CPDT Exam Learning Theory Questions With 100% Correct Answers 2024, Exams of Advanced Education

Download CPDT Exam Learning Theory Questions With 100% Correct Answers 2024 and more Exams Advanced Education in PDF only on Docsity! CPDT Exam Learning Theory Questions With 100% Correct Answers 2024 Clicker Training - Correct Answer-A system of teaching that uses positive reinforcement in combination with an event marker. Reinforcers (Or Rewards) - Correct Answer-Anything that occurring in conjunction with an act tends to increase the probability that the act will occur again. Reinforcers are relative not absolute. Marker - Correct Answer-Precise communication of which actions will earn reinforcers by the use of a consistent sound that "marks" actions or events that we like. Clicker Process - Correct Answer-Watch for Behavior, Mark the Behavior, Reinforce the Behavior. When To Click? - Correct Answer-As the behavior is occurring - not afterwards. Reinforcing - Correct Answer-Strengthening the behavior so that it is very likely to happen again. Treats - Correct Answer-Select four or five different treats Make treats small Soft treats are usually better The tougher the training - the better the food should be! Life Rewards - Correct Answer-Things or activities that your dog really enjoys doing (non-food related). Fetching, toys, affection, praise etc. Clicker - Correct Answer-An event marker to indicate the moment in time the desired behavior happens. Note: Studies have shown that the clicker is more effective and accurate than voice markers are. What Makes A Good Event Marker? - Correct Answer-Brief - Identifies one movement or part of movement, not a series of events. Distinct - easily noticed. Different - not confused with other stimuli. Neutral - has no meaning or association beyond the one that has been deliberately chosen. Easy to Deliver Clicker Trainers Are? - Correct Answer-Excellent observers of behavior Precise Generous with Reinforcement Consistent Benefits of Clicker Training - Correct Answer-Accelerates learning Strengthens human-animal bond Produces long-term recall Encourages creativity and initiative Forgives human mistakes Generates enthusiastic learners What is Training? - Correct Answer-Teaching animals learned behavior Reinforcement - Correct Answer-A. Event that occurs during or upon completion of a behavior. B. Increases the likelihood that the behavior will occur again in the future. Applied Behavior Analysis - Correct Answer-The science of learning A-B-C - Correct Answer-The process of learning as defined by: Antecedant Behavior Consequence Example: Antecedant: Squirrel crosses in front of your dog. Behavior: Dog chases squirrel Consequence: Fun! Note: Consequence is the most powerful training tool and positive reinforcement is the most powerful type of consequence you have for training. Trainers can influence the operant conditioning process at what two junctures of the ABC? - Correct Answer-Antecedants (cue or trigger for behavior) and Consquence (what happens after the behavior). Behavior is an outcome of these two things. What are the three types of consequences? - Correct Answer-Ignore Reinforce Punish Quandrants of Operant Conditioning? (Pat Miller style) - Correct Answer-1. Positive Reinforcement - dogs behavior makes a good thing occur; behavior increases. 2. Positive Punishment - dogs behavior makes a bad thing occur; behavior decreases. 3. Negative Reinforcement - dogs behavior makes a bad thing go away; behavior increases. 4. Negative Punishment - dogs behavior makes a good thing go away; behavior decreases. Operant Conditioning - Correct Answer-The reinforcement of conscious behavior deliberately offered by the learner. (Coined by BF Skinner) Schedule of Reinforcement - Correct Answer-The schedule of reinforcement matters. When teaching new behavior - reinforce every occurrence of the behavior in a training session. Downfalls of Punishment - Correct Answer-Does not produce predictable, clean, future behavior. It also slows down learning and can stop it altogether. Mechanical Skills - Correct Answer-The physical skill of marking the behavior with the clicker and reinforcing the behavior. Before beginning a training session decide the following: - Correct Answer-Which hand will be my clicker hand? Where will I position my clicker hand? Observing Behavior consists of: - Correct Answer-Deciding which behavior you are going to mark Observe closely, looking for signs that the animal is about to perform the behavior Principles of Reinforcement - Correct Answer-Good timing of reinforcement is essential Reinforcers must have value to the learner to be reinforcing Reinforcement variety improves the learning process The more difficult the task the higher the value the reinforcer should be The schedule of reinforcement influences learning Two Characteristics of Good Reinforcement Timing - Correct Answer-The reinforcer is delivered as a distinctly separate physical motion from the event marker or click The reinforcer is delivered within a second after the click The impact of the click is likely to be diluted if? - Correct Answer-We lump the click and the reward delivery into one action Ex. If your treat hand is already in motion at the time of the click the animal might be more focused on the treat than the click and might not notice what behavior or movement triggered the sound. Reinforcement Timing - Correct Answer-No more than one second should separate the click and the reinforcer delivery. Habitual delays slow down learning: -delays weaken the event marker role of the clicker; the animal is less likely to know precisely which behavior is being reinforced. -delays weaken the reinforcement role of the click; the animal is less likely to be aware that it has earned reinforcement. If you accidentally click when you didn't mean to - should you reinforce? - Correct Answer-Yes Treat Hand - Correct Answer-Helpful to parcel out five to ten treats in your hand before starting a CT routine - and deliver your reinforcement that way. Steps for Planning Training Session - Correct Answer-Decide on which hand will be the clicker hand and what position it will be in Decide which hand will be the treat hand and where you will keep extra treats during the session Decide which behavior you are going to click Prepare an ample supply of treats or other meaningful reinforcers for the session Count out 10 or so treats in advance - this enables you to use the treats as a counter to assess/track your progress What is Capturing? - Correct Answer-Capturing is the process of marking and reinforcing behaviors that the animal does spontaneously. Without the need for prompting and luring. Capturing can be used to: - Correct Answer-- catch an attractive behavior and put it on cue - as the first step in shaping a bigger behavior - to develop some behavior that happens only rarely - to teach a naive animal that its own actions can make clicks and treats happen - to get rid of undesirable behavior by reinforcing something else What is a Cue? - Correct Answer-A cue is a stimulus that elicits a behavior, such as "sit" or "down". A cue can be anything the animal can perceive. For the trainer - the cue is a way to ask for specific behavior at a specific moment in time. For the animal - the cue is an opportunity to perform a behavior that has been positively reinforced, and a chance to earn another reinforcer. Four Key Skills to Cueing Are?: - Correct Answer-Choose an appropriate Cue Determine when to add the Cue Name the behavior (add the cue) Teach the animal to notice and then wait for the Cue The key to choosing a cue is: - Correct Answer-Easy to give consistently perceivable by the animal distinct from other cues that he/she knows already easy to transfer to others When to add a cue? - Correct Answer-Cue is introduced when the animal is reliably offering the behavior. How to add a cue? - Correct Answer-Choose the word or signal you will use as the cue for this behavior Right before the behavior starts, give the cue Click the behavior just as it is starting - then give a treat Repeat the sequence of cue, behavior, click, treat several times in a row Noticing the cue - Correct Answer-When the animal finishes eating pause for a second - if the animal offers the behavior - do nothing As soon as the animal pauses, stops or backs away - give the cue CT the behavior even if it is only a partial or weak example After each treat pause briefly before giving a cue. If the learner pauses too give the cue at once, click the response and treat. What is Shaping? - Correct Answer-The art of breaking behavior down into small components and reinforcing approximations of the goal behavior. It's a way of building new or improved behavior in steps using a marker and reinforcers and without luring or physical guidance. Why is Shaping important? - Correct Answer-- Fast and efficient way to develop new behavior - Maintains the learner's excitement and willingness to learn. - Produces behaviors that are remembered accurately and permanently, unlike coerced or lured movements. - Allows you to train individuals and behaviors not easily trained in more traditional ways. - Creates empathy for the animal and allows you to read and understand the animals emotions. Raising Criterion - Correct Answer-Changing what you click for a little at a time; raising the standard in small enough increments so that the rate of reinforcement is kept high. The Principles of Shaping allow you to: - Correct Answer-Train any behavior the animal is capable of doing Choose the path that suits your particular learner Have the tools for coming up with new and improved paths for any behavior Modern Principles of Shaping - Correct Answer-1. Be prepared before you start - be ready to click and treat immediately as the training session begins. 2. Ensure success at each step. 3. Train one criterion at a time. 4. Relax criterion when something changes. 5. If one door closes - find another one - if a particular shaping procedure is not eliciting progress, try another way. 6. Keep training sessions continuous; keep a high rate of reinforcement. 7. Go back to kindergarten if necessary - if a behavior deteriorates quickly review the shaping process with a series of easily earned reinforcers. 8. Keep your attention on the learner. 9. Stay ahead of your learner. Strengthen the Cue: - Correct Answer--Alternate between two different cues in the same session -generalize the cue (change the variables) -give clear, consistent cues -fade prompts and lures -minimize the cue -practice in many short sessions Alternate between two different cues: - Correct Answer--give the cue for known behavior and CT for correct or nearly correct responses. Do this three times. -give the cue for a different known behavior and CT for correct or nearly correct responses. Do this three times. -alternate between the two cues at random, ignoring incorrect responses. -if the animal seems confused or frustrated, take a short break (play or give the animal something easy to do to earn a CT); go back to shaping the responses individually. Generalize the cue: - Correct Answer--Practice it in as many different places and circumstances as possible -Each time you make a change in the environment relax your criteria temporarily to give the animal a good chance of earning a CT Minimize the cue: - Correct Answer-Making your cues as small as possible is a good way to teach your animal to watch and listen carefully at all times. Stimulus Control - Correct Answer-Technical term used to describe when a behavior occurs in the presence of a specific stimulus (cue) and does not occur in the absence of a cue. Four Conditions of Stimulus Control - Correct Answer-1. The behavior always occurs immediately upon presentation of the conditioned stimulus (the dog sits when told to). 2. The behavior never occurs in the absence of the stimulus (during a training or work session the dog never sits spontaneously). 3. The behavior never occurs in response to some other stimulus (if you say "Lie down," the dog does not offer the sit instead). 4. No other behavior occurs in response to this stimulus (when you say "Sit," the dog does not respond by lying down or by leaping up and licking your face). Transfer a cue: - Correct Answer--Give the old cue; CT for a correct response (do this twice) -Give the new cue, then give the old cue; CT for a correct response. Repeat several times. -Repeat these steps (it might take multiple training sessions) until the animal begins to offer the original fluent behavior in response to the new cue. At that point you can omit the old cue. -When you believe the behavior is strong in response to the new cue, test the cue for stimulus control. More Cue Review: - Correct Answer--A cue is not the same as a command (a command implies a threat) -A cue is not the same as a marker (which simply pinpoints correct behavior) -To add a cue to a behavior, establish the behavior first and then add the cue. -Strengthen cues by practicing with as many different variables as possible. -Cues should be as simple and clear as possible without extraneous movements, words or other stimuli. -A cue can be transferred to a new cue by giving the new cue, then the old cue, and then removing the old cue. What is Targeting? - Correct Answer-Is the process of teaching an animal to touch an object, the target, with a part of its body. This foundation skill can be used to teach new behaviors. A target is a learned cue. Target Training Benefits - Correct Answer-Easily generalized Targeting teaches: - Correct Answer--good clicker timing -good timing when giving cues -the benefits of shaping behavior in small increments -confidence in transferring visual cues to verbal cues Good timing when giving cues: - Correct Answer-People learn to offer the target when the animal is attentive, thus reinforcing attentiveness. They also learn to remove the cue promptly when the behavior is complete, helping to eliminate off-cue responses. Special benefits of targeting: - Correct Answer--overcoming fear and gaining confidence around scary objects -focus in times of stress or uncertainty -keeping an animal still without manipulation or physical restraints -moving zoo animals from one place to another Desensitization - Correct Answer--gradually increasing exposure to the feared object until the fear fades away Counterconditioning - Correct Answer--feeding high value treats at a high rate in the presence of the feared object Flooding - Correct Answer--giving intensive exposure to the fearful object until escape behavior extinguishes. Stationing - Correct Answer-Holding a position at a target Luring - Correct Answer-Using a food treat or other reward to physically guide your dog into the desired position. With a lure the dog is not actually learning the behavior. Luring is like following a car - you may reach your destination but you won't likely know how you got there or how to get there again. How is Targeting different from Luring? - Correct Answer-Targeting is a learned behavior that increases the animal's participatory behavior, attention and learning abilities. Luring encourages passive compliance without understanding. A food lure is not always a reinforcer. The animal does not need to pay attention to what else he is doing as he follows the lure. Prompt - Correct Answer-Any action or stimulus that reminds, helps, or physically guides the learner to do the expected behavior. Prompt Dependency - Correct Answer-When the learner waits for prompts instead of doing the intended action. Fade the lure - Correct Answer-Always fade the lure withing the first training session (preferably within just two or three repetitions of the behavior) and transition to capturing, targeting or shaping instead. Shaping a Nose to Target Response - Correct Answer-- Capture the behavior by presenting the target right in front of the animal's nose, an inch or two away. -Present the target left or right but no more than an inch or so away from the nose -Present the target alittle further away so that the animal must move to reach it. -Add upward and downward moves in small increments (up is particularly hard for some species) Shaping a Foot to Target Response - Correct Answer--Shape a foot movement or lift -Select for stronger movements upward, clicking during the rise of the foot -Stop reinforcing weaker movements -Interpose a target between the foot and the ground, and click as the foot hits the target on the way down -Repeat twice, then move the target slightly so the animal must reach for the target contact Teaching the Touch Cue - Correct Answer--Introduce a verbal cue before the behavior occurs -With the target in plain sight, teach the animal to wait for the cue -Teach paw versus nose touch cues, to strengthen on-cue behavior related to the new target Fluency: - Correct Answer-Refers to an animal's (or person's) ability to perform a given behavior with speed and accuracy in any environment. Fluency applies to both sides of the training partnership. Three Components of Fluent Behavior: - Correct Answer-1. Precision: the overall polished look of the behavior 2. Latency: the lag time between the giving of the cue and the animal starting to respond 3. Speed: the time it takes to complete the behavior Chronology of Fluency - Correct Answer-1. Work On Precision - Design a shaping plan that leads you efficiently to a precise and uniform goal behavior. Then add a cue and establish stimulus control. 2. Develop Latency - Shape for the shortest possible lag time between the cue and the start of the response. 3. Increase Speed - Shape for speedy execution of the behavior. Notes on the Chronology - Correct Answer--You can begin shaping for short latency only after the cue has been added; therefore work on the precision comes first. -Working on precision before speed ensures that the behavior is not sloppy and variable. Defining Precision - Correct Answer--Precision refers to the overall polished look of the behavior. The behavior should reflect as close as possible the ideal that the trainer had in mind. -Temporarily lower your criteria for precision while raising criteria for latency and speed. -Precision may differ from animal to animal due to physical characteristics. -Example: dog obedience competition style "sit" must meet a set of competition rules for precision whereas "sit" at home can be more lax. Each meaning should have its own cue. Description Guide of Finished Behavior - Correct Answer--Before creating a shaping plan; write out a description to use as a guide when creating your shaping plan. Shaping For Precision - Correct Answer--Define what the precise, polished behavior will look like. -Create a shaping plan to efficiently reach the goal. -Train the behavior and attach a cue. Once the behavior looks the way you want it to look and a cue has been attached you can move onto the next aspects of fluency: latency and speed. Defining Latency - Correct Answer--Refers to the lag between the time when a cue is given and when the animal begins to perform the behavior. The ideal lag time in a training situation is zero. -Latency has nothing to do with the speed of the performance. -Animals soon learn to generalize the concept of short latencies by responding quickly to all new skills taught. Limited Hold - Correct Answer--A limited window of time during which a response will produce the reinforcer. -It is used to build quick responses. -Limited hold is used in conjunction with Schedules of Reinforcement to give the animal a deadline for performing; after the deadline has passed there is no reward for behavior. -A way to use the marker and reinforcer to speed up response to the cue. Value and reinforce quick responses to cues. Example: When dealing with sluggish behavior - practice the behavior a few times to determine the average rate of delay - once you have that number - give the cue - watch the delay and reinforce the response if it occurs within the average rate. If the response occurs outside the time limit, call an end to the trial (move to a new location) and try again after you have moved or had a short break. First Step to lowering Latency - Correct Answer--Determine a baseline average of lag time. -You are measuring the delay in starting to respond to the cue, not the time taken to complete the behavior. Count Small Increments of Time - Correct Answer--Do this by saying the alaphabet to yourself at a rate you feel comfortable with. -When the cue is given say the alaphabet and determine what letter you are on when the dog actually starts to do the move. -Click that and go to the dog to give your treat; don't make the dog come to you. -Now back up, call the dog to you, give the cue and start counting again. -The movement ensures that the dog doesn't just fall into limbo for being slow but gets another try. Click even feeble efforts; you are shaping cue control here, not good sits. -Low latency = a-b Tracking Latency Progress - Correct Answer--Determine baseline by doing five reps of the behavior and counting the latency in seconds. Add the seconds together and divide that by the total number of reps. This is your baseline number. -If baseline = 3 seconds; count lag time on each repetition and reinforce only behavior that occurs with a latency of 3 seconds or less. -Let sub par performance (behavior that takes longer than 3 seconds) pass without reinforcement. Move yourself away, call the dog to its feet and start again. -Keep records of your sessions and when you are achieving an 80% success rate on latencies of 3 seconds or less, shorten the latency by half a second to 2.5. -Continue pairing down the latency until you reach 1 second. Capturing Movement - Correct Answer--Capture movement as a way of establishing short latencies --Ask for the behavior; Click the initiation of the behavior as it is happening -Moving quickly yourself; give the treat; back up two steps, coax the dog to get up and come toward you and say "sit" again as the dog is moving. Again click the start of the sit, treat where he is, that is - go to the dog. -Repeat. But this time, click as the rump is hitting the floor. Repeat - moving fast yourself. -The combo of high ROR, capturing the movement of coming toward you (reinforced by the "sit" cue) and the movement of the sit, should give you a high speed sit in six to eight tries. -Repeat in an opposite direction to help generalize the behavior. Games - Correct Answer--Games (such as tug with rules) can help reduce high latency. Shaping For Low Latency Recap - Correct Answer--Select for faster responses between cue and behavior by determining a baseline delay number and shaping for faster responses gradually. -Capturing movement by imbueing movement into the CT process after behavior is performed. -Capturing fast responses with games; helps keep things fun with movement. -Keep your own latencies short. -Establish consistent expectations for short latency on all behaviors taught. -After zero latency is shaped for several behaviors the animal will generalize the concept to every cue it learns. Speed: - Correct Answer--Snappy and enthusiastic performance -Age, breed and physical attributes of any animal must be considered when setting goals for speed. -Be sure to pay attention to the precision of a behavior when you are shaping for speed. -You may need to alternate between shaping for more speed and brushing up on precision, more than once. Understand which one you are working on in a given session. Shaping for Speed: - Correct Answer--Count out 5 treats -Give the cue and measure the length of time from the start to the completion of the behavior -CT at the end of the behavior and record the time taken to complete the rollover -Repeat 5 times to determine the average -Determine your baseline speed -Define your final goal for speed -Going forward in your sessions only reinforce the behavior that is completed within the baseline time or less. -Once you are achieving baseline speeds or less for 80% of the time - reduce the speed goal by half a second. Capture Speed: - Correct Answer--Capture increased moments of speed by clicking during the increasing movement. -Manufacture conditions to cause the animal to increase speed by: -Attentiveness, seeking eye contact with a person -An open mouth, perhaps with tongue lolling out -Normal breathing or panting (not to shallow, heavy or quick) -Soft eyes -A loosely wagging tail -You can tell a lot about how a dog is feeling by looking at their eyes, ears, mouth and tail Common Causes of Stress in Dogs: - Correct Answer--Exposure to unfamiliar stimuli -Coercive training and punishment -Other dogs or people -Specific environments, such as the car, the veterinarian's office, or the dog park -Certain types of handling, such as nail trimming -Separation anxiety -Illness or medical problems -Lack of physical or mental exercise -Poor nutrition Common Signs of Stress: - Correct Answer--Whale eye or half moon eye -Ears flat or back against the head -Excessive drool -Lip licking -Mouth closes suddenly -Rapid panting Half Moon of Whale Eye: - Correct Answer--Sideways glance where the dog is avoiding direct eye contact and, as a result, much of the whites of his eyes are visible. Ears Back: - Correct Answer--When dogs hold their ears pinned back, flat against the head, or held perpendicular to the body, it is a sign of stress. Excessive Drool: - Correct Answer--In an abnormal context can be a sign of stress -Drooling over food is normal but sudden and excessive drooling in the middle of a group class could mean stress. Lip Licking: - Correct Answer--Suddenly and out of context might be stressed. Mouth: - Correct Answer--Sudden closure of the mouth tightly means the dog is likely uncomfortable about something Rapid Panting: - Correct Answer--Panting with the corners of the mouth pulled back may be stressed. Notes on Panting: - Correct Answer--Dogs pant for different reasons including to dissipate heat; so if a dog is warm or has just exercised you can expect to see panting. -Panting is also a sign that a dog is dealing with stress; but not all stress is bad. -A dog may pant because he is wondering "Are we going for a hike?" "Are you going to throw the ball?" "Am I going to get that cookie?" -Waiting and wondering can cause panting, which helps to relieve the dog's mild stress and anticipation. More Notes on Panting: - Correct Answer--Panting with rapid, frantic breaths may be feeling extreme stress but is still less likely to react or bite than a highly stressed dog that is not calm enough to pant. -A stressed dog that is not panting is much more dangerous because it has no mechanism to relieve stress and is therefore more likely to react. Tail Signs of Stress: - Correct Answer--Tucked under body -Slow wag, almost tentatively -Straighten it -Hold it low if their normal carriage is curled up and over Evaluating Stress in a Dog: - Correct Answer--Look at the overall body posture -Trembling -Pacing -Freezing in position -Stiff body posture -Exposure of belly -Urinating -Rapid breathing/panting -High pitched squeaking -Hiding under something -Lip licking -Ears pinned back/or to the side -Excessive salivation -Whining -Trying to leap out of kennel -Dilated pupils -Whale eye Avoidance Behaviors: - Correct Answer-Those that indicate the dog is trying to escape the current situation to reduce his level of anxiety. Examples include: -Turning the head away -Backing away -Hiding behind an obstacle or the owner Avoidance behaviors occur when a dog wants to avoid confrontation with another dog, avoid punishment from a person, or avoid some strange and frightening sight. Displacement Behaviors: - Correct Answer-Normal dog behaviors, such as feeding or grooming actions that are displayed out of context. These actions indicate that the dog is feeling uneasy. Examples of Displacement Behaviors: - Correct Answer--Scratching -Lip licking or tongue flick -Sneezing -Yawning -Blinking -Turning away -Sniffing the ground -Shaking off when dry Stress and Aggression - Correct Answer--These two things are closely related -A dog displaying aggression is communicating that he is stressed in some way Common Reasons For Aggression: - Correct Answer--Fear (keeping the scary stimulus away) -History of Punishment -Frustration -Resource Guarding -Medical Problems -Genetics Fear: - Correct Answer--Many dogs who appear aggressive (barking, growling, snapping or lunging) are simply trying to tell another dog or person to stay away, because they are afraid. -Defensive acts of self preservation that are often seen by humans as offensive or aggressive actions. -The root of fear based aggression can be traced to many things including inadequate socialization, a traumatic event, and repeatedly putting the dog in a situation where he is over threshold. -A total freeze is common right before growling, snapping and lunging. Barrier Frustration: - Correct Answer--Aggressive display due to frustration from a physical barrier (tether, fence, being held back etc.) Resource Guarding: - Correct Answer--Aggressive display in an attempt to keep another dog or person away from something that is precious to them (food, toys, bone or human etc.) Genetics: - Correct Answer--Its important to know as much as possible about the personality of your dog's parents. Parents who are stable and calm around other dogs and people are far more likely to produce stable, calm pups. Aggression - How it Looks: - Correct Answer--Ears: the ears may be rigid and pushed forward as far as the dog's muscles will allow. -Eyes: the dog may stare down another person with a cold, hard stare (aka "hard stare"). The eyes will have a flat, hard appearance. separately and given a cue. Once the behaviors were chained, many of the handler's cues were replaced by object cues, or environmental cues. -Start cues are commonly used in detection work, search and rescue, tracking, field trials, and other sports where the dogs perform on their own for long periods. Memorization: - Correct Answer--Memorization can maintain the order of the sequence, but not the criteria for behaviors within the sequence, which would be maintained if the cues were still present in the chain. Behavior Chains More: - Correct Answer--What all chains have in common is that the behaviors within a chain are marked and reinforced by the cue for the next behavior. -If an animal completes part of a chain, but then does not receive a cue for the next behavior, the chain is broken. -Breaking a chain is a serious handler error. And More: - Correct Answer--Combinations of behaviors can arise by accident or develop as superstitious behaviors. -Chains maintain behaviors because cues for each behavior are conditioned reinforcers that connect multiple behaviors to a final reinforcer. -Chains enable us to: *Build long sequences of behaviors quickly. *Reinforce ongoing behavior from a distance and without interruption. *Maintain reliability in long-distance and long duration behaviors. Cues As Reinforcers: - Correct Answer--A cue is not a command to be obeyed; rather it is information that tells the animal resources are available if it performs the correct behavior. -Cues are the "glue" of reinforcement that holds a behavior chain together. -For a chain to continue to work each behavior in the chain must be reinforced. -The cue becomes a conditioned reinforcer through pairing with a behavior that has been reinforced. -Cues sometimes have more reinforcing value than the click or the treat. -You can start shaping a behavior by CT'ing a few times and then switch to the cue as both marker and reinforcer. -When using a cue to shape a new behavior, be sure to give the reinforcing cue at the precise moment you wish to mark (as the behavior is occurring), just as you would use a clicker. Assembling a Chain: - Correct Answer--The best way to assemble a set of cued behaviors into a chain is not in the order that the behaviors will happen. Its best to build the chain backward - i.e. Back Chaining. -If you learn the last part first, and then add the next to last, and then the step before that, the chain gets easier and more reinforcing as you move through it. These speeds up the learning and reduces time taken up by errors. -While back chaining is preferable because it leads the learner toward behavior it knows best; some behaviors, can only be taught from the beginning, and that is called Front Chaining. Uses of Chains: - Correct Answer--Chains often form spontaneously in real life, and are maintained by cues and reinforcers in the environment, rather than by deliberate actions of a trainer. -As long as you have properly conditioned all the behaviors in the chain with plenty of primary reinforcers, a behavior chain is a continuous schedule of reinforcement. -Problems can arise in long chains. By breaking the routine up into segments, which are actually several shorter chains, you can easily isolate and repair problems with any behaviors or cues. Superstitious Chain: - Correct Answer--A series of two or more behaviors that have been merged or linked through accidental or intrinsic reinforcement. Superstitious chains can emerge during training or in response to events in the environment. Review: - Correct Answer--Chains are made of behaviors linked together by cues; each cue serves as marker and reinforcer for the next behavior. -Cues can come from the environment (objects, sights, sounds, or smells) or from a combination of the handler and the environment. -A Cue can be used in place of a click to reinforce and shape new behavior. -Chaining maintains behavior because of the power of the conditioned reinforcers, or cues. -Back chaining is usually the best way to build a chain because the learner is always working toward behavior with the strongest history of reinforcement. -Due to logistics - some chains must be assembled with front-chaining. -Behaviors in some chains can be rearranged and performed in different orders. -Some chains contain behaviors that can only be performed in a specific order. Chains enable us to: *Build multi-step behaviors quickly *Reinforce ongoing behavior from a distance and without interruption *Maintain reliability in long distance and long duration behavior What is Fluency? - Correct Answer--refers to an animal's (or person's) ability to perform a given behavior smoothly and easily in any situation or environment. In addition to Precision, Latency and Speed - Fluency also has the three D's: -Distractions -Duration -Distance Behaviors that are fluent in the three D's: -occur reliably around all sorts of distractions -are sustained over a duration of time -are performed even when the trainer is at a distance from the animal. The three D's are trained in this order: - Correct Answer--Distraction -Duration -Distance This is done because: Distraction - real life is filled with distractions all the time. When distractions are introduced in a slow and controlled way, the dog continues to find it very reinforcing to respond to cues in the presence of these distractions. Duration - next step when working on the three D's; duration is when a dog learns to sustain the behavior for gradually longer periods of time. Distance - when distance is introduced the dog is already comfortable with distraction and duration. What is a distraction? - Correct Answer--distraction is anything that draws your animal's attention from the training session, thus making it harder for the animal to respond to cues. Distractions can be: -visual -auditory -tactile -scent-based Distractions must be introduced to your training sessions in controlled doses so that your dog has a high liklihood of responding successfully to your cue despite the distractions. When behaviors are practiced with distractions present, we make the behaviors stronger and more reliable. -The process of adding distractions to your training sessions is like "layering"; add one layer at a time. -As your dog becomes accustomed to one type of distraction, add another layer. -Layer in another distraction in the same environment or use the same distraction in a new environment until your dog responds consistently to your cue. When adding Distractions: - Correct Answer--Manipulate the proximity and intensity of the distraction during the training sessions (work further away from other dogs and people). -Practice in as many environments as possible. -Create training sessions where the distractions are under your control. -Keep a high rate of reinforcement when adding distractions. -Use a higher value reinforcer in the face of distractions. Before Adding Distractions: - Correct Answer--Assess your dog's distractability. -List all the things that commonly distract your dog. -Then determine whether each is a low, medium or high level distraction. -Variability also ensures that your dog doesn't come to anticipate through steady repetition that the end of the exercise is always at a certain point. -Varying the duration helps stretch the duration little by little to longer durations. -As you continue to increase the duration, periodically throw in a really easy duration or jackpot your dog. Reintroducing Distractions: - Correct Answer--Refer to your distraction heirarchy and begin adding low level distractions in -Remember that simple things such as changing location and/or position can present new distractions for your dog 1. Cue the sit and while the dog is maintaining the behavior introduce a low level distraction (like body movement); if the dog holds the position CT. 2. Temporarily relax your duration criterion since you are introducing distractions 3. After a few successful reps begin to increase the duration back up to previous levels 4. Introduce another low level distraction and repeat Steps 1-3. 5. Continue to gradually increase the level of distraction difficulty when the dog is performing reliably and with ease at the current level of difficulty. Ping-Ponging Criteria - Correct Answer-To build duration with increasing levels of distractions: -When the dog is reliably sustaining the sit for five seconds on average with even high level distractions present, you can work on increasing duration further. -Because you are introducing a new criterion you should work in a distraction free zone -When you've doubled the amount of duration on your original average begin folding distractions into the training sessions again, one small step at a time. -Continue to ping-pong between duration and distraction criteria until reaching your goal behavior. What is Distance? - Correct Answer--The animals ability to sustain a behavior as the trainer moves away -Respond to cues given from a distance Shaping to sustain a sit with distance: - Correct Answer-1. Cue the sit 2. Rock your weight back slightly on your heels and then forward again. CT 3. Move one foot back a single step and bring it forward again. CT 4. Move both feet back one step. CT 5. Move both feet back one step and then return to starting position. CT 6. Move back two steps. Click and then toss the treat or hand deliver the treat promptly. 7. Move back two steps and then return to starting position. CT. 8. Gradually increase the number of backward steps, sometimes including return steps and sometimes not. Work towards a short distance goal first. Distance Techniques: - Correct Answer--Distance in the initial training process -Starting from the "stay" position -Using a tether -Using a barrier -Using a targeting behavior Review of Cueing Basics - Correct Answer--The cue is like a green light, telling the animal that it has an opportunity to earn reinforcement by performing the behavior that is associated with the cue. -There are four criteria for an effective cue: 1. Easy to give consistently 2. Easily perceived by the animal 3. Distinct from other cues the animal already knows 4. Easy to transfer to others A fluent cue response is: -Precise (animal performs the behavior exactly how you envisioned it) -Low latency performance -Optimal Speed performance -Distraction resistant -Performed at any distance from the handler -Performed for the duration required by the handler The criteria for Stimulus Control are met: 1. The animal performs the behavior when it perceives the cue 2. The animal no longer offers the behavior in the absence of the cue 3. The animal does not perform the behavior in response to some other cue 4. The animal does not performs some other behavior when it perceives the cue A cue taught with R+ is a conditioned positive reinforcer. Cueing Problems - Correct Answer-The most common problems when using a cue are: -Poisoned cues: cues that have a negative connotation or negative emotions for the learner -Faulty Cues: cues that are not clear to the learner, the trainer or both. Signs of A Poisoned Cue - Correct Answer--sluggish response -lack of response -default to a favorite behavior (often "sit" or "down") -looking for an escape -displacement behaviors -submissive behavior -anxious facial expression Causes of Poisoned Cues - Correct Answer--Add aversive stimulation to a positive reinforcement program -teach with aversive stimulation for errors and positive reinforcement for correct behavior -elicit behavior with aversive stimulation and capture it with positive reinforcement It takes very little to poison a cue; common circumstances that lead to poisoned cues are: -shelter dogs with poor training histories -a well trained dog forced to comply in a stressful situation (at a field trial for example) -painful or uncomfortable vet or grooming procedures -Changing the cue is essential because the poisoned cue will always have some negative emotions attached to it Faulty Cues: - Correct Answer--Cues that are not clear to the trainer and/or the learner. Cues become unclear when: -unintended extraneous elements (movements, sounds, objects in the environment) become part of the animals perception of the cue -a trainer exaggerates a cue by trying to add emphasis; these extraneous elements become part of the cue in the trainer's view but are confusing for the animal -the cue varies from one presentation to another Preventing or Solving Faulty Cues: - Correct Answer--Practice good clicker mechanics -When using prompts and lures to jump start a new behavior; fade them quickly -Minimize cues when possible -Avoid double cueing or using two types of cues for one behavior when one would suffice -Identify and clean up your own unnecessary moves and any extraneous elements that may have become prompts Review of Chaining Basics: - Correct Answer--A chain is a series of discrete behaviors performed one after the other. -The behaviors in a chain are linked together by cues -Cues are conditioned reinforcers thus a cue can be used to reinforce a behavior Common reasons for broken chains: - Correct Answer--One or more behaviors and their cues are not fluent -The cue is late, occurring after the animal has stopped performing the previous behavior in the chain -The cue is not contingent on the performance of the previous behavior in the chain -The cue for the next behavior in the chain is absent -The cue is poisoned -The animal anticipates the cue and offers the behavior before the cue occurs, thus missing out on reinforcement -The chain was taught from the beginning rather than from the end (back chaining), so the end behaviors were reinforced less often. Not Fluent: - Correct Answer--If the animal pauses or becomes distracted during a chain, this is often a sign that the animal doesn't really understand the next behavior or cue. The behavior is not fluent The Cue is not Contingent: - Correct Answer-In order for an animal to understand that two parts of a chain are linked, the following two things must happen: -Each behavior must be fluent -modifier cues are useful in applications such as service and guide animal training, search dog training, draft dog training, retriever training, and anything that requires the animal to follow instructions that modify the original instruction. -These are taught in pairs or groups. -Once an animal knows three pairs of modifiers additional ones are easier to teach. Examples are: *Left vs Right *Top vs bottom *Round vs square *Large vs small *Slow vs fast *A little vs A lot *Many vs a few Familiar Cue Syntax: - Correct Answer--Get (V) the ball (Noun) -The modifier cue adds another layer of complexity by detailing out which ball to get. Modifier Cue Sytax: - Correct Answer--Ball(Noun) Small (Modifier) Get (Verb) Teaching Left/Right Shake a Paw Behavior Example: - Correct Answer-1. Give the hand signal and/or verbal cue for shake a paw with your hand to the far right or far left; C/T when the dog uses the appropriate paw. 2. When the dog is consistently responding correctly to the exaggerated hand cue, add the modifier cues "left" and "right". 3. Fade the prompt by making the hand signal less and less exaggerated until your hand is at dead center each time and the dog is responding to the verbal cues for right/left. Teaching Left/Right Modifier with Targeting Behavior Example: - Correct Answer-1. Use a target stick to direct your dog to one or the other object to touch, or place one of the objects far to the right and one close to the left so he is more likely to choose one over the other. 2. Once he understands the prompts and you can accurately guide him to the left or the right, add the cues "left" and "right" while fading the prompts. 3. When doing this type of training you must CT for every response that is directionally accurate, even if the target behavior is not perfect. The only criteria here is "left" vs "right" Modifier Cue Recap: - Correct Answer--Start with a fluent behavior the animal enjoys -Teach modifiers in pairs or groups -Use prompts or targets, or manipulate the training setup to help the animal succeed at first -Fade the prompts and add the cue once the behavior is predictable -Use the syntax: Noun Modifier Verb -Add complexity with increased distance, obstacles, different targets, etc., as appropriate -Once the animal responds correctly to one set of modifiers, teach the same modifiers with other fluent behaviors -CT for every correct response to the modifier Matching to Sample: - Correct Answer--often used with working dogs that must find a substance, object, or person based on visual or scent matching. -it refers to when an animal is presented with a certain "sample" (for example, a specific toy or scent) and then given a cue to go find another toy/scent that is just like it. -To complete the task, the animal then brings back or alerts the handler to the location of the object that matches the sample. Cues for Calm: - Correct Answer--When an animal has a deep reinforcement history with a particular cued behavior and it clearly enjoys doing the behavior, the cue for this behavior can be used to help in times of fear or uncertainty. Cues as Information: - Correct Answer--In many cases cues provide information as well as instruction. -Cues that give information about how to get the next cue are very reinforcing; you can use these to reinforce long duration or distance behaviors. -You can also use cues to give info to the animal about what you are going to do next The Performance Cue: - Correct Answer--favorite behavior that the dog offers when it is confused, anxious, or trying to get you to share your lunch -this is called a default behavior since the animal defaults to this in times of stress or uncertainty -With clicker trained animals, the default behavior is usually the first clicker trained behavior it ever learned. -teaching a behavior to fluency using a temporary cue during the training; when the behavior is perfect a new cue is attached called the "performance cue"; this cue is only ever associated with the final fluent behavior. -Under the stress of a performance the animal will have only the perfect version of the behavior to default to. Super Reliability: - Correct Answer--the degree of reliability in terms of cue response is directly related to your skill and efficiency as a trainer and to the amount of effort you are willing to devote to training. To Bring a Behavior to a super reliable level: - Correct Answer--Consistency -Generalizing -Breaking the task into small steps, and training each and every step -Raising criteria slowly -Creating a deep history of reinforcement -Keeping the animal in a positive emotional state Consistency: - Correct Answer--Your cues must be clear and consistent every time; consistency is critical for training a reliable response. -its also important in terms of human behavior when you are training: tone of voice, general demeanor, and reinforcement timing consistency are all aspects that can affect training success. Generalize: - Correct Answer--It is essential that your dog learn to generalize cues to different situations -This means keeping the cue consistent and changing other factors such as time of day, location, body position, clothing and anything else you can think of that will help the animal realize that the cue works in every circumstance. -The more you practice a cue in changing situations, the more reliable the cue response will be Breaking the task down: - Correct Answer--break down behaviors into small achievable parts -sometimes breaking it down requires that at the start of the shaping process, the behavior looks very different from the final goal behavior -break down the task into easy pieces and create a climate of success (for both people and animals) even if it requires incorporating elements in the beginning that would be considered errors in the final behavior Raising Criteria slowly: - Correct Answer--ping pong method of raising criteria ensures that the animal (or person) doesn't despair that it just keeps getting harder and harder -learning when to reinforce to keep the animal in the game, while developing an overall trend toward more skilled behavior, is an art that comes with practice Creating a deep history of reinforcement: - Correct Answer--building deep reinforcement histories in foundation behaviors makes them robust and more difficult to disrupt -a novice dog will simply not have enough reinforcement history to be expected to demonstrate reliability -time and patience are key Shaping Schedule: - Correct Answer--reinforcement may go from predictable to a little unpredictable back to predictable, as you climb, step by step, toward your ultimate goal Intelligent Disobediance: - Correct Answer--training concept that working animals are specifically taught so that in times of danger they can make their own decisions, even if it means disobeying the handler. Optimizing Treat Delivery: - Correct Answer-You can use treat placement to: -set up the dog in the optimum place for the next trial -get the dog into the habit of coming to a specific location to get the treat -have the dog move away from a distraction -build duration of behaviors (if you are working on stay on the mat then feed your treats on the mat rather than tossing them off) -Teaching the dog what to do rather than what not to do may be all the owner needs to form a cooperative relationship with the dog Manners in the house: - Correct Answer--basic house manners that owners generally value are: *manners at the door *manners around children *manners around other pets *manners around the food bowl *manners around toys and possessions *respect for boundaries *house training Loose Leash Walking: - Correct Answer--Use a target to get the dog into walking position -Take two steps -Give the "watch me" cue -Take two steps -CT -Repeat with different lengths of time with the target and with the eye contact -The ability to get a dog's attention immediately and to hold the attention, is a critical skill that every dog owner needs to have; owners should practice this skill, working toward fluency at home first so that they can cue the eye contact while out on a walk when a potential distraction is approaching. -Practice loose leash walking, targeting and attention, with other dogs at a distance, working up to closer contact -Never scold or punish a dog in the presence of other dogs (we want him to have good feelings around other dogs) -Have high value treats available and use these in any way necessary to avoid confrontation with anther dog or even to move past an overly friendly dog. -Take evasive action if a dog raises its tail, or freezes and stares at another dog. Move out of the situation. Why does my dog do that? - Correct Answer--Natural dog behaviors and breed-specific tendencies are generally at the root of most nuisance behaviors that owners wish to change. -Breed specific tendencies are a result of dogs being bred for specific purposes and this is evident in their physical appearance and the way they act. -The more dog owners know about the original purpose of the breed, the better they can understand some of the behavior they see and some of the training challenges they may face. A clicker approach: - Correct Answer--the key pieces of info required to describe the existing undesirable behavior: *What is the dog doing exactly? *What are the opportunities for the behavior to occur? *What cues trigger the behavior? *What is reinforcing the behavior? Behavior Examples: - Correct Answer--For common problems a simple analysis of the dog's behavior will help you create a training plan - consider the following as you analyze the dog's behavior and develop a training plan: *Think through the circumstances and alternatives, the cues (triggers), reinforcers, and opportunities that impact the undesirable behavior. *Think about what the owner wants the dog to do and find something the dog is doing right. *Consider the owner's objectives and abilities and the dog's temperament, size and energy level. *Teach the owners using the same principles used with teaching the dogs: focus on things they are doing right and on what behavior they can add to help the dog succeed. Review: - Correct Answer--Clicker trainers focus on what they want the dog to do. They look for something, anything, the dog is doing right and build skills from there. -Clicker trainers seek to change behavior by reinforcing steps toward desirable behavior, while undesirable behavior fades through lack of reinforcement. -Foundation behaviors for clicker trainers are: *Touch a target *Respond to a cue *Give attention to the handler *Offer behavior *Settle in a crate or on a mat Four Stages of Learning - Correct Answer-1. Acquisition (acquiring new behavior) 2. Fluency (behavior becomes automatic) 3. Generalization (behavior can be performed in different environments/conditions) 4. Maintenance (use it or lose it) Factors That Affect Learning - Correct Answer--Deprivation Level (hungry or full) -Amount/quality of reward -Contrast effect/jackpots -Novelty of stimulus (learned irrelevance) -Timing (primary/secondary reinforcers) -Schedules of Reinforcement (continuous, partial/intermittent - fixed, variable) Schedules of Reinforcement - Correct Answer-Continuous - 1:1, behavior is reinforced every time it occurs. Use with new behaviors and in early stages of learning Intermittent - when responses are reinforced only some of the time Six Types of Schedule Reinforcement: - Correct Answer-1. Fixed Ratio 2. Variable Ratio 3. Fixed Interval 4. Variable Interval 5. Fixed Duration 6. Variable Duration Fixed Ratio Schedules - Correct Answer--The same number of responses must be performed before a reinforcer is given. FR4 = a dog is on a fixed ratio schedule where it is rewarded every fourth time. -Easy to use -Many competitive dog events have the same preset routines so FR can be used to teach the whole routine. Variable Ratio Schedules - Correct Answer--Reinforcement is delivered after a certain number of responses that vary unpredictably (slot machines, fishing and the lottery) -The unpredictability of the reinforcers is powerful and can keep the animal performing for a long period of time. -The animal will perform at a consistently high rate. -If reinforcement stops the behavior that has been reinforced on a variable ratio schedule continues for a longer period of time than with other schedules. -New trainers find it harder to use VR and often spread the reinforcement to thin. -VR4 = the number of responses required before reinforcement is given varies but the average number of responses is four. Fixed Interval Schedules - Correct Answer--A specified amount of time must pass before the animal is given the reinforcer. -Most commonly used in lab settings, to study effects of certain drugs over time. -FI3 schedule means the animal is reinforced for the first response after three minutes have passed. -In the real world most fixed interval schedules related to dogs occur in hours; dog is fed at 7am and 7pm every day; that is a fixed interval schedule of 12 hours. -More suitable for lab research with rats and pigeons than in dog training. -Often confused with Fixed Duration schedules -After the reinforcer is given in a Fixed Interval schedule, there is usually a pause in the animal's responses. -Performance with Fixed Interval Schedules is less consistent than with fixed or variable ratio schedules Variable Interval Schedules - Correct Answer--Similar to Fixed Interval Schedules some time passes before the animal is reinforced however the amount of time varies. -Police or search work dogs -These schedules result in a more consistent performance than fixed interval schedules -require random delivery of reinforcement -Harder for new trainers to use properly -Not many training situations where a variable interval schedule is appropriate Ratio vs Interval Schedules - Correct Answer--Ratio Schedules set a number of responses that must occur before reinforcement is given. -Interval Schedules set an interval of time that must pass before reinforcement is given