Course Details
This class will continue to emphasize the handler’s skill building. We will be working on some common problems that face all handlers at all levels. Excellence will be built by skillfully incorporating principles of learning and applying them directly to our specific trainings situations. Bob Bailey (of Chicken Camp fame!) is the inspiration behind this class - how to design, execute and progress with training excellence!
We will work on limiting errors in training, setting up training sessions to maximize rate of success, effective use of proper reinforcement and considering your options for what to do when your dog does not meet criteira in training. Finally, we will emphasize the importance of getting training attitude in the competition ring, and how to do it!
Check out the syllabus for more detailed information.
This class continues with concepts from the extremely popular first class, Training Excellence 1, however it can be taken without the first class - you can catch up!
Registration
There are no scheduled sessions for this class at this time. We update our schedule frequently, so please
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Registration begins at 11am PST
Enrollment limits: Gold: 15 students, Silver: 25 students, Bronze: unlimited. If you are interested in bronze level, you can sign up any time during the registration period.
For answers to commonly asked questions see our FAQ page.
Syllabus
Week 1:
Errorless learning
What is it?
When would a trainer be most concerned with this concept?
Information in/ Behavior out.
Appropriate planning and preparation for your training session.
Importance of proper criteria setting.
Week 2:
Behavior Economics and their role in performance
Rate of reinforcement
Value of reinforcement
One marshmallow now or two later?
Thoughtful use of rewards in training so that it makes sense to the animal.
Week 3:
Controlling the behavior once you get it.
Cues are important!
Teach the cue.
Discriminate the cue.
Control that cue!
Week 4:
Conditioned Reinforcers
What are they?
Why use them in training?
Appropriate use of CR’s.
When not to use them
Week 5:
Intervals re-visited
Adding duration to your dog’s ability to work without primary reinforcement on you.
How to start?
How to progress?
When would one start?
What can I ask of my dog?
What if we fail?
Take it on the road.
Week 6:
Problem solving your obedience trainig/routine
Why an important skill?
How often do problems arise?
Importance of training yourself to "see" what the dog is doing
Breaking out problems and re-training them.
Not getting discouraged when problem arise.
Prerequisites and Equipment
Handler will need a dog, reinforcement that is valuable to the dog, and any training equipment that they are using, such as access to jumps, dumbells and platforms.
