ABC'S: ANIMAL BEHAVIOR

CONCERNS & SOLUTIONS

A Question & Answer Forum For Animal Professionals

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Welcome to the ABC's! Animal Behavior Concerns & Solutions is an animal behavior column written by animal behaviorist and animal trainer, Diana L. Guerrero. This section is dedicated to animal training techniques for all animals and pets, and topics related to operant conditioning and reinforcement. Topics related to operant conditioning discussed here are the bridge aka the secondary reinforcer in this four part topic. Be sure to start at part one. For pet training please visit the pet sections, see our pet behavior booklets in the shop, or click here for enrollment information for classes and teleseminars.

Overview of the Bridge in Animal Training
Part Two of Four

QUESTION
American Zoo. Could you give an overview of the use of the bridge and maybe some resources related to it?

ANSWER
Questions on this topic began last month where I discussed bridging in general and go into a few specific questions. This month will continue answering the questions submitted. If you landed here I recommend you go back and read Part One.

When is RIR appropriate?
First let's define what RIR is. When the acronym first appeared in the late 1970's it stood from Random and Interrupted Reinforcement. Then this changed to Reinforcers delivered Intermittently in Randomized order. Now the term seems to have evolved further into Variable Ratio with Reinforcement Variety (VRRV).

Personally I like to keep it simple. Translation? Give your animals a variety of reinforcers in a variable schedule.

Variable schedules are what I prefer to use. However, each facility will have unique challenges in using the technique. The biggest obstacles can be limited experience, variety of training skills, incomplete understanding of training applications, and the security many find in sticking to continuous reinforcement.

Each trainer or training facility has a multitude of different aptitudes and approaches that will influence the use of more intricate training concepts. Complications can result if the whole team is not using the same techniques or are not on the same page.

So, I think using variable schedules should be the normal operating mode once the trainers and animals understand the training process. Using them requires planning, communication, clarity and consistency within your team.

Are there ever times when a bridge should be delivered without being connected with a primary reinforcer?

In training the bridge, you signal that primary reinforcement is coming. The bridge is a secondary reinforcer. Therefore it is reinforcing itself and so instantly reinforces the animal.

Once you graduate beyond continuous reinforcement (the one bridge equals one treat concept) then you should be able to use the bridge without dispensing primary reinforcement in a continuous schedule.

Why? Secondary reinforcers can be as strong as the primary reinforcer. That is why we use conditioning. Other secondary reinforcers are praising, attention, tactile, social interactions and more. Okay, let's look closer at schedules since many newer trainers have a hard time understanding schedules of reinforcement.

The traditional reinforcement schedule is called a continuous reinforcement schedule. Each time the correct behavior is performed it gets reinforced.

Then there is what we call an intermittent reinforcement schedule. There are fixed and variable categories.

The Fixed Interval Schedule is where reinforcement is only given after a certain amount of time has elapsed. So, if you decided on a 5 second interval then each reinforcement would occur at the fixed time of every 5 seconds.

The Fixed Ratio Schedule is where the reinforcement is given only after a predetermined number of responses. This is often seen in behavior chains where a number of behaviors have to occur for reinforcement to occur.

The Variable Interval Schedule is where the reinforcement is given after varying amounts of time between each reinforcement.

The Variable Ratio Schedule is where the reinforcement is given after a varying number of correct responses.

Fluctuating combinations of primary and secondary reinforcers fall under other terms in the variable ratio schedule; For example, Reinforcers delivered Intermittently in a Randomized Order (RIR) or Variable Ratio with Reinforcement Variety (VRRV).

Should Variable Ratio with Reinforcement Variety (VRRV) always be used, or should it only be activated if an animal becomes bored with a primary reinforcer that initially worked well?

Your training should always be interesting to the animal. For the most interesting sessions use variable reinforcement. Stronger results and more interest is what you will reap from your animals and training staff.

If you are still depending on continuous reinforcement without using any variables and do not understand how to use more intricate training concepts start slowly or get a consultant in to help you progress.

Are there any situations where multiple bridges are delivered before the primary reinforcer is given or should it be "one-click-one-treat"?

If you are using a continuous reinforcement schedule you will give one treat for one click. So, yes there are. If you use other schedules of reinforcement, mentioned earlier, then you would be delivering multiple bridges before any primary reinforcement is given.

Another situation was mentioned last month when I talked about using an intermediate bridge and a terminal bridge. The intermediate bridge is feedback for your animal when they are on the right track while the terminal bridge signals that they are done. The intermediate bridge will often be multiple bridges without delivery of the primary reinforcer.

Continue to Part Three of Bridging Overview

Are you a reader with a question? Be sure to submit it--and good luck in all your training endeavors!

About the columnist: Since 1978 Diana L. Guerrero has worked professionally with both wild and domestic animals. Guerrero has been affiliated with, and certified by, a variety of animal programs in the USA and Europe. Based in California, she writes, consults, and speaks. Information on her animal career programs, training courses, and her books {What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality (SkyLight Paths, 2003), Blessing of the Animals (Sterling, 2007), Help! My Pet is Driving Me Crazy (Guerrero Ink, 2007), Animal Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners & Pet Professionals (Guerrero Ink, 2007)} can be found in this web site and in the shop. Questions for Guerrero should be submitted via the blog comments or membership forum.