Ableism and other topics from Michelle Lauren Anderson
The awesome Michelle Lauren Anderson from Survivor Not Victim, featured in the Phoenix Society, on ableism, “thriving with accommodations”, fighting for independence, accepting limitations, preventing ableism, utilizing coping strategies, helping others thrive, and more!
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Text of the PAWS Act
August 25, 2021: Now that the U.S. military has finished a study that proves that, yes, PTSD service dogs help veterans, Congress has passed the PAWS act. Here is the text.
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Notes on Socialization
As mentioned in our post about the concept of Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive, punishment easily backfires, causing fear and aggression.
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LIMA (Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive)
When a dog has a behavior problem, the first impulse can be to solve the problem with punishment. According to LIMA, however, punishment is virtually never required because there are many other methods to change behavior (that do not cause side effects such as fear and aggression). Note: Many of these solutions require that you previously train Sit-Stay (with distractions) before the problem happens.
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The concept of "arousal" when working with dogs
“Arousal” is an important concept—only when the dog is not overly aroused will they respond to cues properly (and only when not overly aroused will the handler be able to function well). If a dog is too aroused (or excited), the dog won’t be able to focus.
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Notes on Animal Assisted Play Therapy® activities
We went to an amazing workshop on Animal Assisted Play Therapy® and have been studying up on it for over a year. While we have done animal-assisted therapy before, it hasn't included this wonderful fun sense of fun that comes with play. Boy, it can help the child who is usually hard to motivate! When a dog is in the room, the encounter seems much less tense to the child (and much more enjoyable).
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Pawsitivity's Dog Trainer Referral Policy
Are you a dog-trainer in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN metro area? We would love to send you referrals! Here is our policy.
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Notes from book, "Chatter: The Voice in Our Head"
Notes from a great book, "Chatter The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It". The author is Ethan Kross.
The tools include self-talk, plus tips involving interacting with others and changing your environment.
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Solving dog behavior problems without punishment
When a dog has a behavior problem, the first impulse can be to solve the problem with punishment. According to LIMA, however, (Least Invasive, Minimally Adversive, publicized by Karen Pryor), punishment is virtually never required because there are many other methods to change behavior (that do not cause side effects such as fear and aggression).
These problems can be solved by maintenance (first choice) and positive reinforcement (second choice).
Note: Many of these solutions require that you previously train Sit-Stay (with distractions) before the problem happens.
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