How many times have you heard “What do you want them to DO instead”? I’ve said it a lot myself! Trained behaviors can be a valuable tool within a behavior modification plan. However, it is beneficial to adhere to certain details.
A differential approach is based on the principles of operant conditioning; a behavior is shaped by its consequences. The trainer provides positive reinforcement for desired behaviors which can create good habits and prevent bad ones.
Your dog’s state of mind and arousal level are important aspects of the DR approach. Implementing the acceptable trained behavior needs to be done under threshold to be effective. As with all DR behaviors, it is important that they be fluent with little to no latency and that they evoke a positive Conditioned Emotional Response (CER). That is why the way we train is important. For example, a trained SIT to avoid a leash correction will not carry the necessary positive CER that a dog that will SIT to gain something like food, praise, or play.
There are three different types of differential reinforcement. DRI – Incompatible. This is often the most difficult process to implement as it requires creating an incompatible behavior where the undesired behavior is completely impossible to perform. DRA- Alternative. This is likely the most common type of DR behavior implemented. The dog is reinforced for any alternative behavior other than undesired behaviors. DRO – Other. In this process, the dog can be reinforced for performing ANY behavior other than the undesired one.
This webinar will present DR behaviors that can be used for common problems: jumping on owner, jumping on guests, door darting, loose leash walking, frustration/demand behaviors, and reactivity stemming from fear, or anxiety.
