What about the dog that sits and creates a painting

Another interesting section of How Dogs Think was in Stanley Coran�s descriptions of dog training. He described how it is possible to train a puppy without a leash. When the pup is doing an activity that you want to encourage, you praise and reward. For example, if the pup is naturally coming towards you, you can say �Puppy, come� and then as she approaches, say �Good puppy!� and reward the dog when she arrives. The same with sitting. Of course, you have to be very aware of pup�s activities. Catch good behavior and reward it. The timing is essential for proper training.

I was talking to a fellow dog-lover a couple of days ago about teaching and rewards. Telling her about How Dogs Think. She told me she had seen a TV show that showed the value of reward. Two people in an audience were chosen to leave the room, knowing that when they returned, there was something they were supposed to do. The demonstrator then put a pitcher of water and a glass on his table and sat behind it. When the first person was called in, he was greeted warmly. As he approached the desk, he was given encouragement, told how well he was doing. So within a couple of minutes, he knew to fill the glass with water.

On the other hand, when the second person was called in, he was greeted with scolding: �Why are you always so late!� etc. Such harsh words continued from the lecturer. The man never did figure out what he was supposed to do.

Obviously this applies to all classroom education. I find more and more students are overwhelmed with their assignments, feel stress about homework and class work. Considering the statistics in art, how few people actually continue and are able to earn a living, succeed, at this as a chosen field, it would seem that enjoying the luxury of being in school would be paramount. When else will the opportunity and encouragement to make art be so available. And encouragement is definitely a major factor in learning.

Posted by leya at October 8, 2005 05:30 PM