Animal Behavior College Core Course Stage Two

LIMA Approach

A training methodology that emphasizes the least intrusive, minimally aversive techniques for behavior modification.

Humane Hierarchy

A framework that prioritizes the use of positive reinforcement and less intrusive methods in dog training, relying on the least aversive techniques first.

ABC Model

A model that describes the Antecedent (the trigger), Behavior (the action), and Consequence (the outcome) of a behavior.

Classical Conditioning

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

Operant Conditioning

A learning framework that uses consequences to modify voluntary behavior, reinforcing desired behaviors and punishing undesired ones.

Conditioned Response

The learned reaction to a previously neutral stimulus after conditioning.

Conditioned Stimulus

A stimulus that elicits a conditioned response after being associated with an unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Emotional Response

An emotional reaction that occurs as a result of classical conditioning.

Positive Reinforcement

Adding a positive consequence to encourage a behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing a negative consequence to encourage a behavior.

Positive Punishment

Adding a negative consequence to discourage a behavior.

Negative Punishment

Removing a positive consequence to discourage a behavior.

Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior (DRA)

A strategy that reinforces a desirable alternative behavior instead of the undesired behavior.

Conditioned Reinforcement

A learned reward that requires prior learning.

Unconditioned Reinforcement

A reward that is naturally reinforcing without prior learning.

Conditioning a Reinforcer

The process of associating a neutral stimulus with a reinforcing stimulus to create a conditioned reinforcer.

Charging a Marker

The technique of associating a specific sound or cue with positive reinforcement to signal a desirable behavior.

Four Stages of Learning

The process of skill acquisition: unconscious incompetence, conscious incompetence, conscious competence, unconscious competence.

Non-associative Learning

A type of learning that involves responses to a single stimulus rather than forming associations between multiple stimuli.

Canine Cognition

The study of how dogs think, learn, and understand their environment, which informs training practices.

Counter-conditioning

A behavioral modification process that changes an animal's response to a stimulus by associating it with a positive experience.

Classical Counter-conditioning

Involves changing emotional responses through associating stimuli with positive experiences.

Operant Counter-conditioning

Involves modifying behaviors through reinforcement strategies.

Extinction

The process wherein a previously reinforced behavior is weakened when reinforcement is no longer provided.

Extinction Bursts

Temporary increases in the frequency or intensity of a behavior just before it begins to decrease during extinction.

Schedules of Reinforcement

The rules defining when a behavior will be reinforced, influencing how quickly a behavior is learned and maintained.

Premack Principle

The concept that more probable behaviors can reinforce less probable behaviors.

Conditioned vs. Unconditioned Reinforcement

Conditioned reinforcement is learned; unconditioned reinforcement is natural.

Importance of Positive Reinforcement

Essential for encouraging desired behaviors in training.

Role of Punishment in Training

Used to discourage undesired behaviors when applied correctly.

Utilizing DRA in Training

Helps focus on reinforcing what the dog is doing right.

Markers in Dog Training

Serve as cues for desired behaviors to facilitate reinforcement.

Functional Analysis in Dog Behavior

Using the ABC Model to understand the motivations behind dog behavior.

Importance of the Humane Hierarchy

Ensures ethical treatment of dogs in training practices.

Impact of Reinforcement Schedules

Affects behavior consistency and learning rates in dogs.

Understanding Extinction in Training

Key to preventing and managing behavior problems in dogs.

Using Counter-conditioning Effectively

Helps modify fear-based responses in dogs.

Application of Canine Cognition

Enhances training methods by aligning with how dogs learn.

Differential Reinforcement Techniques

Involves reinforcing alternative behaviors rather than just suppressing undesired ones.

Applying the Premack Principle

Can help structure training sessions for greater effectiveness.

Conditions for Effective Reinforcement

Timing, consistency, and relevance of reward in dog training.

Understanding Conditioning in Behavior Modification

Essential for effective training and behavior management.