Don't Shoot the Dog - Jackpots Revised

Many of you have read Karen Pryer's book, Don't Shoot the Dog  It is an educational book for parents as well as dog owners.  After 20 years, Karen explains how the use of jackpots can work when used effectively.  The below insert is straight from Karen's Blog and is worth reading:

Remember, though, that no one is always right. We all keep learning things all the time, revising and adding to what we knew before. That's one of the joys of science and a valuable phenomenon in the clicker training world.

Looking back at the jackpot section in Don't Shoot the Dog, now, twenty years after it was written and six years after the revision supervised by Murray Newman, I think that I failed to differentiate between jackpots as I see them, and another tool altogether: the non-contingent reward.

A non-contingent reward "just because"

A non-contingent reward is also something you get by surprise, but it is not associated with any particular behavior. One example in the book was the two free fish we gave to a discouraged dolphin, which perked her up and set her to trying to earn reinforcement again. Another example in the book was the ticket for ten free riding lessons that my parents bought me when, at sixteen, I was behaving poorly for weeks on end. It instantly corrected my bad mood. I included these as jackpots, but they were not; they were both examples of a non-contingent reward. The most powerful use of a non-contingent reward is to counteract the effects of an extinction curve; I know the dolphin in question was undergoing extinction of a bunch of operant behaviors; probably this sulky teenager was, too. Getting the news that good things are still available revived the efforts to seek reinforcement again.

Like the jackpot, a non-contingent reward is a tool to use rarely. And, like a jackpot, if it is going to work, you only need to do it once.

Positive Reinforcement Training is Best

Interesting study reported in Psychology Today. I am not surprised by the findings — just further confirmation of my Training approach. Judy Moore

The Effect of Training Method on Stress Levels in Dogs | Psychology Today

The Effect of Training Method on Stress Levels in Dogs

Discipline-based training increases stress levels in dogs.

At a dog training seminar that I attended recently I found myself engaged in a familiar conversation, namely the effect of various types of dog training methods on the behavior of pet dogs. Nowadays the line seems to be drawn between two camps, one advocating "positive dog training" (which uses rewards such as food and play) versus "discipline-based training" (which incorporates slip collars and leash tugs and other physical interventions to enforce compliance).

To give you a bit of a technical background, in reality there are only four methods that are used to teach dogs the kinds of tasks and behaviors that we humans are interested in having them learn. The first is called positive reinforcement, where the term "reinforcement" refers to anything that increases the likelihood that the dog will repeat a behavior. The "positive" refers to the fact that we give the dog something that he wants, like a treat. The second method is called negative reinforcement, where the "negative" refers to taking something unwanted or annoying away, so for example, if you pull up on the leash causing a choke chain to tighten and push down on the dog's hindquarters while you tell him to sit, the negative reinforcement comes when the dog goes into the sitting position you take away the pressure around his neck and on his lower back. The other two methods involve punishment. A punisher is anything that reduces the likelihood that a dog will repeat a behavior. Positive punishment refers to the fact that when a dog does something which we don't want him to do we apply something the dog doesn't like, which could be a slap or a loud reprimand. Negative punishment involves taking something that the individual wants away from him. A human example would be if the child acts out the dinner table he doesn't get dessert when everybody else does. Positive dog training is almost always based on positive reinforcement, while discipline-based training uses a combination of negative reinforcement and positive punishment.

Prior to the mid-1940s, most dog training was done using discipline-based training, since most of the early training models came from military dog trainers who had the idea that a dog should be trained using the same kind of discipline-based procedures that were used for human recruits. The change toward more positive training came about because of a series of books written by Blanche Saunders. Although by today's positive training standards she was still a bit harsh, she clearly recognized the value of rewards and was much softer on her canine students than most trainers before her. Over time, positive dog training has come to dominate the canine training scene, following much along the model of the techniques used by Ian Dunbar and others. However over the past few years, due to the influence of certain high profile dog trainers who have popular television series like Cesar Millan, discipline-based training has begun to gain in popularity.

One of the people in the group that I was speaking with insisted that discipline-based training procedures should not have been abandoned, and that no real proof exists showing negative effects on dogs. She complained that there was a bias among canine researchers, who she referred to as "foodies" since they usually reward the dogs with a stream of food treats. "Just because we live in a kinder and gentler world doesn't mean that we can't teach a dog that when he does something we don't like it has negative consequences," she said. "Properly applied, by people who know what they're doing, there's nothing wrong with negative reinforcement or a little bit of punishment. The problem is that most researchers and the people they get to train the dogs they test probably don't really believe in discipline-based training, and so they either overdo it, or don't work as hard at using it properly."

As luck would have it I had just finished going over an article that was recently accepted for publication in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior* that directly dealt with this issue. It was done by two French researchers, Stéphanie Deldalle  and Florence Gaunet who wanted to test the effect of the two training styles. They wanted to use the most naturalistic setting that they could find, and to collect data based on observation rather than upon changes in blood chemistry or heart rate or other invasive procedures. What they did first was to attend a number of dog training classes in their vicinity and observe the training procedures that were used. In the end they selected one class which used positive dog training methods almost exclusively and contrasted it to another dog training class which used discipline-based methods (mostly negative reinforcement). They reasoned that the instructors in both of these classes were teaching their students using the method that they favored because, as trainers, they believed it was the most efficient system and would produce the best results.

Once the classes were selected, dog and owner pairs were brought in and tested on familiar exercises such as heeling and sitting on command. There were 26 dogs trained using discipline-based procedures and 24 using positive training. The researchers were not looking at actual learning performance, but rather were measuring the amount of stress that dogs appeared to show when performing their learned exercises. They used easily observable behaviors associated with stress, such as mouth licking, yawning, scratching, sniffing, shivering, whining, low posture, attempts to run away, and whether or not the dog avoided making eye contact with their handler.

The results were rather straightforward. If we simply look at whether a dog showed any of the stress related behaviors we find that 65% of the discipline-based trained dogs showed at least one such sign, as compared to only 8% of the positively train dogs. For some selected behaviors the differences were quite striking, such as in mouth licking (38% discipline; 8% positive), yawning (23% discipline; 0% positive), and low posture (46% discipline; 8% positive). One of the results which I found most interesting had to do with whether or not the dog looked at the owner's face. Both humans and dogs have a tendency to avoid looking at things that raise their stress levels or make them uncomfortable, so the fact that only 38% of the discipline trained dogs looked at their owners faces as compared to 88% of the positively trained dogs seems telling.

This is a small study, but because it is done using actual class trained pet dogs and instructors who believe in their particular training method, it is quite interesting. It seems to be just one more study that suggests that using punishment and negative reinforcement can produce potentially harmful and unwanted emotional changes in dogs. For additional findings on similar topics click here or click here.

Stanley Coren is the author of many books including: The Wisdom of Dogs; Do Dogs Dream? Born to Bark; The Modern Dog; Why Do Dogs Have Wet Noses? The Pawprints of History; How Dogs Think; How To Speak Dog; Why We Love the Dogs We Do; What Do Dogs Know? The Intelligence of Dogs; Why Does My Dog Act That Way? Understanding Dogs for Dummies; Sleep Thieves; The Left-hander Syndrome

 Copyright SC Psychological Enterprises Ltd. May not be reprinted or reposted without permission

* Data from: Stéphanie Deldalle & Florence Gaunet (2014). Effects of 2 training methods on stress-related behaviors of the dog (Canis Familiaris) and on the dog-owner relationship. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 9, 58 – 65.

Positively Rewarding

While working with a private client and her pup this week, she repeated herself many times by saying, "she is so smart", "I had no idea my dog was so smart!"  The funny thing is, I hear this from many clients when teaching their dog a new behavior.

When pet owners learn to teach their dog new behaviors using positive reinforcement, their reaction is always, always, the same: "I had no idea how smart my dog was!"  The only thing they did

differently was quickly rewarded the dog when it made the right choice, then repeated the reward when the dog did the correct behavior again.  We were able to teach her puppy to touch her hand with its nose and to lie down, in a matter of minutes using the pups mid-day meal.

Seeing how happy this owner was, and how quickly she became more connected to her pup, reminded me once again how effective positive reinforcement training is -- both for the dog and owner!

Staying Positive

I recently attended a Behavior Clinic where we taught our dogs new behaviors using a technique called shaping which is where we rewarded our dogs for making the slightest attempt at the behavior we wanted.

What I LOVED about this training seminar was that everyone was happy, smiling and really positive as they changed their dogs behavior.  Yes, that is right, we were getting new behaviors and everyone was happy!

Maisey's mom is always smiling and rewarding her!

So why is it when you teach your dog a trick like paw, high five, or roll over you get super excited when they make the right choice, "YES",  click, click "YES" as if one marker is not enough? Many of us repeat the marker due to our excitement!  The dogs clearly get that they did something right because our feedback to them is exactly that: "positive and rewarding."  Many of you can't stop there, you need to go show someone how smart your dog is, so you repeat the cue, your dog does the behavior and you again, shrill with "Yes" "Good Dog" and shower him with positive and rewarding feedback. 

You must be smiling by now because you know this to be true!  So, I want you to use the same positive feedback to reward your dog the next time you

Maisey's dad has a soft tone, loose leash and
 is smart to tell her what she is doing right!

are working with him.  The way I see it, behavior is behavior, and, although you may feel the need to be serious when asking for a specific behavior, your dog just knows you are tense and not as much fun.  So, I ask you to be more fun, smile and make a big deal when your dog does any small behavior you like.  I do think you will see a softer, happier dog that will be able to focus on you longer because you are relaxed, fun and rewarding to be with!

Can you still change your pitch while training?  Yes, but make the "positive" much more exciting and rewarding!

Control Unleashed Class

Control Unleashed Class was designed by Leslie McDevitt as a way of helping her own dog cope with the intense distractions at agility events. Not an easy task for a dog who was worried about strange dogs near and also afraid of noises.  The concept of CU is to create a focused and more confident dog!

Who needs Control Unleashed Classes?

• Dogs that are uncomfortable or unable to work off lead around other dogs
• Dogs that are easily distracted and have difficulty concentrating
• Dogs that are reactive or easily aroused
• Dogs that are anxious or stressed and often become shut down
• Dogs that are unable to control their impulses when excited

Trainers agree this class structure offers a practical and positive approached to helping dogs who  struggle with environmental changes.    Understanding how to use desensitization and operant conditioning is presented in a clear scientific way so everyone can understand the steps.

Class structure is incredibly flexible to meet the individual dogs' temperaments and needs.  

CU involves exercising self-control through the use of default behaviors which are always a good thing, especially for dogs with poor focus or arousal issues.  It involves self-calming techniques, which is great for dogs that are shy or fearful or reactive or just aroused.  CU involves a highly predictable behavior that has them re-orient to their handler in times of conflict.  In short, this class provides highly predictable rule structure, valuable learning benefits, and  increased connection and teamwork between dog and person!

I highly recommend you try this class with a certified trainer, you will be so glad you did!

Using Your Voice as a Reward

The one area I believe we as humans confuse our dogs, is on the use of our voice to reward our dogs behavior.  I find myself repeatedly asking dog handlers to use their voice as a reward so their dog knows they have done something right.  I firmly believe, if you reward a behavior when it is occurring, you will get more of that behavior!

When I see a dog avoiding a handlers face, it is often because the person is talking in a firm or scolding tone to their dog.  How is the dog to know when he is doing something correct or not if we use the same pitch all the time?  Many dogs do not comply with their owners and I believe it is because the dog is confused, he simply does not know how to please his handler.  If you are struggling with your dogs behavior in any way, have someone film you or role play and see for yourself if you know what you are rewarding.
I am not saying yell or drop your tone to scare your dog, simply raise your pitch with a simple and happy "yes, good dog" when he  is doing something you like.  Watch and see if he does not continue the behavior, I'll bet a box of liver treats he will!

Timing is so important, I am always smiling at Pablo when he looks at me so he looks at me all the time.  If you ask your dog to do a behavior, smile and reward when he is looking at you, change your tone the instant your dog looks at you, "Yes, good dog!"  Try it, you will like it because it works!

Outdoor Feisty Fido Class Today

Looking forward to our positive classes today held at the Eastern Prom.

Hope some of our Alumni will be able to join us for the Feisty Fido class as we need good distraction dogs!  For many rescue dogs who have spent months or years practicing this unwanted reactive behavior, learning to not be reactive on the leash, in the car and yard may take months of practice.  But once they have it, your relationship will be better then ever!

Desensitizing our dogs and helping them feel safe is such a great feeling, congratulations to our many Alumni and Graduates as they continue to make outstanding progress!

Clicker Training Basics

For those of us who are enduring a blizzard in the New England area today and need a fun activity for your dog, try some clicker training!  New to the Clicker?  The clicker is a small handheld device that makes a distinct "click" sound when you press it.  Repeated pairing of the clicker sound with a reinforcer such as a treat makes the sound become what is called a conditioned reinforcer.  This simply means you have taught your dog that the sound of the click means food or some other reward is coming.  The clicker is a wonderful way of letting your dog know that what she did at the exact moment the click was heard is what earned her the reward.

You may also say a verbal marker like "yes", which like the click is paired with a reinforcer to help your dog know what she did at the exact moment she heard "yes" earned her a reward.

While both markers are used, most professional trainers, will agree that the clicker most accurately pinpoints behaviors.

Some Clicker Tips:

• Prepare yourself with a handful of small soft treats.
• Practice the click on your child or friend as timing is key!
• Click during the desired behavior, not after it is completed.  The timing of the click is crucial.  Your pet will most likely stop the behavior when she hears the click, reward with a treat!
• Click when your dog does anything you like.  Begin with something easy like a sit, down, paw raise.
• If your dog performs the behavior perfectly then follow with a Jackpot, which is several treats at once!  Be enthusiastic!
• Keep your training sessions short, several 5 minute sessions are better than 30 minutes of repetition.
• Fix bad behaviors by clicking each good behavior, like when your pup potties in the correct place!

Have fun and reward good behavior often which will increase these behaviors.

For helpful Clicker Training seek articles by:

Gail Fischer

Karen Pryor

Pat Miller

Andrea Arden

This is a great indoor activity for you and your dog on rainy or snowy days!

Reward-based Training that Works!

Reward Based Training
Rewarding your dog for appropriate behavior is not a new concept, however many of us are “old school” and simple grew up telling our dog what to do. Using rewards or reinforcement will help your dog want to please you more often!

What is Reinforcement? 
Reinforcement is something you add to your training to increase or strengthen a behavior. High pitch praise, food, laughing, clapping, freedom, walks, going out the door, bones, tug you get it! I want you to help your dog understand that when he complies life is good for him and that there are consequences for his actions which will help him make the correct decision!

Mark the Behavior
Timing is very important as this is how you communicate with your dog. Dogs do not speak our language so they can only associate a behavior with a reward or a correction, and only if the time between the two is very short. Using a marker like a “yes” or clicker will speed your dogs learning. Marking involves having effective timing so you mark the exact moment the dog does the correct behavior then follow through with reinforcement!

Rate of Reinforcement
Reward often, our dogs learn through associations, so rewards help them know when they are doing something appropriate to us. To strengthen the behavior you want you should continue to reward. How often should you reward? As often as needed! Really good trainers reward generously which keeps the dog motivated in the task at hand. If you mark a behavior with a click or “yes”, then always follow through with a reward.

Put it all together
The dog that pulls on the leash is very frustrating to walk. Try using a marker to help the dog understand what it is you want. When the dog pulls, stop walking, using a clicker, click and reward when your dog looks at you, be patient! Repeat until your dog begins to look at you while you are moving forward together. Take two steps, if your dog looks at you REWARD! then three, then five, then several, then for longer and longer distances. The dog is being paid to focus on you; it cannot do that and pull at the same time. If your dog pulls, stop again and wait until he looks at you, then reward. Eventually just putting on the leash can become a cue for "walking together." Paying your dog for heeling nicely is much more effective than punishing the pull. It's also more effective than the physical intervention of hauling the dog's head and neck around repeatedly by the leash, which will give you a sore arm before too long! Have fun and watch your dog learn quickly through marking and rewarding!