Errorless Learning and Errorless Training
Open Range has changed our training style over the last year to "Errorless Learning." This type of training is under the positive reinforcement wing and has been wildly successful with the dogs in our program. It has been amazing from Puppy work all the way up to Service Dog work. Errorless puts the entire responsibility of training and mechanics on us as trainers. We are constantly doing classes and work to set our dogs up for success. We are following the science and taking responsibility for the success of the dogs that enter into our program.
What is Errorless?
Errorless learning is a strategy of training that ensures a high level of correct responses from the dog. If we can set it up so that the dog continues practicing correct behavior we will continue to ensure they act in a correct manner. The more dogs practice a behavior the more likely they are to continue practicing that behavior. Errorless focuses on guiding the dog away from trial and error training styles and focusing on correct behavior.
The difference?
Our goal is to remove conflict in our work. For example, if a dog is pulling on lead traditional training would introduce a prong collar and leash pressure. At Open Range we put the dog on a long line (50ft leash) in most cases and work on building relationship and engagement so the dog chooses to be with us. It works beautifully and then we do not have to focus on correcting the dog each time it gets out of heel, instead we reinforce when it chooses the correct spot. We allow choice and the dogs then can understand what TO do rather than only what NOT to do.
In the example below you will see Ranger working with Dawn. Dawn is minimizing corrections and setting up a training loop so Ranger knows what do to next and what behaviors to offer.
.
