Canine Psychology & Service Dog Training: Operant Quadrants, Cues, and Fluency

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering operant conditioning quadrants, cue mechanics, fluency components, and core service dog foundation cues.

Positive (+) Consequence

A consequence where a stimulus starts or is added as a result of the dog's behavior.

Positive Punishment (P+)

Adding an aversive stimulus after the dog performs a behavior, causing the dog to perform that behavior less often.

Negative Punishment (P-)

Removing a desirable stimulus after the dog performs a behavior, which causes the behavior to decrease in frequency.

Negative Reinforcement (R-)

Removing or avoiding an unpleasant or aversive stimulus when a behavior is performed, causing the frequency of the behavior to increase.

Positive Reinforcement (R+)

Adding a desirable consequence after the dog performs a behavior, increasing the future likelihood of that behavior.

Cue

A signal given to an animal right before they are expected to perform a known, learned behavior, representing an opportunity to earn reinforcement.

Command

A directive framed as a threat ('do as I say, or else') where non-compliance results in an aversive stimulus or punishment.

Balanced Training (Blended Model)

A training system combining positive reinforcement (+R) for compliance and positive punishment (+P) for non-compliance.

Contextual Cues

Multiple simultaneous environmental and situational cues that a dog perceives, allowing them to anticipate the correct behavior even if a verbal cue is replaced.

Overshadowing

A condition occurring when two cues are presented simultaneously and one is not registered by the animal because the other stimulus is more salient.

Latency

The interval of time between the delivery of a cue and the dog initiating the behavior, which should ideally be within one second.

Speed

A component of fluency describing how quickly a behavior is completed from start to finish once initiated.

Stimulus Control

A state where a behavior occurs immediately upon cue, never in the absence of the cue, never in response to another cue, and no other behavior occurs in response to that cue.

Fluency

The mastery level where a dog performs a desired behavior precisely and without hesitation, anywhere, anytime, and regardless of distractions.

Precision

A fluency dimension evaluating whether the execution of a behavior matches the handler's criteria of looking perfect.

Distraction

A fluency dimension assessing whether a dog can perform a requested behavior regardless of environmental competing stimuli.

Duration

A fluency dimension describing how long a dog sustains a behavior before being released.

Distance

A fluency dimension measuring how far away the dog can be from the handler or the designated target while executing a behavior.

Continuous Schedule of Reinforcement

A reward plan where a treat or reinforcer is delivered every single time the dog performs the behavior correctly during the learning stage.

Variable Schedule of Reinforcement

An intermittent reward schedule introduced only after a behavior is fluid, used to maintain performance without rewarding every repetition.

Marker ('Yes' or Click)

A distinct sound or verbal signal used to bridge the exact moment a desirable behavior occurs to the delivery of the reward.

The 3 Ds

The three core criteria of training difficulty: Distance, Duration, and Distraction, which should always be increased independently.

Touch (Cue)

A cue where the dog touches the center of the handler's palm with their nose from any position, used for recall, refocusing, and repositioning.

Sit (Cue)

A cue given to have the dog place their rear on the ground from any position without the handler physically pressing on their rump.

Down (Cue)

A cue directing the dog to lie flat on the floor settled onto one hip rather than remaining in an alert sphinx posture.

Stay (Cue)

A cue instructing the dog to remain entirely stationary in a sit, down, or stand position until released.

Come / Recall (Cue)

A cue directing the dog to return directly to the handler, permitting a collar hold while receiving high-value rewards.

Wait (Cue)

A cue given to hold a position briefly for 5 to 10 seconds before being released to continue walking, eat, or exit a vehicle or crate.

Break (Cue)

A release word indicating that a dog is no longer required to wait or stay and may access food, freedom, or motion.

Kennel (Cue)

A cue directing the dog to enter their crate willingly without wearing gear (no collar, vest, or Halti®).

Look (Cue)

A cue directing the dog to make and sustain eye contact with the handler.

Stand (Cue)

A cue directing the dog to rise into a standing position from a sit or down, useful for harness placement, wet surfaces, or lines.

Out (Cue)

A spatial boundary cue directing the dog to remain on or move to the opposite side of a threshold, such as a doorway or flooring transition.

Heel (Cue)

A positional cue where the dog walks on the handler's left side with feet aligned with human feet and head/neck aligned with the human knee.

Place (Cue)

A cue directing the dog to go to a designated elevated cot, bed, or mat indicated by a point, and lie down to settle.

Get Busy (Cue)

A cue instructing the dog to promptly urinate or defecate on leash within a 1 to 2 minute window.

Take It (Cue)

A cue permitting the dog to take a toy or item offered in the handler's hands or resting on the floor.

Drop It (Cue)

A cue directing the dog to release an object held in their mouth so it falls to the ground in exchange for a trade.

Leave It (Cue)

A cue instructing the dog to bypass food, garbage, people, or dogs on the floor and reorient their attention to the handler.

Check It Out (Cue)

A cue giving a pup permission on a loose leash to investigate a novel, unfamiliar, or potentially intimidating object.

Off (Cue)

A cue indicating that all four paws must return to the floor, used to discourage jumping on people, furniture, or counters.

Get Dressed (Cue)

A cue prompting the dog to willingly guide their head through their vest, collar, or Halti® held open in front of them.