kliker.si

Šolanje s klikerjem me je dokončno prevzelo, ko sem videla, kaj vse je Bob Bailey s klikerjem naučil kokoši. Za pse si še nekako predstavljam, da se jim da tudi brez klikerja kaj dopovedati, učenje delfinov, rib ali kokoši pa je drugače kot z označevanjem vedenj in nagrajevanjem pravzaprav nemogoče. Videla sem Baileyeve kure, ki so se dotikale predmetov specifične oblike in razlikovale med krožci rumene, rdeče in modre barve. Vsakič znova, ko gledam posnetke z njegovih delavnic, ki jih še vedno organizira po vsem svetu, sem povsem fascinirana – da so kure tako pametna bitja in da smo ljudje pogruntali take metode, da jih to lahko naučimo. Dolgo sem imela v planu, da bom nekoč kaj takega naučila svoja psa; še raje bi videla, če bi se Baileyeve kurje delavnice lahko kdaj v živo udeležila.

Amélie je zadnjih par tednov zaradi okrevanja po operaciji obsojena na delo doma in končno se je našel čas za kurji eksperiment. Najin prvi cilj je bil, da se psička nauči razlikovati med predmeti različnih oblik, potem sva dodali različne barve, pa različne materiale in tudi vonje. Vaje za razlikovanje predmetov in vonjev so odlična, ampak res odlična vaja za razvijanje klikeraških veščin, za urjenje v opazovanju in spoznavanju procesa učenja, učenca in učitelja. Filmčki sledijo, do takrat pa krasen posnetek z Baileyeve kurje delavnice letos na Danskem, spodaj pa navodila, kako se učenja razlikovanja predmetov in vonjev sploh lotimo. Za tiste, ki jih zanima, kaj neki kure na mizi sploh počnejo, pa tale posnetek ob blizu – KLIK.

Establishing the concept
It is helpful in establishing a single discrimination to first teach the dog about discriminations more generally so that the dog gets the idea that 'choice' is an issue and the 'right choice' is rewarded. Before working on scent discrimination, it can be beneficial to train the dog to discriminate among objects based on such criteria as size, shape, or color. For example, work with a cube, an orb, and a rectangle. Shape the dog to touch the cube to the exclusion of the other two. Or, work with a red ball, a yellow ball, and a white ball. Shape the dog to touch the red ball to the exclusion of the other two. You can extend the lesson with a 'stimulus reversal' – after shaping the dog to touch the red ball, shape the dog to touch the white ball and not the red. These exercises are good for the dog because they put his mind to work learning to make choices among objects generally. They are good for the trainer because they improve observation and timing skills.

Introducing scent
There are a number of ways to introduce your dog to the concept of making a choice based on scent. Remember that this is something the dog tends to do anyway. You can start directly with your own scent, or you can use something more potent and obvious, such as cheese or vanilla extract. The purpose of the more potent starter is not to teach your dog to use its nose, but to give you the ability to perceive more accurately what your dog is doing, and to respond to it. Take an object, any object, and impart the scent to it. If you are using vanilla extract, put the extract on a cotton swab and wipe the swab on the article. If you are using cheese, rub the cheese directly on the article, trying to impart scent without leaving any actual cheese on the article. Of course you do not need to use any 'trick scents', and instead can go directly to using your own scent if that is your preference.

Error-free learning
In this first approach to shaping discrimination, you set it up so that every choice the dog makes is correct. Scent six identical objects with the same scent. Reinforce for every touch of every scented object. Do this for three sessions, ten repetitions (trials) a session. Then, remove one scented object and replace it with an unscented one. Clicker train for every correct touch. If the dog looks toward the unscented object, do not respond, but click for any responses that focus away from the unscented object. Work at this level until the dog is touching only the scented objects and ignoring the unscented one completely. Next, remove a second scented object and replace it with a second unscented one. The pace should go more quickly, as you have already taught the dog that he is to ignore the unscented article. Proceed until you have one scented article and five unscented ones and the dog consistently touches only the scented article, ignoring the others completely. As you go along, mix up the placement of the articles so that the dog does not get the idea that placement is part of the discrimination 'set'.

Match to sample
Another way to shape discrimination is to give the dog the sample scent and then ask him to find the object that matches the sample. This is where vanilla extract comes in very handy, as those samples are pungent, making the match relatively easy. If you use a white object, the vanilla leaves a slightly visible stain, making it easier for you to recognize that the dog is going to the correct object. Start with one scented object to make the connection between sample and match, then add one unscented object to introduce the discrimination.

Scenting the article (your scent)
The mere act of carrying articles in a bag from one place to another will cause your scent to be imparted to the articles you use for training. Again, what you are really asking the dog to do is find the 'hottest' article, the one that has the freshest or most intense scent. There are various ways to make sure that there is a clear difference between the 'hot' and 'cold' articles when you practice with your dog. You can put the 'unscented' articles in a refrigerator before practice; the cold will essentially neutralize scent and will retard incidental scenting. You can put the 'hot' article in a Ziploc bag, which will intensify your scent. In actually scenting the article, it is sufficient simply to grasp the bit in your fist and hold it for a couple of seconds. There is no need to spin the bit in your hand.

Click for responses
As you add unscented articles, you may see your dog responding uncertainly. When this happens, you have to think in terms of having a conversation with your dog. Your dog is asking, 'What do you want here?' If your dog even looks in the direction of the scented article, or rolls his eyes in that direction, or moves his head slightly in that direction, click. He's asking a question and you should answer with the click ('click for action'). Confirm your answer by treating in the direction of the scented article ('treat for position'). You don't have to lure the dog to the article, just treat in that direction to keep the dog oriented that way. In most cases, the dog will 'take the hint' and continue to work toward the scented article.

Nose to ground
The dog is not required to work the pile with its nose to the ground, but it is preferred. A dog can successfully 'air scent' the pile, but if you have ever had a dog do that, you know that it is a rather exciting time for the handler. When introducing the scent, click for touches and work the articles to the ground as quickly as possible.

Extending the work
Assuming you have placed the articles close together and the dog is indicating to the correctly scented article pretty regularly, it is time to mix it up. Spread the articles and then hide the scented one under a chair or in some tall grass, or put the scented article under an unscented one. You are trying to build the dog's tenacity. It is a good idea to have a training partner pick up the articles and place them on the ground. In a competition, a judge would use tongs, but tongs are not required 100 % of the time. If the article should fall to the ground, the judge or steward might have to pick it up by hand. Therefore, make sure that your dog will not only distinguish between your 'hot' and 'cold' scents, but will also distinguish your scent from that of other people. Finally, practice the discrimination on various surfaces, including grass, dirt, and concrete. You can never know for sure that your dog will work to the same level on all surfaces unless you practice on all of them.

Vir in © copyright Morgan Spector.