23 Oct Key Concepts in Choice Based Training: Learn with us in the Chicken Challenge Workshop
We officially kicked off our first ever Chicken Challenge Workshop last week, and chicken training has rapidly become one of our favorite parts of the day. Chicken training using choice-based techniques offers a unique blend of behavioral science, skill development, and adaptability. It challenges trainers to engage deeply with the nuances of both animal behavior and training methods. In our first virtual classes with our chicken attendees, several critical themes emerged that underscore the complexity and rewarding nature of this process.
Creating a “Clean Loop” in Training
At the heart of choice based reinforcement training is the goal of creating a “clean loop.” This loop refers to the behavior cycle where the trainer provides a cue, the animal performs the behavior, and the trainer reinforces the behavior with precise timing and in reinforcing, the animal is able to start the cue-response interaction over again. This concept is fundamental, as it ensures that the animal clearly understands the connection between its behavior and the reinforcer, but it also helps prevent avoidance behaviors associated with new skills. In the chicken training course, students were guided to focus on timing their cues and reinforcements to create this loop.
Building this foundation early on allows the animal to consistently perform simple behaviors, such as targeting an object with its beak. These early successes lay the groundwork for more complex behaviors as the training progresses. However, getting to a clean loop often requires trainers to be highly attuned to their animals’ responses, adjusting timing and reinforcements to match the animal’s needs.
The Role of Environment in Training Success
Creating an environment conducive to learning is another key concept in chicken training. Chickens, like other animals, respond to environmental factors that can either enhance or hinder their ability to focus and learn. While we often talk about importance of a quiet, distraction-free environment in the early stages of training, allowing chickens to engage with the task at hand without being overwhelmed by external stimuli, we also recognize that they need to quickly train under “normal” circumstances.
As training progresses, the environment becomes more normalized, with the introduction of mild distractions to better simulate real-world conditions. This helps chickens learn to perform behaviors in varied environments, a skill that is critical for long-term training success. Trainers are encouraged to experiment with different setups, always keeping in mind the animal’s ability to concentrate and engage.
Trainer Skills: Timing, Observation, and Adaptability
Effective training requires a combination of skill and adaptability from the trainer. Timing is crucial when delivering rewards—often referred to as “bridging.” In this context, bridging involves signaling the correct behavior, typically using a clicker, and following it immediately with a reward. Poor timing can result in confusion, as the animal may not understand which behavior is being reinforced.
Equally important is the ability to observe subtle cues in the animal’s behavior. Trainers must watch for signs of engagement or stress, adjusting their approach accordingly. This observation helps trainers understand when to push forward or when to scale back to ensure the animal remains motivated and confident. In the case of novice trainers like Noel, who was still learning how to introduce new stimuli to her chickens, this observation skill became particularly important in helping animals succeed.
Managing Chaos and Adapting Expectations
Training animals, especially chickens, often involves a degree of chaos. In our training, the trainers experienced moments where training sessions became hectic, with chickens displaying different levels of progress and engagement. The trainers had to learn to navigate this unpredictability. In one session, the stratification between birds became evident, with some excelling while others struggled. This scenario prompted the trainers to modify their approach by sectioning off more assertive birds to prevent them from disrupting the learning process for the more hesitant ones.
A key takeaway from this chaos is the importance of managing expectations. Not all training sessions will go smoothly, and trainers must remain flexible, ready to adapt their techniques to meet the needs of each individual bird. As the course instructor noted, smaller or less confident chickens, like the gray one, often required additional support and time to develop the boldness needed to engage fully with the task.
Progression from Simple to Complex Behaviors
As chickens become more comfortable with basic tasks, the training advances to more complex behaviors. The course highlighted techniques such as shaping for stationing, where the chicken is trained to stay in a designated spot, and impulse control, where the chicken learns to wait for cues before acting. Trainers also learned about the process of fading lures, where prompts are gradually reduced to encourage more independent responses from the animal.
One particular session demonstrated the value of progressive training when Katie, a more experienced trainer, worked with the gray chicken that had been lagging behind. Katie carefully reintroduced the target and provided rapid feedback, helping the chicken regain focus and engage with the task. This tailored approach highlights how trainers must continuously assess and adjust their strategies based on the needs of each animal.
Moving Forward
Chicken training with choice based methods is a dynamic process that blends foundational skills with adaptability. It’s not just about teaching chickens to perform tricks, but about understanding how to communicate effectively with animals, create supportive environments, and respond to the unpredictable nature of training. By focusing on building clean training loops, managing chaotic moments with flexibility, and progressing from simple to complex behaviors, trainers can set both themselves and their animals up for success. The chaos, as challenging as it may be, is an essential part of the journey toward mastery for both trainers and their feathered students.
If you’re eager to dive deeper and put these principles into practice, we invite you to join our Chicken Challenge Workshop! It’s a hands-on, supportive environment where trainers of all experience levels can hone their skills and tackle real-world training challenges. Whether you’re new to training or just looking for a refresher, this workshop has something for everyone.
It’s not too late to join! All classes are recorded, so you can easily catch up. Lab members get free access, so don’t miss out – sign up here!