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Dogs of Course
Education for professionals and training enthusiasts.
Dogs of Course is dedicated to improving dogs' lives through education and building stronger bonds between dogs and their owners.
Get SMART about Training!
When
Sat Sep 18, 2010 - Sun Sep 19, 2010
Where
Endicott, NY - United States
Instructor Kathy Sdao MA, ACAAB View Event Publisher
Price
$115-$215
Registration Info http://dogsofcourse.com/
Get SMART about Training
Over the last twenty years, many dog trainers have made efforts to increase their use of positive reinforcement while minimizing their use of painful or anxiety-provoking punishments. This evolution toward a more humane approach to modifying behavior has far-reaching impact on dogs and trainers alike. But when we opt to avoid using “sticks” to motivate our dogs, we must make a commitment to become SMART about the use of “carrots” – positive reinforcers. Trainers who understand the science and practical applications of behavioral reinforcement gain the ability to be more creative and less coercive.
The acronym SMART stands for “See, Mark And Reward Training”; it summarizes the fundamental sequence of behaviors a trainer performs when using reinforcement effectively. We’ll discuss in detail each of these core skills – observation of the animal’s behaviors, pinpointing the desired behavior with a meaningful marker signal, and providing powerful rewards.
Through use of lecture, demonstrations and video, this seminar will explore all aspects of positive reinforcement.
Day 1
Brief review of operant conditioning
Operant conditioning as analogous to natural selection
Why choose positive reinforcement?
Unconditioned vs. conditioned reinforcers
Behavioral markers as the fulcrum
Using +R to shift the behavioral distribution curve
Creating new reinforcers … and more!
Day 2
Reinforcement frequency & schedules
Seeing behavior: setting your filter
Maximizing reinforcement opportunities; minimizing the need for punishment
What if the environment offers better reinforcers than you have?
Limits of what reinforcement can do
Placement of reinforcers
Choosing types of reinforcers
What about punishment? ... and more!
13 CEUs for CPDTs and IAABC
For complete information go to www.dogsofcourse.com or contact Dana
Crevling at 508/529-3568, M -F 8am - 7pm EST or Crevling@dogsofcourse.com