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 Three of Four

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

ANSWER
This is Part Three of a series of discussions on the technique of bridging. Questions on this topic began in Part One where I discussed bridging in general and then went into a few specific questions that continued in Part Two and will be completed in this section followed by a resource listing.

If more than two animals are involved during training, how does one juggle multiple different bridging stimuli or make one bridging stimulus unique to each animal?

There are different strategies for handling this situation that are dependent on the specific situation you are in. Without this information it is impossible for me to give you one answer. Let's just look at a couple of different approaches.

First, communication and cooperation between the trainers is critical. You cannot be successful without this teamwork. Pencil out the steps and discuss them at length before you even start! Then be consistent in your application and strategies.

When working a group of animals you will ideally start by having one trainer per animal. In a zoo situation this is not always possible but I will outline it anyway! If you are able to have one trainer per animal initially, the animal associates the training process with the specific trainer in attendance.

Each person has a different voice or can have a differently pitched whistle or bridging stimulus. Audible devices tend to be favored but you can use visual and tactile, especially if you want to avoid problems. Visual could be a finger point toward the animal or a nod, while an example of physical could be a tap or touch to a certain object or the animal itself.

Using different or multiple bridges can be difficult and can cause confusion. If you are working multiple animals alone then you can use the stationing behavior with one type of bridge and another type of signal to the animal to convey that they are the one expected to work or being rewarded for correct behavior.

If you are doing tandem behaviors (when animals are bridged for doing the same behavior), or if you are working animals in the same area, in the same show or performance, then using different types of bridges can be difficult to do. (If that is your situation, let me know and I can tackle it another time.) In any case, teaching the animal to station and how to differentiate is critical.

Teaching animals to station is indispensable. A station behavior is where an animal is to hold a specific location, usually targeting to a specific area or mark. The animal should remain at that point until released. You can do this individually and in groups. Care must be taken to avoid problems with dominant animals. You usually have to control them first and teach toleration as you work in/with the other animals.

Teaching an animal to ignore or tolerate other working animals is an important part of training in groups. You may also teach the stationed animals to ignore the bridges occurring in the background by using a different type of bridge and by rewarding them for stationing and non-response to the distance bridge and the other working animal(s).

If you use this technique, make sure that you also work each animal on other behaviors and don't just focus on the stationing while you train only one or two animals. By rotating, you will find all your animals more interested and more cooperative since they are rewarded for cooperation and toleration AND because they also have the opportunity to work and reap the rewards. Each session should be varied -don't try to do all the animals all at one time!

Using a stationing position can assist you in controlling animals prior to release and lock-up. You can get a good look at your animals, prevent rushing and uncooperative behavior surrounding gating and doors, and reduce conflict. Take the time to teach this properly and you will save yourself headaches later on!

Remember each animal and situation is different. But keep in mind that your different animals should eventually be worked so that they are responsive to many trainers and many different situations.

When is the use of a general secondary reinforcer (i.e., "good", "keep going" etc.,) that is not conditioned as the bridging stimulus appropriate?

This question refers to giving information and feedback to the animal. This has been referred to as a "continue" or "keep going" signal. It is also can be an "intermediate bridge." (Which was discussed in the last column.) Trainers are different in their application of this technique and it actually has to do with preference as to whether or not it is appropriate.

Remember that your consistency and clarity is what is important. You can gauge the appropriateness in application by how your animal responds. If it interrupts the behavior, causes confusion, or interferes with your overall progress, then you should reassess your application of the technique. Your training team should strive for the optimal use of these tools but be careful!

The most common use of this type of bridge is during long duration chains of behavior or during extended husbandry work. In training situations I like to use an intermediate bridge or feedback since it can help guide or clarify confusion.

However, there is a common error that occurs when novice trainers will be too verbal. This can distract an animal or interrupt its train of thought. In other cases the effectiveness of this tool can be extinguished.

Are there times when you would use only a general secondary, or only a conditioned bridge?

Perhaps I am a bit dense but I am not certain of what you are asking here. A secondary reinforcer is also known as a conditioned reinforcer. So, a bridge is a secondary reinforcer AND a bridge is a conditioned reinforcer. It can get confusing. Maybe you are asking about when to use an intermediate bridge versus a terminal bridge?

The terminal bridge signals the end of a behavior or chain. The intermediate bridge signals the animal that it is on the right track and provides encouragement/feedback without terminating the behavior. How you use a bridge can be as varied as your animals and your situation. Remember, training is both an art and a science and that is why some people achieve better results than others.

I appreciate all the letters that have been coming in. It may take me a while to get to you but be patient….and keep them coming!

Continue to Part Four of Bridging Overview: Resources

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.