Canine Behavior & Psychology Flashcards
7 cards from real CDT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Canine Behavior & Psychology flashcards as text
A dog trained with a clicker pauses mid-behavior when the trainer drops the clicker. This interruption is best explained by:
Answer: Stimulus control — the clicker has become a conditioned reinforcer and behavior predictor
The clicker has been conditioned as both a reinforcer and an event marker; its absence disrupts the trained behavioral flow through stimulus control effects.
Which hormonal change most directly contributes to increased territorial aggression in intact male dogs?
Answer: Increased testosterone, especially during social challenges
Testosterone increases assertive and territorial behaviors in intact males, particularly during encounters with rival dogs or perceived intruders.
A trainer uses food to lure a dog into a 'down' position but the dog only performs the behavior when food is visible. The trainer should next:
Answer: Fade the lure by transitioning to a hand signal without food
Fading the lure by transitioning to an empty hand gesture and then rewarding from a separate source transfers the behavior to a proper cue.
What does 'trigger stacking' mean in canine behavioral science?
Answer: The cumulative effect of multiple stressors lowering a dog's bite threshold
Trigger stacking describes how multiple stressors in sequence lower a dog's tolerance threshold, making reactions more likely than any single trigger would cause.
Which of the following scenarios most accurately illustrates 'counter-conditioning'?
Answer: Pairing the presence of strangers with high-value treats to change the dog's emotional response
Counter-conditioning changes the emotional association with a stimulus (strangers → bad) by repeatedly pairing it with something positive (treats → good).
A dog breed originally selected for herding displays intense eye contact, stalking, and nipping at children's heels. This is best described as:
Answer: Breed-typical herding behavior expressed in an inappropriate context
Herding breeds carry genetic predispositions to stalk, eye, and nip; these behaviors are normal for the breed but need redirection in family contexts.
In canine body language, a dog with a low, slow tail wag combined with a tense body and hard stare is most likely communicating:
Answer: Potential aggression or high arousal with uncertain intent
A slow, low tail wag with a stiff body and hard stare signals high arousal and potential threat — the wagging alone does not indicate friendliness.