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Basic dog training techniques - Operant conditionning techniques
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What Is Operant Conditioning?
Operant conditioning is a method of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments for behavior. Through operant conditioning, an association is made between a behavior and a consequence for that behavior.
In operant conditioning, we modify the behavior of the dog through the use of consequences (reinforcers and punishers).
In operant conditioning, it is though that dogs internal thoughts and motivations could not be used to explain behavior. Instead, we have to look only at the external, observable causes of any dogs behavior.
Operant conditioning has two main tools for modifying behavior - reinforcement and punishment. Reinforcers increase behavior, while punishers decrease a behavior. These operate in two contexts - positive and negative. In this case, positive refers to addition; negative refers to subtraction.
We can also add another tool when using operant conditioning: it is the lack of any consequence. Though it might seem like doing nothing couldn't be an effective training method, it can actually produce results when used correctly.
The big difference between classical training method and operant dogs conditioning in that in the latest one deals with changing operant behavior (or 'voluntary' behavior) versus reflexive behavior ('involuntary' behavior). That being said, whenever you're dealing with changing behaviors, operant and classical conditioning can work hand-in-hand.
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In operant conditioning There are four possible consequences to any behavior.
They are:
Something Good can start or be presented, so behavior increases = Positive Reinforcement (R+)
Something Good can end or be taken away, so behavior decreases = Negative Punishment (P-)
Something Bad can start or be presented, so behavior decreases = Positive Punishment (P+)
Something Bad can end or be taken away, so behavior increases = Negative Reinforcement (R-)
Consequences have to be immediate, or clearly linked to the behavior. For the animal, the consequence has to be immediate if you want them to link the consequence to the action.
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