#bridgingstimulus

One of the topics we really explored at the workshop at Copenhagen Zoo was the bridging stimulus. In my experience this tool is often misunderstood. What I love about this clip featuring Annette Pedersen, is that the trainers have phased out the whistle for well-established behaviors. It is simply not necessary. (They do use it when shaping new ones.) We discussed when a bridge is a burden, when it is better to add a bridge later, when a bridge can and should be phased out, when a bridge may need to remain for the lifetime of the behavior or when a bridge is not necessary at all. Understanding when and why we use a bridging stimulus can make it a more effective training tool. (You will also notice our discussion about how the food bucket does not have to be hidden from her…..yet another interesting topic!) For those who missed our super cool Raising the Bar Think Tank Animal Training Workshop…..stay tuned, you may get a chance for access to what we discussed in our online education program in the future. A huge thank you to Annette Pedersen, Copenhagen Zoo and the animal care team for hosting such an amazing event!. #sealiontraining #bridgingstimulus #advancedanimaltraining (at Copenhagen zoo) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3MRAYpFVPu/?igshid=1fnk1hhtjfh5g

Have I mentioned how excited I am about the Raising the Bar Think Tank we are doing at Copenhagen Zoo Oct 1? We are going to really challenge trainers to get outside of their routines and usual ways of looking at animal training. We will really evaluate the tools we use to communicate to animals and see if they do what we think they do. I’ve got some great exercises that will have you questioning traditional practices. (For example what tells these macaws we trained to loop for a bird show to keep flying? And what tells them to stop?) When you leave this workshop, you will be better able to observe and evaluate your training sessions. Most important, you will understand if you need certain popular tools and if you do, how to apply them properly. Learn more and register here. https://www.zoo.dk/en/events/animal-training-workshop/ #animaltrainingworkshop #advancedanimaltraining #trainingduration #bridgingstimulus #criticalthinkingskils #keepgoingsignals https://www.instagram.com/p/B2wYbUhFSY5/?igshid=1vxhjiauowsbw

Hey now brown cow. How'd you like to learn to station? This was from a training demo at Boras Zoo in Sweden. What I like about this example is it shows how a bridge can be in the way and when it can help you. In the beginning of this behavior it is far more important to just deliver reinforcers fast and with precision. A bridge would just be "in the way." Later as I build duration and distance from the animal a bridge can be a useful tool. A great behavior to help people understand one application of a bridging stimulus. (Yes there are many uses) And keep in mind the animal also learns to predict reinforcers by watching the movement of my hand with grain, so this acts as a bridge too. Such a complex and fascinating topic! #cowtraining #bridgingstimulus #clickertraining #positivereinforcement #zooanimaltraining #understandthebridge #stationtraining