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Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions on my training. A few of these questions were quite alarming, that’s why I found it important to answer openly.
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Which training methods do you use?
My training is based on operant conditioning. To shape and modify a behaviour, I prefer using a clicker. This handy and effective tool makes it easier to mark a certain and rapid behaviour most exactly. |
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Are mice smarter then rats?
No. Rats sure are more intelligent, although the difference between these two species is far less significant than most people would expect. I have trained both species for many years now, and I couldn't tell any difference concerning their training abilities… except one: mice fare even better than rats in tricks requiring spatial memory (e.g. agility), which of course doesn’t mean that mice are smarter - that’s just what they are more specialized in.
I’m afraid that mice are generally regarded as dumb, at least compared to rats. But that’s exactly what I’m trying to disprove by my training! |
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Do you fast your mice before training and if yes, for how long?
I NEVER FAST MY PETS AND I STRONGLY ADVICE AGAINST THAT !!
Mice have a rapid metabolism, so being not regularly fed is VERY dangerous to their health! And anyway, that doesn’t make any sense to me. Or can YOU concentrate better when you’re hungry?! |
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© 2008 mouse-agility.com |
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What kind of treats do you use?
At the beginning of the training I use their favourite ingredients of their every day food. These are mostly the ones of which they can only have a little as these are too rich in calories: first of all living insects, sunflower seeds, peanuts,… but also parsley and cucumber.
But over the course of the training, treats become less and less important for my mice. Then I use e.g. millet sprays as a reward (as seen in my video spinning mice). Although millet is a main part of their food, and even if the food bowl containing the very same millet stood right next to them during training, they would ignore it! The main thing now is the click linked with positive reinforcement. |
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Are single-kept mice tamer and more trainable?
NO! In fact, the contrary is the case! Aside from that, the single keeping of highly social animals is extremely cruel and against our animal welfare law!
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How long did it take you to train Brain Storm for this? (referring to my video mouse agility - world’s smartest mouse)
Most people think that this must have taken forever. But believe it or not: In fact, I started to tame and train Brain Storm and her sister Blitzlicht not even one week before this video was taken! Until then, they grew up without human contact. I trained them about twice per wake phase and kept the training lessons quite short (not longer than one or two minutes) .
Especially Brain Storm responds greatly to free shaping and learns incredibly fast. But her most outstanding talent is her unbeatable concentration span.
This mouse is a trainer’s dream! |
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...many more coming soon. |
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My mice are almost one year old — Are they too old to start clickertraining?
Definitely not!
Elder mice can be trained even easier and quicker since they are generally calmer and therefore able to focus longer and better. On the contrary, the younger are easily distracted and their agility makes clicker training more difficult.
There is no age limit at all. I have only recently started to train some over two-year-old(!) mice and ASFs (none of them have been trained before), and they did absolutely great. I wish all mice were born at the age of two! ;-) |
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NEW! |
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mouse agility - shop (German) |
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mouse agility - shop (U.S.) |