Canine Learning Theory Flashcards

What does 'capturing' mean as a training method?

Answer: Rewarding a behavior the dog offers naturally on its own

Capturing marks and rewards a spontaneous behavior the moment the dog performs it naturally.

Luring differs from shaping because luring:

Answer: Uses a treat to guide the dog into the behavior

Luring leads the dog through a movement with a treat, whereas shaping rewards self-offered approximations.

Why should lures be faded out relatively early in training?

Answer: To prevent the dog from becoming dependent on seeing the treat

Fading the lure prevents the dog from only responding when a treat is visible, building reliable cues.

A 'cue' in modern training terminology is:

Answer: A signal that tells the dog a behavior will be reinforced

A cue is a learned signal indicating that performing a behavior now will earn reinforcement.

What is the function of a 'release cue'?

Answer: It tells the dog when a behavior like 'stay' is finished

A release cue clearly communicates that the dog may stop holding a position and move freely.

Spontaneous recovery describes:

Answer: The reappearance of an extinguished behavior after a pause

Spontaneous recovery is when a behavior thought to be extinguished briefly returns after a rest period.

Why is criteria-raising done gradually during shaping?

Answer: Raising too fast can frustrate the dog and cause it to quit

Increasing difficulty in small steps keeps the dog successful and motivated rather than frustrated.