Trainer Slang: Conditioned Reinforcers, Bridges, & Markers

Clear communication is one ingredient to being a great trainer. So in this vocabulary post, we are going to talk about the definitions of different types of conditioned reinforcers (markers, bridges, etc.). I even have a graphic! There is a lot of slang with this term. And I'm sure some of you will disagree with me. That's okay!

We do serious work with our dogs and need to have robust and respectful conversations about training, deployments, and capabilities. When the conversation stakes are high, having a common vocabulary reduces confusion.

Which version of this term do you use?

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Here are the definitions from the terms used in ASB 025 which is the terms and definitions document!

bridge or bridging stimulus

A signal (conditioned reinforcer) that marks (reinforces) a desired behavior. Often called a bridge because it bridges the gap in time from when the animal performs the desired behavior to when it receives the reward. An example would be the use of a clicker.

conditioned reinforcer

A previously neutral stimulus that has become reinforcing because of its association with a primary reinforcer. A stimulus that becomes a reinforcer because it is paired with another reinforcer, usually a primary reinforcer. If conditioned reinforcers are not maintained by periodically pairing them with primary reinforcers, they will lose their

reinforcing value.

Here's a link to the full document:

https://www.aafs.org/.../crime-scenedeath-investigation...

Here are some additional terms, with definitions that are NOT in the ASB document, but do fall into the 'bridge' category.

Secondary Reinforcer

Marker

Location Specific Marker

Keep Going Signal (Duration Marker)