Man's Best Friend Digging up Psychological Discoveries at ISU
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: February 6, 2013
NORMAL- Blind and deaf dogs with nowhere to turn are now showing up in class at Illinois State University.
While the session gives pooches playtime, it's also teaching dogs who are blind and deaf some valuable lessons.
"I think this class clearly shows that all dogs deserve a chance to live and they deserve a chance to live fully and they can do that with training," said Sasha Kaplan.
Kaplan is a psych major.
She and other students are shaping canine habits, to exhibit positive behaviors.
"You must make the response in order to earn the treat," explained Psychology Professor Valeri Farmer-Dougan
Instead of reading behavioral theories in textbooks, students are able to try them out.
Prior to last year, they used to train rats, but it left one big question...
"What to do with a rat at the end of the semester? Because once the students trained it, what are you going to do with it?" explained Farmer-Dougan.
So the class chose to use rescue dogs instead.
But they're quickly learning just like people, all pups are not the same.
"Since each of these dogs is so individualized, they have to take those theories that they've learned and apply the techniques in a little bit different way for each animal," said Farmer-Dougan.
The point of the exercises is pretty simple.
Teach the dog to do a command like, "Stand Up," and they get a treat.
But the benefit isn't just for the pooch.
"Hopefully they'll get adopted," said Kaplan.
"When you adopt a dog that we've worked with the dog comes to you knowing how to sit down and stay," added Farmer-Dougan.
A psychological lesson that's giving these pets a new lease on life.
Extra Credit:
The dogs also work with autistic children who have trouble mimicking behaviors.
Research shows if the child can teach a dog to obey commands, often times they'll do the same.
If you're interested in adopting one of these pets, call 309-438-4554.
While the session gives pooches playtime, it's also teaching dogs who are blind and deaf some valuable lessons.
"I think this class clearly shows that all dogs deserve a chance to live and they deserve a chance to live fully and they can do that with training," said Sasha Kaplan.
Kaplan is a psych major.
She and other students are shaping canine habits, to exhibit positive behaviors.
"You must make the response in order to earn the treat," explained Psychology Professor Valeri Farmer-Dougan
Instead of reading behavioral theories in textbooks, students are able to try them out.
Prior to last year, they used to train rats, but it left one big question...
"What to do with a rat at the end of the semester? Because once the students trained it, what are you going to do with it?" explained Farmer-Dougan.
So the class chose to use rescue dogs instead.
But they're quickly learning just like people, all pups are not the same.
"Since each of these dogs is so individualized, they have to take those theories that they've learned and apply the techniques in a little bit different way for each animal," said Farmer-Dougan.
The point of the exercises is pretty simple.
Teach the dog to do a command like, "Stand Up," and they get a treat.
But the benefit isn't just for the pooch.
"Hopefully they'll get adopted," said Kaplan.
"When you adopt a dog that we've worked with the dog comes to you knowing how to sit down and stay," added Farmer-Dougan.
A psychological lesson that's giving these pets a new lease on life.
Extra Credit:
The dogs also work with autistic children who have trouble mimicking behaviors.
Research shows if the child can teach a dog to obey commands, often times they'll do the same.
If you're interested in adopting one of these pets, call 309-438-4554.
Comments
This is a great program! I am the president of Blind Dog Rescue Alliance. We rescue and rehome blind and visually impaired dogs. We have had many blind and deaf dogs in our program, and they are wonderful!
Karen B.
February 8, 2013 at 6:57 pm
