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| Research Methodology in the Management of Dog Behavior |
| Tuesday, June 1, 2004 |
| 9:00 AM–10:20 AM |
| Fairfax B |
| Area: EAB/TPC; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Eduardo J. Fernandez (Indiana University) |
| Discussant: Karen W. Pryor (Sunshine Books, Inc.) |
| Abstract: . |
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| Response Blocking Facilitated by Use of the Gentle Leader® Collar in Treatment of Elicited Lunging in Dogs |
| JENNIFER L. SOBIE (Western Michigan University) |
| Abstract: Lunging by pet dogs toward passing dogs, children or animals is a problem commonly presented to dog obedience instructors and dog behavior counselors. This behavior is often seen in large, boisterous dogs, although it is not restricted to such a population. Irrespective of agonistic display or actual danger to those around the dog, lunging is distracting, stressful, and often intimidating for those in close proximity. In an evaluation by comparison of traditional collar corrections intended as punishment, and of response blocking combined with negative reinforcement as facilitated by the Gentle Leader® Collar, response blocking with negative reinforcement was more effective in ameliorating on-going lunging as well as prevention of future lunging episodes in dogs identified as incorrigible lungers. This presentation discusses the outcome of this study and its implication for treatment of lunging in dogs. |
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| "Poisoning the Cue": The Effects of Combining Positive and Negative Reinforcement during Training |
| NICOLE BRYD (University of North Texas), Jesus Rosales-Ruiz (University of North Texas) |
| Abstract: “Poisoning the cue” is a reported phenomenon that occurs frequently in the animal training world. Karen Pryor suggests that a cue, or SD, established with a combination of negative and positive reinforcement leads to the breakdown of the behavior both preceding and following the cue due to an increase in avoidance behaviors and the uncertainty that exists in terms of the consequence that will follow. The purpose of this presentation is to compare the effects of combining negative reinforcement and positive reinforcement during training with the effects of using positive reinforcement alone. Two dogs served as subjects. Each dog learned the same behavior under two different stimulus conditions associated with two different training methods. One method involved the presentation of the cue “ven”, and the reinforcement of successive approximations to the target behavior. The other method involved the presentation of the cue “punir,” the physical prompting of the target behavior by pulling the leash, and the delivery of a reinforcer. Differences in the behavior between the two conditions are documented, as well as, differences in the stimulus functions of “ven” and “punir.” Data collection in progress. |
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| Relative Victim/Aggressor Size As a Variable Affecting Efficacy of Response Cost as a Treatment in Inter-Dog Aggression in a Multi-Dog Family |
| JENNIFER L. SOBIE (Western Michigan University) |
| Abstract: Though not inevitable, multi-dog families are sometimes affected by dog-to-dog aggression that appears to be controlled by socially mediated establishing operations. Response cost in the form of time-out has been seen to be effective in ameliorating these attacks. However, further evaluation indicates that the relative size of victim to aggressor is a variable affecting the outcome of time-out as a successful treatment. When dogs are of similar size, although time-out provides an initial reduction in the attack behavior, this reduction often is not stable even with continued response-cost treatment. This presentation discusses these results as well as the use of the concept of response class mediation in addition to response-cost in long-term treatment. |
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