1st Post! General Introductions

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Welcome to Learning Lab! 

Here we will explore the scientific ways of training my rat, Lil Thing, to complete magazine training and eventually operantly condition her to press a lever!

Everyone meet Lil Thing! (isn't she just the cutest!)


Before taking this class, hearing the word rats usually brought about a feeling of uneasiness or discomfort. Usually, rats are associated with infestation and disease. Apparently people who think of rats to be disgusting and unpleasant have cleary never met Lil Thing or any of the wonderful rats we have in our lab. Since taking this class I have formed a bond with my rat and she has built a connection with me. She curls up in my hands every time I hold her and sometimes it's hard to put her down because she just wants to play! The very first day we met I was excited to hold her, I knew that I could not go in with any reservations because she would sense my concerns. I wanted to be excited and happy so that she would feel comfortable with me. We had a connection as soon as we touched paws. Her name came to me when I first held her, I just said "hey there lil thing," so it stuck!

I hope you all enjoy following us on this journey! Check posts weekly for updates on training and progress. More pictures and video to come!

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