04/01/2025
Understanding Differential Reinforcement in Dog Training
Differential reinforcement is an effective strategy to decrease undesirable behaviors in dogs by reinforcing preferred behaviors.
There are four main types of differential reinforcement:
Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior (DRA)
Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI),
Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO)
Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates of Responding (DRL).
Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI)
DRI involves reinforcing a behavior that is incompatible with an undesired one. For example, giving a dog attention when they sit instead of jumping up for attention, since the dog cannot jump and sit simultaneously. In cases of aggression, DRI procedures are generally avoided for dogs experiencing fear. For instance, asking a dog to stay on a bed when a stranger enters the house removes the dog's ability to retreat. If the dog breaks the stay and moves away, that behavior is immediately reinforced as it is preferable to biting. This approach ensures the dog's safety and comfort, which can be challenging to grasp if one is focused on an "obedience" paradigm.
Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior (DRA)
DRA involves reinforcing a target alternative behavior that serves the same function as an undesirable behavior. For example, instead of a dog biting when scared, you can reinforce the dog for moving away from the scary person. This approach meets the function of creating distance while reducing the likelihood of the undesirable behavior (biting). Applications of DRA must be carried out by a certified trainer to fully manage the system.
Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO)
DRO involves reinforcing the absence of the target behavior. For example, giving a dog a treat when it is sniffing the ground, touching your hand, or giving you eye contact—essentially any behavior that is not the undesirable behavior, such as biting. This procedure is often recommended because it allows the dog more agency in the environment and reduces the potential for removing the flight option inadvertently. When set up well, the dog should feel safe and not need to resort to biting. As their coach, it is our responsibility to set them up for success by varying the distance from, duration, and intensity of the provocative stimulus.
Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates of Responding (DRL)
DRL is a procedure used to lower the rate of a response by reinforcing fewer incidents of that response or by reinforcing longer time intervals between incidents of the response. This method helps to gradually decrease the frequency of an undesirable behavior without completely eliminating it.
By understanding and applying these types of differential reinforcement, we can effectively decrease undesirable behaviors and promote positive behaviors in our dogs.
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