Two Categories for Positive Reinforcement (Primary, Secondary)
Positive reinforcement increases the probability that the behavior will reoccur in the future. For training purposes, reinforcement is used to reproduce a certain behavior. Example: while cutting some meat for supper, you inadvertently drop a piece on the floor, and the dog eats it. You can be sure that the next time the dog sees you with a butcher knife in your dropped that he could eat! The same principle applies to a dog that starts to salivate when he hears the sound of a can opener. This principle of association is at the sound of a dog that starts to salivate when he hears the sound of a can opener. This principle of association is at the heart of having a dong understand a command. For maximum efficiency, the dog must really want the object of positive reinforcement.
Primary Reinforcement: Food is the favorite object of reinforcement because it’s easy to manipulate. However, touch (massage) and play are also used as alternate forms of primary reinforcement.
Secondary Reinforcement: Secondary reinforcement (the sound) is used before and during the time the dog is receiving the primary reinforcement (food). Once the dog has associated food with the sound reinforcement (SR “SOUND + GOOD!”), this reinforcement sequence can be used to make the dog understand that his action is correct. The dog will then expect the SR (”SOUND + GOOD!”) to be followed with food, which will make him glee when he hears “the sound” (secondary reinforcement). The fact he anticipates a reward will keep him particularly receptive to your commands. It is often impossible to give the primary reinforcement (food) at the precise moment when the dog delivers the behavior you want. In such a case, secondary reinforcement (the sound) allows you to communicate your satisfaction to your dog in a precise manner.
The SR “SUND + GOOD!” aims at letting your dog know exactly when he has correctly executed an action. Form example, you want the dog to lie down on command. You begin by crouching down with food in your hand, and you make a hand movement towards the ground. Soon, you will be able to cease crouching down in this manner; you will be able to give the command without food to direct him. The dog will have to execute the command without any help on your part; he will have to make that choice himself. It is at that moment that SR “SOUND + GOOD!” becomes indispensable. This instance truly illustrates to what degree “the sound” is an integral part of an efficient learning process. Here is another revealing example: “You are training your dog to catch a Frisbee; when the dog catches it, he hears “”the sound”, he quickly understands that the idea is to catch the Frisbee! The SR “SOUND + GOOD!” is a formula that lends itself to any situation that has a positive ending.
Secondary reinforcement becomes more powerful if it is combined with many different primary reinforcements. A dog that is not hungry will prefer hugs or games to food. Be careful not to overuse the SR “SOUND + GOOD!”, as it will become less efficient if you do.
Timing is very important when more powerful if it is combined with many different primary reinforcements. A dog that is not hungry will prefer hugs or games to food. Be careful not to overuse the SR “SOUND + GOOD!”, as it will become less efficient if you do.
A good education is a pedagogical process which makes a dog willing and happy to work to demand and command. He is confident in what he does, quickly adapts to any situation, and learns to expect the unexpected. This training is done by using the primary positive reinforcement, coupled with secondary reinforcement.
