1. Staff Training Program
Troubleshooting &
Problem Solving:
Staff Training Program

2. TROUBLESHOOTING & PROBLEM SOLVING
Evaluate the Situation
At times the animal will not respond to an SD
The trainer must immediately evaluate the situation and have a plan for how to react next
Reoccurring scenarios require that trainers evaluate all the factors related to the unresponsiveness

3. TROUBLESHOOTING & PROBLEM SOLVING
Analyzing the Scenario
Three areas to consider
Desensitization
Communication
Motivation
Each situation is unique, by systematically eliminating variables one can narrow down the possibilities

4. TROUBLESHOOTING & PROBLEM SOLVING
Analyzing the Scenario
Desensitization
Is there some novel stimulus in the environment?
Set up a desensitization program with all types of stimuli to prevent future sensitization, do this within reason

5. TROUBLESHOOTING & PROBLEM SOLVING
Analyzing the Scenario
Communication
Is your SD clear?
Is there another stimulus in the environment that is competing with the animal’s ability to observe the SD?
Is the behavioral contingency clearly understood by the animal?

6. TROUBLESHOOTING & PROBLEM SOLVING
Analyzing the Scenario
Motivation
Rule out medical concerns
Analyze social issues directly affecting the animal
Consider the recent reinforcement history relative to the length of previous sessions and amount of food received
Make certain that behavioral consequences are in fact reinforcing
Be variable (“tricks of the trade”)

7. TROUBLESHOOTING & PROBLEM SOLVING
Other Tools for Troubleshooting
Three strikes rule
Continually weight the number of successes and failures of a particular behavioral response
This also potentially reduces the frustration of multiple failed behaviors
Know your behavior pyramids
Observe dominance shifts
Social hierarchy
Establish group contingent behaviors

8. TROUBLESHOOTING & PROBLEM SOLVING
Other Tools for Troubleshooting
Analyze trainer behavior
Evaluate your value as a reinforcer
Many animals reflect the trainer’s motivation and energy level
Gauge the animal’s behavior and learning history

9. TROUBLESHOOTING & PROBLEM SOLVING
Other Tools for Troubleshooting
Consistency vs. Variability
Must maintain both consistency and variability
Establish consistency in rules: SDs are sharp, bridge means good, correct behavior is reinforced, undesired behavior is not reinforced, aggression results in an ETO
With those rules increased variability can increase motivation by decreasing predictability
Frequently evaluate the “norm” of your recent reinforcement history to determine if you are becoming too predictable

10. TROUBLESHOOTING & PROBLEM SOLVING
Summary
It takes time to build your training skills and animal relationships
You can gain knowledge in the classroom but your skills will improve with experience
Despite the number of years you have worked in the field there is always more to experience

11. Happy Training!