Jargon & Overview Flashcards
Training Plan
Training Roadmap—series of steps planned in advance to teach a behavior.
Always note which step in the plan you reach in each session to pick up from there efficiently.
Steps in a
Training Plan
- First step is what they can do now.
- Final step is the goal/terminal behavior.
- The steps between designed to be easy enough to be reliably achieved, without slowing down too much.
PDS
Sound, systematic adjustments to the set criteria based on the last sample (wins per 5 trials). This prevents delaying the flow of training with decision making.
Can use another system, but be sure it’s reasonable and systematic.
Push
Go to the next step in the plan (raise criteria) for 4-5 out of 5
Drop
Return to previous step in the plan (drop criteria) for 0-2 out of 5
Auto-drop for 0 out of 3, or 1 out of 4
Stick
Repeat current step (another set of repetitions) for 3 out of 5
Split
Create a step in between that splits the difference.
When a step is too hard (0/5), and the previous step is too easy (5/5). Drop from step B to step A as usual. If a 2nd push to B indicates another drop, add a split—A.5.
Trial
or
Rep
One repetition of a step.
Set
A series of standardized reps of a step. Usually 5 or 10 trials.
Example: exact same hand signal throughout set.
Sample
The number of correct trials within a set.
The sample determines PDS.
Session
Total time the dog is trained on any behaviors in one go.
Example: train for 30 minutes, including sit, down, LLW, recall. Progres
ALWAYS make note of which step you reached with each behavior each session.
Economy
The degree to which a particular class of motivator is either earned or given for free.
A “closed economy” on food means 100% of the dog’s food is earned in training.
Water should be a completely “open economy,” available at all times.
Preempt losing the dog’s attention
Practice mechanics without a dog to increase speed and efficiency.
Follow your training plan!
Predetermined PDS points, based on sets of 5+ trials. High RoR.
Careful adherence to PDS prevents decision-making while training, which
Rate of Reinforcement
RoR
Keep it high! [ideal rate is 6-10/minute)?
Train fast, moving smoothly and quickly. Crank out trials as fast as you comfortably can. Begin the next as soon as you’ve reinforced the last—minimal inter-trial latency.
Wasted time loses engagement. Split as needed to maintain momentum.
The Training Flow Chart
Is the dog upset?
Left side for yes—address emotional state.
Right side for no—straight OC to increase the frequency of behaviors.
