Question: At what point do you add a cue?

Answer: This a great question. In this situation, Seany has already taught the cue to Tink, so we didn’t see the point at which he added a verbal cue in this video. Most people add a verbal cue once the behavior is pretty well solidified. So once the child is doing the behavior and is offering it to you pretty regularly, then that is the time to add a cue. Some people add a cue earlier and that can work as well, but generally waiting until you’ve already got the child doing the behavior pretty regularly is a good way to do it. (Joan)

Question: Was the reinforcer strong enough to counteract the reinforcing of the ball itself?

Answer: Most of the time it seemed OK, but sometimes she seemed more interested in the ball. If that were to happen on a routine basis, then maybe going to something even higher value, better treats, would counteract the reinforcing capabilities of the ball. (Joan)

Another suggestion from participant: Use two balls, so as to be able to get the ball back.

This is another good strategy. You have two of the same item that you are working with and you can trade one for the other, rather than take it back from the child. (Joan)