By Sherry Britton, trainer
The
strengthening of any behavior over time through repeated reinforcement is
referred to as “building reinforcement history”. The process can be likened to making deposits in a savings
account. As more deposits are made, the account (or behavior) grows.
Described in
this handout are training sequences I’ve developed for the purpose of building
reinforcement history. With consistent practice, these exercises increase the
likelihood that your dog will return reliably when called.
Name response (30 reps) Teach your dog to turn toward you on his name, Generalize to all
environments. Follow instructions in your Week One handouts. Practice
frequently.
Chase and return (30 reps) Once the dog has the basics for name response, introduce the
following game : While standing near a wall or a fence, alert your dog to a
treat. Toss the treat several feet along the wall , encouraging the dog to go
after it. Once the dog has the treat, call his name. When he looks up, click
and toss a treat along the wall in the opposite direction (dog chases past you to get the second treat).
Repeat this sequence several times (back and forth) before luring the dog in
front of you to end the exercise.
Purpose: to build reinforcement history on name response, from a
distance.
Return from the target (10 reps) Teach your dog to run to a target then
return to you (when he hears his name). It may be necessary to follow your dog
to the target and interrupt him with a light touch the first few times ( if he
becomes distracted). Generalize by practicing this game in different locations.
Purpose: teaches the dog self-control while building a reinforcement history on
returning to you.
Training
tips: Make socialization a priority and you’ll have more influence over your
dog’s behavior in public. Exposure
is key when training a dog to return
when called. Socialize your puppy well. Expose him to whatever he may
encounter in life. Use people, other animals, cars, children and other
distractions. If exposure is provided on a regular basis, the outdoor
environment becomes less novel to the dog. Bonding with the handler (provider
of safety and reward) offers more appeal.
Bold dog – a poorly socialized dog with a bold
temperament is likely to be independent; he may leave you to explore the
environment then choose not return when called.
Shy dog – a poorly socialized shy dog is prone to anxiety when in
new environments. He is likely to
choose to remain close to the handler off-leash but may leave or show a lack attention if something in the
environment worries or startles him.
* Be
consistent when training. Remember
to change locations frequently to vary your dog’s exposure to distractions.
* Notice
when your puppy is moving toward you of his own volition, reinforce this.
Develop a wide range of reinforcers,
use food rewards, games, affection or the opportunity to engage in a behavior
he likes.
* Use a
longline. Have the puppy drag the line on off leash runs. Stop him from
leaving you before he wanders out of bounds. Pair the appearance of
distractions with rewards for returning to you. Just before he notices a
distraction, step on the line, then call him.
* Don’t call
your puppy unless you have the ability to get him to come to you. Avoid
calling your puppy from a distance if he is engaged in play with another dog
until you’re certain you have a reliable recall. Practice interrupting your
puppy from play by calling from close range, interrupting him with a quick tag
to the hindquarters, if needed.
* Call the
puppy to his food dish at meal time.
* Play games
of hide and seek. Begin indoors, later, play outdoors (only in safe locations).
Tips for Hide and Seek : Observe
your puppy, wait until he is busy sniffing the ground, then duck behind a bush
or a shrub. Wait for the puppy to notice you’ve left. Remain undercover until
he finds you, even if you know he is worried. This game places responsibility
on the puppy to keep track of you, he will learn that he must watch for you.
* Never engage in “keep away” games with your puppy. If you notice
the pup practicing this game, ignore him rather than chasing after him. Try
running in the opposite direction. Reward only for coming to you. Use a long
line to keep the pup safe, step on the line before the pup can leave.
