How clicker training works:
http://www.clickersolutions.com/faq.htm#definition
http://www.clickersolutions.com/faq.htm#definition
This is absolutely true and reading it makes me think that I used the word FADE, instead of making the point that as soon as the behaviour appears clear (light bulb moment for the dog), I simply drop the clicker into my pocket, add the cue and work on distance, duration and distraction.
I like to shape behaviours much more than lure them simply because I find that capturing a behaviour, takes the visible rewards out of the equation and lessens the risk of confusing the presence of a lure with it becoming part of the cue. Eg..dog sees treat and automatically sits. The lure becomes part of the cue or in some case the entire cue instead of having the reward come after the click (clear reinforcer). This also confuses students and their dogs who end up relying on the presence of a lure in order for behaviour compliance.
I do use lures, don't get me wrong..and I find that sometimes luring is invaluable but if I can shape as quickly and with as much accuracy, then shaping is my first choice. Getting rid of the 'middle man' as soon as possible without compromising reliability.
If I do use a lure, I'm very careful to only use a visible lure for the lowest number of reps possible before the lure disappears and becomes a clear reinforcer from out of my pocket/off of a shelf/from across the room.
An example..hmmm. Well, I am silent when waiting for a behaviour to be offered. Of course I don't ask for anything but wait patiently for something to be offered though I do often set the stage for success. The second something I like is offered, I click/treat...PRAISE and repeat.
It depends so much on what I'm asking for. I will only click for as few reps. as possible, as soon as I see that an animal offers without hesitation..that's my cue to drop the clicker.
I have to add that when training other animals, the clicker is used for much longer -
I like to shape behaviours much more than lure them simply because I find that capturing a behaviour, takes the visible rewards out of the equation and lessens the risk of confusing the presence of a lure with it becoming part of the cue. Eg..dog sees treat and automatically sits. The lure becomes part of the cue or in some case the entire cue instead of having the reward come after the click (clear reinforcer). This also confuses students and their dogs who end up relying on the presence of a lure in order for behaviour compliance.
I do use lures, don't get me wrong..and I find that sometimes luring is invaluable but if I can shape as quickly and with as much accuracy, then shaping is my first choice. Getting rid of the 'middle man' as soon as possible without compromising reliability.
If I do use a lure, I'm very careful to only use a visible lure for the lowest number of reps possible before the lure disappears and becomes a clear reinforcer from out of my pocket/off of a shelf/from across the room.
An example..hmmm. Well, I am silent when waiting for a behaviour to be offered. Of course I don't ask for anything but wait patiently for something to be offered though I do often set the stage for success. The second something I like is offered, I click/treat...PRAISE and repeat.
It depends so much on what I'm asking for. I will only click for as few reps. as possible, as soon as I see that an animal offers without hesitation..that's my cue to drop the clicker.
I have to add that when training other animals, the clicker is used for much longer -
