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How Exactly Do Dogs Learn? Operant Conditioning

Writer's picture: Rebecca PriceRebecca Price


1. Positive Reinforcement
Explanation: "Positive" means adding something, and "reinforcement" means encouraging a behavior. So, positive reinforcement involves adding something pleasant to encourage a behavior. Example: Teaching a dog to sit
  • When your dog sits on command, you immediately give them a treat and praise.
  • Result: Your dog learns that sitting when asked results in something positive (a treat), so they are more likely to sit in the future.

2. Negative Reinforcement
Explanation: "Negative" means taking something away, and "reinforcement" means encouraging a behavior. Negative reinforcement involves removing something unpleasant to encourage a behavior. Example: Encouraging a dog to walk politely on a leash
  • If your dog pulls on the leash, you stop walking and stand still. When your dog stops pulling and the leash becomes loose, you start walking again.
  • Result: The removal of the unpleasant sensation of pulling on the leash encourages your dog to walk without pulling, as they learn that a loose leash results in the continuation of the walk.

3. Positive Punishment
Explanation: "Positive" means adding something, and "punishment" means discouraging a behavior. Positive punishment involves adding something unpleasant to discourage a behavior. Example: Discouraging a dog from jumping on people
  • When your dog jumps on someone, you say "No" firmly and gently push them down or use a brief squirt of water (if trained this way) as a deterrent.
  • Result: Adding an unpleasant consequence (the firm “No” or squirt of water) discourages the jumping behavior, as your dog learns that jumping results in something unpleasant.

4. Negative Punishment
Explanation: "Negative" means taking something away, and "punishment" means discouraging a behavior. Negative punishment involves removing something pleasant to discourage a behavior. Example: Stopping a dog from begging at the dinner table
  • When your dog starts to beg, you immediately take away their access to the area (e.g., putting them in another room) or remove the opportunity for a treat.
  • Result: Removing the opportunity to receive a treat or access to the dining area discourages the begging behavior, as your dog learns that begging results in losing something they want.

By understanding these concepts and how to apply them, you can effectively train your dog using a balanced approach that combines positive reinforcement with appropriate corrections. This ensures clear communication, builds trust, and encourages good behavior.

Be sure to check back next week to learn all about Classical Conditioning! 


Come back every Monday for more on How Exactly Do Dogs Learn?!


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