Dog Training

DOG TRAININGCanine Behaviour & Training

WHAT IS DOG TRAINING? Promoting Learning

In reality this is associating of cue words or other signals with a behavioural response so to gain obedience from domestic dogs.

HOW TO TRAIN DOGS? Various methods But most effective is positive reinforcement

(proven to open neurological channels for learning)

Work with dogs natural instinctive and biological abilities (understand and know the specie)

Work with dogs natural motivations (understand and known the breed)

Work with dogs own experience, development and limits (understand and know the individual)

DOG’S NATURAL & INSTINCTIVE ABILITIES

DOG’S NATURAL MOTIVATIONS What senses will be most distracted? And

stimulated in training? What will act as the greatest reward? What is the capacity for duration of learning?

DOG’S EXPERIENCE, DEVELOPMENT & LIMITS Is the dog ‘prepared’ for learning? Has it learning history and experience? How might its previous development and

experiences affect learning and training? How might I affect the dogs training? How does the dog normally exhibit stress?

WHY TRAIN DOGS? To be able to integrate them into society To mentally and physically stimulate To use in leisure To use in service To use in assistance To use in therapy

REQUIREMENTS OF A DOG TRAINER Patience- If you get frustrated dog will pick up on it!

Consistency- Be fair to the dog, let him know what to expect.

Positive Attitude- if you enjoy it the dog will too!

Methodical-Know process

Observantlook for signs of stress in the dog

ALL DOG OWNERS ARE DOG TRAINERS!

GENERAL TRAINING METHOD-1 FOR EXAMPLE TRAINING THE CUE ‘SIT’(WHY TEACH SIT?) Select environment carefully

Allow dog to relax within the environment (aim to return to point of stability-reduced arousal)

GENERAL TRAINING METHOD-2 Test Dogs Motivations

GENERAL TRAINING METHOD 3- Use selected motivator to lure the dog

GENERAL TRAINING METHOD-4 Mark the correct behaviour (or a step

towards it) with a secondary reinforcer and reward with the motivator (now a primary reinforcer).

What is the timing for delivery of reinforcers?

GENERAL TRAINING METHOD-5 Repeat the lure.

GENERAL TRAINING METHOD-6 Phase off the lure and initiate a consistent

hand signal

Produce a training pattern working with various reinforcers and progressing away from lure.

TRAINING METHOD- 7 Switch from continuous rate of reinforcement

to intermittent at suitable frequency.

Allow for hand signal to evolve.

TRAINING METHOD- 8 If dog is working close to

100% in accuracy and behaviour has been shaped (as necessary). Link verbal cue to hand (visual) signal.

TRAINING METHOD-9 Repeat and reward at intermittent rate based

upon training pattern.

TRAINING METHOD-10 Add a release cue Introduce the 3D’s. Test the cue

TIPS Watch for salience, introduce one cue type at a

time. Take regular breaks (produce schedule as well

as pattern) Work methodically with gradual progression Use frustration to promote operant

conditioning, but monitor Choose cue words carefully Allow for evolving of visual cues, but keep

consistent. Watch for inadvertently rewarding Consider range of reinforcements available

TRAINING RECALL Use of General Positive Reinforcement

Method (lure-signal) Other methods?

WALKING TO HEEL OR LOOSE LEAD WALKING General Positive Training Method (lure to

signal) Stop: Go method (use of negative

punishment) Use of positive punishment and negative

reinforcement.

TOILET TRAINING Environmental Aids

Puppy Training or People Training?

CLICKER TRAINING Use of Classical Conditioning Use of Operant Conditioning Continuous Schedule of Reinforcement Training Initiator

Advantages

Disadvanatges

SHAPING Free shaping Forward shaping Reverse shaping

CHAINING Chaining and ’back chaining’

EVALUATING TRAINING AND TRAINER PERFORMANCE