Foster Trainer Program
Syllabus Overview
Welcome to our six-week foundations seminar, designed to give you a clear, practical roadmap for working with foster and rescue dogs.
Module 1: +R / -P Foundations
• Overview of Karen Pryor and modern reward-based training influence (clicker training)
• The concept of the “aquarium” and sterile learning environments
• Operant conditioning versus classical conditioning
• Free shaping and allowing the dog to invent the exercise
• Brief discussion of The Talent Code and myelination/repetition concepts
• Generalization of training and environmental proofing
• Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and existential feeding concepts
• Dynamic rewards versus “communistic” rewards
• Direct rewards versus indirect rewards
• Advantages/ disadvantages of +R/-P systems in real-world training
• Four Cardinal Directions concept and differential reinforcement in practice
Module 3: NePoPo® Theory & Language
• Behaviors started in +R
• Introduction of -R only after the dog is doing the behavior and loving the behavior
• Introduction of low-level e-collar communication typically around developmental maturity
• Pressure as a low-level nagging stimulus removed the second the dog begins to comply
• Following pressure release with additional reward (“extra money”)
• NePoPo® Consequence Structure four consequences for doing/ not doing (+R/-R/+P/-P)
• +P/-P (double punishment) possible
• Why not PoPoNe? (correcting a dog in a language it does not speak)
• Importance of layering pressure onto known, loved behaviors; building clarity before accountability
• Pressure predicting reward rather than conflict
Module 5: Tips & Techniques
• Loading the clicker
• Dopamine box work and environmental exposures
• Free shaping exercises -> Classically conditioning commands-> Generalizing behaviors
• Klack Klack and position box work
• Two-ball game and teaching the out
• Crate training strategies
• Building your own exercises and paying for approximation
• Chunking exercises and developing impulse control (baby steps, room service, indirect/direct rewards)
• Decompression and reasonable expectations
Module 2: -R / +P Foundations
•Definition of -R/+P and the application of pressure-release communication systems
• Escape -> avoidance
• Behavior itself becomes the reward in negative reinforcement
• Timing and clarity of release
• Difference between reinforcement and punishment as it relates to timing and learning
• -R uses
• Opposition
• The “seatbelt alarm” analogy
• Advantages/disadvantages of -R/+P systems in real world training
• Four Cardinal Directions concept
Module 4: NePoPo® Practical Application
• Case studies of dogs worked within the NePoPo® system
• Self employed vs. Handler oriented
• Building confidence through proofing, desensitization, and free shaping
• Achieving balance through pressure and reward
• Practical application discussions of NePoPo® concepts
• Open discussion regarding timing, pressure, reward, and engagement
Module 6: Summary & Q&A
• Review of key concepts and course summary
• Final assessment/testing period
• Guided clarification during testing