A critical look at

“Nothing in Life is Free”

Kathy Sdao, MA, ACAAB

www.kathysdao.com

A philosophical reflection

Philosophy: (Greek; “love” + “wisdom”) all learning exclusive of technical principles & practical arts

Every facet of training knowledge deserves consideration:

1) sciences of learning theory & ethology (= “technical principles”)

2) mechanical skills for instructors (= “practical arts”)

3) philosophy (= everything else)

Thesis: NILIF is based on dominance

Vastly better than physical dominance

But still focused on “rank” & teaching dog his place in the hierarchy

We need to lose alpha theory baggage and rediscover affirmation, cooperation & affection

Behavioral advice needs a framework, a story. But NILIF might not be best

We’ll consider alternatives.

Examples of NILIF protocols

1. Handout from Dumb Friends Leaguehttp://www.ddfl.org/behavior/nilif.pdf

2. “Protocol for Deference” in Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals by Karen Overall, VMD, PhD

http://www.bpvets.net/PUPPY%20MANNERS.doc

It’s OK to question established truths

Shampoo, rinse, repeat. Use sunscreen. Don’t eat fat. Hierarchical pack structure of dogs NILIF

Obvious? Harmless? Useful?

Ubiquitous: 157,000,000 hits on Google

What got me questioning this?

1. “Soup aggression” incident with my dog Nick

2. Ethogram on myself

3. “Earning love” is contrary to my deepest beliefs;withholding love is a problem

These created lots of cognitive dissonance for me.

Some problems with NILIF

Do we emphasize control or communication?

Owners fail to keep up strict rules; intermittent R+

“Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior & Training, Vol. 3: Procedures & Protocols” by Steven Lindsay (p 384)

Shunning dog can be stressful & anxiety-producing If all you have is a hammer, all problems look like

nails

Contradicts counter-conditioning protocols

Creates inadvertent behavior chains

NILIF alternative: “Exchange reinforcers.”

“There are two sides to the click: what happens before & what happens after. What happens immediately before the click is a behavior the trainer would like to strengthen. What happens after is an event the animal would like strengthen, such as receiving food. The click unites these two desires.”

Alexandra Kurland; www.theclickercenter.com

Core info conveyed by behaviorism’s tenets:1) Reinforce behavior you like. 2) Prevent reinforcement for behavior you don’t like.

Say yes, over & over; find 50 behaviors to reinforce every

day

My “Top 10”:1. touch my fingers with your nose2. run to bed (or crate)3. move floorward4. look at me5. walk by my side6. maintain current position7. “octopus paws” when approached8. potty on grass9. deliver object to my hand10.move backwards

Prevent the worst behaviors.

Physically prevent dangerous/destructive behaviors.

Keep the dog out of “deep end of the pool.”

Ignore harmless nuisance behaviors. bull-scritch with Tucker schnauzer scavenging for bugs with Sara cocker stealing toys from other dog

No reinforcement contingent on demandingTiming of “thrills” is essential

Meet dog’s basic needs

safety, good food, water, appropriate temperature companionship exercise play: with humans & dogs

Client sanity = dog exercise + training change of scenery/environmental novelty mental stimulation/problems to solve or tasks to

do food puzzles/predatory fixes consistency; affectionate & peaceful interactions

Reserve some reinforcers as earned only

For example, with my dogs: meals nightly tug-fest for down-stay on bed “fridge toys”

Expand dog’s behavioral repertoire.

What do they know? Broaden & deepen Fill behavioral “slots” with reinforced

behaviors

Realistic compromises…

…even though absolutes are easier than “gray.” STILAAF: air, water, sleep, etc.

NILIF for a limited time?

Stagger introduction or shift components of NILIF

NILIF more important for some family members?

Full NILIF appropriate for some dogs?

Full NILIF appropriate for some clients?

If not NILIF, what?

Exchanging reinforcers – fulfilling each others’ needs – rather than “earning privileges.”

The good & worth is in the animal; released by “yes”

Opt for a mentality of affirmation, generosity, creativity and joy rather than a mentality of frustration and stinginess.

A new definition of “balanced training”: = head (logic & science) + heart (compassion & love)

Thank you!