[NAGDU] Using positive reinforcement instead of punishment

Tue Dec 19 16:40:44 UTC 2017

Thanks for the information everyone. This has been very helpful.
Yiska

On Dec 19, 2017 08:11, "Danielle Sykora via NAGDU" <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> You've gotten some good suggestions already. Here are some ways I have
> reduced leash corrections while working with my dog, a lot of which
> are similar to Tami.
>
> When my dog makes a work error and I am able to rework it, I simply
> stop, turn around and walk back a few steps, and rework. I don't leash
> correct, because the act of stopping and reworking the obstacle tells
> my dog he has done something wrong. For very minor errors or things I
> can not rework at the time, I use the phrase "watch it". Said in a
> negative tone it is a correction that I use exclusively with tasks
> (obstacle avoidance and stopping at changes in elevation); said in a
> warning tone, it tells my dog that he is starting to make a mistake or
> that I know something ahead is tricky and needs to be approached very
> carefully. If you find you need to rework something more than a time
> or two, then it most likely means that either the dog is distracted by
> something in the environment or the dog doesn't fully understand what
> you are asking.
>
> For distractions, it really depends on what the dog responds best to
> and what type of distraction it is. If at all possible, I try to
> minimize how much my dog can be distracted in the first place. For
> example, Thai struggles with sniffing and scavenging, so he wears a
> Halti frequently while working. This allows me to feel his head
> movements more easily, thus allowing me to intercept the distraction
> sooner. If my dog does get distracted, typically I start with a verbal
> reminder like "leave it" or something said in a firm tone--the word
> doesn't really matter. Then I give a directional leash cue, or put
> very light pressure on the collar away from the distraction (E.G.
> light pressure to the right if the dog is looking at something on the
> left). Some other ways to handle distractions are to stop and do some
> obedience, or to turn around and then  walk past the distraction
> again. I do still use leash corrections sometimes, when other methods
> do not work and I know the correction will actually have an effect.
>
> I use the clicker for teaching new behaviors and strengthening
> behaviors that my dog is struggling with. I give treats every time I
> click, but I only give treats randomly otherwise.  Treats are a
> fantastic training tool, but something people frequently don't realize
> is that treats are just one tool in the positive reinforcement
> toolbox.
>
> Danielle and Thai
>
>
> On 12/19/17, sonfire11--- via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> > You can do many things with clicker training. Recently, I clicker trained
> > Alec to take me across a very busy and distraction prone parking lot. He
> > had
> > to hit a specific point on the other side, so using the clicker to help
> > pattern him helped. Now, he takes me to that point without fail. Another
> > good use for clicker training is to build confidence during a route. Alec
> > was a little hesitant during a 3 mile route we take every other day.
> Using
> > the clicker helped him remember what I was asking him to do.
> > When you rework something like missed obstacles, it is considered a work
> > error. Every dog is different, but the normal process is to correct, show
> > him the error, then rework. Seeing Eye will show you how to do these.
> > However, you must learn how your dog responds to corrections/praise
> during
> > work errors, then act accordingly. For instance, Alec bumps me into a
> pole.
> > First, he gets a light leash correction. I then sit him down next to the
> > pole, tap it and tell him fui in a displeasing tone. After that, we
> rework
> > the problem by going about 20 feet back down the street and walk through
> > the
> > problem spot again. Usually, the dog will get it on the first time
> through.
> > However, it can take up to 3 or so times.
> > I don't have a disproval marker during clicker training. The normal leave
> > it, fui, leash corrections, and control methods apply. Although, I might
> > have to retrain him on a code word for "let's go now" because anyone who
> > says the words "ok" and "ready" in the same phrase clues him into
> worktime
> > and he stands up and gets annoyed when we don't leave right away.
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Yiska via
> NAGDU
> > Sent: Monday, December 18, 2017 5:23 PM
> > To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> > <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> > Cc: Yiska <ichoosechrist2 at gmail.com>
> > Subject: [NAGDU] Using positive reinforcement instead of punishment
> >
> > Hello,
> >
> > I am wondering about clicker training and positive reinforcement when it
> > comes to guide work. How do you get a dog to do the right task after
> > messing
> > up. For example the dog misses an overhead obstacle. Normally one would
> > leash correct and then rework. How would you rework if the dog does not
> get
> > it the first or fourth time? Normally you would increase corrections.
> Also
> > for those who clicker train do you have a disapproval marker like no? I
> am
> > trying to use much more positive training but struggled with my last dog.
> > From what I have learned from youtube there are lots of basic tasks for
> > clicker but not much past that.
> >
> > I get my dog in January from the seeing eye and am very excited.
> > Yiska
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