A client was telling me the other day how her dog has become so drawn to their basement. She told me there really isn’t much down there but her dog runs down the stairs at top speed, then either with or without a toy runs laps. Typically, her dog will solicit play more frequently in the basement too. Clearly that has become a place associated with a lot of energy and a place of very high value to her dog.
Meanwhile, a friend had mentioned (and showed me) a few weeks back how, when she turns on the hose, that her lab/golden retriever runs and chases the water stream to the point of losing any realization of how hard she is breathing. Clearly she sees the hose as an activity of immense value. (The photo is not a photo of her dog.)
While each of these activities is different, to those specific dogs, those activities are pretty incredible. They are examples of how our animals are constantly telling us what is important to them. If we listen to what they are telling us, we find amazing opportunities to make our lessons that much more effective.
Meet the Premack Principle
The Premack Principle simply states that a more probable behavior (Behavior A) can make a less probable behavior (Behavior B) more probable by teaching a contingency between A and B. In other words by using Behavior A as the consequence to Behavior B. You are thus teaching, *IF* B is done, *THEN* there is an opportunity to do A. This is also known as the ‘relativity theory of reinforcement based upon the work from David Premack and is a hallmark of Applied Behavior Analysis.
I sometimes apply the Premack Principle to myself. This morning, for example, I told myself that I need to finish writing this blog post BEFORE I talk Dawson for a walk. So, here I am working hard to get this written because it is a beautiful morning outside!
Using The Premack Principle In Dog Training
Understanding this can be a very powerful tool when it comes to training.
Does your dog want to go meet someone? Great! Teach your dog that walking on a loose leash gets the opportunity to do that.
Does your dog want to play fetch? Great! Teach your dog that he must sit and wait until you tell him to get the toy; or also, the opportunity to chase the toy can be a reinforcer for your dog to bring back the toy and place it at your feet.
In the examples above,
My client could teach her dog that laying on a mat can create the opportunity to run downstairs. When I was there I actually used the Premack Principle to also teach her dog that laying on the bed and staying in place until I said the release word got either an opportunity to find a treat on the ground or chase me into the kitchen – both high value to her dog.
My friend taught her dog that if her dog came quickly when called, even to the other side of the yard, that it could mean either a treat, a game….OR the opportunity to play with the hose.
It really is the greatest tool in my behavior toolbox. And it sure can make learning fun!
Ok, I am off to go for a walk now.
