Dog Training Definitions Part 2

Through my experiences, readings, and discussions; these are the definitions that I have been coming up with to define terms that I use in dog training. It's important to note that other dog trainers or canine professionals may mean different things when these same terms are used. However, I try to remain true to these definitions, such as these, when I speak on dog subjects. Some of the following definitions are a lot more detailed outside of the dog training or behavior modification world. These are the basics talked about as referenced (generally) by dog trainers. This is part two of the definitions and basics postings.

Ever wonder what those trainers or behavior modification people are talking about. While these might not be the only definitions in the dog world or otherwise, these might give you a clue!!


Drive-The level of desire for something which results in a behavior


Motivation-The act of designing the circumstances in which a dog wants to and participates in learning. The energizing force that results in a behavior.

Generally, most trainers are talking about the presentation of a reward, as chosen by the dog, in order to design the motivation.

It can also be used in some dog training circles to talk about the motivation to avoid something unpleasant.

This is not MY definition of motivation in dog training, however. I am talking about creating a desire to participate not a desire to avoid when I use the word "motivation" in this sense.

Conditioning-Per the free dictionary-"a learning process in which an organism's behavior becomes dependent on the occurrence of a stimulus in its environment."

Classical Conditioning-Also known as Pavlovian or respondent conditioning, classical conditioning is a form of associative learning, which was first demonstrated by Ivan Pavlov. A common procedure to begin classical conditioning involves the use of a neutral stimulus along with a significant stimulus which would induce obvious acknowledgement by the subject. The significant stimulus brings about an ingrained response.

Use in dog training or behavior modification-When talked about in dog training, bridges would be an example of classical conditioning. The example of a bridge would be a clicker (or yes, good boy, target stick) when clicker training protocols are used. Behavior modification procedures of making other stimulus less intimidating (such as strange humans or unexpected noises) by associating these with something the dog likes (IE most likely food) is another example.

• Neutral Stimulus-Something that starts out with no innate response from a being.
• Conditioned Stimulus (CS)-Something that gets a response after being paired with an unconditioned stimulus.
• Conditioned Response (CR)-Also known as conditional reflex, is the action resulting when presented wit the now conditioned stimulus.
• Unconditioned Stimulus (US)-Something that obviously and instantly gets a response. It does not need conditioning.
• Unconditioned Response (UR)-The response to an unconditioned stimulus.
• Associative Learning-As per wikipedia "Associative learning is the process by which an element is learned through association with a separate, pre-occurring element."

Counter Conditioning- Per the free dictionary is "conditioning in which a second incompatible response is conditioned to an already conditioned stimulus"
Used typically in dog training by teaching a sit so the dog can't do a typical jump onto a person. A well taught sit is incompatible with jumping. Or, in other words, the dog can't both jump and sit at the same time.


Operant Conditioning-B.F. Skinner formulated a detailed model based on reinforcement, punishment, and extinction (be sure to read the definitions used with this below-these are not the general definitions of these words outside of dog training or behavior modification). It is the process of changing the form of behavior through the use of consequences.

• Reinforcement-increasing the likelyhood of the behavior
• Punishment-decreases the likelyhood of the behavior
• Negative-to take something out of the equation
• Positive-to add something to the equation
• Extinction-Produces neither favorable or unfavorable results. The action or behavior, therefore, occurs less and less frequently than before.
• Four Quadrants of this learning theory-(R+) Positive Reinforcement to increase the likelyhood of behavior by adding something, (R-) Negative Reinforcementto increase the likelyhood of behavior by taking something away, (P+) Positive Punishment to decrease the likelyhood of behavior by adding something, and (P-) Negative Punishment to decrease the likely hood of behavior by taking something away

Uses in dog training are limitless using the four quadrants. Here are just a couple of examples. (Positive Reinforcement) You reward with food after a desired behavior to increase the likelyhood of that behavior, when called for, again. (Negative Punishment) You take away your attention to decrease the likelyhood of your dog jumping on you.
Punishment-

• Necessary Action Punishment (not used with the learning theory of Operant Conditioning) An action that may be swift, necessary, and adversive but that is not used as a teaching tool. To me, punishment occurs when the opportunities for training or management have been missed.
• Negative Punishment such as used in Operant Conditioning would be a time out in a crate. You are taking away attention in order to decrease an undesireable behavior. This sort of punishment does teach and help your dog make a correlation regarding what actions get attention taken away.
• Abusive Punishment is abuse. (a definition for another posting, abuse)

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