> If you're talking about a variable rate of reinforcement, Thanks Cherie, I knew somebody out there would know what I was referring to. . . I actually was thinking of you and wrote Trish's name instead! (Although I think Trish clicker trains as well).
>that is when once an animal knows a behavior pretty well, you vary the >number of times they have to do the behavior before clicking and >rewarding.< I remember reading a discussion a couple of years ago -- can't remember where or what list -- where the folks posting were saying they use the variable method quite soon after introducing something new. I just don't agree with that. I can see phasing out the treats and phasing in a word of praise or a rub AFTER the horse has whatever you're teaching down pat. But not before that stage. > We noticed with the killer whales, You've had some really neat training opportunities and experiences with so many different animals in your life, haven't you?!?. Man -- killer whales. . . I'm so envious! I can't imagine communing with such intelligent, manificent creatures and getting to work with them one-on-one. > Once you click though, you should always reward. That's what I think too. That's the agreement or contract you have with the horse / animal. Not to reward just seems like cheating them to me. Even if you are at the point where a food treat isn't necessary anymore, I still feel the acknowledgement and appreciation of the right answer needs to be there. I STILL reward all my horses for standing still for mounting because that is a pet peeve of mine when horses won't, and I'm just so darned grateful mine do stand. Everytime they hold stock still and let me fuss around getting settled, I am as thrilled with them as the first time they did it. : ) And, even though my horses are set in gait and have been for some time, I've been known to click and treat after a good run of gait -- again just because I feel very appreciative of their effort and I want them to know it. -- Renee M. in Michigan
