The Importance of Generalization in Dog Training
Listened to in Årstafältet but not in the forest
Harry is super obedient. Every Wednesday at 5:30 PM at the training field, he is super obedient. Despite the training class ending several weeks ago, he is still the most obedient at that specific field. And sometimes, he is also the most obedient in fields that resemble the course location, especially if it seems like it's Wednesday. Then he comes running when Marie calls him. But definitely not if he and Marie are in the woods on a Sunday. Definitely not then.
The right approach, but only in one environment
The whole thing annoys Marie a bit. Because she has invested a tremendous amount of time and energy in Harry's training. She has learned aboutbehavior chains and shaping, reward schedules and criteria. She has practiced timing and handling that would make Bob Bailey (internationally known dog trainer) raise an eyebrow. Marie is truly meticulous with her dog. Because he is a Bull Terrier, and the breeder said he needed good guidance to thrive. Marie might be a little overambitious. She is most ambitious in the field. So, and only because of that, the interaction is perfect. Harry heels like a little soldier. He looks like a racehorse heading for the finish line when the recall signal sounds. And he lies down on the cue with force and precision, making the ground shake and the autumn leaves vibrate.
Training in different environments for generalization
In a couple of months, Marie will learn about distraction training, the importance of generalizing and reinforcing taught behaviours in different environments. Then Harry will be trained extensively in the woods, in the city, on gravel roads, in an cow pasture, outside the library, and so on. After that, Harry will be a star, everywhere, all the time. Or wait, no, definitely not all the time because that's not Harry. Not yet. For now, he will be a star when he feels like it.
Variable rewards for better responsiveness
For that reason, Marie will learn the importance of varying her rewards, using unpredictable reinforcement schedules and how they can solidify training results. If she becomes predictable, he knows what's coming, and then he will weigh his options in his clever little egg-shaped head. And yes, sometimes it's perfectly okay to listen to Marie, but sometimes it really isn't. When Marie varies then rewards, comes up with something new, surprises him, and buys extra delicious treats, that's when he becomes a star again.
When new circumstances affect training
Now, six months have passed, and Marie seems to have reached puberty, just like Harry. Because she has met John. John is nice in his own way, but he's not a dog person. For some unfounded reason, Marie likes him anyway. That liking has made Marie want to paint her nails and wear tight blazers. And in her pockets, she has more lipstick than dried liver. It's an incredibly sad development if you ask Harry. His response to all of this (besides peeing in John's shoes) is to become 'disobedient'. But really, it's not John's fault (even though both Harry and I would prefer it that way). It's Marie's fault. It really isn't Harry's hormones' fault. Definitely not.
Harry's reactions to Marie's new habits
So now, Marie needs to learn about hormone-balancing herbs and dogs' irritating tendency to discriminate during learning. Harry is trained by a person who smells like liver and a tug toy, dressed in baggy pants a vest with lots of pockets. The new fancy Marie, swinging her hair, smelling like lavender, and wearing clattering shoes, really hasn't trained him. Harry won't be some accessory, so he has started pulling on the leash, which is fun with a high-heeled Marie. He might have also forgotten that "sit" cue and is a bit interested in that cute Poodle who lives two blocks down the road. He hasn't bitten John yet, but he's considering it if the guy keeps brushing the dog hair off Marie's blazers and insists on sitting next to her on the couch. Who does that?!
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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