Abstract
Appetitive responding (double alternation and DRL) in tamed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) was effected with food and water reinforcement. The result was generally inconsistent performance and/or death by starvation or dehydration. While wild prairie dogs did not need drinking water, tamed captives became vitally dependent. This need was met by operant responding only when terms of work were easy; when the terms of work were moderately difficult, some prairie dogs stopped responding and then died of dehydration.
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Boice, R., Witter, J.A. Motivating prairie dogs. Psychon Sci 20, 287–289 (1970). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03329070
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03329070