Positive reinforcement training to achieve cooperation during handling procedures (2002)

Hartley, D.

Abstract

The use of positive reinforcement training is based on the trust and bond between animal and trainer. The training is voluntary on behalf of the animal so in order to get him/her to cooperate there has be be incentives: positive social interaction with person, treats, tone, etc. Remember if the animal is not responding to your instructions then 1) there may be a health problem (hearing, sight), social issues (other animals in the room are threatening to him and this can be a glare, vocalization, etc.), he's overwhelmed with the task which boils down to YOU are not conveying the information correctly. That's the hardest part to overcome, the 'what am I doing wrong' and most likely it's us not the animal who is the problem. We have to communicate to them in their language and motivation (food most likely).Goal: Placement of subject into experimental chair via pole and collar.Break that into smaller steps and write it down on paper. I mean the babysteps of it all!!! From how you enter the room, approach his cage (posture, where your hands are, eyes...all of it!) Visualize the bare bones of the entire process in your head and those babysteps will jump out at you and you'll realize the process is quite complex.Create a positive relationship with your subject.Enter room with clicker in hand or pocket, interact with subject with positive tone and click clicker just before giving him a treat. The treat can be a small piece of fruit, a peanut, sunflower seeds or raisins. Don't make it too large or you'll have to wait for him to finish eating it and may become satiated and won't volunteer to interact any longer. He will learn to associate the clicker with a 'good' thing.When he seems have learned the association between the clicker and a treat, start to ask things of him such as moving to another part of the cage. You may have to move with him or use your hand in that direction, click and quickly reward him for moving, even the slightest, in the correct direction. If he doesn't, don't treat, but ask again and see how he is. Animals will learn to train you too so be wary and don't give in. If he doesn't listen you can either take a babysteps back or a timeout (count less then 10 seconds at the most) and start again.Training him to do other things with you will help forge the bond with one another and he'll trust you more too. If you only ask things of him just prior to p & c then he'll learn you're tricking him and will regress. Training sessions don't have to be long either. If you have 5 or 10 minutes, go interact.Expect regression and having to start from square one and/or moving quickly. Having the babysteps written down can help in both directions. If you move too quickly he'll regress, if you move too slowly he'll become bored and may regress or just not cooperate. You can go to your list and see where you need to be.Desensitize him to the pole and collar apparatus. Real babysteps here since his previous experience with it hasn't been too good. Leave it far away but where he can see it. Use the clicker to reassure him it's a positive thing and don't forget to reward asap when he is quiet, calm, and that includes if he's just looking at it calmly and with curiosity. Don't click and reward if he's going haywire. If/when he does assess the situation. You can remove the objects and/or ask him to do something for you (move around the cage at your request), click and reward. Then try once again.As he becomes desensitized at that range move it closer in increments until you can have it on his cage. Reinforce calm, easy behavior. Slowly move the equipment in positions with which you would attach the thing to him. Again babysteps all the way and click and reward desired behavior.One tiny thing could cause him to regress or freak so if you get confused and can't understand why he's freaked out, think hard about what you did.Have realistic expectations of yourself and the animal. Don't push the process or try to trick him/her. I know it can be very frustrating at times but realize that animal wants to trust you and really wants that peanut!!! He/she will have to work for it but doing it in a positive light you'll be amazed at how quickly they learn. There are so many things we can do with our charges via PRT, we just have to take the time to do it. If trainers can get animals to take a shot or draw blood without restraint!!, jump through fire rings or sniff out a cadaver/drugs, anything is possible.