The Misapplication of Force in The Misapplication of Force in Police Dog TrainingPolice Dog Training

Jerry BradshawJerry Bradshaw Training DirectorTraining Director Tarheel Canine Training, Inc.Tarheel Canine Training, Inc. Sanford, NCSanford, NC www.tarheelcanine.comwww.tarheelcanine.com Las Vegas, NV February 2008Las Vegas, NV February 2008

How behaviors/responses How behaviors/responses are learnedare learned

ObservationObservation: Mimicking behaviors (e.g. : Mimicking behaviors (e.g. teaching open stairs in a group).teaching open stairs in a group).

Classical ConditioningClassical Conditioning: Learning by : Learning by association, dogs respond to a signal in association, dogs respond to a signal in anticipation of another event. (e.g. They anticipation of another event. (e.g. They get excited seeing a decoy because they get excited seeing a decoy because they are anticipating biting).are anticipating biting).

Operant ConditioningOperant Conditioning: Learning by : Learning by consequence.consequence.

Reinforcing Consequences (positive & negative)Reinforcing Consequences (positive & negative) Punishing Consequences (positive & negative)Punishing Consequences (positive & negative)

Summary of learningSummary of learning Dogs learn through Dogs learn through

observation, classical, observation, classical, and operant conditioning.and operant conditioning.

Learning takes place Learning takes place whether we are aware of whether we are aware of it or not. The dog’s it or not. The dog’s environment provides environment provides myriad consequences. myriad consequences.

There are constant gains There are constant gains and losses from the dog’s and losses from the dog’s mind during learning.mind during learning.

Learning is not a linear Learning is not a linear process.process.

Applying Force: Two OptionsApplying Force: Two Options Positive Punishment: Positive Punishment:

Application of force after Application of force after an unwanted behavior an unwanted behavior occurs as a consequence occurs as a consequence of that unwanted behavior. of that unwanted behavior.

Example: Dog Growls at Example: Dog Growls at the handler – handler the handler – handler corrects the dog for corrects the dog for infringement of handler’s infringement of handler’s perceived social position.perceived social position.

Negative Reinforcement: Negative Reinforcement: Applying force in order to Applying force in order to remove it when a wanted remove it when a wanted behavior occurs.behavior occurs.

Example: Choke chain sit.Example: Choke chain sit.

Misapplication of Force: Misapplication of Force: Dominance AggressionDominance Aggression

K9 Dominance IssuesK9 Dominance Issues Can affect both new and experienced handlers.Can affect both new and experienced handlers. Typical response to dominance is to establish rank Typical response to dominance is to establish rank

by force (by force (Positive PunishmentPositive Punishment). Fight fire with ). Fight fire with fire.fire.

This may work well, or may initiate a cycle of This may work well, or may initiate a cycle of constant struggle for supremacy in the relationship constant struggle for supremacy in the relationship if the punishment is not severe & traumatic. if the punishment is not severe & traumatic.

Changing behavior through Changing behavior through negative punishmentnegative punishment is used less often, and may be seen as less is used less often, and may be seen as less proactive, but may be safer and more effective.proactive, but may be safer and more effective.

Have you ever worked a dog you didn’t think you Have you ever worked a dog you didn’t think you could win a fight with? One you can’t traumatize could win a fight with? One you can’t traumatize with punishment? You behave a lot differently!with punishment? You behave a lot differently!

Canine Dominance Facts…Canine Dominance Facts… Dominance is a pack-relative social behavior.Dominance is a pack-relative social behavior. As pack animals, dogs expect all relationships to be unequal. Somebody has to be As pack animals, dogs expect all relationships to be unequal. Somebody has to be

in charge.in charge. Dominance aggression is usually shown by male dogs (85% of cases) and is most Dominance aggression is usually shown by male dogs (85% of cases) and is most

intense as social maturity is approached (2-2.5 yrs). Social maturity takes a lot intense as social maturity is approached (2-2.5 yrs). Social maturity takes a lot longer than sexual maturity. longer than sexual maturity.

Dominance aggression is both genetic and learned.Dominance aggression is both genetic and learned. The genetic component is formed while still in the womb when a testosterone The genetic component is formed while still in the womb when a testosterone

surge “masculanizes” the brain. If no testosterone surge occurs, a female brain is surge “masculanizes” the brain. If no testosterone surge occurs, a female brain is created.created.

Therefore, castration has little effect on correcting this behavior. However, since Therefore, castration has little effect on correcting this behavior. However, since learning is involved, extinction is still possible.learning is involved, extinction is still possible.

Dogs tend to direct their dominance aggression toward those that are threats to Dogs tend to direct their dominance aggression toward those that are threats to their social position (i.e. the K9 handler). their social position (i.e. the K9 handler).

Common Triggers:Common Triggers: AffectionAffection Placing or removing collars/leads which initiate control on the dog.Placing or removing collars/leads which initiate control on the dog. Punishment (staring/discipline).Punishment (staring/discipline). Withholding rewards (e.g. keeping the dog under obedience when he thinks he may do bite work).Withholding rewards (e.g. keeping the dog under obedience when he thinks he may do bite work). Grooming (Postural)Grooming (Postural) Classical Conditioning: Can be context driven (e.g. place associated, obedience command Classical Conditioning: Can be context driven (e.g. place associated, obedience command

associated)associated) Can be psychologically dominant and physically submissive (e.g. allow physical touching/handling). Can be psychologically dominant and physically submissive (e.g. allow physical touching/handling).

Specific Dominance Specific Dominance PerceptionsPerceptions

Public vs. Pack Sociability: Many new handlers think Public vs. Pack Sociability: Many new handlers think dominance applies to the dog they just took out of the dominance applies to the dog they just took out of the crate!crate!

““I want a Tough, Hard Dog with no Rank Issues…”I want a Tough, Hard Dog with no Rank Issues…” ““I like a dog that comes up the leash…I respect that…”I like a dog that comes up the leash…I respect that…” “ “if I let him get away with anything, he will lose his respect if I let him get away with anything, he will lose his respect

for me…” leads to constant nagging of the dog about every for me…” leads to constant nagging of the dog about every little thing. Alphas don’t sweat the small stuff. Avoid little thing. Alphas don’t sweat the small stuff. Avoid confrontations you cannot control or are not certain you will confrontations you cannot control or are not certain you will win – use retreating reprimands.win – use retreating reprimands.

Try to look at things from the dog’s point of view: If you use Try to look at things from the dog’s point of view: If you use a “dutch method” to train the out….you may think you are a “dutch method” to train the out….you may think you are training an out, but your dog may think you are fighting him training an out, but your dog may think you are fighting him for possession of the decoy.for possession of the decoy.

Techniques for Changing Techniques for Changing BehaviorBehavior

Remove the StimulusRemove the Stimulus Punish the Behavior (Positive or Negative Punish the Behavior (Positive or Negative

Punishment)Punishment) Extinction: If a learned response is not rewarded any longer, Extinction: If a learned response is not rewarded any longer,

the behavior is gradually lost and the frequency of the behavior the behavior is gradually lost and the frequency of the behavior will return to naturally occurring levels. If naturally recurring will return to naturally occurring levels. If naturally recurring levels are high, no noticeable change will have occurred. (e.g. levels are high, no noticeable change will have occurred. (e.g. proofing off plastic bags and reward toys in detection training).proofing off plastic bags and reward toys in detection training).

Modify the BehaviorModify the Behavior Re-Direct the BehaviorRe-Direct the Behavior Train Mutually Exclusive BehaviorsTrain Mutually Exclusive Behaviors Habituation: Constantly exposing a dog to a neutral (non-Habituation: Constantly exposing a dog to a neutral (non-

harmful or non-rewarding) stimulus. harmful or non-rewarding) stimulus. Flooding: Habituation through constant heavy exposure to a Flooding: Habituation through constant heavy exposure to a

non-neutral stimulus.non-neutral stimulus. Systematic Desensitization: Habituation through gradual Systematic Desensitization: Habituation through gradual

exposure.exposure.

Addressing Dominance ( Judo Addressing Dominance ( Judo for K9 Handlers) for K9 Handlers)

Key: Gain the dog’s Key: Gain the dog’s respect using your brain, respect using your brain, not your hands. Imagine not your hands. Imagine you are training a grizzly you are training a grizzly bear and not a dog. bear and not a dog. What would you do?What would you do?

Reject model of Alpha Reject model of Alpha for that of “Super-Alpha”for that of “Super-Alpha”

Dogs don’t expect Dogs don’t expect equality, so put all the equality, so put all the odds in your favor.odds in your favor.

Judo Continued……..Judo Continued…….. Specific Techniques of the No Free Lunch Program (Bill Specific Techniques of the No Free Lunch Program (Bill

Campbell). Campbell). Disorient his expectations, and set the dog up to have to show Disorient his expectations, and set the dog up to have to show

deference to get anything he desires, including affection, rewards, deference to get anything he desires, including affection, rewards, food, etc. (including toys, bite sessions). food, etc. (including toys, bite sessions).

Use obedience as a pre-cursor to his favorite activities or those where Use obedience as a pre-cursor to his favorite activities or those where he gives you problems (e.g. obedience for bites). he gives you problems (e.g. obedience for bites).

Keep a level head – leaders do not explode with anger. Be results Keep a level head – leaders do not explode with anger. Be results oriented, and do not become upset if you need a few trials to get the oriented, and do not become upset if you need a few trials to get the desired behaviors. desired behaviors.

Regiment his life. He makes no decisions, and he makes no choices Regiment his life. He makes no decisions, and he makes no choices on his own. Use negative punishment to reduce unwanted behaviors on his own. Use negative punishment to reduce unwanted behaviors (dominance behaviors). Positively reinforce appropriate behaviors. (dominance behaviors). Positively reinforce appropriate behaviors.

Use rewards in obedience (food rewards work well – little chance of Use rewards in obedience (food rewards work well – little chance of fighting over possession of the reward).fighting over possession of the reward).

Focus on the pre-cursors to aggressive responses, and plan your Focus on the pre-cursors to aggressive responses, and plan your training to set yourself up to win any possible confrontations. (e.g. training to set yourself up to win any possible confrontations. (e.g. You know he gets frustrated and impulsive prior to bite work, and You know he gets frustrated and impulsive prior to bite work, and challenges your authority to control him). challenges your authority to control him).

Desensitize the dog to triggers (e.g. corrections, by focusing the dog Desensitize the dog to triggers (e.g. corrections, by focusing the dog outwardly during the use of physical correction, and planning ahead). outwardly during the use of physical correction, and planning ahead).

Examples & Personal Examples & Personal ExperienceExperience

Handler's Mindset: Handler's Mindset: – Jadi – Dutch ShepherdJadi – Dutch Shepherd

Context Driven Context Driven Reactivity:Reactivity:

- - Racky – MalinoisRacky – Malinois

- Freddy - Malinois- Freddy - Malinois

The Bear: The Bear: – Ricardo PH I PSA 3 – Ricardo PH I PSA 3 –

MalinoisMalinois

Nagging a Dominant Nagging a Dominant Dog: Dog:

– Britt – GSD Single Britt – GSD Single Purpose.Purpose.

Misapplication of Force: Misapplication of Force: Obedience TrainingObedience Training

Typical Training Typical Training MethodologiesMethodologies

Obedience training philosophies run the gamut from motivational Obedience training philosophies run the gamut from motivational to compulsive, and a mixture of the two.to compulsive, and a mixture of the two.

Purely Motivational: Positively Reinforce new behaviors by Purely Motivational: Positively Reinforce new behaviors by rewarding them and ignore incorrect responses (extinction) rewarding them and ignore incorrect responses (extinction) applying negative punishment. applying negative punishment.

Advantage:Advantage: low stress learning. low stress learning. ProblemProblem: competing motivations.: competing motivations. Purely Compulsive: Use negative reinforcement to teach new Purely Compulsive: Use negative reinforcement to teach new

behaviors, and maintain the learned response by correcting behaviors, and maintain the learned response by correcting unwanted behaviors (positive punishment), and rewarding correct unwanted behaviors (positive punishment), and rewarding correct ones with praise (positive reinforcement). ones with praise (positive reinforcement).

Advantage:Advantage: Preserves Alpha Model. Preserves Alpha Model. ProblemProblem: stress/confusion can : stress/confusion can trigger aggression in dominant dogs, and shut down softer dogs.trigger aggression in dominant dogs, and shut down softer dogs.

Eclectic Method: Teach new cues & behaviors motivationally Eclectic Method: Teach new cues & behaviors motivationally (positive reinforcement & negative punishment), and once (positive reinforcement & negative punishment), and once behaviors are learned to a certain level of competency, variably behaviors are learned to a certain level of competency, variably reinforce correct responses, and positively punish (e.g. leash reinforce correct responses, and positively punish (e.g. leash corrections) incorrect responses to commands.corrections) incorrect responses to commands.

Key: Striking Balance of method and temperament and not Key: Striking Balance of method and temperament and not applying the same cookie cutter approach to every dog. applying the same cookie cutter approach to every dog.

Some Key IssuesSome Key Issues

Hardness vs. Hardness vs. Softness: Tough Softness: Tough dogs can be dogs can be handler soft.handler soft.

Pack Sociability: Pack Sociability: Dominant vs. Dominant vs. Submissive.Submissive.

All dogs seek to All dogs seek to resolve conflict.resolve conflict.

Crossover Effects: Safety Crossover Effects: Safety Seeking BehaviorSeeking Behavior

Middle pack dogs and handler soft dogsMiddle pack dogs and handler soft dogs Resolve Conflict by seeking safety: Dogs Resolve Conflict by seeking safety: Dogs

that are too worried about the handler – that are too worried about the handler – the dog worries about positional obedience the dog worries about positional obedience or potential punishments when he is or potential punishments when he is “supposed” to be working independently.“supposed” to be working independently.

Example: Elon and the building search. Example: Elon and the building search. Example: Detection dog walks around the Example: Detection dog walks around the

car in obedience instead of actively car in obedience instead of actively searching.searching.

Example: Dog over anticipates control Example: Dog over anticipates control commands during controlled aggression. commands during controlled aggression.

Crossover Effects: Reactive Crossover Effects: Reactive ResponsesResponses

Dominant DogsDominant Dogs Resolves Conflict by attacking the Resolves Conflict by attacking the

source of the conflict, the handler.source of the conflict, the handler. Reactivity becomes a learned Reactivity becomes a learned

response that is context driven.response that is context driven. Handlers are taught to punish the Handlers are taught to punish the

reactivity, creating a cycle of conflict.reactivity, creating a cycle of conflict.

Resolving Conflict over Resolving Conflict over ObedienceObedience

Choose a model of training that fits Choose a model of training that fits the temperament of the dog.the temperament of the dog.

The pure compulsion method has The pure compulsion method has drawbacks for high drive, reactive, drawbacks for high drive, reactive, dominant dogs as well as for softer dominant dogs as well as for softer dogs.dogs.

Hard dogs do not learn from Hard dogs do not learn from compulsion as easily as softer dogs.compulsion as easily as softer dogs.

Example: Rocky vs. Ricardo.Example: Rocky vs. Ricardo.

Misapplication of Force: Misapplication of Force: Aggression ControlAggression Control

Methods for controlling Methods for controlling aggressionaggression

Out & Guard (sit, Out & Guard (sit, lie down, bark)lie down, bark)

Redirect Redirect Corollary: Out & Corollary: Out &

Return to coverReturn to cover ““Call-off” aka: Call-off” aka:

Recall, Stopped Recall, Stopped Attack – dog can Attack – dog can return or lay down return or lay down and watch suspect.and watch suspect.

Training the Out & GuardTraining the Out & Guard

Inherently conflict ridden: dogs are Inherently conflict ridden: dogs are taught to bite without control first, taught to bite without control first, then we teach them to release in a then we teach them to release in a high state of drive.high state of drive.

Prerequisite: Dog must be able to Prerequisite: Dog must be able to channel his drives (prey & defense) channel his drives (prey & defense) seamlessly before training the out. seamlessly before training the out. This gets short shrift in most police This gets short shrift in most police dog training.dog training.

Out: Setting up for successOut: Setting up for success Plan for what can go wrong: Back-tie & 2 LinesPlan for what can go wrong: Back-tie & 2 Lines Eliminates redirected aggression and eliminates dirty grips Eliminates redirected aggression and eliminates dirty grips

– this is something you do not want the dog to learn, so – this is something you do not want the dog to learn, so don’t let him learn it! (negative punishment).don’t let him learn it! (negative punishment).

Correction & Reward must balance – otherwise the dog Correction & Reward must balance – otherwise the dog views exercise as a net loss every time, and if you selected views exercise as a net loss every time, and if you selected a strongly driven, possessive dog, you are working against a strongly driven, possessive dog, you are working against his natural instincts instead of with them.his natural instincts instead of with them.

Force the out & balance with Re-bite: Correction comes into Force the out & balance with Re-bite: Correction comes into grip when the dog channels into prey, release is grip when the dog channels into prey, release is immediately rewarded with another bite. This resolves the immediately rewarded with another bite. This resolves the conflict.conflict.

Successively approximate the guard behavior once you Successively approximate the guard behavior once you achieve the idea of “release generates the reward.”achieve the idea of “release generates the reward.”

Pick a command that will mean “release and stay” – “OUT”Pick a command that will mean “release and stay” – “OUT”

Forcing the out: TechniquesForcing the out: Techniques

Positive punishment: Correct the dog Positive punishment: Correct the dog for biting after the out command is for biting after the out command is given.given.

Negative reinforcement: Constant Negative reinforcement: Constant pressure is applied, and once the dog pressure is applied, and once the dog releases, release the pressure releases, release the pressure (reinforcing consequence), and (reinforcing consequence), and immediately reward with another immediately reward with another grip (positive reinforcement).grip (positive reinforcement).

Out Training ProgressionOut Training Progression

Vary the out from sleeves, to suit, to Vary the out from sleeves, to suit, to hidden sleeves.hidden sleeves.

Move from 2 lines on the back-tie to 2 Move from 2 lines on the back-tie to 2 lines in the field.lines in the field.

Vary the environmental context: Field, Vary the environmental context: Field, buildings, woods, tight spaces, decoy buildings, woods, tight spaces, decoy position.position.

Move from 2 lines to one line on correction Move from 2 lines to one line on correction collar, handler initiating the corrections. collar, handler initiating the corrections.

Incorporate e-collar (helpful for distance Incorporate e-collar (helpful for distance work later in recalls).work later in recalls).

Redirected bites: Set up for Redirected bites: Set up for successsuccess

Redirects are the foundation for the Redirects are the foundation for the out and return and the call off.out and return and the call off.

Prerequisites: Dog must have a good Prerequisites: Dog must have a good motivational recall, and understand motivational recall, and understand being forced to out for a reward. being forced to out for a reward.

Equipment: Long line on flat collar, Equipment: Long line on flat collar, and a short line on correction collar.and a short line on correction collar.

Re-directed bites: Re-directed bites: TechniqueTechnique

Start purely motivationallyStart purely motivationally Maintain proper line handling to set the grip when Maintain proper line handling to set the grip when

the dog is in the grip (tight line), and loose line the dog is in the grip (tight line), and loose line when you are ready for the dog to come back.when you are ready for the dog to come back.

Pick a command that means come back to me – I Pick a command that means come back to me – I use the dog’s name. Do not use the same word use the dog’s name. Do not use the same word that is to mean release and stay!that is to mean release and stay!

Once dog is on decoy #1, that decoy picks up the Once dog is on decoy #1, that decoy picks up the correction line to be ready. correction line to be ready.

signal (non-verbal) for the decoy to stop the fight, signal (non-verbal) for the decoy to stop the fight, call the dog’s name, and immediately, decoy #2 call the dog’s name, and immediately, decoy #2 agitates to draw the dog back.agitates to draw the dog back.

Three Possible OutcomesThree Possible Outcomes

Dog releases and heads for the agitating Dog releases and heads for the agitating decoy, and receives a reward for returning.decoy, and receives a reward for returning.

Dog releases and does what he knows Dog releases and does what he knows contextually: starts to fall into a guard. contextually: starts to fall into a guard. Handler must be ready to encourage the Handler must be ready to encourage the dog with long line back to (agitating) decoy dog with long line back to (agitating) decoy #2, and not allow a dirty grip (common). #2, and not allow a dirty grip (common).

Dog does not react to name/agitation of Dog does not react to name/agitation of decoy #2. Decoy #1 gives correction to decoy #2. Decoy #1 gives correction to force the release, and handler immediately force the release, and handler immediately guides the dog back to decoy #2 for a grip. guides the dog back to decoy #2 for a grip.

ProgressionProgression Once the dog will release on name and return multiple Once the dog will release on name and return multiple

times, add in out and guard on a variable basis.times, add in out and guard on a variable basis. Example: Redirect -> out/guard ->rebite -> redirect -> Example: Redirect -> out/guard ->rebite -> redirect ->

redirect -> out/guard -> rebite -> out/guard -> pick-up.redirect -> out/guard -> rebite -> out/guard -> pick-up. Out & Return: Make the dog stop on the way back and Out & Return: Make the dog stop on the way back and

down next to you, pause, and send the dog along. Work down next to you, pause, and send the dog along. Work your way to getting the dog to come to heel, and resend your way to getting the dog to come to heel, and resend the dog from heel on to the next decoy. the dog from heel on to the next decoy.

Put the decoys in hiding, and make it a tactical scenario Put the decoys in hiding, and make it a tactical scenario (area search, extraction), starting from cover, and have (area search, extraction), starting from cover, and have reward bite for the return come from a hiding place. The reward bite for the return come from a hiding place. The dog will think a reward bite is coming if he comes to heel. dog will think a reward bite is coming if he comes to heel. Variably reward the redirect behavior.Variably reward the redirect behavior.

Vary the equipment, from sleeves, to suits to hidden Vary the equipment, from sleeves, to suits to hidden sleeves, to muzzle.sleeves, to muzzle.

Call-offCall-off Call-off creates the most conflict of all Call-off creates the most conflict of all

controlled aggression exercises in police controlled aggression exercises in police work.work.

Call-off is simply a redirect before getting Call-off is simply a redirect before getting the grip.the grip.

Key: Start on slick floors – this removes the Key: Start on slick floors – this removes the need for a strong compulsive correction and need for a strong compulsive correction and slows it down for the handler to develop his slows it down for the handler to develop his timing – I like school hallways as they timing – I like school hallways as they funnel the dog where you want him to go.funnel the dog where you want him to go.

Same equipment set up as the redirect.Same equipment set up as the redirect.

Call Off: TechniqueCall Off: Technique

Focus the dog on decoy #1Focus the dog on decoy #1 Send dog, and call his name after about 10 Send dog, and call his name after about 10

feet into the send. Decoy #2 immediately feet into the send. Decoy #2 immediately agitates after the name to draw the dog.agitates after the name to draw the dog.

If he returns, send him directly to a reward If he returns, send him directly to a reward bite.bite.

If he doesn’t return immediately, clamp the If he doesn’t return immediately, clamp the long line and make some pops toward your long line and make some pops toward your body until he turns, and send him to decoy #2.body until he turns, and send him to decoy #2.

Reward it even if you had to help him.Reward it even if you had to help him.

Call Off Technique Call Off Technique Continued…Continued…

Mix up the dog’s orientation constantly, with decoys Mix up the dog’s orientation constantly, with decoys changing ends of the hallway, and/or sending the dog for a changing ends of the hallway, and/or sending the dog for a bite and slip, so he doesn’t anticipate anything. bite and slip, so he doesn’t anticipate anything.

Disorienting the contextual cues keeps the dog from acting Disorienting the contextual cues keeps the dog from acting on context rather than your commands.on context rather than your commands.

Vary the depth of the call off, and the distance of the Vary the depth of the call off, and the distance of the decoys from you.decoys from you.

Condition the responses – don’t rush the process.Condition the responses – don’t rush the process. Incorporate e-collar prior to moving to grass if so desired.Incorporate e-collar prior to moving to grass if so desired. Once on grass everything speeds up! Wear gloves, and Once on grass everything speeds up! Wear gloves, and

double hook pinch collar. Start with short call offs.double hook pinch collar. Start with short call offs. Incorporate all your disengage techniques into multiple Incorporate all your disengage techniques into multiple

decoy scenarios.decoy scenarios. Ex: send to bite -> redirect -> redirect -> call-off -> redirect Ex: send to bite -> redirect -> redirect -> call-off -> redirect

-> out and guard -> rebite -> redirect -> Tactical removal.-> out and guard -> rebite -> redirect -> Tactical removal.

Question & AnswerQuestion & Answer

ReinforcementReinforcement

Positive Reinforcement is providing a Positive Reinforcement is providing a desirable consequence to increase the desirable consequence to increase the likelihood of a behavior.likelihood of a behavior.

Negative Reinforcement is removing Negative Reinforcement is removing an undesirable consequence to an undesirable consequence to increase the likelihood of a behavior.increase the likelihood of a behavior.

Timing, intensity, and intervals of Timing, intensity, and intervals of reinforcement shape learned reinforcement shape learned behaviors.behaviors.

Reinforcement Continued….Reinforcement Continued…. Timing: Rewarding a dog at the end of a routine is Timing: Rewarding a dog at the end of a routine is

pointless. You must reward individual behaviors pointless. You must reward individual behaviors immediately after they are performed.immediately after they are performed.

Intensity: Rewards can be too big, and thus distracting, or Intensity: Rewards can be too big, and thus distracting, or too small, and as such inconsequential. Reward intensity too small, and as such inconsequential. Reward intensity should fit the behavior, circumstance and achievement. should fit the behavior, circumstance and achievement.

Interval: Initially, continuous reinforcement by which a dog Interval: Initially, continuous reinforcement by which a dog is rewarded every time for a correct behavior leads to rapid is rewarded every time for a correct behavior leads to rapid learning. Continuously reinforced behaviors are the easiest learning. Continuously reinforced behaviors are the easiest to extinguish. However, Intermittent (Variable) to extinguish. However, Intermittent (Variable) reinforcement schedules create the strongest learned reinforcement schedules create the strongest learned behaviors, and as such are the hardest to extinguish.behaviors, and as such are the hardest to extinguish.

E.G. For our discussion, suppose the handler positively E.G. For our discussion, suppose the handler positively reinforces the dog’s dominance behaviors on a variable reinforces the dog’s dominance behaviors on a variable schedule (inconsistently dealing with the dog’s dominance schedule (inconsistently dealing with the dog’s dominance plays). This makes for a behavior problem that is difficult to plays). This makes for a behavior problem that is difficult to extinguish. extinguish.

PunishmentPunishment Positive Punishment: providing an undesirable Positive Punishment: providing an undesirable

consequence to reduce the likelihood of a behavior.consequence to reduce the likelihood of a behavior. Negative Punishment: withholding a desirable Negative Punishment: withholding a desirable

consequence to reduce the likelihood of a behavior.consequence to reduce the likelihood of a behavior. Timing, Intensity and Intervals also impact the Timing, Intensity and Intervals also impact the

effectiveness of punishment.effectiveness of punishment. Timing must be immediate & consistently applied for Timing must be immediate & consistently applied for

punishment to be properly interpreted. Inconsistently punishment to be properly interpreted. Inconsistently applied punishment can create a neurotic condition applied punishment can create a neurotic condition called learned helplessness. called learned helplessness.

Positive punishment must be perceived as serious and Positive punishment must be perceived as serious and be somewhat traumatic to register. Nagging be somewhat traumatic to register. Nagging punishments should be avoided. The consequence must punishments should be avoided. The consequence must be undesirable as perceived by the dog in question. be undesirable as perceived by the dog in question.