Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program - Stage 2: Learning Theory

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program related to learning theories and behavioral training methods.

Learning Theory

The study of how animals learn and behavior is modified through principles such as conditioning.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus, eliciting a conditioned response.

Operant Conditioning

A learning method where behaviors are modified through reinforcements or punishments.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus, begins to elicit a conditioned response.

Conditioned Response (CR)

The learned response to a previously neutral stimulus that has become a conditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Emotional Response (CER)

An emotional response conditioned to a specific stimulus, often observed in fear or excitement.

Reinforcement

A consequence following a behavior that increases the likelihood of that behavior being repeated.

Punishment

A consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

Positive Reinforcement

Introducing a favorable outcome or reward after a desired behavior is exhibited, increasing the behavior's frequency.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing an unfavorable outcome or stimulus after a desired behavior is exhibited, increasing the behavior's frequency.

Positive Punishment

Introducing an unfavorable outcome or stimulus to reduce a specific behavior.

Negative Punishment

Removing a favorable stimulus/privilege after an undesired behavior to reduce its frequency.

Four Quadrants of Operant Conditioning

Positive Reinforcement, Negative Reinforcement, Positive Punishment, Negative Punishment.

LIMA Approach

Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive approach for training that prioritizes humane treatment of animals.

Humane Hierarchy

A model outlining the order in which behavior modification techniques should be applied, starting with the least intrusive.

ABC Model

Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence model used to understand and modify behavior.

Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behaviors (DRA)

The process of reinforcing an alternative behavior instead of the undesired behavior.

Extinction

The gradual weakening of a conditioned response when reinforcement is no longer provided.

Extinction Burst

An increase in the frequency or intensity of a behavior when reinforcement is withheld.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response without prior conditioning.

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

The natural response to an unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Reinforcer

A previously neutral stimulus that has become rewarding through association with a primary reinforcer.

Charging the Marker

The process of associating a marker (like a click) with a reward to signal a correct behavior.

Using Lures

The technique of using food or a favored item to guide the dog into a desired behavior.

Fading a Lure

Gradually removing the lure while transitioning to a verbal command or signal.

No Reward Marker (NRM)

A signal indicating to the dog that the behavior performed was incorrect, resulting in no reward.

Behavior Modification

Techniques used to alter behaviors, including conditioning and training methods.

Canine Cognition

The study of the mental activities of dogs, including learning, thinking, and understanding.

Non-Associative Learning

A non-conditioning learning process that involves a change in response to a stimulus through repeated exposure.

Habituation

A decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated exposure, where the stimulus becomes irrelevant.

Sensitization

An increase in response to a stimulus following intense or repeated exposure.

Learned Helplessness

A condition where a dog becomes passive and fails to respond to situations due to repeated failures or traumas.

Single-Event Learning

Learning that occurs with just one experience, especially if it’s traumatic.

Counter-conditioning

A behavior modification technique that changes a dog’s emotional response to a stimulus.

Classical Counter-Conditioning

Using positive reinforcement to change a dog’s negative emotional response to a stimulus.

Operant Counter-Conditioning

Teaching an alternate behavior that is incompatible with a problem behavior.

Flooding

An exposure technique that involves overwhelming a dog with a stimulus until the fear response is extinguished.

Schedules of Reinforcement

Rules determining how often a behavior is reinforced, influencing how quickly the behavior is learned or maintained.

Continuous Reinforcement

A schedule of reinforcement where every correct response is reinforced.

Intermittent Reinforcement

A reinforcement schedule that rewards behavior occasionally instead of every time.

Premack Principle

A principle stating that a more probable behavior can be used to reinforce a less probable behavior.

Going Back to Kindergarten

A training technique where the trainer reverts to simpler tasks when a dog struggles with a complex behavior.

Fluency

The stage of training where a dog performs a behavior consistently and accurately.

Generalization

The ability of a dog to perform a learned behavior in different settings, with various distractions.

Maintenance

The final stage of learning where a behavior is performed reliably in a variety of situations.

Behavioral Triggers

External factors that can either provoke or discourage specific canine behaviors.

Social Learning

Learning that occurs by observing the behaviors of others, particularly in social species.

Emotional States

The emotional conditions of a dog that can influence learning and behavior.

Relationship-Building Exercises

Activities designed to strengthen the bond between a dog and its owner while establishing rules.