Author: caitlinsanimals

Behavior Shaping Game (for Humans)

caitlinsanimals

Slow clap for the Errorless Learning video at the end.

Boogie's blog

[long nerdy post warning]

PORTL set up.jpg

I am very lucky to have inspiring professional dog trainers in my life who help me be a better dog geek and parent. When my dog trainer friend Sarah Owings asked if I wanted to playtest a “Tabletop Shaping Game” as her lab rat, my answer was YES YES YES.

Sarah’s game is a version of a behavior shaping game (for humans) developed many years ago by renowned UK dog trainer Kay Laurence, to help dog trainers become better trainers. When our dogs fail to learn something, make mistakes, or get frustrated, this is usually because something in the training plan isn’t working. The games are for trainers to hone their skills in testing, refining, and fixing their training plans. The learner or the dog is never blamed or punished.

There is also a variant of this game called PORTL (portable operant research teaching laboratory)

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Word of the Day – Fear Free

caitlinsanimals

Fear-free or fearless vet visits: A low-stress approach popular in the veterinary community and other associated practices, like boarding, grooming and training, in which handling, interactions and procedures are done in a manner designed to keep the dog as calm as possible. Strategies include using handling and approaches that are less likely to induce fear, changing the environment, using medications when necessary and offering rewards to encourage willing cooperation from the dog. In every case, the goal is to keep the experience as positive as possible.

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Trainer Talk is a small-bite blog geared towards CATS clientele to improve their knowledge of training concepts and terminology they will hear throughout thier personalized training sessions.

Word of the Day – Extinction Burst

caitlinsanimals

Extinction Burst: When previously reinforced behavior no longer works to get the desired reward, pet owners may see a surge of stronger, more intense behavior as the dog makes one last effort to get the reinforcement he seeks. A dog who has been reinforced for barking may bark with more gusto when he realizes that he’s being ignored. It is important to note that when a behavior is no longer reinforced, it can sometimes get worse — and more intense — before it fades away.

If you like this blog subscribe and click the button “Make Me Dog Smart!”. 

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Trainer Talk is a small-bite blog geared towards CATS clientele to improve their knowledge of training concepts and terminology they will hear throughout thier personalized training sessions.

Word of the Day – Extinction

caitlinsanimals

Extinction: Ending a behavior by removing reinforcement. For example, a dog barks to get his person’s attention; if the person ignores the dog while he is barking, removing the reinforcer of attention, that behavior ceases to be rewarding and the dog will stop barking.

If you like this blog subscribe and click the button “Make Me Dog Smart!”. 

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Trainer Talk is a small-bite blog geared towards CATS clientele to improve their knowledge of training concepts and terminology they will hear throughout thier personalized training sessions.

Word of the Day – Default Behavior

caitlinsanimals

Default Behavior: Any behavior a dog does when he is uncertain of what else to do, particularly when he is excited or overstimulated. This may include jumping, barking or pawing. Through training, pet owners can replace an unacceptable default behavior like jumping with an appropriate default behavior like a sit or down-stay.

If you like this blog subscribe and click the button “Make Me Dog Smart!”. 

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Trainer Talk is a small-bite blog geared towards CATS clientele to improve their knowledge of training concepts and terminology they will hear throughout thier personalized training sessions.