clicker training

CLICKING WITH DOGS & CATSSusan HartNovember 7, 2005: 

CLICKING WITH DOGS & CATS Susan Hart November 7, 2005

BACKGROUND: 

BACKGROUND Developed in the 1940s Used with Zoo animals in the 1960s Interest spread to the dog training community in the 1990s

SO, What is Clicker Training?: 

SO, What is Clicker Training? A positive-reinforcement training system Based on Operant Conditioning Reinforced behavior will be repeated Incorporates the use of a marker signal (The CLICK) to tell the animal exactly what it is doing right at that point in time

Benefits: 

Benefits Means the same thing all the time Everyone who clicks is “cool” Convenient marker signal Learning is permanent; “Quick & they stick” 5-10 minute sessions

Using the Clicker: 

Using the Clicker Consistent and audible noise maker Use dominant hand Press the clicker down and then release Click only once Variety of types available Use based on circumstances

Clicker Training Basics: 

Clicker Training Basics Used for new behavior only Eventual switch to a verbal marker Variably reinforce Only click when you see the desired behavior CLICK ONLY ONCE! Immediately follow up with a reinforcer

What are Reinforcers?: 

What are Reinforcers? Food—the tastier, the better! Praise Toys Favorite activity Calm interaction Aversive behavior to the animal is stopped BE SURE TO VARY THE REINFORCERS!

Essential Clicker Skills: 

Essential Clicker Skills Timing High rate of reinforcement Setting success criteria Distance Duration Generalizing to different environments

Getting Started: 

Getting Started First step is teaching that CLICK = TREAT Referred to as “loading” or “charging” the clicker Only noise the dog should hear is the click Don’t give any commands Practice quick timing for treat/reward delivery Never click without giving a reinforcer Continue until the dog is paying attention to the click They will quickly try to figure out what it takes to make you click!

Training Sessions: 

Training Sessions Patience is essential Break the training/behavior down into steps (chaining) Have a training plan, keep a journal of progress Distraction-free environment to start Short sessions (5-10 min) Can be several times a day Keep the dog interested Be clear about when the session is over Use a verbal cue, put the clicker down and put away the reinforcers Always end on a positive note

How to Get a Behavior With the Clicker: 

How to Get a Behavior With the Clicker Capture the behavior Click when you see the behavior happen Shaping Click for small pieces of the behavior Lure/Reward Use a reinforcer to get the behavior you want and then mark it with a click

Using the Target Stick: 

Using the Target Stick Use a training stick or just your hand Used as a guide to perform a behavior Hold the stick out and click and treat when the dog approaches and touches it Useful when teaching “touch” or positions such as sitting on a scale

When to Speak!: 

When to Speak! When the dog has learned the behavior and provides it consistently (80% of the time) a command (or CUE) can be added A cue can be verbal or a hand signal Teach the dog that it only gets a reward when the cue is given

Fading the Reward: 

Fading the Reward Once the behavior is learned you will no longer need to treat for that behavior BUT, surprises are great to keep them guessing

What Behaviors to Teach?: 

What Behaviors to Teach? Clinical Skills Desensitization Techniques Kennel Management Reactivity/Self Control Games

Clinical Skills: 

Clinical Skills Positioning Scale Exam table Enter kennel or crate Nail trimming, ear cleaning, shaving Manipulation – accept restraint e.g., ECG Blood collection – jugular, cephalic Urine collection

Desensitization: 

Desensitization Handling Muzzles Cat bag Collars, jackets Slings

Kennel Management: 

Kennel Management To be effective, educate the staff Appoint a coordinator Provide necessary equipment Books, clickers, treat bags, acceptable Reinforce only calm behavior Teach “please” (sit for any behavior) Exercises the mind and body

Kennel Manners: 

Kennel Manners Sit: before opening the door Before putting on the leash Before interactions with technicians Before feeding (“Quiet kennel”) Four on the floor at all times Recall, back, loose leash

Cats can be trained too…: 

Cats can be trained too…

Useful Tips: 

Useful Tips Have a clicker and treats on you at all times—you never know when you will need them Always click and then treat Always click when the behavior is happening Only click once Do not use the clicker to get attention

Useful Tips, Cont.: 

Useful Tips, Cont. Use the right size & type of food for reward Vary the difficulty of the task Keep the sessions short Expect progress in small steps Be patient & have fun!

RESOURCES: 

RESOURCES www.clickertraining.com DON’T SHOOT THE DOG! By Karen Pryor Clicker Training for Dogs. By Karen Pryor www.clickandtreat.com www.sitstay.com www.dogandcatbooks.com