Clean Run Magazine - November 2009 - 74

When shaping is complete, the behavior is accurate from either starting position (sit or stand). Duration (amount) can be added even if you only add a couple of seconds at a time, which is an excellent beginning goal. Next add the criterion of intensity (being speedy in the execution of the entire behavior). I reinforce only quickly executed behaviors. If you are happy with the intensity, then you can attach a formal cue. One simple way to decide whether to add a cue is: Are you willing to bet $100 that your dog will do the correct behavior when asked? Paying up might be easier than correcting your error if you attach a cue too early! Now comes the hard part: remembering that once a cue is correctly and firmly attached, latency must be kept as close to zero as possible. When you cue a behavior, the animal must start the response immediately and you must react to his response appropriately. If latency is a truly foreign concept to you and you have not thought about it or worked on it, there is an excellent discussion by animal trainer extraordinaire, Bob Bailey, on decreasing latency at www.clickersolutions.com/articles/2002b/latency. htm. It is well worth printing, reading several times, and keeping a copy in your training binder. Common Errors in Attempting Zero Latency Common mistakes people make when trying to keep latency to zero include • Double cueing (saying Down or repeating the physical cue several times before the dog starts his response) • Tr a i n e r ’s a c c e p t a n c e o f d e l a y e d response (this may also be present if the trainer does not understand how to attach a cue to a behavior; see the technical term “stimulus control” below) • Waiting too long for the dog to respond so you actually reinforce the slow response to the cue, rather than releasing and trying again Other problems may crop up because the trainer does not understand how and when to add a cue to a behavior. We reviewed some of the criteria in the Zen stay article concerning when to add a cue for that specific behavior. Technically, stimulus control is considered to be established when you can answer yes to the question: Will the dog execute the requested behavior on cue and perform only one behavior for a specific cue? Because many factors and ideas exist for determining when to add a cue to a behavior, I think stimulus control is likely fodder for a separate article. I’ve included references to whet your appetite for more information about shaping behavior at the end of the article so you can enjoy reading further on the topic. Build it yourself or let us custom make your equipment for you! Affordable, quality agility equipment for competition or your backyard Colored furniture-grade PVC pipe and fittings UV-resistant vinyl tape www.arfandrunning.com toll-free 1-866-222-8484 63 Hawes Bridge Road Prospect, Maine 04981 Visa, MC, checks and Paypal accepted Shipping at cost 74 Clean Run | November 09

http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/2002b/latency.htm http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/2002b/latency.htm http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/2002b/latency.htm http://www.arfandrunning.com

Clean Run Magazine - November 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run Magazine - November 2009