JD - CH.16 - Shaping Flashcards
Why do trainers typicaly end up in training ruts when using shaping?
Great method, but can get stuck bc our tendency rule breaking + Lose track of criteria.
What should you do to avoid getting stuck in a shaping process?
Make/stick to detailed plan + Keep training records.
How would you select your criteria in shaping?
Must be selected among behavior already offered.
Why must you select criteria from behaviors already offered? Which principle does this utilize?
Need reinforcement to be motivated to do behavior. No free lunch. Startstep where already easily achieving.
What characterises an optimal training set?
Dog never quit trying.
If the dog stops trying, what is the problem?
Too high criteria gives frustration, loses dog.
What is the result if criteria are too low?
Too low criteria = Gives same old behavior = slow progress.
What other factor than criteria affects motivation level of the dog?
Rate of reinforcement
Theoretically, where should you set the starting point for rate of reinforcement?
At rate of reinforcement where never quits.
Numerically, what could be a good starting point for rate of reinforcement?
Reinforcement every 6sec for green dog, new behavior suggested. Then build time.
What do you need to be aware of when working with criteria within a training plan?
Criteria pile-up: Lost track of parameters + Increased difficulty on more than one criteria at once. When increasing difficulty on one criteria, may have to make other criteria easier.
Why do you have to adjust some criteria to an easier level, when adjusting an other to a more difficult level?
Must still have dogs optimal rate of reinforcement in mind.
Ex. Goal automatic sit in heal for 8 sec. Do 4sec holds until automatic sit every time (if 4sec gices optimal reinforcement rate).
When one criteria made more difficult, temporarily make others more easy.
What side effect does shaping training have for dogs and how come?
Shaping great way for dogs to do problem solving. Earlier had to problem solve (hunt for food).
What third factor affects the success of shaping process?
Timing: Execution to delivery reinforcement.
What tool excist that can aid the trainer in the timing factor?
Clicker
What does the click of a clicker mean?
Click means: Here comes reinforcer. You get what you click.
Why is a clicker a good tool?
Helps precision.
What is the demand for maintaining the power of the clicker?
Click:reward = 1:1 ratio.
What is intermittent schedule/partial extinction use?
You don’t reward your dog for every response you receive
What is the downside and upside of using an intermittent schedule?
Google search claim: Dogs learn more slowly with this type of reward system, but once they have learned a given behavior, it will be less susceptible to extinction
Why/when would you chose to use intermittent schedule?
Can be exploited strategically to get variability in range of responses being offered from where one can select new criteria. Dogs responses might be very steretypen and trainer wants to increase intensity or vigour of response.
How does the dog react to intermittent schedule?
Used to be reinforced every time for one stereotyped response. Has to experiment to figure out how to get reinforcement flow going again. Responses can also extinguish al together.
How much should you use intermittent schedule in shaping projects?
Don’t overuse. Most shaping projects on most dogs will not require this.
