CPP Training Methods & Positive Reinforcement 2

Question 1

What is 'counter-conditioning' used for in a pet care context?

Accepted Answer

Changing a pet's emotional response to a stimulus from negative to positive through repeated pairing with something pleasant

Answer

Counter-conditioning pairs a feared or disliked stimulus with a positive experience, gradually shifting the animal's emotional association from negative to positive.

Question 2

A dog barks and lunges at other dogs on leash. This behavior is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Leash reactivity, often rooted in fear, frustration, or over-arousal

Answer

Leash reactivity is a common behavioral issue where the physical constraint of the leash amplifies the dog's arousal or frustration when seeing other dogs.

Question 3

What is the 'Premack Principle' (also called 'Grandma's Rule') in animal training?

Accepted Answer

A high-probability (preferred) behavior can be used as a reinforcer for a low-probability (less preferred) behavior

Answer

The Premack Principle uses access to preferred activities (play, sniffing) as rewards for completing less preferred behaviors (sit, come).

Question 4

What is 'stimulus control' in animal training?

Accepted Answer

A behavior that reliably occurs in the presence of a specific cue and not in its absence

Answer

A behavior under stimulus control is performed consistently when the cue is given and not offered randomly, indicating the animal has truly learned the cue-behavior association.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes 'desensitization' as used in pet training?

Accepted Answer

Gradually exposing the pet to a feared stimulus at low intensity, progressing slowly as the pet remains calm

Answer

Systematic desensitization uses a carefully graded exposure hierarchy, always keeping the pet below its threshold to allow calm, positive experiences.

CPP - Certified Pet Professional Practice Test

CPP - Certified Pet Professional Practice Test

CPP Training Methods & Positive Reinforcement 2