Me and My Dog Milu - A Demonstration in Operant Conditioning

I am currently a student at the University of Cape Town. For my third year Psychology project I attempt a demonstration in Operant Conditioning with my dog Milu, using the clicker technique. All comments and constructive criticism are welcome.

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Howto & Style

Tags:

• Operant
• Conditioning
• Clicker
• Training
• Positive
• Reinforcement
• B.F.
• Skinner
• Teaching
• Dogs
• to
• Bow
• Linda
• Brickhill

[cuddlesdead]

Hi, im a student from the San Diego City College and we are going through the operant conditioning. I was wondering if a dog can be trained no matter how old the dog is, and also, if my dog learns how to respond to the clicker, should i keep using the clicker or just the command would do it? I want to train my dogs on how to sit, stand up, and stand still.

[Lingacreations]

In my experience, dogs are never too old to learn new tricks - I taught my seven year old boxers to lie down successfully (which is quite an achievement if you know how stubborn boxers are)!

[Lingacreations]

In terms of whether or not to stick with a clicker, I actually trained my dogs with treats and commands originally and then incorporated some clicker training later on, however I do know a lot of people who solely use clicker and swear by it, I guess it just depends on what works best for you and your dogs. Good Luck!

[GomezMarga]

Thanks for the video. It was great to see the training unfold. Will Milu bow without getting a treat.

[Lingacreations]

sometimes ;-)

[papademanu]

I have a dog and am working with him over here in Buenos Aires. I wonder about 'post reward' behavior (for lack of proper terminology) and have hesitated to train with food because of the behavior of my last canine companion. Charlotte, a dalmatian that lived to be 15, was food trained, and was forever dominated by the cravings of her stomach. Her desired response to many commands often depended of the presence of a food reward. Can we look for a follow up video without the kibbles and clickers?

[Lingacreations]

we'll see...perhaps when I'm done with my studies. Thanks for your interest.

[Candorsmayhem]

Technically, this is luring, not shaping. You show the treat to the dog, to induce the behavior. This is becoming a cue. He's learning your hand movements are what induce the treat dispensing, not his body position. There's nothing wrong with this, but it does take longer for the dog to associate his behavior with your voice command. For something as simple as a bow, I'd suggest free shaping, or capturing it. The end result, is much more effective, and you don't have to kneel to get him to do it

[supernaturalbc2009]

Wow! I wish I could have done this type of project when I took my psych and animal behavior courses! What great fun! A tip that you likely realize by now, you were using luring. Your body position and hand were actually the cue. The verbal cue was not needed.

If you get a chance, try "free shaping" where the dog thinks about what it is offering and is only rewarded after she offers a behavior. Check my 2008 videos for an ex of freeshaping a dog to turn off light switch.

[ZandersStory]

Nice work. You guys did very good!! And your video was put together so nicely. 5*s! -Brittany and Zander

[kirid23]

It works...don't knock it. :-) Why would anyone have a problem feeding their dog treats as a reinforcer? As you say you can use ANYTHING the subject finds rewarding...that includes food doesn't it? And food is THE most important one because without it the dog wiould be dead! Don't get much more 'real life' than that.

[PVPMETHODS]

I have to agree, the conditioned stimulus was confused with the guiding of your hand.

[jimsim3]

Just maybe Milu's beautiful gentle eye,s and soft furry body is reconditioning you. Had you given that any though. she might be reinforceing you. she gets a dry warm bed, food on demand and a lot of love and affection, and has allso assured DNA linage. So! who really has the clicker? all it takes is a look and we smelt. it,s funny whats probably started as a hunting or guarding Behavior has us ending up as tickling stick for a pooch. make's me think if applied Psychology is a genetic trait.

[pibbleluvr]

That was luring, not shaping. The dog wasn't being rewarded for correct choices. She was just being rewarded for following the reward...and you added the cue "bow" WAY too early.

[DemiGod212321]

oh.. : )

[pinkchardonnay]

Amazin video, i used it in psychology, great demonstration, thnakyou

What a lovely dog aswell