Cocoa Bear is a striking 2-year-old Golden Retriever/Pit bull mix with fluffy ears and soulful brown eyes. Presently, he is limited on activity due to a partial torn ACL and hip problems but he loves car rides and water play.
Provided to the LVN
Dear reader, there have been times in the past when I knew my BFF was pushing my buttons by wanting in, then out, then in and out again for no visible reason. Well, with technology and recent developments, dogs may be pushing buttons that tell you exactly what they want and why.
Professor Federico Rossano at the University of San Diego has been conducting research on dogs’ use of Augmentative Interspecies Communication (AIC) devices. Originally, he focused on non-verbal communication in humans and primates. However, after seeing Stella the talking dog, he switched to canine communication and now has 10,000 dogs from 47 countries in the study.
What exactly are AIC devices? They are soundboards comprised of push buttons mounted in a HexTile system. The buttons have recorded words such as out, food, water, or play that the dog can press with his paw. Owner’s record the word using their voice so the dog is familiar with the command. When the dog presses the correct button, he gets what he wants.
The training method, based on operant conditioning, uses rewards to reinforce behavior. Initially, the dog is shown the button, for instance out, then it is pressed and the dog goes out. After a few practice runs the dog will associate the button with outside and can use it to go out.
Some of the dogs in the study are using more than 150 buttons although the average number of buttons is nine. Bunny and Stella are the “talking dog” stars of Instagram. Amazingly, these dogs often combine more than two words even producing up to four-word combinations.
So far, the most positive trait associated with success is individual temperament and the most successful dogs are of mixed breed. The positive impact of this technology is powerful. Imagine your BFF telling you what they need, if they are ill, and where they hurt. That would be positively pushing someone’s buttons.
ATTENTION
CAPS will be open by appointment only throughout February. We are upgrading our facilities. Please email us at caps@cccomm.net for appointments, questions, or concerns. We are currently organizing our storage areas and until we get things sorted, we do not need blankets, towels, or dog beds.
LOOKING FOR A HOME
We have four adorable Dalmatian/mix puppies who are 22 weeks old. Born at CAPS, the puppies are currently looking for homes.
IN NEED OF
• Pet food, treats for Kongs, bleach and printer paper.
• Volunteers and consistent walking partners for our fabulous canine guests. Call 775-423-7500 for details.
• Aluminum cans. Please drop them off at CAPS. We are temporarily unable to pick them up.
SHOUT OUT TO
All our community for being so understanding during our current shelter upgrade. Pooch smooches to you.
Our dedicated CAPS Board of Directors who work hard to keep the shelter viable. A four-paw-salute to you.
COME SEE US
CAPS will be open by appointment only throughout February because we are upgrading our facilities. Please email us at caps@cccomm.net for appointments, questions, or concerns. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.
DON’T FORGET
• February Holiday: National Dog Biscuit Day is Feb. 23. Treat your BFF to a cookie.
• Board Meetings are once a month on the second Tuesday, at 5 p.m. in room 201 at the County Offices located on Taylor Street. The meeting is open to the public. Join us for an informative evening. Our next meeting is March 11, call 775-423-7500 for details.
• CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.org) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.
Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Email jkwmil@outlook.com.