Click & Reward training is based on positive reinforcement. It is fast, efficient and fun to use, stimulating the lama's creative thinking and imagination. Understanding the basic fundamentals of behaviour modification will open up a whole new world of possibilities for communication and understanding.

 

Jim & Amy Logan of Snowridge Llamas in the USA developed Click & Reward, as a method of training lamas. The method uses shaping, a form of operant conditioning.

 

This is a very powerful training tool, which has been used for years in the training of whales, dolphins, elephants and over 140 other animals. It makes the lama a willing and eager participant in its own training, seeking to achieve success by approximating and selecting the "right" behaviour, which is the behaviour the trainer desires. The lama then becomes a true partner in the training process.

 

This method provides an alternative for those who want good performance based on trust and affection rather than force.

The clicker, a small, plastic box, which makes a fairly loud "click" when pressed, is reinforcement that can be delivered at the exact moment the correct behaviour occurs. There is very little time delay compared to using verbal praise.

The clicker is a clear and consistent signal that can be transferred easily between different trainers and handlers. It acts as a bridge between the behaviour and the reward. It is an event marker that actually defines the end of the behaviour.

The clicker is efficient, consistent, easy to use and fun for both lama and handler.

Other cues may be substituted for the clicker such as the cluck of the tongue, clicking of fingers etc. but the clicker is the most convenient, and helps to keep the handler focused on the task as well.

The key to Click & Reward training is selecting a primary reinforcer and a conditioned reinforcer. The primary reinforcer is something the lama really wants and is willing to work for, eg/grain, pellets. The conditioned reinforcer is a signal which is paired with the reward and always precedes it.

In Click & Reward training the conditioned reinforcer is the sound of the clicker. This acts as a bridge between the instant the animal performs the correct behaviour and the time it takes to give the reward.

When the lama moves towards a desired behaviour, the CLICK is given immediately and followed by the reward.

   

The lama quickly learns to associate the CLICK, his conditioned reinforcer with the pellets, his primary reinforcer. The CLICK translates to the lama, "Good boy! That is exactly what I wanted. Here is your reward."

Once the animal associates the cue with the behaviour and the behaviour is put on a schedule of variable reinforcement, the clicker is no longer needed, unless you wish to further shape the behaviour.

Presently there are two videos in the Click & Reward program and both are compatible with Australian video players. To order, click here.

XL CRV1 - Click & Reward Volume I
This video introduces the basics of operant conditioning and Jim and Amy demonstrate a variety of different behaviours, which can be taught using the Click & Reward method. These include haltering, handling the lama's legs and body, loading into a float and a few special little tricks.

XL CRV2 - Click & Reward Volume II
Volume II goes beyond the basics and shows the finer points of operant conditioning. Jim demonstrates how to eliminate unwanted behaviours, how to teach complex behaviour chains and how to understand timing and pacing.

At Xanadu Llamas we use clicker training to teach our llamas any new behaviours. We halter train using the clicker, teach loading into the float with the clicker and train the llamas to negotiate the obstacle course, ready for Performance Shows, all with the help of the clicker. The llamas enjoy clicker training so much they line up at the gate waiting for their turn to "play".

 

Jackson Brown, one of my favourite clicker participants, now negotiates the obstacle course off-lead, following at my shoulder. Jack also brings me his ball, picks up paper and passes me a tissue if I ask for one.

We have found any task a lama is physically capable of doing can be taught happily and successfully using the clicker.

 

Anyone from a child to an elderly person can use this method and the best part is the training sessions are fun for both the llama and handler.

For more information about the Click & Reward program, please contact Xanadu Llamas or check out the Click & Reward web site - http://members.aol.com/snowridge1/index.click.html

 
 

 
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