When training most behaviors, handler cues and/or environmental cues for that behavior are created (intentionally or unintentionally). It might be a single cue or a combination of several “training cues”that prompt the goal behavior.

Training cues may be trainer movements, trainer words, location of reward, physical props (i.e., platforms, barriers, targets), physical location of training session, or specific sounds present. What most “training cues” have in common is the trainer’s goal of replacing (trading) those cues with the final goal cue for the new behavior.

Effective trainers anticipate using specific training cues and/or (during training) quickly become aware of training cues that will assist in developing the final behavior response. That awareness allows for timely modifications during the training process that fade all unwanted cues while progressing to the goal cues for a behavior.

An important skill for trainers to develop is to quickly recognize:
1) Which training cues will assist in gaining the goal behavior
2) Which training cues won’t be helpful and should be omitted ASAP
3) Of multiple training cues, in what order they should the be faded
4) When the learner is ready for a strong training prop to be faded
5) When the learner is ready for trading a goal cue for a training cue

Join Michele Pouliot in this Dem-OH! and improve your effectiveness in introducing goal cues quickly while avoiding problems when fading training cues.