Recent interest in basic and applied research on negative reinforcement creates an opportunity to confirm the understanding of why animals need trainers who support the least intrusive principle in selecting behavior-change procedures. In this presentation, we will
1) examine the rationale for a hierarchy of behavior-change procedures according to the least intrusive principle,
2) consider the principle’s impact on animal welfare and trainers’ skills,
3) explore the research comparing positive and negative reinforcement for addressing escape-maintained behavior,
4) review alternative solutions to negative reinforcement, and
5) acknowledge recent concerns about the adoption of a procedural ethical guideline as it applies to the animal training profession.

These concerns offer the animal training community the opportunity to disagree well when disagreement exists.

Presenter: Dr. Susan G. Friedman

WEBSITE LINK:  https://www.dog-ibox.com/en/why-animals-need-trainers-who-adhere-to-the-least-intrusive-principle-improving-animal-welfare-and-honing-trainers-skills.html