In this episode we discuss:
- Can we use a tactile cue like leash pressure to train in an R+ framework or is it still just R- that we put a treat on top of to make us feel better?
- Putting food in the picture doesn’t necessarily make it positive reinforcement, so how can we tell what contingencies are really in play?
- Review what we mean by positive and negative reinforcement
- An example of a situation that I thought I was training with R+ but now I’m realizing it’s really R-, despite my best intentions.
- Questions I can ask myself (and my dog):
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- Am I escalating the cue or stimulus to get the behavior to happen?
- Do I have feelings about consequences should my dog not perform the behavior?
- What happens if I apply that tactile stimulus in a different context outside of a training session?
- What other behaviors – emotional behaviors and other behaviors – are happening at the same time or in this context? Are they behaviors otherwise associated with positive reinforcement? Or are they more consistent with escape/delay/avoidance?
- Can I use the cue (the tactile stimulus) to shape another behavior? (ala start button behaviors!)
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- How to minimize the chance that a stimulus is functioning as an aversive by teaching the behavior first without that stimulus and then adding it as a cue second.
Links mentioned:
- Episode #31: Start Button Behaviors with Emily Johnson Vegh and Eva Bertilsson
- The Clicker Center
- eileenanddogs blog
This podcast is supported by: Voilà! Pets
Visit the Voilà! Pets website and use code DFTT for 10% off of your order of sustainable, consciously-crafted treat bags.
