C=Continually
R= Rewarding
A=Ambiguous
P=Performances
Unfortunately CRAP can and does happen to all of us! We intentionally and unintentionally reward ambiguous or even incorrect behaviors.
To avoid CRAP:
* Decide on criteria for each exercise and stick to it. Keep criteria consistent not only in training but while in class and while trialing as well.
* Be genuine. Keep everything as black & white as possible for your dog. Correct = Praise, Incorrect = nothing or correction (depending on stage of training).
* Don't confuse motivation and praise. Getting your dog excited and up is important but should not look the same as rewarding (praising) your dog for a job well done (for example: don't tug for both).
* Always remember that reward and praise is defined BY THE DOG. If your dog is allowed to run away from you during the recall, sniff the ground while heeling, break stays, these behaviors may persist because they are inherently rewarding to the dog. Likewise if your dog does not enjoy having his ears rubbed don't rub his ears as praise.
The concept of CRAP is taken from Susan Garrett. You can read more about it at:
"Hanging on to Good Behavior" by Susan Garrett
Along these lines, she also repeats "A or B" as often as possible. "Remember A or B!"
ReplyDeleteThis stands for "average or better". Always remember to only rewards efforts that are average or better to maintain or build a behavior.
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