Using Positive Reinforcement Can owners elicit a competing behavior and reward it? Sit instead of jumping up Come/sit away from window rather than barking
Adding a Cue • Usually called “the command” • The cue sets the stage for Behavior Reward • If cue, then Behavior Reward • If no cue, Behavior Reward • Why you didn’t see any “cue” with Buffett
Adding a Cue • Present the cue before the behavior happens • Prediction is the key • Try to ensure the behavior always follows the cue • 1:1 is ideal HelpingFido.com HelpingFido.com BehaviorEducationNetwork.com BehaviorEducationNetwork.com
Negative Punishment • Remove a good thing rather than adding a bad thing • Only work when owner can control the reinforcement – Attention seeking barking – Unruly behaviors
Negative Punishment • Ignoring unwanted behavior is NOT necessarily negative punishment – NOT territorial/alarm barking – NOT late night cat vocalizations or blind- If dog growls and owner rattling walks away, is this negative punishment? HelpingFido.com HelpingFido.com BehaviorEducationNetwork.com BehaviorEducationNetwork.com
Negative Punishment • Withhold reinforcement – Jumping up – Pulling on leash – Meowing/begging to be fed – Rough play
• “Time Out” (from reinforcement) – Put pet someplace she doesn’t want to be – What would you tell Coral’s owners? HelpingFido.com HelpingFido.com BehaviorEducationNetwork.com BehaviorEducationNetwork.com
Time Out From Reinforcement Remove the pet Remove the situation Time outs can backfire If too long If not contingent on behavior If reinforcement is part of HelpingFido.com HelpingFido.com BehaviorEducationNetwork.com BehaviorEducationNetwork.com
Beware The Punishment Paradox If the value of the reward > the cost of the aversive stimulus then bad behavior will increase, not decrease e.g. taking the punisher is worth it to get the reward
Risks of Using Painful or Physical P+ Pets may become
aggressive, fearful Never teaches new behavior Both dogs and owners don’t like using them The potential for abuse/misuse can be high HelpingFido.com HelpingFido.com BehaviorEducationNetwork.com BehaviorEducationNetwork.com