Target training?

spoilers

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I've recently been looking into reptile enrichment and came across target training. I want to try to target train my redfoot but he isn't really food driven and he's around 26 years old. Does anyone have any experience with target training middle-aged torts? If so do you have any suggestions on where to start?
 

Maro2Bear

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Hhmm, “target training” - not familiar with this term vis-a-vis tortoise training. Can you provide some additional background or info?
 

Blackdog1714

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I would try a clicker then food in a specific place. I would be impressed if you could get them to present a leg or their butt. I see it all the time on The Zoo. I feel it it has to be constant and consistent training. Maybe to walk on the scale?
 

Maro2Bear

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I would try a clicker then food in a specific place. I would be impressed if you could get them to present a leg or their butt. I see it all the time on The Zoo. I feel it it has to be constant and consistent training. Maybe to walk on the scale?


Aaagh, following in Pavlov’s Theory with trained responses. Got it.
 

spoilers

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I am not sure dangling a object in front of them to bite qualifies?

I'm not looking for him to bite the target, just follow and touch. Different people target train differently, my goal is to get him to go back to his indoor enclosure without picking him up after baths, being outdoors, ect. to prevent stress.
 

spoilers

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I am not sure dangling a object in front of them to bite qualifies?

My redfoot wouldn't ever try to bite anything anyway unless it actually is food. he's a strange one. given the choice to run around the yard or eat his favorite foods he'll choose adventure every time. He straight up refuses any food if he has new things to explore and is extremely cautious if I hand feed him. He was a rescue though so odd behavior is to be expected.
 

Blackdog1714

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I'm not looking for him to bite the target, just follow and touch. Different people target train differently, my goal is to get him to go back to his indoor enclosure without picking him up after baths, being outdoors, ect. to prevent stress.
Aah that makes sense. I would suggest food-find the one food that is like crack. For my russian its hibiscus blooms just before they drop off the plant
 

Yvonne G

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I'm not looking for him to bite the target, just follow and touch. Different people target train differently, my goal is to get him to go back to his indoor enclosure without picking him up after baths, being outdoors, ect. to prevent stress.
Walking backwards in front of my Aldabran tortoise, I would bend over at the waist and wiggle my fingers in front of their faces. Then walk backwards, wiggling my fingers as they followed me into their sheds. Worked 90% of the time.
 

Toddrickfl1

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Ever since I got my Redfoot Murphy Everytime I feed him I make a clicking noise, like I'm calling a dog. Now all I have to do is make that clicking noise and wherever he is he comes running towards me.
 

TammyJ

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Mine come when they hear my voice, I guess it's because it's usually followed by food.
 

drew54

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I've recently been looking into reptile enrichment and came across target training. I want to try to target train my redfoot but he isn't really food driven and he's around 26 years old. Does anyone have any experience with target training middle-aged torts? If so do you have any suggestions on where to start?
I don't have any experience with older torts, but I do behavior modification daily on humans and I tried with my tort when she was a hatchling, but it was unsuccessful as I wasn't able to do it daily with her. I would suggest using applied behavior analysis techniques (ABA). Pavlov conditioning could work, but ABA is more efficient as seen in training dogs for example. I'm running out of time, but if you want info on this let me know.
 

Madkins007

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Remember- torts have poor/selective hearing. They see, hear, and smell well, and can recognize patterns and they can also sense vibrations. If using a sound, make sure it generates enough vibration for them. I called mine by hitting a stick driven into the ground with another stick.
 

Pastel Tortie

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I'm surprised @Tom hasn't weighed in on this one yet... I'm trying to remember if he's the one who mentioned target training a snake at one point.
 

Tom

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Aaagh, following in Pavlov’s Theory with trained responses. Got it.
Clicker training is using "operant conditioning", paired with "classic conditioning". Pavlov's dogs was classic conditioning only.
 

daniellenc

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Ever since I got my Redfoot Murphy Everytime I feed him I make a clicking noise, like I'm calling a dog. Now all I have to do is make that clicking noise and wherever he is he comes running towards me.
I do it too lol and yes they know. Tortoises May be smarter than we give them credit for.
 
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