Training Session Loops - K.I.S.S.
By combining ideas from several sources ( TAG Teaching,
Morten Egtvedt, Cecilie Koeste and Susan Garrett, to name only a few), I have
designed a quick and easy CLICKER/MARKER TRAINING PLAN OUTLINE that works quite
well for me and my clients. I
call it:
K.I.S.S. (Keep It Short & Simple) TRAINING SESSION LOOPS
Start by
formulating a PLAN:
I
use the acronym W.O.O.F. (from
TagTeaching) which stands for:
- What you WANT
- ONE thing
- OBSERVABLE
- FIVE words or less
So a training plan for your first loop might be: "dog puts butt on floor" (What I want, one thing, observable =(clickable), five words or less)
After you have the plan but before you get your dog: SET UP: Get your leash, high value,
pea-sized treats, your clicker/marker, any needed props and your dog's
favorite toy.
THEN get your dog: I like to have a word or phrase like "Ready? / Are you ready to work?" to let the dog know that he
has an opportunity to earn clicks and treats.
TRAIN: Get the behavior with Shaping or Luring: Train for a total of 5-10 Clicks/Treats:
Then say "Finished" or "All
Done!" to let the dog know the opportunity to earns clicks &
treats is finished.
Then PLAY for 30-60 seconds: Tug, toss a ball, run and let the dog chase you -- whatever the dog enjoys and gets him moving about.
Then put dog away (on a bed, in a crate, or "parked" with a leash)
The next step is to REVIEW: How was your:
- TIMING: Did you click the behavior at the right time?
- CRITERIA: Was the training too hard or too easy for your pup?
- RATE OF REINFORCEMENT: How fast were your Clicks &Treats
- QUALITY OF REINFORCEMENT: Does your dog find the treats valuable enough to work for?
Then you decide on the plan for the next loop: What small change (ONE THING) can you make?
Do only 3-4 loops per session
Most importantly HAVE FUN! If you or the dog are tired or frustrated, stop the session and wait till a better time.