0000

I think those publishing industry employees/members who are on the active side of social media can understand and help move the entire industry forward.

Unfortunately, my personal experience is that many lag or are reluctant to move forward.

Re: 5 Ways to Reduce Social Media Distractions and Be More Productive

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:31:31 -0000

I dedicate two periods of time for social media interactions--early am over coffee and in the evening right before I shut down the computer.

If I have time or take a break, I will chime in now and again.

Most recently, I've started using tools to manage all my social media--cuts down a lot of time and makes monitoring things a lot easier.

Finally, I am selective of who I follow. It isn't that I am not interested but I'd rather focus on quality than quantity and be able to interact more.

Re: Steve Martin: Training Birds with Trust Accounts

Ark Lady (Diana L Guerrero) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:49:59 -0000

At one time I was thinking of going to work for Steve Martin's group and toured the facility.

There are many great trainers out there and the nice thing is to see how things have changed over the years (I've been in the training field for over 30 years).

One of my first parrot training experiences was just to stand with my arm in the cage for ages attempting to get the Mealy Amazon to trust me.

All the other trainers were using food deprivation and forcing their animals to comply and it was hard to be the odd duck.

Then, one day the parrot just stepped onto my arm and the rest was a breeze.

He trusted me and that is something you cannot force. Also it is critical in training applications, especially if you are going into new environments or are in a precarious position.

When I founded my company the tag line used the phrase, "trust, respect, and understanding" and today it remains the foundation of my practices.

Training is a two way street and safer for all if you build a good foundation--whether you call it a bank account or not.