Click Ruprecht
Not so very long ago punishment was common practise at Christmas, the feast of love. However, I strongly believe that the peoples’ attitude toward aversive measures will change to the better, and develop into a more humane way of living together. In the light of this belief and my deeply rooted, Schleswig-Holstein-born bond to Theodor Storm, I had huge fun re-writing his song of Knecht Ruprecht to reflect a similar transition in animal training. Enjoy!
Click Ruprecht
Out from the forest I appear, |
To tell you: Clickertide is here! |
For at the top of every tree |
Smart chickens sit, for all to see; |
and there from Heaven’s gate on high |
I saw B.F. Skinner in the sky. |
And there beside a darkened tree, |
In loud a voice he called to me: |
‘Click Ruprecht, old fellow,’ aloud he cried, |
‘Be quick, make haste, and do not hide! |
All candles now are shining bright, |
The Knowledge’s Gate is opened wide! |
Both man and animal should train |
With skill and fun, and not in vain; |
and when tomorrow to earth I glide |
Plus R will fill all hearts with pride.’ |
And then I said: ‘Oh, Mr Skinner, sir, |
They still make use of whip and spur. |
And in the stables I’ve still to go, |
many a horse feels bad, I know.’ |
‘You have your clicker in your sack?’ |
‘Oh yes, of course, it’s on my back. |
With apples, oats, and more thereof |
Because these treats our horses love!’ |
‘And is the whip there on your sleigh?’ |
‘Why, no! The whip would do away |
With love, respect and mutual joy |
And thus the bond it will destroy.’ |
And Skinner spoke: ‘Then that’s all right! |
I’m glad that you will spread the light!’ |
Out from the forest I appear |
To tell you: Clickertide is here! |
Now tell me quick, how do you train? |
Will whip and rope or clickers reign? |
(Nina Steigerwald freely adapted from Theodor Storm, translated by Regine Witten)