BARKS from the Guild March 2020

training

Identifying Positive Reinforcers for the Individual Anna Bradley explains why using food as a positive reinforcer in training is not bribery and examines alternative options for dogs who may not always be so food driven

W

hile I would say there is, in general, a much wider apprecia­ tion of the role of rewards in animal training and behavior these days, I also believe – and it is certainly my experience – that pet guardians do not always fully understand the power of positive reinforcement training. For example, I have had clients who consider the use of rewards to be “bribery.” There may also be a lack of ingenuity and inventiveness when it comes to actually choosing a reward beyond reaching for the nearest available dog treat.

It would be like winning the lottery if I claimed a dollar for all the times I have heard someone say something along the lines of, “My dog’s doing what I ask but it’s only cupboard love,” or “Bribery always works!”

That’s my cue to explain that, if their dog is responding in the way they would like it’s because he actually wants to, because he finds it intrinsi­ cally rewarding and fun and is keen to do more.

Why is using food so powerful and not simply bribery? States PPG (2016): “All animals are motivated by food. Food is necessary for sur­ vival. It is therefore a powerful primary reinforcer and a critical compo­ nent when used correctly as part of a strategic training or management plan. For behavior consultants who engage in behavior change pro­ grams where it is necessary to change a pet’s emotional reaction to a problematic stimulus, food is essential.” Wright (n.d.) explains thus: “The point of using treats is to REWARD the dog for a job well done.

This is done AFTER the dog does whatever is required…This is rewarding a behavior, not bribing the dog to do something.”

It’s not just a matter of semantics. On a physiological level, when done correctly, training with treats (or other reinforcers) engages what behavioral psychologist Susan Weinschenk refers to as a “dopamine seeking­reward loop.” The neurotransmitter dopamine plays an impor­ tant role in conditioning goal­directed behavior, according to Wein­ schenk (2018). Dopamine, she explains “is critical in all sorts of brain functions, including thinking, moving, sleeping, mood, attention, and motivation.” (Weinschenk, 2018). In a training context, when a dog ex­ periences something pleasurable (e.g. he smells or tastes food or en­ gages in an activity which is really good fun), dopamine is released, thus creating a feel­good relationship between what he is experiencing and whatever you are training in that moment. (Contrast this with punitive training methods and the emotional responses they generate in dogs.)

Furthermore, dopamine causes an individual to “want, desire, seek out, and search” and the dopamine system is “especially sensitive to ‘cues’ that a reward is coming (remember Ivan Pavlov?).” (Weinschenk, 2018).

Due to its “loop” nature, dopamine makes the dog want to engage

Many times, I might hear from a client that their dog just isn’t motivated by food. While it’s possible that food might not be a particular driver for that dog, it’s just as possible that the client has not actually identified exactly what food the dog would find reinforcing in that context.

32

BARKS from the Guild/March 2020

© Can Stock Photo/websubstance

Dogs will have their own individual preferences as to what constitutes a high value reward and what does not, and these may differ depending on a variety of factors; it is incumbent on trainers to identify what will be most effective in terms of reinforcement

more, search, seek, learn and thus be ready for your next cue. Not bribery after all then.

Primary Reinforcers Something else I hear often goes along the lines of, “Positive reinforce­ ment, that’s just treats right?” Well, actually, no. True, we might favor the use of food as a primary reinforcer, but this is where we can also start talking about the bespoke nature of reward. But let’s just stay with food for the time being. Many times, I might hear from a client that their dog really isn’t motivated by food. While it’s possible that food might not be a particular driver for that dog, it’s just as possible that the client has not actually identified exactly what food the dog would find reinforcing in that context. This may take some trial and error.

In such instances, this is what I recommend. Once you’ve identified some irresistible favorites, try then offering two or three varieties of high value foods in very small pieces. Be especially aware of morsel size if you will be requiring high volume, for instance, as part of a desensiti­ zation and counterconditioning protocol. If you have large pieces of one variety of food, then your dog may quickly become satiated and get bored. Feeding small amounts of a very highly valued (as determined by your dog, not you) and tasty food could be a game changer. You may have always used tasty chicken with your previous dog but this might not be appreciated by your current dog. He may be more motivated to work for small pieces of chopped sausage, ham or other smoked meats.

Foods which appeal to multiple senses (aroma, texture, taste) may be especially helpful if you have a dog who is a little choosy.

If the dog still does not appear motivated by food, perhaps other factors are at play. For instance, is there too much environmental com­