#178: How to Apply Errorless Learning Principles in Practical Training Sessions

In his 1968 book, The Technology of Teaching, B.F. Skinner wrote:


Errors are not a function of learning or vice-versa nor are they
blamed on the learner. Errors are a function of poor analysis of
behavior, a poorly designed shaping program, moving too fast from
step to step in the program and the lack of the prerequisite
behavior necessary for success in the program. - BF Skinner


And that sounds great. It also sounds like a lot of pressure on
the dog trainer. Never fear! In this episode, we discuss what
errorless learning actually means and how to apply the principles
in our real life training sessions.


In this episode, we discuss the original research on errorless
learning by Dr. H.S. Terrace form 1963, what is the difference
between errorless training and trial-and-error trainings?, why we
care about training with errors - what’s in it for us dog
trainers?, designing our training sessions so that we don’t rely
on extinction as a training tool, and in fact actively structure
our sessions to minimize our dogs’ experience of extinction,
strategies allow us to train more errorlessly (fading in
discriminations - early and often, using back-chaining, even when
shaping small behaviors, introducing a new element between the
click and the treat, setting your minimum criteria to earn a
click to behaviors your dog is doing frequently, and avoid
raising criteria to something your dog has never done, or only
done once).


For full show notes,
visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/178
This podcast is supported by Patreon: www.patreon.com/DFTT