by Christopher Armanini of Full Send K9
This is part 2 in the series. Read part 1 to make sure you're caught up!
Next, we will be combining all of the previous steps utilizing an inanimate object. For this, I like to use a 3” PVC pipe 12” long or a wooden dowel. With the dog on the isolation table, we will present the item we intend the dog to hold. If the dog takes it immediately, great! Mark then reward. The dog will have to drop the item to receive the reward.
If the dog does not immediately take the item, use successful approximation by marking until the dog is grabbing the item from you. Same as in the previous steps, we will want to build duration with the dog holding the item by slowly extending till we mark. Also making sure we are only marking when the dog is applying steady pressure to the item and not jiggling it in their mouth.
Up to this point, we have not named any behaviors. After the dog consistently grabs the presented item from your hand and holds it until the mark, we can start to classically condition names to the predicted behaviors.
The sequence of events will go as follows:
Dog will be on the isolation table
Item will be at your side
You will say fetch, then present the item. If the dog does not immediately grab the item step away (negative punishment). Repeat until the dog grabs the item. Make sure you are giving the command of “fetch” and then presenting the item. Do not give the command and present the item at the same time. When the dog grabs the item, now you will give the drop or out command right before the marker. “Drop-Yes” then reward. Through classical conditioning, drop becomes the verbal cue in anticipation of the reward.
It is important to proof the out. We do not want our hands reaching in for the item to be a gestural que to drop. Some dogs will see our hand reaching in and drop it prematurely. To do this, I like to vary the way that I retrieve the object. Sometimes I grab the object and say drop, sometimes I reach in but do not grab the object and say drop, and other times I just give the command of drop. The dog must know to hold the item until given the command.
Everything we have done up to now has been preparation for pressure. We have given the dog the answers to the test. At this point is where we introduce slight discomfort (negative reinforcement) prior to the fetch. I like to utilize a dominant slip lead for this. The dog will be on the isolation table back tied to the flat collar. The dominant slip will be in front of the flat collar with the lead coming from the bottom of the neck to your hand. The opposite hand holds the pipe at your side. Slight discomfort is applied through the slip lead for a second or two. As you let off pressure from the slip lead, the pipe is presented with the “fetch” command.
We are showing the dog that the item he is fetching is relief from pressure. Very important not to pair the pressure with the item at this point. We then continue with the same process of maintaining the hold and the out.
Next I like to pair the negative reinforcement of the slip lead with low-level stimulation from an e-collar. I like to place the e-collar receiver on the top of the neck. By having the collar on top it gives a slight directional cue of forward and down as dogs typically move away from stimulation. Stimulation will be utilized at the same time the slip lead is used and paired together. I then go through the procedure that has been shown to the dog. It is important to have been showing the dog the multiple retrieve locations (left, right, low left, low right) other than directly in front, as it prepares the dog for what’s to come.
Up until now, the dog has been back-tied on the table. Next, we will need some assistance from another person. I like to put the dog on the back side of the table where the helper is holding a leash attached to the flat collar. The item we want the dog to pick up is on the opposite end of the table closest to the handler. The e-collar will still be on top of the neck. You will be facing the dog from the opposite side of the table, give a tap of the low-level stim then the fetch command. We are looking for the dog to drive forward to the item, pick it up off of the tabletop and present it to us. We then continue with the same standard of holding and outing.
At this stage, we have undergone hundreds of repetitions, effectively teaching the dog the desired behaviors and how to turn off the pressure (negative reinforcement) by successfully completing the fetch. Now, it's time to implement the "you must" aspect of the training system.
If, at any point from this stage onward, the dog refuses to fetch the item or drops it before the out command, we apply pressure to ensure compliance. For instance, if the dog is on the table and shows reluctance to fetch the item, we apply pressure through the slip lead and e-collar while stepping away. The pressure serves as positive punishment, urging the dog to take action. When the dog finally takes possession of the item, the pressure is released.
Similarly, if the dog drops the item before the drop command, we maintain pressure through the slip lead and e-collar while retrieving the item from the ground. As soon as the dog regains possession of the item, we release the pressure.
Similarly, if the dog drops the item before the drop command, we maintain pressure through the slip lead and ecollar while retrieving the item from the ground. As soon as the dog regains possession of the item, we release the pressure.
Throughout this process, we adhere to the same standard of holding and outing as before, providing a consistent and clear framework for the dog to follow.
This "you must" aspect of the training reinforces the importance of completing the fetch task promptly and accurately. By incorporating pressure as a consequence for non-compliance, we reinforce the dog's understanding that performing the desired behavior is essential for a comfortable and positive training experience.
This "you must" aspect of the training reinforces the importance of completing the fetch task promptly and accurately. By incorporating pressure as a consequence for non-compliance, we reinforce the dog's understanding that performing the desired behavior is essential for a comfortable and positive training experience.
Consistency and patience are key during this phase of training, as we help the dog develop reliability and precision in its behaviors. Through positive reinforcement for successful completion and pressure for non-compliance, we continue to strengthen the dog's grasp of the fetch command and solidify its performance in various scenarios.
Absolutely, this training system takes a comprehensive approach to set the dog up for success in the fetch and retrieve process. By incorporating all four quadrants of operant conditioning—positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment—the dog learns to be accountable for its actions, leading to behaviors that are performed with heart and soul.
By skillfully combining these four quadrants, the training system fosters a deeper understanding and emotional engagement in the dog's behaviors. The dog learns not only what is expected of it but also why certain actions lead to specific consequences. This level of accountability instills a sense of responsibility and ownership in the dog's actions, ultimately creating a strong bond and trust between the dog and its trainer.
Through patience, consistency, and a thoughtful approach, this training system nurtures a confident and reliable retriever, capable of performing the fetch command with enthusiasm and precision.
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