Clicker training

Clicker training is a method of influencing behavior (or training) of animals. By means of a clicker ( a device that generates an acoustic signal, or sound in the form of a "click " ) may be enhanced desired behavior. From a scientific perspective, the Clicker is covered by the operant conditioning, with systematic use of the clicker as a conditioned, secondary amplifier.

Clicker training is possible with almost any species and can be successful. It is used in dolphins or pets like cats and dogs, but also horses, birds or even amphibians.

Basics

Clicker training is based on the process of reasoned behavioral science " operant conditioning" prepared ( by BF Skinner ) and is indicated by " classical conditioning " Pavlovian.

The Clicker utilizes the effect that a behavior is shown more often, if a consequence is at the behavior, a ( colloquially expressed ) for the animal "profit" represents ( learning through positive reinforcement in the form of reward, " learning success " by Thorndike ).

A "win" for an animal, for example, the satisfaction of needs, especially deficit and basic needs of biological need (eg food).

The clicker

The " clicker " as such is a device, which the children's toys " clicker " is similar ( an embossed strip of sheet steel, mounted in a housing of a loud popping noise generated during bending ).

Learning conditions

Essential to the " learning success " is that the animal is the consequence of his behavior undergoes within the shortest possible period of time, so that the relationship between behavior and consequence obtained (the link) remains (the link time window for dogs and cats is, for example in the range of maximum of 0.48 to 0.7 seconds). The click itself is not a reward, but only a marker signal for the precise moment of the behavior shown, such as a photographic snapshot. In English is also spoken by bridging signal. The signal spans the period of marking the behavior to reward.

Implementation

The sound of the clicker is initially meaningless to the animal. If the clicker operated immediately before the administration of a small amount of food the animal learns after a few repetitions that the clicker feed announcing ( classical conditioning ). Thus, from a previously " neutral stimulus " a " conditioned stimulus " that announces that a need is satisfied ( for food ).

Training opportunities

• The animal is a certain behavior at random. The trainer fits from the moment in which the behavior occurs, and "rewarded" it with one click ( we call this process also capturing, ie capture ).
• By Aids / Instructions and / or situational constraint ( the animal in this situation can only behave in a certain way ) generated behavior is rewarded with a click.
• Approaches to behavior will be rewarded and the approach to the training goal (a certain behavior that the animal is currently not shown) prepared ( = shaping shaping ).
• A series of individual behaviors ( chaining = concatenation) generates a complex behavior chain. In this case, each single step ( each of the behaviors ) to trigger (trigger) of other behaviors that cause the animal to a specified destination.
• In target training the animal is brought to the head ( or nose) to follow a target stick ( = pointer, also called target only ). If this behavior is learned, the animal can now lead as on a leash and / or arrange for further actions.
• Clicker training as employment ( Enrichment ) in zoo and circus animals: If the fulfillment of specific training objectives, not in the foreground, Clicker training is well suited to the animal to "play" to make it as physically and mentally utilization. This is particularly relevant at home, zoo and circus animals, the environment does not provide enough stimulation for welfare.
• Clicker training is also often used in zoo animals for medical training. Here, the animal becomes accustomed to necessary examinations by a veterinarian. This can usually be dispensed with sedation or general anesthesia with its risks. Furthermore, the actions of the vet's office with much less stress for the animal are connected.

Advantages of Klickertrainings

The clicker makes a sound ( stimulus) that is not found in the normal environment of the animal, and can not occur by chance. The clicker can be " exactly " button, so that the link time window can be observed. He is, in contrast to the voice of the instructor, free of its emotions and moods and always the same.

Any device that meets these conditions, can be called " clickers " are used, including a whistle, or a photo flash in animals without hearing. However, the clicker in the way of " sticking frog " is the device most commonly used.

Domestic pigs usually begin before feeding time to scream as soon as someone enters the house ( for example, to clean out ). Accustomed to the animals in mind that when feeding a bell rings, so that there is only feed when the bell sounds, the in the barn workers have more rest.

Reservation

Pet training and training through operant conditioning to the clicker works possible criminal and without force. Nevertheless, in some cases, a penalty may be required as a corrective. Here, the term " penalty" to be interpreted in behavioral science sense and does not mean the infliction of pain, but for example the withdrawal of a previously existing advantage ( cf. gain ( psychology) ).

Clicker training is generally not suitable, an animal wean undesirable behavior. Undesirable behavior can be eliminated only by " erasing " or construction of an alternative behavior. Undesirable behavior can also be linked with a signal so that the unwanted behavior will be executed only on a character ( putting to undesired behavior under a cue).

Clicker training is an effective training method, but can be used without instructions or detailed knowledge of the underlying behavioral science foundations lead to failures. The otherwise clear signal could become less important, because the mapping for the animal is no longer traceable ( clickers at the wrong time, too late, etc.).

Dogs that are very oriented to their people and are very familiar with the Clicker, are often highly motivated during the workout, sometimes they call for their encouragement (which consists of click and reward) of unwanted barking or showing of already learned behaviors that the Coaches at this moment do not want to see one.