Training Decoded: A Guide to Canine Science, Part 2
Last time, we demystified the basics of classical conditioning and your dog's uncanny ability to sense treats. In this installment of "Dog Training Jargon Decoded," we'll explore the intricacies of operant conditioning, stimulus control, and the often baffling choices our canine companions make. Get ready to gain a deeper understanding of your dog's behavior and unlock the secrets to successful training. Enjoy!!!
* Classical Conditioning: Pairing a neutral stimulus with something that naturally triggers a response. (The sound of a clicker becomes associated with treats)
Real World Example: You're a middle-aged dude who loves Pringles. That "pop" of the can means snack time, and your brain knows it! After a while, just hearing that sound makes you crave the salty goodness. That's classical conditioning – your brain getting trained by delicious chips.
* Operant Conditioning: Learning through consequences. Behaviors are strengthened or weakened based on what follows them. Examples of various types of operant conditioning. It can also be broken down into a few pieces.
Real World Example:
*Positive Reinforcement (Getting a reward increases the behavior)
Operation Spoiled Brat. Kid wants candy, kid screams, parent caves. Rinse and repeat. Now you got yourself a tiny sugar addict with the lungs of a banshee.
*Negative Reinforcement (Removing something bad increases the behavior)
Dirty dishes make you nag. Partner does dishes to escape nagging.Nagging works, so you'll probably nag more often. Non-Bonus points: you're marriage sucks
*Positive Punishment (Adding something bad to stop a behavior)
Operation Kareoke: Your tone-deaf friend loves to drink and sing Kareoke at full volume. To discourage future concerts, you secretly record their performance and play it back at the most embarrassing and least convenient time possible.(bonus points if they're on a first date with a crush)
* Stimulus: Anything that triggers a response in the dog. Can be a word, object, sound, or physical sensation.
Real World Example: You open a bag of your favorite snack. Instead of just appearing, the dog materializes from thin air, having teleported from a deep nap across the house at the first crinkle of the bag. Side note. You give your best buddy half your food.
* Antecedent: What happens right before the behavior.
Real World Example: Dog growls at obnoxious person that won't leave it alone. Dog bites obnoxious person. You get served a beautifully crafted notice to appear in court. The Dog Bite and the Dog Growl can both be considered antecedents.
