Articles about American Pit Bull Terrier
SATS Bridges and Targets: Overview and Applications
OVERVIEW SATS - SATS puts the focus on the relationship between animal and trainer, instead of on an external motivator such as food or a distraction. Bridges and Targets are components of SATS. - A "target" focuses the animal's attention - The "bridge" is the primary motivator - "Bridging" guides them toward the completion of the asked-for behavior - Use of food rewards can be cut back significantly - The animal gains confidence because they learn concepts, object discrimination, and how to manage their emotions Bridges and Targets - First, teach the Terminal Bridge (TB). This is the sound "X", initially associated with food (eventually the sound "X" becomes the primary motivator). - "X" is used because it is short, crisp and clear, and not often heard. Other sharp sounds, such as "G" or "K" are good, too. The word 'yes' is not good because it lacks crispness. - The animal will usually recognize the TB in three trials. - Next, teach the Primary Target (a.k.a. the two-finger target), a pointing gesture with either hand using your index and middle fingers together. The Primary Target is presented to the animal, who must touch it in order to be rewarded by a TB. - Other targets can be: a long stick, pole, piece of paper, shape drawn on the floor, rubber mat, etc. But, the Primary Target (your pointing two fingers) takes precedence over all the other targets; meaning, that the animal must preferentially touch the Primary Target over the others. - Targets placed at some distance from you can be used to teach recalls, go-outs, and other distance work. - Next, teach the Intermediate Bridge (IB). This is the sound of a string of x's, "xxxxxxxx". - The IB is a 'pathway' to the completed behavior. If the animal stops in its efforts to offer you the asked-for behavior, you stop giving the IB. - The intermediate bridge is usually delivered in cycles. A cycle is eight beats, ("xxxxxxxx"); a partial cycle is anything up to a full cycle. Naming Body Parts - Gives the animal a means of communicating with us. More than just rewarding behavior, it truly becomes communication....to continue reading this article please click on here...
