ClickerExpo Portland 2024: The Foundation Curriculum
Please refer to the narrative description Should Beginners Come to ClickerExpo? for additional information about attending ClickerExpo as a novice.
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DAY 1 - Friday, April 5, 2024
7:45am - 8:15am • Friday, April 5
This practical but humorous 30-minute introduction to ClickerExpo is a “must” for those experiencing the magic of ClickerExpo for the first time. The Session is a wonderful refresher for Expo veterans, too!
Newcomer Orientation
Course: Session
Skill Level: All Levels
Topic: General
Description: Welcome to ClickerExpo! Aaron Clayton will help you make the most of your experience in this Session designed specifically for newcomers to ClickerExpo. He will cover topics that include how to maximize your chances of winning the daily raffles, navigating ClickerExpo with your dog, choosing courses and changing your schedule, and attending special events.
This practical but humorous 45-minute introduction to ClickerExpo is a “must” for those experiencing the magic of ClickerExpo for the first time. The Session is a wonderful refresher for Expo veterans, too!
8:15am - 8:30am • Friday, April 5
8:30am - 9:00am • Friday, April 5
Opening Session
Description: Kick off your incredible journey at ClickerExpo Portland! Join Aaron for a lively preview of the weekend's programming.
9:00am - 10:00am • Friday, April 5
Important or Merely Trendy? Making Sense of New Training Trends
Course Type: General Session
Skill: All Levels
Topic: Aggression & Behavior Management, Competition, Science, Shelter & Rescue, Skill, Teaching Others, Veterinary
Description:
With each conference or course, a wave of new terms and ideas emerges, some fleeting while others gain momentum within the training community vocabulary. "Loopy Training," "Start Buttons," and "Choice and Control" are among the latest concepts and terminology making the rounds. However, are these concepts truly novel? And, more importantly, what do they entail, and should every trainer strive to comprehend and use them?
In this thought-provoking session, Ken will delve deep into these concepts, unraveling their meaning and significance. He will provide insights and perspectives for trainers working in the field. By the end of this Session, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of these concepts and their relevance in your training practice. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and enhance your training skills with Ken's expert guidance.
10:15am - 11:15am • Friday, April 5
Shaping From a Different Perspective
Course Type: General Session
Skill: All Levels
Topic: Aggression & Behavior Management, Competition, Other Species, Skill, Teaching Others
Description:
Most of us initially learned about shaping as the process of reinforcing successive approximations. In fact, reinforcing small steps towards a final goal is one of the fundamental aspects of clicker training. Shaping is an incredibly powerful technique that enables trainers to teach even the most complex behaviors.
However, shaping has gained a reputation for being slow, difficult, and sometimes frustrating for both the dog and the trainer. But this doesn't have to be the case! Often, shaping is portrayed as solely breaking down the behavior in isolation, leading to prolonged periods of waiting and hoping for progress to occur. It's important to note that the behavior (B) is the component of the ABC contingency over which we have the least control. Instead, we have the most influence over the antecedent (A) and the consequence (C). When we shift the focus of the shaping plan to modifying the A’s and C’s, we can get the B we are looking for more efficiently and without tears!
11:30am - 12:30pm • Friday, April 5
The Most Beautiful Words in the World of Learning and Behavior
Course Type: General Session
Skill: All Levels
Topic: Aggression & Behavior Management, Competition, Health & Wellness, Other Species, Science, Shelter & Rescue, Veterinary, Teaching Others
Description:
People spend considerable time complaining about the jargon used in behavior analysis (BA). While every profession has its own specialized terminology for effective and efficient communication, jargon, including specific terms, expressions, and acronyms, can sometimes hinder the very understanding we aim to achieve. What does the term “negative reinforcement” have in common with “jumbo shrimp”? Incongruity! However, over the many decades in our field, the meaning of some BA jargon—contingency, free operant, and errorless learning—continue to gain clarity, illuminating exciting ideas and establishing connections with the natural world of learning and behavior. In this presentation, Susan will delve into several of those terms, explaining, with minimal jargon, the clarity and power for positive change those words impart.
2:00pm - 3:30pm • Friday, April 5
We strongly recommend United We Click with Laura VanArendonk Baugh. This course will ground you and prevent confusion at ClickerExpo and beyond! Alternatively, Laura Monaco Torelli’s course on cue transfer will be a powerful skill extension if you already understand how to develop strong cues (don’t select this course if you don’t already know the ins and outs of cueing).
United We Click: The Key Common Sciences, Language, and Practices of Clicker Training
Course Type: Session
Skill: Foundation
Topic: Equine, Other Species, Science, Shelter & Rescue, Skill, Teaching Others
Description:
Clicker training has gained significant awareness among the general public since it was formally described in 1938. However, as with any popularized concept, certain aspects have been emphasized, some simplified, and others overlooked, making it challenging to obtain a comprehensive understanding. These missing pieces can significantly impact the successful implementation of clicker training with both our own learners and clients.
Join us as we delve into the science and best practices of clicker training, covering key definitions that are often misunderstood. We will explore the appropriate times to employ advanced techniques and when they are unnecessary or even counterproductive in practical training (spoiler alert: much of the time). Additionally, we will compare operant conditioning and respondent conditioning, highlighting their simultaneous effects (spoiler alert: they are always in effect) and providing guidance on how to focus on one while utilizing both together.
If you crave an in-depth exploration of terminology and behavior science, this Session is tailored for you. Alternatively, if your main objective is to ensure a solid foundation for the most effective practical application, this Session is equally suitable for you!
The Cue Transfer: Huge Applications in a Small, Easy to Use Package
Course Type: Learning Lab
Skill: All Levels
Topic: Health & Wellness, Skill, Teaching Others
Participant Notes:
We will have approximately eight (8) dog/handler teams. Handlers should have intermediate or advanced training skills, and be able to work their dogs effectively in a distracting environment with other dogs and people nearby. Dogs should be able to settle on a mat, and be comfortable with sounds played over a microphone sound system by the speaker or a nearby dog team. You may participate with your dog or you may attend as an observer. Observers should not bring their dogs to the Lab.
Description:
Foundation behaviors are the cornerstone of a thoughtful animal care program. As professional trainers, we often receive numerous inquiries from dog families who share common concerns. Although these concerns might be familiar to us as trainers, they can be frustrating for the families. As advocates for the canine companion relationship, it is important for us to demonstrate how easily foundation behaviors can be incorporated into the problem-solving process. Does the dog bark incessantly when a doorbell rings? Does the curious puppy jump on the counter as a delicious meal is prepared? Is an aging dog’s visual or auditory abilities compromised? Are your clients unsure of what to do in these situations? Teach them how to transfer a cue!
In this Lab, you will learn:
- The process of cue transfer.
- Effective fading techniques.
- The value of foundation behaviors.
- Various cue types: verbal, visual, non-verbal auditory, tactile, and scent.
- Practical applications to incude in your teaching curriculum.
- Engaging exercises that can be incorporated into your personal training or course curriculum.
Participants will learn how to establish and quickly adjust criteria while transferring cues for a variety of basic behaviors. This Lab will feature lectures, video presentations, demonstrations, and participation of working dogs. Additionally, attendees without dogs will be paired with another participant for distraction goals.
Two weeks prior to the ClickerExpo Portland Conference, Laura Monaco Torelli will email Learning Lab teams simple training tips to help them prepare for this Lab.
4:00pm - 5:30pm • Friday, April 5
The shaping Lab with Sarah Owings is focused on the critical skill of shaping! There are also two other really good alternatives with a different focus. Melissa Millett will demonstrate the power of reward placement and Michele Pouliot will show you that the camera on your phone was made to improve training—and it’s a game-changer.
On the Breadcrumb Trail: Shaping Success From the First Click
Course Type: Learning Lab
Skill: Foundation
Topic: Shelter & Rescue, Skill
Participant Notes:
We will have approximately four (4) dog/handler teams. Participants should have beginner-level or higher experience using a clicker and food reinforcement. Dogs should be comfortable with standard handling and able to work in a crowded environment, in close quarters with other people and dogs. You can choose to participate with your dog or attend as an observer. However, observers should not bring their dogs to the lab.
Description:
It is a common misperception that clicker training relies on trial and error. We often imagine that effective training involves standing neutrally while the learner displays random behaviors until he or she accidentally stumbles upon the correct one by chance. Certain widely accepted guidelines, such as "waiting out unwanted behavior" or, conversely, indiscriminately clicking any action the learner performs, can lead to confusion and frustration. In this Lab, we will explore how to find the "breadcrumb trail" to success right from the very first click. Instead of relying on trial and error, our focus will be on establishing a clear session structure, utilizing appropriate antecedents, employing effective reinforcement strategies, refining criteria through small (yet flexible) approximations, and approaching each session with an understanding of the learner's likely repertoire of behaviors.
Reward Placement and Resets through Cat and Dog Tricks
Course Type: Learning Lab
Skill: All Levels
Topic: Skill, Other Species
Participant Notes:
We will have approximately four (4) dog/handler teams. The dogs should already have a good understanding of the click/treat relationship, be comfortable with regular handling, and be able to work in distracting environments in close proximity to other dogs. You can participate with your own dog or attend as an observer. Dogs participating in this Learning Lab must also be comfortable working around cats. Observers should not bring their dogs to the lab.
Description:
Learn about the benefits of thoughtful reward placement and reset treats through this real-time demo of cat and dog training! Melissa will showcase her trick cat, Sashimi, live, providing an opportunity to demonstrate the live acclimation of a cat, engagement/focus techniques, and management strategies for ensuring a cat enjoys herself at a dog event.
In addition to observing a live working cat, dogs who are a part of the Spotlight Teams will have the chance to demonstrate these techniques while learning tricks such as footsies, jumping into my arms, arm hoops, and saying their prayers!
Seeing Is Believing
Course Type: Session
Skill: All Levels
Topic: Business, Competition, Other Species, Skill, Teaching Others
Description:
Smartphones have not only changed our lives but they have also become an incredible tool for trainers, enabling us to improve our training! Utilizing video technology has become much simpler, allowing even the least tech-savvy trainers to record and review training sessions, gathering valuable insights.
The ability for trainers to review training scenarios empowers them to quickly make revisions and enhance communication with their learners. Although many trainers realize how valuable video feedback of training sessions can be, they often overlook the importance of setting up the camera before initiating a session. In the past, setting up a bulky video camera and transferring footage into a watchable format was a cumbersome process. Nowadays, it takes less than a minute to move a phone from your pocket to a portable tripod. Feeling lukewarm about watching yourself train on video? You are not alone, but rest assured you don’t have to share your videos on social media. You can utilize them for personal learning, store them for review later, or even delete them after analysis.
Michele Pouliot, renowned for her extensive use of video clips in training presentations, invites you to explore the transformative potential of incorporating video into your everyday training routines. By doing so, you can uncover mistakes that went unnoticed and gain a fresh perspective on behaviors and actions that were previously overlooked.
Is it truly worthwhile to record most of your training sessions? Join Michele in this video-rich presentation and you will leave with a revised attitude.
DAY 2 - Saturday, April 6, 2024
8:00am - 8:45am • Saturday, April 6
9:00am - 10:30am • Saturday, April 6
Two great choices start the day! Consider Laura VanArendonk Baugh’s course—because nothing's more important than learning and practicing the physical skills of training. Backstage Pass is a fantastic alternative, a chance to both see real-time training from Expo faculty members and hear how they explain and discuss their training decisions.
You Are Not Uncoordinated! (Just Not Fluent—Yet)
Course Type: Learning Lab
Skill: Foundation
Topic: Business, Skill, Teaching Others
Participant Notes:
Spots are limited to the room capacity. You have the option to either actively participate or attend as an observer. Please note that this Lab is specifically designed for people, so we kindly request that only service dogs be present in the room during the event, while non-working dogs can enjoy a well-deserved rest as we engage in practice sessions.
Description:
On the surface, clicker training appears simple! Just click and hand out a treat. How hard can it be? However, when you start considering accurate timing, juggling a leash or lead, managing treats and a target stick, assessing evolving criteria, and even incorporating training while walking... Suddenly there is the possibility of delayed clicks, slow or dropped treats, inefficient target placement, and a host of other “coordination” issues that impede or frustrate simple training.
We know that skills must be learned, so let's teach them. In this Learning Lab, we will focus on developing the essential motor skills necessary for technically proficient training. Our objective is to handle target sticks, leashes, and clickers simultaneously while delivering treats with precision, akin to training superheroes! Participants will learn techniques for accelerating their own training progress and getting up to speed more efficiently.
Please note that this Lab is exclusively for people; only working service dogs are permitted to attend. The emphasis of this Lab is on building human skills, rather than training dogs.
Backstage Pass: Live Training Sessions Deconstructed with Ken Ramirez, Melissa Millett, Chirag Patel, and Laura Monaco Torelli
Ken Ramirez, Melissa Millett, Chirag Patel, Laura Monaco Torelli
Course Type: Dem-OH!
Skill: All Levels
Topic: Skill, Teaching Others
Dem-OH! Volunteer Prerequisites:
Bring your dog to this Dem-OH! and volunteer on the fly to demonstrate a concept in front of the audience! Volunteer Dem-OH! dogs should be clicker-savvy and comfortable working in unique environments. Dogs should not be beginners or novice learners, and preferably all dogs selected will be comfortable working with new people. We will select a couple of Dem-OH! Volunteers from the audience.
Description:
Ken, Melissa, Chirag, and Laura have individually taught dogs to perform in various contexts such as film, theater, working dogs, and veterinary environments. However, they have never had the opportunity to train together or discuss their thought processes for training in general, especially when it comes to performance. Until now.
Backstage Pass provides a unique opportunity to observe real-time training sessions conducted by faculty members, including a narration of their actions and decisions. You will see unscripted training sessions conducted by each speaker. Each training session will be thoroughly discussed. What are the thought processes of Ken, Melissa, Chirag, and Laura as they work with unfamiliar animals? How do their fellow trainers ask questions and provide constructive feedback? What did the other trainers observe during the training sessions? Which details did they deem critical, and which were considered irrelevant? What decisions were made, and why? Would the other trainers have conducted the session differently?
Backstage Pass is designed to enhance the observation skills of every audience member. The process of observing, asking questions, and discussing training techniques can be tremendously helpful for all parties involved. However, it can also be challenging and perplexing. There are many skills in play in terms of what to look for, how to interpret observations, and how to communicate your observations with others. Acquiring information from videos or live training is a valuable skillset! But what does skillful observation entail? How do you focus your attention and thoughts? What questions are relevant? And how do you provide feedback that aligns with the trainer’s intended goal?
Ken, Melissa, Chirag, and Laura invite you to join them in a fun, thoughtful workshop designed to reveal ways to observe, think, and talk about training. Join in! We have your backstage pass to this unique experience.
11:00am - 12:30am • Saturday, April 6
Choices! First is Michele Pouliot’s course on the different approaches to marking behavior for different training strategies and objectives. For those who want to understand more about where all of what we do comes from—always a good idea—take a journey through time with Chirag Patel.
On the Mark or Not
Course Type: Session
Skill: All Levels
Topic: Competition, Shelter & Rescue, Skill, Teaching Others, Veterinary
Description:
It is often rightly observed that clicker training is simple to grasp but not necessarily “easy” to execute. That is because training sessions involve numerous instant decisions made by the trainer. These decisions encompass aspects such as marker timing, lowering criteria, raising criteria, ending or continuing training, style of reinforcement delivery, and much more.
The click, or the mark, provides us with great power in communicating with our learners. Trainers want to harness this power, but there can be reasons for deliberately delaying the use of the mark when training new behaviors. Once a behavior has advanced and is on the goal cues, the question arises: when and how should the click be removed from the behavior > mark > reinforce cycle? And if removed, should it never return?
In this presentation, Michele Pouliot delves into two training choices: marking behavior or not marking behavior prior to reinforcement. As an enthusiastic clicker trainer, Michele constantly strives to utilize the power of a well-timed click. However, she also selectively sets the marker aside for specific reasons.
One common reason for not marking behavior is when the trainer is exploring how to prompt a specific new behavior from the learner. Once the trigger for the desired behavior is identified, the decision to start marking is made. Conversely, the choice to cease marking may occur after behavior repetitions have veered away from the desired outcome.
As a behavior progresses, the question arises: when should the mark be eliminated and only reinforcement be provided? Or should the final behavior still be rewarded following a mark? These are all valid questions.
Join Michele for this intriguing exploration into when to mark and when not to mark—because that's the question!
On the Shoulder of Giants
Course Type: Session
Skill: All Levels
Topic: Aggression & Behavior Management, Science, Skill, Teaching Others
Description: Join Chirag as he takes you on a journey through the works of behavior giants such as B. F. Skinner and demonstrates their profound impact on our everyday work with animals and their caregivers.
Through carefully curated original video clips, Chirag will bring to life the pioneering ideas and discoveries of behavior experts from the past. Discover how their findings have paved the way for our understanding of emotions, aggressive behavior, and various ways to effectively engage caregivers in animal training and behavior modification.
In this Session, you'll gain invaluable insights into the practical application of these timeless principles in your daily interactions with animals and their caregivers. Chirag will highlight real-world scenarios where these techniques and theories have proven successful, providing you with a rich set of tools to enhance your own practice.
Whether you are a seasoned animal professional or just starting in the field, this presentation promises to leave you inspired and equipped with fresh ideas to elevate your daily work with animals and their caregivers.
Don't miss this opportunity to stand on the shoulders of giants and discover how their wisdom can guide your journey towards becoming an even more effective and empathetic animal trainer.
2:00pm - 3:30pm • Saturday, April 6
More great choices in this time slot! We recommend Sarah Owings' course on cueing because developing clear and fluent cued behaviors is within every trainer’s definition of success. A very different alternative is Susan Friedman’s course which examines ethical and scientific decision-making for behavior change, a helpful framework for all trainers.
Right on Cue: How to Develop and Clarify Cues
Course Type: Learning Lab
Skill: Foundation
Topic: Competition, Skill
Participant Notes:
We will have approximately four (4) dog/handler teams. Participants should have beginner-level or higher experience using a clicker and food reinforcement. Dogs should be comfortable with standard handling and be capable of working in a crowded environment in close proximity to other people and dogs. A week or two prior to ClickerExpo, participants will be assigned simple homework that focuses on teaching a basic behavior, ensuring that everyone arrives at the conference prepared to delve into the process of adding a cue. You may choose to participate with your dog or attend as an observer. However, observers should refrain from bringing their dogs to the Lab.
Description:
Teaching with a marker signal and reinforcement is often described as a three-step process:
- Step One: Get the behavior.
- Step Two: Put the behavior on cue.
- Step Three: Achieve stimulus control over the cue.
However, those who have experienced these steps can attest that adding cues to new behaviors and consistently eliciting reliable responses to those cues is not always as straightforward as it may seem. Animal learners sometimes find themselves uncertain about when to exhibit a particular behavior or confused about which behavior will yield desired outcomes in a given moment.
This confusion arises because the cues we believe we have taught do not always function as clear and relevant indicators for reinforcement. In this foundational-level lab, we will delve into the process of incorporating cues into simple behaviors, such as nose targeting, going to a mat, or spinning, through the employment of four methods: "cue slides" for shaped or captured behaviors, "cue THEN move" for behaviors involving prompts, "red light / green light" to teach waiting for cues, and cue roulette.
Join Sarah in this informative Learning Lab to unravel the intricacies of cues and cueing.
First Contact: The Hierarchy as Scaffolding for Teaching and Learning Training Fundamentals
Course Type: Session
Skill: All Levels
Topic: Aggression & Behavior Management, Science, Other Species, Shelter & Rescue, Skill
Description:
This talk is designed for participants at various stages of their professional journey, including beginners starting out in animal training and experienced professionals who teach beginners. Utilizing the "Hierarchy of Behavior-Change Procedures" as our framework, join Susan as she demonstrates her distinctive approach to teaching foundational concepts and strategies. Throughout the session, participants will have the chance to practice each learning objective while exploring topics such as the ABCs, functional assessment, the four consequences, and schedules of reinforcement, all within the context of the least intrusive principle.
4:00pm - 5:30pm • Saturday, April 6
Laura VanArendonk Baugh’s course on stimulus control is strongly recommended. You need this! As an alternative, if you are part of the R+ training community, you have entered a wonderful, if sometimes challenging, world so join a panel discussion with people in the center of it.
Stimulus Control, Duration, and Other Impossible Dreams
Course Type: Learning Lab
Skill: Foundation
Topic: Competition, Skill
Participant Notes:
We will have approximately six (6) dog/handler teams. The dog should have 4-5 behaviors on cue (perfect stimulus control is NOT expected!). Dogs should be comfortable with normal handling, and be able to work in close quarters with other dogs. You may participate with your dog or you may attend as an observer. Observers should not bring their dogs to the Lab.
Description:
Join Laura Van Arendonk Baugh in an insightful exploration of stimulus control and duration. These two concepts may initially appear straightforward but require a deeper understanding for effective training outcomes. In this course, Laura will unravel the complexities associated with these concepts, dispelling misconceptions, and providing practical strategies to simplify and enhance their application.
Laura will demonstrate the interconnection between stimulus control and duration, highlighting how a comprehensive grasp of both concepts contributes to more efficient and effective training practices. Participants will learn to recognize the broader scope of these seemingly simple concepts and develop techniques to enhance clarity for their animal learners.
Throughout the Learning Lab, attendees will have the opportunity to work directly with dogs, identifying gaps in understanding and developing improved skills in both stimulus control and duration. By the end of the Lab, participants will have acquired valuable habits and approaches to refine their training methods, ensuring better comprehension and performance from their animal companions.
Enhance your understanding of stimulus control and duration by joining Laura Van Arendonk Baugh in this important Lab for anyone learning the science and practice of animal training.
Please note: This course was originally presented virtually at ClickerExpo LIVE and has been reimagined and reinvented for the in-person environment.
Let’s Talk Spreading the Word about R+
Ken Ramirez, Juliana DeWillems, Susan G. Friedman, Ph.D., and Chirag Patel
Course Type: Panel
Skill: All Levels
Topic: Business, Teaching Others
Description:
Join moderator Ken Ramirez and panelists Juliana DeWillems, Susan G. Friedman, Ph.D., and Chirag Patel as they discuss spreading the word about R+ in this social-media rich world. How do we deal with controversies and challenges in a positive and productive way? Hear their unique perspectives, ask your own questions, and enjoy the stimulating discussion from the R+ leaders who are also excellent teachers and agents of change—behavior change!
DAY 3 - Sunday, April 7, 2024
7:00am - 7:45am • Sunday, March 28
9:00am - 10:30am • Sunday, April 7
The Train That Chain Lab with Laura VanArendonk Baugh is our top recommendation for trainers who are not versed in the critical concept and skill of chaining behaviors. Make sure you have attended the Saturday Session to get the most out of the Lab. A more advanced alternative is Michele Pouliot’s and Ken Ramirez’s Session on capturing—an often-overlooked and underappreciated training strategy.
Train That Chain: Behavior Chains
Course Type: Learning Lab
Skill: Foundation
Topic: Competition, Science, Skill
Participant Notes:
We will have approximately six (6) dog/handler teams. The dogs should already have a solid understanding of the click/treat relationship and should exhibit at least five fluent and reliable behaviors. Additionally, the dogs should be capable of working in close quarters with other dogs. Handlers are expected to have some experience with shaping techniques. Participants have the option to attend with their dogs or join as observers. However, observers are kindly requested not to bring their dogs to the Lab.
Description:
At some point, you come to the realization that one click and one treat per behavior will be cumbersome to rely on indefinitely, especially when it comes to certain significant behaviors or tasks. The key to efficient and effective training lies in the ability to chain behaviors together, and contrary to popular belief, it is not as challenging as it may seem!
This Lab will walk dog/handler teams through forward chaining and back-chaining, the importance of testing cues for their use in behavior chains, and how to rectify mistakes and mend broken chains.
Observers may be invited to assist working teams with data collection or other activities.
Please note: This course was presented at a prior ClickerExpo. The course content will be similar, but the presentation will be updated and the experience will be unique—and you’ll likely learn something new!
The Lost Art of Capturing
Course Type: Session
Skill: Intermediate
Topic: Competition, Other Species, Skill
Description:
Join Michele Pouliot and Ken Ramirez as they share their perspectives on "capturing" as a technique for training behavior. Capturing involves marking and putting on cue behaviors that animals naturally offer. While capturing is often used in conjunction with other shaping techniques, the question arises: is there an advantage to capturing without prompts? Should capturing be done without considering the environmental set-up?
Michele and Ken have an extensive and fascinating history of using capturing as a training technique. During this discussion, they will delve into the definition of capturing and provide insights into their unique backgrounds with this technique. They will also explore how their use of capturing has evolved over time. What are the advantages and drawbacks associated with capturing?
Modern training has advanced to offer better and clearer methods of teaching behavior. However, capturing, in its purest form, still holds valuable lessons for trainers today. Attendees will gain an inside look into how Michele and Ken perceive this tool and participate in a discussion about the common misconceptions surrounding capturing. Don't miss this Session that is guaranteed to capture your attention!
11:00am - 12:30pm • Sunday, April 7
By now, you probably have tons of questions! Join Michele Pouliot and Melissa Millett for Q&A or attend any of the other fabulous courses in this time slot that are focused on your own special interests!
Office Hours with Michele Pouliot and Melissa Millett
Michele Pouliot, Melissa Millett
Course Type: Office Hours
Skill: All Levels
Topic: Competition, Other Species, Shelter & Rescue, Skill
Description:
Got Questions? Get answers from this pairing of the ClickerExpo Faculty through informal, open Q&A. Ask your questions or just sit in on the spontaneous, candid conversations or pop-up demos about shifting criteria, luring, trick training, service animals, competition, dog, cat, and horse training, television and film industry work—and any other topics that come up. You can even bring your dog for on-the-spot troubleshooting tips!
2:00pm - 3:30pm • Sunday, April 7
There’s no foundational course for this final time slot but at this point, you have learned enough to enjoy any course that piques your interest. Enjoy!
Let’s Talk Aggression and Problem Solving
Course Type: Panel
Skill: Intermediate
Topic: Aggression & Behavior Management, Shelter & Rescue
Description:
Join moderator Ken Ramirez and panelists Alexandra Kurland, Dr. Christopher Pachel, Emma Parsons, Michael Shikashio, and Grisha Stewart as they discuss problem-solving tools and strategies. Hear their unique perspectives, ask your own questions, and enjoy the stimulating discussion among leaders in the world of aggression and general problem-solving.
Painting The Odor Picture: Reading Your Nose Work Dog
Course Type: Session
Skill: All Levels
Topic: Competition, Skill
Description:
When a dog engages with an odor during a search, from nose to tail, his entire body is like a paintbrush moving across a blank canvas to reveal a hidden picture. Becoming attuned to this secret world of volatile molecules requires keen observation of what is commonly known as COBs (Changes of Behavior). Training our eye to recognize these COBs is an essential aspect of becoming a skilled and responsive handler.
Is it possible to decipher the type of "hide" or puzzle your dog is working on long before he indicates its location?
How quickly can you recognize the telltale signs of a ground hide, an inaccessible hide, converging hides, or a high hide? Can you differentiate between lofting or pooling odor from the source odor itself? Can you discern between an area devoid of odor and one that is more complex?
Join Sarah Owings for this engaging, interactive Session where we will analyze videos showcasing various dogs tackling different types of odor challenges in diverse search settings. The videos primarily feature competition sport dogs tasked with locating essential oil hides. Scent detection enthusiasts of all experience levels, training-disciplines, and backgrounds are welcome to participate and share their knowledge. Join Sarah and get the full picture of the world of scent!
Let the World Do the Work: Transitioning to "Natural" Reinforcement Contingencies
Course Type: Session
Skill: All Levels
Topic: Science
Description:
Food is often the go-to reinforcer in clicker training, and it's a wise choice for several reasons. It's a primary reinforcer, easy to dispense, and most dogs respond eagerly to it in various situations.
However, relying solely on food can have its downsides. Dogs can become full or lose interest, and some may have dietary restrictions or caloric limitations. There might be instances where you desire a behavior trained with food but struggle to consistently provide it, leading to frustration. Additionally, in certain cases, it may be better for a dog's well-being to focus on other aspects of an activity. Moreover, the presence of food can unintentionally cue unwanted behaviors that were inadvertently reinforced with food.
While we may not mind using treats in many situations, our clients often ask, "When can we stop using treats?" Responding with a simple "never" or an analogy like "Would you work without pay?" is inadequate.
In numerous scenarios, we can employ food or other "contrived" reinforcers to develop behaviors that are robust enough to expose the learner to "natural" reinforcers—those that typically result directly from the behavior. For instance, with a child, we may initially provide praise for pronouncing words or constructing sentences, but as their reading fluency improves, the reinforcement comes from the reading material itself.
Drawing on literature and personal experience, Kiki will explore the benefits and pitfalls of food reinforcers, the criteria for identifying "natural" reinforcement contingencies, when it's appropriate (or not) to incorporate such contingencies in our training, and how to manage this type of transition.
Join Kiki to discover how we can let the world assist us in our training efforts!
How Sweet It Is: Recapture The Full Potential of the Shy and Fearful
Course Type: Learning Lab
Skill: All Levels
Topic: Aggression & Behavior Management, Business, Competition, Shelter & Rescue, Teaching Others
Participant Notes:
We will have approximately four (4) dog/handler teams. Dogs should already understand the click/treat relationship, be comfortable with normal handling, and be able to work in close quarters with other dogs. You may participate with your dog or you may attend as an observer. Observers should not bring their dogs to the Lab.
Description:
Melissa Millett's star Chihuahua, Sugar, didn't come to her ready-made for TV; she was shy, fearful, and wouldn't have been the first choice for most film trainers. However, through a principled and thoughtful teaching and training process, all of that changed.
Having worked for years in the surreal environments of live performances and film, Melissa gained a deep understanding of the link between stress and performance. She also learned how to create a sense of safety for animals, enabling them to think clearly and focus on their tasks.
In this lecture, you will learn effective management systems for traveling with fearful animals and develop skills to recognize even the smallest signs of stress. These skills will help you determine if the animal is within its comfort zone. We will begin by focusing on fostering positive associations with the environment, then move on to working with triggers. Finally, we will explore additional tips for helping small dogs feel safe in the world. You will have the opportunity to apply all of this theory in real-world situations with your own dogs.
Discover the rehabilitation principles and processes that Melissa Millett applied to Sugar and other animals, and learn how you can apply them in your own work and life with animals.
The Coaching Lab
Course Type: Learning Lab
Skill: Intermediate
Topic: Aggression & Behavior Management, Equine, Health & Wellness, Other Species, Science, Skill, Teaching Others
Participant Notes:
We will have approximately three (3) dog/handler teams. Dogs should already understand the click/treat relationship, be comfortable with normal handling, and be able to work in close quarters with other dogs. This lab is all about coaching others more effectively, so participating teams should be currently teaching classes and/or coaching their clients (privates). You may participate with your dog or you may attend as an observer. Observers should not bring their dogs to the Lab.
Description:
Join Lori Stevens in The Coaching Lab, an engaging and interactive learning experience that focuses on honing your coaching and client teaching skills.
In this Lab, participants will have the opportunity to work individually with Lori as she guides them through a series of repetitions while teaching a "simple" behavior. Lori will delve into her coaching choices, sharing insights on why specific feedback was selected and discussing the goals behind providing feedback. This positive and encouraging lab fosters a dynamic, respectful, and kind learning environment. Lori will cover essential topics related to observation skills and effective coaching, including:
The goal of giving feedback:
- Exploring the objectives of both the coach and the trainer
- Understanding the significance of feedback goals
Providing feedback to others:
- The impact of words and tone in effective communication
- Emphasizing the importance of being specific in feedback delivery
Observing what works and identifying areas for improvement:
- Learning how to discern successful aspects and areas requiring enhancement
- Determining where to initiate feedback and the rationale behind the choice
The importance of setup and the ABCs:
- Recognizing the influence of the environment
- Understanding the role of antecedents and how they shape behavior
- Analyzing the behavior(s)/approximations in training
- Evaluating the consequences and their impact on learning
Observing the complete cycle or loop:
- Developing a comprehensive understanding of the training process
Finding the balance in feedback:
- Exploring how much feedback is optimal
- Identifying situations where feedback can be overwhelming
Timing and frequency of feedback:
- Determining the appropriate moments for providing feedback
- Establishing the ideal frequency of feedback during training sessions
Self-reflection and self-assessment:
- Techniques for evaluating and improving your own coaching skills after each session
Join The Coaching Lab with Lori Stevens, and elevate your ability to effectively coach others in dog training. Gain valuable insights, refine your observation skills, and enhance your coaching techniques in a supportive and empowering environment.
3:45pm - 4:45pm • Sunday, April 7
Join Ken Ramirez for a closing session that will leave you amazed at the possibilities that training opens up for our animals!
Closing Session: Conservation Taking Flight!
Course Type: Session
Skill: All Levels
Topic: General
Description: Join Ken Ramirez for a closing session that will leave you amazed at the possibilities that training opens up for our animals. He will start with a few closing notes and a wrap-up of this in-person Expo. Then he will share his newest projects, which include the release of parrots illegally acquired for the pet trade, back into the wild. He will highlight the training required for these projects and discuss some of the challenges. Lastly, he will provide an update on the elephant migration project, which will be entering its seventh year in 2024!
NIGHTTIME AND MEALTIME ACTIVITIES
Thursday Night Welcome Reception
Lunchtime networking roundtable discussions
Friday Night Social Event
BOOK & MEDIA SIGNING
Saturday Night Conference Dinner
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