CDT Training Techniques & Methodologies 5

Question 1

What is 'negative reinforcement' in operant conditioning?

Accepted Answer

Removing an aversive stimulus to increase a behavior

Answer

Negative reinforcement increases behavior by removing or avoiding an unpleasant stimulus when the behavior occurs.

Question 2

A trainer asks a dog to sit and the dog looks away and sniffs the ground. This is most likely a sign of:

Accepted Answer

Stress or conflict

Answer

Displacement behaviors like sniffing and looking away are calming signals that indicate the dog is experiencing stress or conflict.

Question 3

Which concept explains that a previously extinguished behavior may reappear after a rest period without additional reinforcement?

Accepted Answer

Spontaneous recovery

Answer

Spontaneous recovery is the temporary return of an extinguished response after a period of rest.

Question 4

A trainer rewards a dog for touching a target stick with its nose. This technique is called:

Accepted Answer

Targeting

Answer

Targeting teaches a dog to touch a designated object (target stick, hand) on cue, which can then guide complex movements.

Question 5

The concept of 'behavioral momentum' suggests that asking for easy, well-known behaviors before a difficult one will:

Accepted Answer

Increase the likelihood of compliance with the difficult behavior

Answer

Behavioral momentum builds a 'yes' history that makes the dog more likely to comply with a challenging request that follows.

(CDT) Certified Dog Trainer Practice Test