Research

Most questions regarding dogs’ basic training are answered using operant conditioning. The major theorists for the development of operant conditioning are E. Thorndike, J. Watson and in particular, B.F. Skinner. Operant conditioning used to be called “Instrumental Conditioning” until Skinner renamed it “Operant Conditioning” because it is more descriptive. Using laboratory animals such as kittens and rats, experiments were conducted to teach animals to manipulate a latch (e.g. an instrument that opens a cage) for the consequence of a reward.

Operant conditioning is also referred to as S-R-S learning where S refers to a stimulus and R refers to a response. Skinner showed that a response could not occur without an environmental event (e.g. stimulus) coming before or preceding it. If a stimulus follows a voluntary response (e.g. a dog coming to its owner), it changes the probability that it is likely or unlikely to occur again. There are two types of consequences: positive (sometimes called pleasant) and negative (sometimes called aversive). These consequences can be added or taken away from the environment in order to change the probability of a response occurring again.

When you are training a dog to behave, it is good to do so by rewarding the dog for good behavior. To reward is a positive experience, being scolded is not. What kind of stimulus provides a good reward for training? Verbal praise and food treats provide a good reward. Some trainers believe treats are a necessary training aid. It is also important to make the training sessions fun for the dog.

What is the key to successful dog training? Consistency and repetition is the key. Also, tasks need to be simple so that the dog does not get confused.

Therefore, in this experiment, we are using operant conditioning principles to train the dog. Since we used only one subject in this experiment, it is a case study. We have used the naturally occurring response of a dog coming to its owner (Response). We have selected a food treat as a positive reward or consequence (stimulus). The preceding stimulus (S1) was the verbal command of “COME” paired with the sound of the high pitched dog whistle (S2). The verbal command of “COME” (S1) was later removed and only the stimulus of the dog whistle was used. So as to address the importance of repetition and consistency, repeated trials with the dog were conducted.