Dog Training Flashcards
Training Plan
Training roadmap—series of steps planned in advance to teach a behavior.
Criteria decisions already made—you should seldom have a “what” problem.
If it’s not fully memorized, it should be in writing next to you during training sessions for reference.
Building a
Training Plan
aka Backwards Planning (OC)
- Describe the terminal behavior—the final step in raising criteria
- Break the terminal behavior into all parameters
- Determine first step—closest approximation the dog can do now
- Use the parameters to create incremental steps—aim for quick and reliable progress
- Train, adding splits as needed
More parameters create a more detailed plan and longer training time.
Record Progress
Always note which step you reached on each behavior after every session.
No fishing around or warming up a behavior next session—more efficient.
Standard Operating Procedures
SOPs
Well vetted, standardized training plans for all popular behaviors. Includes Plan B (or even C) for commonly needed splits.
Memorized over time, making for much faster training.
Acronym, define, and function
PDS
Push Drop Stick
Sound, systematic adjustments to the set criteria based on the last sample/set.
Careful adherence prevents decision-making or guessing while training.
Alternate PDS
Can use another count (i.e. sets of 7 or 10), but be sure it’s both reasonable and systematic.
Push-Drop-Stick balance
Good training has a healthy mix of all three.
- Constant dropping—plan is not incremental enough
- No dropping, splitting, or even sticking—increments are too small and inefficient
Good training is not constant pushes.
Push
Go to the next step in the plan—raise criteria
* 4/5
* 5/5
Drop
Return to previous step in the plan—drop criteria
* 0/3
* 1/4
* 2/5
Auto-drop to avoid crashing RoR and losing the dog.
Auto-drop
Auto-drop immediately—don’t finish the set
* 0/3
* 1/4
Drop to fix crashed RoR.
Stick
Repeat current step—maintain criteria for another full set
* 3/5
Trial
or
Rep
One repetition of a step.
Set
A series of 5+ standardized reps of a step.
Same antecedent each trial.
i.e. exact same hand signal motion, speed, and height throughout set.
Usually 5 or 10 trials.
Sample
The number of correct trials within a set.
The sample determines PDS.
Split
Extra steps added to the training plan.
When step 1 is too easy and step 2 is too hard, 1.5 splits the difference.
Split Indication
If a 2nd pushed set at step 2 indicates another drop, add a split.
- Push on 1
- Drop on 2
- Push on 1 again
- Drop on 2 again
- Split to 1.5
Criteria Change
how and when
Always by pre-determind PDS.
Always between sets.
Never fudge or fish between trials within a set.
Session
Total time the dog is trained on any behaviors in one go.
Example: train for 30 minutes, including sit, down, LLW, recall. Progres
Economy
The degree to which a particular class of motivator is either earned or given for free.
Water should be a completely “open economy,” available at all times.
Preempt losing the dog’s attention
trainer’s side
- Practice mechanics without a dog to increase speed and efficiency.
- Follow your training plan!
- Train faster! Low ITL/high RoR
- Predetermined PDS points
Rate of Reinforcement
**split card **
RoR
The number of reinforcers delivered to the animal per unit time, usually expressed per minute.
Keep it high!
Wasted time loses engagement—entirely a trainer error!
i.e. 12 treats/minute, or 6 tugs/minute
Define and identify cause
Goldilocks Zone
what and when
Excellent RoR of 8-12/minute
10/min (every 6 seconds) for novice dogs, even if they are very keen. In practice, shoot for 8-12 per minute.
Natural result of a good plan and proper application of PDS.
10/min is ideal. 8-12 keeps us in the neighborhood.
Checking RoR
Check often when working with novice dogs (first ~20 sessions).
- Easiest to use systematic PDS.
- Estimate with treats.
- Count a number of treats available for a series of sets—say 40
- Train for 3 minutes
- Calculate RoR from leftover pieces
- Video yourself and count RoR.
Wasted time loses engagement. Split as needed to maintain momentum.
Increasing RoR
- Smooth mechanical training skills
- Minimal Inter-Trial Latency (ITL)
- PDS rules
- Drop, split, or shop as needed
- Pay setup behaviors (i.e. Sit for down-from-sit)