WHAT IS A MODIFIER CUE? It's a cue that gives additional information to your dog to further differentiate the exact behaviour that will earn them a reward. Some examples of Modifier cues might include right or left, large or small, up or down, even over or under. A modifier cue helps differentiate a very specific request for your dog; such as which mat to lie on (the one on the left or the right) or even which ball to retrieve (the large or the small one).
But my dog already knows left and right. . . If you've taught your dog a "right spin" and "left spin" and believe they know their left from their right guess what? You've actually only taught your dog that left means spin left and right means spin right. Those modifiers are behaviour specific only. How do we know this? We need to be able to apply those specific Modifier Cues to other previously "unpaired" behaviours. For instance, could you place out two targets and without any previous training, say left target or right target and have your dog immediately touch the correct target? Could you have two kennels present and say left kennel or right kennel and without any pointing or further direction, would your dog choose the correct kennel?
In Modifier cues, we teach you the true concept of modifier cues and how to apply them to other previously unpaired behaviours so they truly become and are modifier cues - opening up a whole new world of fun for you and your dog. Using your imagination I know you'll find many uses for modifiers in your dog sport or daily life.
Teaching Approach
The class material consists of short lectures and specific modifier related exercises. Material is provided in both written and video form for visual example. Videos do not have voice over. Students will be able to work through materials at their own pace and receive individualized feedback on their progress with time referrals to points in their video submissions. New material will be released on an average of once a week, sometimes twice depending on the general progress within the class.
The majority of the exercises can be accomplished in a small space, requiring minimal handler and dog movement.
Facebook Study Groups: Go ahead & take advantage of the FE585 Modifiers FB study group found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1064483223712277/
Heather Lawson (she/her) is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA) and also a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP), a CGN evaluator and a free-style judge. She has been training dogs and their humans for more that 20 years after deciding that...(Click here for full bio and to view Heather's upcoming courses)
Introduction To Modifiers - Before We Begin - Choosing Syntax > Why the order of your verbal cues are important
Review of Your Foundation Skills - Making Sure Each Behaviour Has A Cue - Generalization of Skills - Checking Your Dog's Stamina For Concept Training > Shaping a new behaviour > Targeting (paws vs. nose) > 101 Things To Do - Learning The DOG'S Left & Right Relative To You - Using Directional Helper Cues Properly Left Or Right - Defining The Modifier - Selecting The Dog's Body Movements - Training In Pairs > Work Area Set-up > Targeting > Crate > Mat/Platform - Testing Comprehension of Left vs. Right
Large or Small - Define The Modifier - Selecting objects - Selecting Indicator Behaviour (Paw or Nose) - Training in Pairs - Adding In & Testing More Variables
Expanding Modifiers - Adding More Modifiers To The Sequence - Where Can I Use This
Here's what you'll need for this class to teach directional modifiers Right & Left: - Your dog of course! -A Clicker -A treat pouch -A tonne of soft, small, high quality, high-value treats (think pea-sized or appropriate size for your dog) -2 identical targets, 2 crates, 2 non-slip mats or 2 raised & sturdy platforms (platforms: anywhere from 3" to 12" high and large enough for your dog to do a default behaviour of sit or stand. Use of these props will be detailed further as we move through the class.
NOTE: We will start with modifiers Left & Right and then depending on how students progress we can work on teaching size "Large vs. Small". For Size Modifiers you will need a variety of objects; balls, boxes or cylinder type objects that are identical and graduating in size i.e. small, medium, large, x-large ball - all identical in colour/texture but graduated in size. Another example might be clay pots: small, medium, large, XL all identical in colour/shape but graduated in size. Even cardboard boxes again all relative the same except for size. Size difference between these objects must be easily differentiated and observable.
YOU'LL BE AHEAD OF THE GAME IF - Your dog already has verbal cues attached to getting into their crate, targeting an object, getting on a raised table/platform/mat. For Example: "Kennel" for their crate, "Touch" for targeting anything in front of them with their nose, "Table" for getting onto the platform/mat. These cues may be followed by a slight directional point but they should also be able to be performed solely with a single verbal cue.
VARYING WHICH OBJECT BECOMES SMALLEST: Teaching Small As A Relative Concept We started the introduction to small with Part 1 by taking the small object known as #1 and compared it only to the large object #4/#5 (depending on the # of objects in your groupings), having our dog indicate as we moved position and location. We used the same format with each of your object groups, only using #1 and #5.
In Part 2, still using #1 as the correct small object we began introducing and comparing the other sized objects #2, #3, #4/#5 but still maintaining #1 as the correct object to be indicated by your dog. By this point your dog should have the understanding that #1 is considered the small object no matter which other object it is paired with. However, only using #1 as the comparison does not allow our dogs to understand that size is a relative concept and will change based on the objects presented. For instance, #1 is small relative to #2, #3 is small relative to #4 and so on.
We now need to progress past using only the smallest of our objects so we can teach our dog that the idea of small is not tied to one specific object (ball, cube, cone, cylinder) and not one specific size, but that it is a relative concept based on what is presented.
YOU NEED: Your dog, treat pouch, clicker, YUMMY treats (easily swallowed – I do not recommend crunchy treats), video camera, training plan, 4/5 different-sized objects i.e. 5 cylinders, 5 boxes, 5 cones (any 5 objects as long as they are similar in shape but graduated in size from small to large), Station for your dog
KEEPING WITH THE PLAN: The 5 similar but different sized objects we will be using will be referred to as #1 thru #5; #1 being the smallest of the objects and #5 being the largest of the objects. You will continue with the modifier cue you have chosen i.e. “small”.
We will continue to use a very small directional finger prompt as we did when introducing the “small” modifier. You may use a prompt if you feel it will assist or dog or is needed in the beginning stage. Remember to quickly fade your directional prompt. Rember not to hold your prompt nor touch the object your dog will be indicating with your hand. The sequence of cues and andy prompts is very important. As usual your modifier will come first, followed with prompt and verbal “touch” cue (for those dogs who are quick the prompt may come at the same time as the verbal “touch” cue.
DOG’S INDICATOR: You will continue to use the nose touch as this allows for greater variability of objects and safety for our dogs. It is not recommended to change indicators at this time. I would save the change in indicator for a totally new set of objects or a new work setup.
NOTE: You may later choose to investigate a paw target or even a retrieve but for this exercise please only use a nose touch to target the objects.
WORK SETUP: You may choose to sit on a stool or sit on the floor. Facing your dog on their station, place object #2 and object #5 (or #4 based on the number of objects in your group) in front of you. Make sure all objects, including the #1 object (previously the smallest object) are out of sight or reach of your dog.
Your dog should still be close in front for easy targeting and rewarding but on their station, and they will return to the station after each rep.
NOTE: We want our dogs to nose touch, but if you think your dog will be inclined to paw or overly knock at the objects rather than touch with their nose, you could opt for a raised work space, but only if you believe this will be a problem. Otherwise, the objects should be on the floor.
ASSUMPTION: For ease of instruction, I will assume you have 5 objects in your groupings. If you have opted to limit your groupings to 4 objects simply substitute the #4 whenever #5 is mentioned in the instructions. More objects will allow for greater variation.
PART 1 – A New Small Object Your dog will now be learning that a different sized object can be considered small so at first you may need to prompt. If you are using a prompt you initially may need to give one that is a bit more distinct that a simple head turn. You may find you require an actual directional point. Quickly fade your prompt as soon as possible.
Place object #2 and #5 in front of your dog cue “small” followed by your directional prompt if needed.
Click and treat for a correct choice.
Repeat 3 or more times until your dog is touching the small object, each and every time, without any hesitation.
Switch positions of the two objects and repeat Steps 1 and 2.
Cue “small” followed by, if needed, a pointed finger prompt at the small object
Click and treat when dog touches the small object
Begin to vary and randomize the location/positions of these #2 and #5 objects
5.Begin to randomize the location/position of these #2 and #5 objects
a. Sometimes closer to the dog and other times further away b. The small object should change locations randomly (right, left, close, far)
PROMPTING NOTE: If you have found it necessary and have been using a prompt you need to begin to fade it, gradually reducing any movement whatsoever toward the correct object. Your goal is to eventually be able to simply use the modifier followed by the action cue “small-touch.”
Fading out prompts faster is always good however, only fade them when you are sure your dog is showing they truly understand that the new object #2 is now the small object.
6. Substitute object #5 with other numbered objects from time to time.
a. The small #2 object will remain and always be available as the correct small choice. b. An example of pairing would be: #2 and #4, #2 and #3, #2 and #5
7. Move to Step 8 only IF your dog can reliably touch the correct object 10 times in a row in varying positions and locations without the necessity of a prompt and only requires the verbal cue of “Small – Touch”
8. Place out object #1 again along with one other object that is NOT #2 (i.e. #1 and #4, #1 and #3, #1 and #5)
a. Cue “Small – Touch” and ONLY prompt if needed b. Click and treat correct response c. Dog returns to the station d. Repeat, varying location/position of objects
9. When your dog is again reliably touching the #1 object with only the verbal cue “Small – Touch” repeat Step 8 again using object #2
10. Now alternate presenting either object #1 or object #2 with any of the larger objects.
a. Sequence could be #1 and #4, then #2 and #5, #2 and #3, #1 and #3 b. Your dog should make the correct choice without hesitation c. You should not require a prompt
11. Repeat Steps 1 thru 5 using now using object #3 as the small object and #4 or #5 as the other choice.
a. Prompt only if necessary b. Continue all thru all 5 steps until your dog is reliably
12. ONLY DO THIS STEP IF YOU HAVE 5 OBJECTS IN YOUR GROUPINGS: Repeat Steps 1 to 5 using object #4 as the small object and object #5 as the other choice. You will probably not have to prompt at all, but it is best to be prepared to do so if your dog requires assistance. Continue through all 5 of the steps until your dog is responding reliably to “small-touch” with object #4.
VARYING SMALL: Now that you have worked each object, #1 thru #3, individually, you are now ready to vary small by randomly alternating objects #1, #2, and #3 being paired with the #5 object. An error or two is to be expected but if your dog begins making more than the occasional error, you will need to back up and re-affirm his understanding of small with the object that may be giving him the problem.
This step is to test your dog's understanding of small relative to the other objects no matter which one it happens to be paired with. You will be alternating between all four choices in various combinations (NOTE: if 4 objects in the grouping you will only have three choices in combinations). The goal of this exercise is that your dog should choose the smallest object in any possible combination of the 5 objects.
Example of Random sequence: #1 to #5, #3 to #5, #2 to #5, #4 to #5, #2 to #5, #1 to #5
1. Place #1 with #5 in front of your dog
2. Give cue "small - touch", C/T correct response
3. Dog returns to the station- reinforce on the station
4. Switch position of #5 and introduce object #3
5. Repeat C/T for correct choices
6. Randomize the position of #5 as you randomly introduce the "smaller" objects.
Here is an example of cylinders #3 relative to #4 and then #1 relative to #2 You can see Piper doesn't seem to have any issues recognizing which object is the smaller object of the two as I switch between the sets. Again the cylinders not being currently used should actually have been placed out of sight or on their sides so they're less noticable - although it didn't seem to cause any issue for Piper but worth considering if you're dog is drawn to the other objects.
This is our second session of randomizing cylinders relative to sizes. This time I did more switching within the session and Piper aside from a little anticipation was able to be correct in her choices. The reliability of correct choices is indicating I could move to the next step of introducing an additional cylinder to the lineup but I will choose to do a couple more sessions before taking that leap.
ADDING MORE CHOICES: Early on I noted that our dogs learn quickly when there are limited choices i.e. left or right, small or large. So far that's all we have been giving them with the Small vs. Large modifier training scenario. Now it is time to start testing their understanding of small even further by giving them more than just two choices in their lineup.
You will now provide a scenario of a third, fourth or even fifth object in the line up at one time. Although you can most definitely introduce more objects earlier on in the process I recommend and find it is more advantageous to wait until your dog has a full understanding of small and does not require any further prompting. Otherwise, it can be difficult to completely fade out directional prompts and you may find yourself prompting for each change in working scenario.
When adding the additional objects to your line-up you are creating a completely different scenario from any previous sessions so it is best to be prepared to possibly have to give an extremely slight prompt. Placing the objects 8 or more inches apart in the beginning stage can help highlight the differences in size.
STEPS TO ADDING ADDITIONAL OBJECTS IN THE LINE-UP
1. Place #1, #3 and #5 in a row approximately 8 inches or more apart. (correct choice will be #1)
2. Give cue "small - touch", C/T correct choice
3. Dog returns to station - reinforce on station
4. Repeat and step 1-3 as you randomize positions of objects #1, #3 and #5
5. Repeat steps 1-4 inserting other sized objects (i.e. #2, #4 and #5)
Continue to randomize the position of objects through each step or progression of adding additional objects.
6. Gradually increase the number of objects until your full complement of 5 objects is presented.
NOTE: At this point your dog should not require any prompting however, as always be ready to assist if absolutely necessary or you find yourself in an error loop.
The limitation on the number of objects will depend on how far you wish to take this exercise but be aware the larger the number the greater the possibility for directional prompting needing to be re-inserted.
After progressing through the above, which should go quite quickly, we will then move onto training Large. Generally, training large will be done using the same format we used to first introduce small.
A sampling of what prior students have said about this course ...
Heather’s feedback was prompt, thoughtful, and kind. She presented valuable feedback that was detailed and constructive and provided clear next steps so I was never left wondering how to proceed. As a newbie to concept training, this course was very different from others I had done. It was amazing to see my dog engaging his brain in a different way. As someone who enjoys seeing those “a-ha” moments in dogs, this course provided me with plenty of reinforcement. Most importantly, my dog loved this work too!
Thanks Heather. It was a great class and you work so hard. I learned a great deal and cleaned up my training. Great! Thank you.
I really appreciated the attention Heather paid to foundations, and the time she took at the start of class to focus and build on each individual piece of the finished picture. It gave me the confidence that I was laying the proper foundation for this type of work, and was a helpful opportunity to review and brush up on some of our skills. Initially I was more interested in teaching left/right, but I ended up appreciating that this class also included large/small. Not only did this give the most advanced teams something to work on (and the rest of us, new material to observe), but as Heather pointed out, taking a break to work from one concept to work on another is helpful for dog and person alike!
Heather is a caring instructor who struck the balance between offering constructive feedback and encouragement.
I thought the timing of this course was perfect. My in-person classes slowed down for the holidays, so this class gave my dog and I something different - yet applicable - to work on. This was a great way to switch gears for 6 weeks and work on something totally fun and different!
Registration
Next session starts: December 1, 2023Registration starts: November 22, 2023Registration ends: December 15, 2023
Instructor: Heather Lawson
