03/02/2023
9/9: This is the final instalment of the “What is conditioning in dog training?” series!, please follow us or visit our pages for more information.
All of the information from this series is available via our website: https://canino.uk/ free of charge, just scroll down to the blog spot.
Measuring success:
We hope you have found the previous articles helpful and informative, we end this series on how we measure success. We (dog trainers, handlers, owners or parents – whatever we call ourselves) either want to see less of undesirable behaviours or more of the desirable behaviours.
It's important to note that conditioning behaviour changes should only be practiced after consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. They will be able to observe the behaviour and environmental factors to provide the best advice to suit the situation.
Conditioning takes time, there is no magic wand or quick fix to create lasting behaviours and a happy, well balanced dog. Often, we will see gradual changes, that eventually (through the handlers hard work and dedication) add up to the desired outcomes.
For undesired behaviours (excessive barking, unwarranted excitement etc) trainers and behaviourists will look for behaviour extinction, whereas for desirable behaviours they will look to maintain or strengthen the behaviour.
Behaviour extinction in dog training refers to the process of reducing or eliminating a behaviour through the removal of the reinforcement that had previously maintained it. This process can be applied to both positive and negative reinforcement.
For example, if a dog barks excessively to get attention from its owner, and the owner gives attention to the dog every time it barks, the barking behaviour is reinforced. In order to reduce this behaviour, the owner can stop giving attention to the dog when it barks. Over time, the dog will learn that barking no longer results in the desired reinforcement (attention), and the barking behaviour will decrease or stop.
Another example would be a dog that jumps on people to get petted. When the dog jumps, the owner pets it. To reduce this behaviour, the owner can stop petting the dog when it jumps. Over time, the dog will learn that jumping no longer results in the desired reinforcement (petting), and the jumping behaviour will decrease or stop.
It's important to note that behaviour extinction should be used with caution, as it can lead to frustration and other undesired behaviours if not implemented correctly. Additionally, it's essential to consult a professional dog trainer or behaviourist before using behaviour extinction in dog training.
The opposite of behaviour extinction in dog training would be behaviour maintenance or behaviour strengthening. Behaviour maintenance refers to the process of keeping or increasing a behaviour through the continuation of reinforcement.
For example, if a dog has learned a behaviour, such as "sit" through positive reinforcement, the owner should continue to reinforce the behaviour regularly to maintain it. This can be done by providing a treat or verbal praise every time the dog performs the behaviour.
Another example would be a dog that has learned to walk on a leash without pulling. If the owner wants to maintain this behaviour, they should continue to reinforce the dog with treats or verbal praise every time it walks calmly on the leash.
It's important to note that reinforcing a behaviour on a regular basis will increase the chances of the behaviour to be maintained over time. Additionally, it's essential to consult a professional dog trainer or behaviourist before using behaviour maintenance in dog training.
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