This is a sample shaping plan to train your snake to follow a target, step by step from the very first approximation to a finished behavior (in this case targeting out of their enclosure and onto a scale station). The approximations or steps in YOUR training plan for your and your individual animal could be different. The plan has to be individualized for the learner and trainer. Remember that each step might take one or two session to learn OR could take 10-20 sessions for the snake to learn before its ready to move to the next step, everyone learns at different paces. If your snake if fearful, shy, or hides a lot see the video I did about how to target train shy snakes. This video is applicable to outgoing snake who are visible, alert, and not afraid of you, the food, or the target. These are examples of methods and steps I use with some of my snakes and may not work for every animal. Training and shaping plans must be individualized for every learner and be manageable for the trainer.
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The Modern Principles of Shaping by Karen Pryor
1. Be prepared before you start. Be ready to click/treat immediately when the training session begins. When shaping a new behavior, be ready to capture the very first tiny inclination the animal gives you toward your goal behavior. This is especially true when working with a prop such as a target stick or a mat on the ground.
2. Ensure success at each step. Break behavior down into small enough pieces that the learner always has a realistic chance to earn a reinforcer.
3. Train one criterion at a time. Shaping for two criteria or aspects of a behavior simultaneously can be very confusing. One click should not mean two different criteria.
4. Relax criteria when something changes. When introducing a new criterion or aspect of the skill, temporarily relax the old criteria for previously mastered skills.
5. If one door closes, find another. If a particular shaping procedure is not progressing, try another way.
6. Keep training sessions continuous. The animal should be continuously engaged in the learning process throughout the session. He should be working the entire time, except for the moment he’s consuming/enjoying his reinforcer. This also means keeping a high rate of reinforcement.
7. Go back to kindergarten, if necessary. If a behavior deteriorates, quickly revisit the last successful approximation or two so that the animal can easily earn reinforcers.
8. Keep your attention on your learner. Interrupting a training session gratuitously by taking a phone call, chatting, or doing something else that can wait often causes learners to lose momentum and get frustrated by the lack of information. If you need to take a break, give the animal a “goodbye present,” such as a small handful of treats.
9. Stay ahead of your learner. Be prepared to “skip ahead” in your shaping plan if your learner makes a sudden leap.
10. Quit while you’re ahead. End each session with something the learner finds reinforcing. If possible, end a session on a strong behavioral response, but, at any rate, try to end with your learner still eager to go on.
15 окт 2024
