10/04/2025
I was literally just thinking about this the other day.
When it comes to dog with bigger feelings, when we have a small history of clearly and intentionally reinforced behavior we are probably increasing the likelihood that they will choose previously rehearsed undesirable behaviors.
By clearly training and building a high reinforcement history for behaviors we want (even if they aren't actually a problem) we are increasing the likelihood that our dogs will choose those!
I’ve been getting ready for our Constructional Training course, which starts later this week.
To prepare, I’ve been re-reading some of my favorite articles about the constructional approach.
The following quote comes from a 1970 article by Dr. Israel Goldiamond:
“New behaviors can be established which increase the range of actions available to the person and thereby increase his freedom.”
Of course, this quote can apply to both people and animals!
When a learner has a small repertoire of behaviors, the learner may have limited ways to access important reinforcers.
For example, a child may engage in “aggressive” behaviors to get another individual to go away.
These behaviors work to accomplish what the child wants.
However, there may also be costs for the child, both short term and long term, for engaging in this behavior.
Why is the child “aggressive?”
The child may not know any other way to get the other person to go away.
Punishing the child wouldn’t help.
The child still wouldn’t know what alternative behavior TO DO.
Instead, the child could be taught social skills that help them express their desires and needs when interacting with other individuals.
When our learners have more skills, it gives them more freedom.
They have more freedom because they have new and better ways to access the things they want, as they interact with the world.
Want to join us as we explore more about what it means to be constructional?
It’s not too late to sign up for our upcoming course!
You can visit the Behavior Explorer website to learn more.
** In the image, I’ve taken the liberty of substituting the word “individual” for “person.” Dr. Goldiamond was primarily writing about humans in this article. However, I imagine he would agree that this idea applies to any individual, human or animal.
