We're wrapping up the workshop on understanding reinforcement schedules this week by going over ratio (or repetition-based) schedules.

Just like interval schedules, there are two ways to classify reinforcement that is being delivered on an ratio schedule: variable and fixed. Reinforcement on a variable ratio schedule will be delivered after a cue has been performed a random number of times. Reinforcement on a fixed ratio schedule, however, will be delivered after a cue has been performed a set number of times.

When your dog is ready to move on from receiving reinforcement on a continuous schedule, you will begin using either an interval or ratio schedule. Reinforcement delivered on a ratio schedule is usually my go-to when working on a behavior or cue that can be performed (tricks and basic manners such as "down," or "place"). For example: When I first begin teaching a dog to "shake," I offer continuous reinforcement. Once the dog is performing "shake" consistently and in different environments, I will begin to offer reinforcement every other time, then every third time, and eventually, I will offer reinforcement randomly. Just in teaching this cue, we have used three different reinforcement schedules: continuous, fixed ratio, and variable ratio. I wouldn't use an interval schedule to teach "shake" or any other cue that can be performed because we are looking to mark and reward for specific behaviors; if we are teaching "shake" and offering reinforcement every 10 seconds but the dog shakes, then lays down, and I don't mark until she's been laying down for 4 seconds, I'm not rewarding the behavior I want and sending her mixed messages!

Remember that dogs are very intelligent companions who love to identify patterns and practice behaviors that have been reinforced! Whether you are offering reinforcement on an interval or ratio schedule, you'll want to move into the variable schedule as quickly as as your learner allows to encourage more reliable participation.

I hope the past few weeks have made you feel more confident in your ability to offer reinforcement in a way that keeps your dog happily participating in training and becoming more consistent!

Happy Training!

-Caitlyn