Quiz of the week

What do you think leads behavior?

1. The use of a verbal cue/command?
2. A marker such a “click” or a “yes” when our dog (or any other animal with a spinal cord) does something we like?
3. Consequences: good and bad (from the perspective of the learner)?  

Drum roll… the correct answer is: # 3!!!

Indeed it is the consequence immediately after the behavior that will increase or decrease the behavior from happening again or being suppressed. Consequences though MUST be delivered immediately after the behavior otherwise they are useless in directing which behaviors we want to see more of (or less of). Understanding this important principle of animal learning really put us in the driver seat. If instead of getting frustrated at the dog because they are not “listening to us” we focus in giving timely consequences for behaviors we would not only communicate more effectively with our dogs our “desires” but we would begin to reap the benefits of our sound application of learning theory, which by the way, is not a “theory” in the strict use of the term. It is a science – the science of learning.

One of my biggest pleasures in life is relaxing in a hot tub. Lucky for us, our current home has a one. It is part of our daily routine to get in for a quick soak in the am. Deuce and Rio often come with us and either lay down wondering how long before we do something “fun” or engage them in play. Some mornings, they bring a toy – expecting us to play with them.

Have you ever tried training your dog from a hot tub? I have and it is not easy! Especially if you can’t reach for the toy. I have been encouraging Deuce to bring the ball close enough to me so that I can throw it for him but instead Deuce lies next to his ball exchanging quick glances between my eyes and the ball and wondering what the heck is wrong with me!

I realize that I need to teach this boy that in order for me to throw the ball for him, I need to be able to reach it. Okay, okay somethin’ else on the training list.

This morning, however, Deuce tried something different - really different: He gently nudges his ball towards me. Now I was able to reach the ball while hoping I would not crack a rib as I leaned forward from the hot tub. Immediately I threw the ball back at him and I continued to do so as long as he continued to nudge the ball back in my direction - ignoring any other response from him.

Ahh, the beauty of consequences leading behavior! Two points for me for:

1. Noticing that Deuce was engaging in some novel behavior within this context.
2. Seizing the opportunity to reinforce what I have been trying to “explain” to him: If I cannot reach the ball, I can’t toss it.

Now that you know the answer, try this at home. Stop getting frustrated or plain angry at your dog when he refuses to “listen” or respond to your cues. Instead, focus your attention on implementing consequences for behaviors that you want to see more of or applying consequences for behaviors you wish your dog would stop doing.