Play+ is a groundbreaking, multi-disciplinary philosophy that aims to redefine the way we approach learning and engagement, not only within canine training but also across broader domains. It builds upon several renowned psychological and philosophical theories and concepts, such as Whitehead's philosophy of organism, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's Flow Theory, Jaak Panksepp's Affective Neuroscience, and the Cynefin framework.
The Play+ philosophy hinges on Whitehead's concept of concrescence, which describes the process by which each entity actualizes its potential. In this context, it refers to the dynamic interaction between the learner (canine) and the teacher (handler), and the gradual realization of their combined potential. It encapsulates the learning journey as a dual process that requires both entities to be active participants - the handler in teaching and the canine in learning.
This dialectic process is characterized by two stages, known as "Now" and "Next". "Now" is the offense stage, where the handler cues and the canine responds. "Next", is a defensive or responsive phase, a crucial moment where lessons are learned and applied, with fluid transitions of initiative between handler and dog.
Central to Play+ philosophy is a focus on emotional engagement and affective attunement. Based on Panksepp's Affective Neuroscience, it highlights the need for recognizing and responding to emotional cues. Seven primary emotional affects are employed to form an affective net that navigates and optimizes learning experiences. This concept moves beyond simple behavioral routines, as it engages SEEKING inputs from the physical pole (the instigation of action) to the mental pole (the interpretation and response).
Integrating Flow Theory, Play+ seeks to tune the physical to the mental, cultivating an autotelic state - a self-driven, intrinsically motivated condition that leads to peak engagement and performance. By identifying and altering habitual patterns, Play+ aims to establish a balance between the challenge at hand and the skills of the individual, maximizing learning and enjoyment.
The Cynefin framework, which helps understand the complexity of different problems, is used to guide decision-making processes in Play+. Hemispheric biases and database structures and functions per McGilchrist are observed, aligning the process with real-world complexities. It helps navigate the relationship between the dog, handler, and their environment, leveraging these dynamics to inform and optimize the learning process.
Play+ aims to revolutionize learning by combining profound philosophical insights, scientific research, and practical training principles. Its focus on emotional and cognitive engagement, coupled with an innovative dialectic process and adaptability, positions Play+ as a promising model for learning and performance enhancement in the future.