optional webinars: Infinity Latency , Prompt Jumping Flashcards
What is an “advanced” trainer?
Disciplined and systematic.
- Solid fluency with the basics of production training
- Follow the process for training and b mod
- No guessing or improvisation
The “cost” (trade off) of Infinity Latency—and why it isn’t really
Rate of Reinforcement crashes momentarily.
Low RoR is a performance cost the dog has control over here, so the latency will trend down through successful trials.
The purpose of Infinity Latency
Creates the opportunity for a successful trial.
Risk of “limited hold”
i.e. not giving Infinity Latency
Likely to use inconsistent time (undefined criteria) to declare a failed trial, and this can dilute the prompt
Only acceptable as a formal criteria, i.e. within Y seconds for a full set
Latency
The lag time between the antecedent and behavior
Add to fading card elsewhere
Hand signal is a faded prompt (mimics the lure)
Function of Prompt Jumping
Avoiding a premature major raise in criteria.
Introducing the verbal then waiting until they are ready for it to be used as criteria.
Underlying Process of Prompt Jumping
Firmly establish the CC contingency—cue is always followed by the prompt.
Keep the timing consistent—signal as soon as cue ends. No variation.
Criteria for Successful Prompt Jumping
Jean typed when the percentage of trials the dog jumped the prompt would be a “stick” if it were required criteria. A few minutes later, Si says it must be 4-5 in a row
When and Why to use Prompt Jumping
Verbal cues are much harder for the dog.
It’s a leap in criteria.
Verbal-only is a much bigger ask than following a smaller hand signal.
Define
Criteria
Complete description of precise behavior dog must perform right now to earn a reinforcement.
Standardized requirements within a set.
What is the criteria while shopping?
Behavior for the prompt.
Single, consistent OC contingency.
The cue has no part in the criteria.
Building a plan—the key to appropriate incremental steps
Be deliberate.
Each step must be worth sticking to for a successful set.
Why criteria is important for the dog
They excel at discrimination. Standardized sets let them understand what is expected.
Relationship of cue to prompt
in shopping/prompt jumping
Pavlovian
The cue always predicts the prompt.
Even if the dog starts behavior. CC must be certain before expecting OC.
Shopping
Looking for the next criteria while rewarding the current criteria.
Assessing readiness to push without expectation for it.
Effect of behavior on CC contingency
“This then that” regardless of dog’s behavior or other events
Describe
Completed Prompt Jumping
in terms of CC contingency
Confirmed CC as complete—tiny latency so the behavior beats the prompt
Time between cues and prompts in shopping
ASAP while still separate.
Seems to be inconsistent info
Pitfalls of “fishing” in prompt jumping
Extending the time between cue and prompt
- Pavlovian relationship decays
- Breaks down standardization—broken contract
Trainer’s key to successful shopping
Patience.
This might take many, many sets. Successful trials (behavior on hand signal) are still leading to the jump.
Bulk of a training time likely to be on this one step of the plan.
ask in office hours to clarify
What is the difference between “pairing” and “shopping” phases for prompt jumping? Is it just making sure you did a full set of pairing before counting? Si pointed out no mechanical difference when shopping phase started (same contingency/still paying for behavior on hand signal).
In “Jumping the Prompt” around 43:30, session 4 with Latte, Jean uses left hand for signals rather than right. Doesn’t count as criteria change because standard within set? Was this worked on previously?
