ABC'S: ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
CONCERNS & SOLUTIONS
A Question & Answer Forum For Animal Professionals
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Welcome to the ABC's! Animal Behavior Concerns & Solutions is an animal behavior column written by animal behaviorist and animal trainer, Diana L. Guerrero. This section is dedicated to animal training techniques for all animals and pets, and topics related to operant conditioning and reinforcement. The column discusses the technique of bridging and establishing bridging criteria when training in a two part topic. For pet training please visit the pet sections, see our pet behavior booklets in the shop, or click here for enrollment information for classes and teleseminars.
Understanding Applications of the Bridge and Bridging Criteria in Animal Training Applications
Part One: Overview
Improper bridging is one of the most common errors
or area of confusion to new trainers. Since the parameters vary
in how the bridge is used, between different facilities and their
methodology, this can become difficult. What exactly is a bridge
and how is it used?
A bridge is usually some sort of signal, usually auditory, that
connects the primary reinforcer to a behavior. The bridge is first
paired with the presentation of the primary reinforcer. It then
becomes what is known as a conditioned reinforcer or secondary reinforcer.
Once that association is formed/trained, it is then used to help
condition (or train) behavior.
Sometimes the bridge is used as a secondary reinforcer AND for signaling
the termination or successful completion of the behavior or task.
Differentiating how to use the bridge can be hard for newer trainers
and is sometimes confusing because the applications can vary from
facility to facility; each trainer will also vary in their skill
and applications.
Variations in bridging are found with each trainer and facility.
Although the most common application was outlined above, the uses
can be separated. So, the bridge can be used as a source of feedback
(as a secondary reinforcer). Used as feedback, the behavior or series
of behaviors are reinforced by the bridge. When used this way, the
behavior is not necessarily terminated with the presentation of
that bridge.*
The bridge can be used to signal the successful completion of a
behavior and as a release from further performance, in this case,
it does signal the termination of the behavior or performance. When
in doubt, keep it simple until you get the hang of it. That is,
use the bridge as a message to the animal that they have performed
correctly and will be rewarded. This IOU, when applied correctly,
will build confidence in an animal and avoid confusion.
Normally a bridge is used to reinforce the best response or peak
of a behavior. Your criteria for a behavior should be well defined
and CONSISTENT. The fastest, best responses are what you will want
to reinforce. Also, the bridge is a communicator to the animal to
let them know if they have reached that desired performance level
and/or are finished with the trial or session.
Types of bridges can vary, sometimes the bridge is a word, a whistle,
a tone, or a clicker. It can also be a flashing light or another
visual signal. Bridges can also vary in length of presentation and
in their placement. The best placed bridge, for reinforcement, is
at the peak of the performance.
With all these variables to consider, it can get really confusing!
The important thing is to be careful with how you use the bridge
and to apply it consistently to the animal. Here is where things
get confusing and more complicated.
Each trainer will vary in their approach and manner of bridging.
What is important is that some consistency and clarity be presented
to the animal working for the trainer. Yes, animals do differentiate
between trainers and what they can get away with. Opportunistic
critters will also "train the trainer" or manipulate a newer trainer.
Good enrichment for the animal but frustrating for the trainer!
Weekly or daily meetings between trainers are critical to successful
training if you all work the same animals. It is easier for the
animal to have one consistent trainer, but due to staffing constraints
and variables in the work force, this is almost impossible to do.
Clear communication between training staff members will improve
the standardization and consistency of approach for everyone involved........and
cut down on frustration of both the animals and humans!
Anyway, the bridge is a communication tool. If you find that a certain
application works better than another --go with it. Where things
get more complex is when there are a lot of trainers and animals
with their own styles and nuances.
Remember that good training is both art AND science; it is integrating
what you know, with skill developed over time and experiences with
different situations and animals, that will make you a good trainer.
Remember, in a perfect world, clear communication and parameters
can overcome any confusion or debate over the bridging topic!
Understanding the Bridge & Bridging Criteria: Part Two
*Advanced techniques can get complicated and confusing. That is for another article!
Are you a reader with a question? Be sure to submit it--and good luck in all your training endeavors!
About the columnist: Since 1978 Diana L. Guerrero has worked professionally with both wild and domestic animals. Guerrero has been affiliated with, and certified by, a variety of animal programs in the USA and Europe. Based in California, she writes, consults, and speaks. Information on her animal career programs, training courses, and her books {What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality (SkyLight Paths, 2003), Blessing of the Animals (Sterling, 2007), Help! My Pet is Driving Me Crazy (Guerrero Ink, 2007), Animal Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners & Pet Professionals (Guerrero Ink, 2007)} can be found in this web site and in the shop. Questions for Guerrero should be submitted via the blog comments or membership forum.
