MY TRAINING TOOLS

A BRIEF LOOK AT HOW I WORK

It seems like the methods I use in training are constantly under a programme of modification because this entire venture is a learning process for myself as well as the boys. But basically I work using operant conditioning,

Operant conditioning is really a posh way of saying that I train using a system of instant rewards for desirable behaviour, shaping that behaviour bit by tiny bit by successive rewarding. Operant conditioning has been used to train a very wide range of mammals and birds, including dolphins, pigeons, horses and dogs, to achieve, in many cases, almost anything they are physically capable of..

And the reward?
Personally, I use the same reward-system as Jim and Amy Logan of Snowridge Llamas in USA, who have done incredible work in training llamas. Their reward, known technically as the primary reinforcer, is in the form of hand-given grain. I use lots of different treats in training, but I am always aware that the test of true, established training is for the llama to work without any reward at all.

The Bridge: I said "instant rewards" above. Now I'm going to contradict myself. I actually use a signal (termed a conditioned reinforcer) and this signal acts as a bridge between the desired response and the delivered reward.The llamas are conditioned to expect a reward immediately following the signal.

The Signal

I use two sorts: my voice, but more often, if I have my hands free and particularly where precise timing is of the utmost importance, a clicker.

My voice

The advantage of a verbal signal is that it's convenient to give it, particularly in work that involves both hands like haltering and desensitising. Whilst I say the words "Good boy" quite a lot in training, I have developed a special tone of voice in saying the same two words, which leaves the llama in no doubt at all that a reward will follow.

The clicker.. and why a clicker anyway?
Well, it makes a distinctive sound.The clicker is a small plastic box with a metal spring which emits a loud click when pressed. Unlike the human voice, it is truely consistent. It rapidly and crisply marks the successful completion of a desired behaviour. There are many instances where a verbal signal takes far too long in time. I am thinking in particular of the time I was teaching Oscar to drop toys into a box; I had to capture/reinforce the split second he opened his mouth, when I was shaping his behaviour. What you click is what you get.

So how does all this work?
Underpinning operant conditioning training are the primary reinforcer (the food!) and the conditioned reinforcer ( the click or "Good Boy") which is associated with the latter and precedes it. When the llama makes a correct progressive move , however small, in a training session, a click sounds and the reward follows. In due course, the llama works for the sound of the click or "Good Boy".. Once the behaviour has been learned, it can be further associated with a hand signal or a spoken command.Oscar and Toby both respond to the word "Sit" (they kush down) and they further respond to my finger pointing to the ground as a signal to go down. This is known as putting the behaviour on cue. Over a period of time the bridge and reward can be decreased. Indeed it has been proved that by refraining from rewarding each time, or, to be technical,"putting the behaviour on a variable schedule of reinforcement", the llama will try harder and give a bit more.

The drawbacks of Click & Reward

Clicker training is a powerful tool, but it is a method of training which only ever says "Yes". I am finding that there are times when I need to say "No" in training and to say it firmly. I am experimenting with methods of doing this.

Again, it is a method which, to some extent, is dependent on the student being hungry. A llama full of the fresh grass of Spring is quite difficult to motivate!

 

I have to say this: My approach to my llama training is unashamedly practical and down-to-earth, because that's the way I see my animals. I am aware that there has been an emergence in the last few decades of "gifted" animal trainers, many of them internationally acclaimed, particularly in the field of dogs and horses. Many adopt methods which are described by themselves or others as natural. I have respect for these trainers, but unlike them, I do not see myself in any way gifted in my communication with llamas, merely sensitive to their cues. Nor can my approach be described as particularly natural.

And there is the cold realisation that, however much I love my llamas ( and I do!), unlike cats and dogs it is a one-way bond. Sadly, and I would give the world to change things...though I might provide food, shelter, veterinary care, love, security, you name it...all they can appreciate at the end of the day from my quarter is ... food.