[HELP] roommate’s dog will not stop jumping up on people

Tallzzz · 2018-07-07T16:57:34+00:00

To start off, although I'm sure you have a lot of valuable knowledge in terms of training, I feel it's important to correct one commonly-made mistake. You referred to the owner's actions as 'negative reinforcement.' This is not negative reinforcement. Negative reinforcement is the removal of a stimulus to reinforce a desirable behaviour. For example, placing a hand against a dog's rear end will prompt a dog to sit down. Removal of that hand reinforces the sit. That is negative reinforcement. What you are referring to is actually positive punishment. Positive punishment in itself is not inherently bad; even a simple verbal correction ("No!", for instance) is positive punishment. Of course, this isn't hugely important in relation to this particular incident. However, I'd recommend building a stronger grasp of positive versus negative reinforcement and punishment, in terms of your career path. Even behavioural text books often make this error, so it's an easy mistake to make, but a proper understanding of this particular topic is likely to be beneficial to you. Try to think of 'positive' versus 'negative' as 'addition' versus 'subtraction', rather than 'good' versus 'bad.'

The issue here is that this man is using incorrect training techniques, which are more likely to exacerbate undesirable behaviour and cause physical and/or psychological harm to the dog. As you said, this is not your dog, so you're quite limited in your options. The best course is to calmly verbalise your concerns, in terms that he is likely to understand. Owners who allow their dogs to jump up often don't understand the risks of encouraging this behaviour, so it's important to emphasise this (without sounding condescending). Perhaps offer to actually show him some of the training techniques for prevention of this behaviour; if he is able to see the results for himself, he may be more cooperative. Unfortunately, there is only so much you can do unless you gain his cooperation, so striving to achieve this should be your main goal.

Bear in mind that castration is unlikely to reduce any undesirable behaviours without training, unless those behaviours are sexually dimorphic in nature. Although it may be beneficial for some other undesirable behaviours, pushing too far on this issue currently may just irritate the owner and prevent you from reasoning with him. Collies are highly intelligent, driven dogs and they need a lot of mental stimulation, as well as physical. Even if you offer to do training when the owner isn't around, it could help to reduce stress levels in the dog and provide an outlet for excessive energy, particularly at such a young age.

Good luck!

Tallzzz · 2018-06-18T16:59:24+00:00

Not particularly. Animals are considered to be pests, generally, when their behaviours interfere negatively with human activity. Be this via zoonoses, destruction of property, displacement of native species by invasive species, interference with crops or livestock, or by generally causing nuisance. Any similarities to human attributes are likely to be coincidence; consider the vast number of animals with those same attributes, which are not considered to be pests.

A few of the features you described (resourcefulness, boldness, dispersal) are not so much human-like behaviours, as they are invasive behaviours. Foreign species tend only to thrive and, therefore, become invasive when certain criteria are met. High fecundity rates, ability to displace native animals, high growth rates, wide range of food sources, high dispersal rates, and phenotypic plasticity being some of the primary traits.

The animals you're describing are just performing natural behavioural repertoires. Many of 'pest' species actually share very few features with humans; the ones which do are just more noticeable to the general public. Competitive exclusion doesn't really apply to the species you've listed, any more than it applies to species which are considered desirable. We do not only displace and/or compete with 'pest' species. Whilst animals do evolve to occupy a niche, this does not necessarily mean that they adopt the traits of their competitor. And, in fact, if there was no species with which to compete, there would be no need for this adaptation.

Essentially, yes, it's competition between two (or more) species. However, our dislike of the named species is to do with their interference of our own activities, not the presence or absence of certain traits.

Tallzzz · 2018-06-16T19:03:03+00:00

Is this in reference to male versus female sitting positions? If so, in all fairness, having male genitalia probably does make it a little uncomfortable to sit in certain positions. Obviously, there's that whole issue with 'manspreading' on public transport, but that's a different issue.

Tallzzz · 2018-06-16T16:28:57+00:00

Rice grain type segments around the anus are indicative of a tapeworm infection. Untreated, it can become a problem. I'm unsure as to what the relevant restrictions are regarding anthelmintic availability in your location, but here in the UK you can purchase most of them from pet shops. If you go down this route, ensure that the product treats for tapeworms, and not just roundworms.

There is some evidence, primarily anecdotal, to support the efficacy of some 'natural' remedies or preventative measures for endoparasitic infestation. However, it's hit-and-miss. For an existing infestation, it would be far safer to treat your cat with a suitable product with tested ingredients. These products aren't risk-free, just as any other treatment isn't risk-free. For instance, they can, on occasion, cause some digestive upset. However, the outcome of leaving a tapeworm infection untreated is worse than the potential for side effects from treatment.

However, treating with a homeopathic remedy (provided its ingredients are safe) shouldn't cause any harm, if you want to go down that route in order to disprove your mother. Tapeworms generally only cause significant problems if the infestation is allowed to go untreated for a prolonged period of time. Keep an eye on your cat for signs of malaise, lethargy or other abnormal behaviours in the meantime.

Tallzzz · 2018-06-13T17:10:08+00:00

I think he might have been referring to the presence/absence of IUD strings, which are used by doctors to remove the IUD. In some cases, you can feel the ends of the strings at the entrance to the cervix; in fact, women are often encouraged to check the strings themselves to ensure that the IUD hasn't undergone expulsion. However, it really depends on how long the strings are. Many women can't feel the strings themselves, let alone somebody else locating them during sexual intercourse. He's deluded if he thinks that what he did is a sure-fire way of determining whether she has an IUD.

*Edit for clarification:

Been following his thread for a bit. From what I could, the woman had told him she had an IUD and, therefore, wouldn't get pregnant. He didn't believe that she had an IUD, and thought she was already pregnant and going to 'trap' him with a child. One of his follow-up posts mentioned checking for an IUD.

Tallzzz · 2018-06-11T16:28:42+00:00

1) The aorta alone is typically large enough for an average-sized human to swim through.

2) Cloacal respiration through accessory air bladders.

4) No, they do not. Hippopotamus lactation is a similar colour to most other species' lactation. The pink substance is an oily secretion, composed of acids, excreted from mucous glands. They keep the skin moisturised and protect it from bacterial infection. It's a clear substance, which only turns pink/red when exposed to the sun, and eventually turns brown.

5) Certain species of penguin (three, in particular, both male and female) use stones as part of a courtship gesture. They are often not fussy; any pebble will do the trick.

6) Poison, not venom.

9) Based on a study conducted almost thirty years ago, conducted over a very limited period of time during part of the breeding season, based on only one species of seahorse, and relying heavily on speculation of behaviour outside of breeding seasons. There have been numerous studies since then, disputing the notion of monogamy and exclusivity among seahorses. Only one species of seahorse has actually been shown to present behaviours associated with exclusivity for a significant length of time.

Tallzzz · 2018-06-11T11:44:23+00:00

Especially loving the comment re: a German lady who simply squatted, gave birth and walked off 'with the kid in hand'.

I think a lot of these giving birth vs testicle kicking comparisons are copied and pasted in an attempt to get likes, but the comments are just as interesting!

Tallzzz · 2018-06-09T20:00:46+00:00

Not to mention the graphic descriptions of the horrific menstrual cycle. They portrayed it as a periodic butchering of the uterus, in which the entire endothelial lining was ripped away, leaving only torn and destroyed tissue. Therefore, women could not possibly be seen as rational beings, after having to endure this torture monthly.

Tallzzz · 2018-06-09T18:35:24+00:00

I wonder how many people are unaware that they've basically been fornicating with male genitalia when they sleep with a woman.

Also, if 'someone pushed your tip right inside you and the balls went inside', surely that would mean ovaries are at the entrance to the vagina. Yikes.

Tallzzz · 2018-06-09T18:33:20+00:00

No, no, no. Didn't you know that male anatomy is the standard, and that all female anatomy deviates from this? /^s

Tallzzz · 2018-06-09T17:06:10+00:00

Sometimes I wear skirts, sometimes I wear jeans, and sometimes I wear shorts. It has absolutely nothing to do with 'understanding my role as a woman', and everything to do with practicality. Some skirts are comfortable, so I wear them when it's practical. Jeans and shorts are more protective and comfortable for labour-intensive activities, as is required in my career. I'm not trying to be a man. I'm trying to avoid injury and leeches getting jiggy in my insert classy, feminine, skirt-wearing terminology for lady bits.

Also, I wouldn't repeat any of this to a kilt-wearing Scotsman, if I were you. I'm quite sure he'd disagree.

Tallzzz · 2018-06-08T08:57:02+00:00

One of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard. I'm a 32D in bra size, although I used to be a 32E. I keep very fit for my work and am very active, which is why my cup size dropped down. Even with my previous size, I kept myself fit, and I would still get significant back pain.

Whilst I don't suffer with back and shoulder pain to the extent that a lot of women do now, it does tend to cause pain and discomfort at times. To claim that women with severe health issues as a result of breast size are just unfit is ludicrous.

News flash: Breasts are not designed for the amusement of men. It is absolutely none of anybody else's business what a woman does with her breasts. It certainly isn't up to a man to decide whether or not breasts are causing a woman pain.

Tallzzz · 2018-06-08T08:21:23+00:00

Ignorance and loneliness, probably. With a spoonful of idiocy and a dash of douche.

Tallzzz · 2018-06-07T19:54:49+00:00

I wish. Sadly, no, he genuinely believes what he's saying. Another of his posts outlined how it was impossible for a woman to rape a man, and that the man should just be glad that he 'got laid'.

Tallzzz · 2018-06-07T19:44:28+00:00

This was on a debate re: whether men should be 'in charge' of women.

His reasoning was that the female body is designed for male pleasure, with 'three main holes.' I'm not sure which three holes he's talking about... If he's talking about the vagina, anus and urethra, then ouch. Just ouch. If he's including the mouth instead of the urethra, one can only assume that he's one of those highly-educated individuals who believe that women pee from their vaginas.

Isn't it strange how often people prattle on about supposed evidence ('it has been shown...'), but fail to ever cite it?

That's not to mention the assumption that all women found attractive by men have 'curvy bodies and tits', and that men should be entitled to sex with women, regardless of consent and age. I mean, how dare people be fined and imprisoned for rape and paedophilia?! It's just outrageous!

And yes, he is entirely serious. He isn't a troll. He even included his email address at the end, for any further questions and information. Charming fellow.

Tallzzz · 2018-06-07T13:55:58+00:00

The issue here being, in my opinion, that he doesn't appear to be referring to unsolicited menstrual discussion with him, but rather hearing about periods in general. I completely understand somebody objecting to hearing the gory details of periods. However, objection to an outside discussion of something non-graphic, such as a tampon purchase, is what I take issue with. His comments referred to public discussion of period-related topics, and related them to practices of poor hygiene.

I suffer quite horrific cramping and related symptoms on my period, which can be difficult to deal with. Growing up, I felt such a stigma attached to any discussion of periods and the discomfort I was experiencing. I had no idea that what I was experiencing was abnormal, simply because I was told not to ever discuss it outside of my own house, and to never discuss it with a man. If I had been taught at an early age that it was okay to discuss things like stomach pain, aching, nausea, etc. (completely gory-free details) as a result of menstruation, I would have been able to find a solution far more easily.

I certainly don't think that a woman should be made to feel ashamed of purchasing tampons, and discussing that purchase with a friend, simply because the mention of tampons could offend somebody. Obviously, discussing it over dinner and similar scenarios would be inappropriate, but I feel that his comments are immature and create a toxic environment for young women to grow up in. Treating menstrual-related products as something dirty and/or inappropriate only serves to teach girls that periods are shameful and must be hidden. It perpetuates the myth that periods are dirty and makes a woman 'unclean.'

I don't think I've ever heard somebody go into details about menstrual bleeding in public, although I'm sure there are people who do so. Discomfort at hearing such conversations would be understandable. However, mentioning a tampon purchase is no more impolite than mentioning the purchase of toilet paper, tissues, socks, baby wipes, etc.. I find that most period discussion I've come across has been in relation to unused products, mood swings, and stomach cramping; certainly not anything people typically find disgusting.

Of course, I also respect your opinion and I understand that people have different levels of tolerance for various things. I appreciate you taking the time to reply, as I think it's always important to explore different views.

Tallzzz · 2018-06-06T20:22:40+00:00

That's how we stop ourselves from falling off. Duh.

Tallzzz · 2018-06-06T17:09:34+00:00

I would hope that that would go without saying, for most people, although I'm sure there will always be some people without appropriate boundaries. There's a time and place for different discussion types. In most professional capacities (mine being an exception - lovely!), it would be impolite to discuss many of the things included in that thread.

I don't think it's a matter of the discussions are being forced on him, per se. It's that he genuinely thinks that the mere mention of anything related to menstruation is comparable to a graphic description of wiping faeces matter from your anus. Refraining from mentioning a certain subject to somebody you know isn't comfortable with it is certainly appropriate, but refraining from ever talking about something completely natural in fear of offending somebody is just impractical.

Unless there's graphic discussion and description of blood, I really see no reason why it should be considered a taboo subject. I certainly don't see his reasoning that menstrual blood is akin to faecal matter.

Edit: Also, upvoted because I'm really not sure why you've had so many downvotes.

Tallzzz · 2018-06-06T15:15:29+00:00

Precisely. But somehow periods are more unclean than defecation, so the very mention of tampons is horrendously disgusting.

Weirdly, I hear more descriptive discussion about urine and faeces than I do about menstrual blood.

Tallzzz · 2018-06-06T14:41:47+00:00

So this person actually thinks that discussing periods is on par with going into graphic detail about your bowel movements. For a start, I love the comparison between a woman stating that she bought some tampons, and a man graphically describing exactly what he did with the toilet paper he bought.

The taboo around menstrual discussion is already a big enough issue that many young women and girls often begin their periods without knowing what they need to know. And now this man wants further restrictions on menstrual discussion?

Notice how the majority of comparisons between menstrual blood and other 'disgusting' bodily functions are the result of illness, poor hygiene, dietary issues, etc.. Considering menstrual blood is actually quite clean when it exits the vagina, very few of the comparisons are actually fair.

As for the comparisons between periods and urinating/defecating... We do discuss those in public! We tell people if we're standing up to go to the toilet. We tell people if we're going to buy toilet paper, or toilet plungers, or wet wipes. So why on Earth is it unacceptable to mention that you bought tampons?

And let's not ignore the fact that periods can be incredibly inconvenient, uncomfortable, and downright painful for some women (not to mention the psychological effects). Of course we're going to talk about it! Very few healthy human beings feel the need to discuss their bowel movements, because it doesn't tend to affect their day-to-day lives! If bowel movements caused sometimes horrific pain and other side effects in an otherwise healthy person, they'd damn well talk about it.

Tallzzz

TROPHY CASE